Technical Aspects of the National Sheep Recording Scheme (Sheeplan)

J.N. Clarke and A.L. Rae

Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Hamilton

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1977, 37: 183-197

Following on from the first national flock recording service which was operated from 1968 to 1975, a modified and expanded service (Sheeplan) was introduced in 1977. The aim was a more flexible but fully integrated scheme which would allow members to decide and to vary their level of performance recording through a choice of character inputs and output listings. Like its predecessor, the records collected by the breeder are processed to assist the identification of genetically superior animals from within his flock.

The traits recorded are: number of lambs born (or reared) for each ewe, lamb weaning weights, hogget liveweights taken in the autumn, winter and/or spring, and hogget fleece weight. Breeding values are calculated using selection index techniques for each of these characters the breeder records and for various combinations of them. These are revised and presented annually for the selection of two-tooth replacement ewes and rams and for the culling of ewes already in the flock. Breeding values are also presented to summarize the performance of the progeny of each sire used in the flock.

Processing procedures are designed to simplify the task of accurate record collection and to permit a revision of economic, environmental and genetic parameters appropriate to each of several main categories of breeding enterprise. Output listings are designed to facilitate the effective use of breeding values in selection decisions. This is promoted by a team of servicing staff which is closely involved in the organization, operation and evaluation of the scheme.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000