Sheep Industry News August 2023

operation. All data collection methods have challenges, and there is always a learning curve to interpreting the data. I think one of the biggest challenges is the amount of time and labor it takes to collect the data. Through the years, we have integrated data collection into other necessary work ing days, like deworming and vaccinating. The benefits of NSIP include using the EBVs for our own genetic improvement in both our registered and commer cial flocks. We utilize NSIP data in the selection process, but only after our phenotypic selections have already been made. It is our goal to find a balance between the two. I also enjoy the reports and using the database to sort by traits, sires, age, etc. Another benefit of NSIP is the value it adds to our registered sheep. It is a marketing tool. Roembke: You are correct. We have been collecting data for a long time, since my father started Roembke Hamp shires in 1965. Early on, we utilized the Wisconsin Sheep Improvement Program, Wisconsin Ram Test Stations and now the National Sheep Improvement Program. Data col lection started in BC – before computers. As a young kid, I would mark down when lambs were 60 and 90 days old on a calendar and then weigh the lambs on their 60- and 90-day birthdays.

One of the first challenges was interpreting NSIP data results. We deal in pounds of lambs and we would get a number back like .001 or .023. What the heck does that mean? Numbers that were so small you got discouraged. I tell new breeders in NSIP that it takes a few years to build up data and accuracy on the flock by yourself because they usually are flock-only EBVs. A way to kick-start your NSIP data is with across flock EBVs and being connected with another flock. It’s essentially purchasing – or using – a ram from an established breeder in NSIP to build your database because you are utilizing previous records from that other producer. A second challenge – especially in our smaller, farm flock – is contemporary grouping. Collection of data from 15 to 20 lambs each, from two or more sires, born in the same time frame (40 to 45 days). I also like to use a buck lamb or two – to increase genetic progress – along with two main stud rams. Sometimes this can be difficult in a flock of 30 head with multiple sires. Another challenge was the slow adaptation to using the NSIP data. Ram lambs and ewe lambs with EBVs that out perform their sires and dams are retained. This lowers our generation interval and drives faster progress within NSIP. We have been selling aged ewes to other producers that have many good years of production left, but if we want to make progress, we have to make those hard decisions. A final challenge is locating unrelated genetics without losing progress we have already made. SGUSA: The age of genomics is upon us. How do you see your flock and your respective breed using this technology in the future? Chapman: We are currently working with Dr. Ron Lewis as a Rambouillet Innovation Flock with the Sheep GEMS Project, where we are collecting and submitting data and DNA. Genomically enhanced EBVs will increase the accu racy of the EBVs and strengthen our confidence in selec tion of stud rams and stud ewes for us. I don’t know what the future holds for genomics within our breed, hopefully our fellow seedstock producers and customers are excited about where this technology can take us. ROEMBKE: Personally, we are genomics testing our first animals this year. I envision that we will continue using the technology and as genomics technology advances more producers will come on board. As in other breeds, NSIP producers will need to be early innovators as they have years of data to back the DNA results.

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