Farmers who make rams or their ram semen available for the 2009 M&WNZ Central Progeny Test will find out how their animals perform relative to other rams in the test. Farm Productivity Research Manager, Dr Andy Bray said individual rams could also appear in the lists of top-ranking rams published each year. The lists identify flock sources so that buyers know where to purchase the best-performing rams genetics that suit their needs. The Central Progeny Test focuses on identifying the best genetics irrespective of breed. A major aim is to create and maintain genetic connections between industry breeding groups that would otherwise be weakly connected. M&WNZ is seeking expressions of interest from breeders whose flocks are recorded by Sheep Improvement Limited (SIL). Both terminal and dual purpose rams are eligible. "In particular we want to improve connections with South Suffolk, Dorset Downs and maternal composite flocks," says Dr Bray. "We're also interested in Corriedale flocks using WormFec, and flocks selecting for resistance to Facial Eczema.
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