Identifying Potential Replacements: Turning Lambing Data into Genetic Gain

About this episode

Dr. Nóirín McHugh discusses identifying and selecting the best ewe lambs for future replacements and the impact of genetics on flock performance.

With lambing season well underway, we catch up with Dr. Nóirín McHugh to discuss how to identify and select the best ewe lambs as future replacements, and what genetics we are introducing into the flock. Nóirín explains how genetics influences a wide range of production and behavioural traits — from litter size and lambing ease to mothering ability and lamb vigour — as well as their role in reducing undesirable issues such as prolapse and lameness. We also explore how observations made during lambing can be used to make more informed replacement decisions, helping to drive long-term flock performance. Finally, Nóirín outlines what to watch for as the season progresses, ensuring that selection decisions made now continue to deliver benefits throughout the year For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Nóirín Mchugh

Topics covered

• lambing
• genetics
• ewe lambs
• flock performance

Keywords

• production traits
• behavioural traits
• litter size
• lambing ease
• mothering ability
• lamb vigour
• prolapse
• lameness

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