Data Collection for NSIP

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:17 mins read

  • Loading

Data collection is the cornerstone of obtaining Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) through the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). But the need for good records and accurate data is not limited to producers submitting data to NSIP. All flocks can benefit from good data collection since selection and culling decisions should be based on measured production criteria. Those considering joining NSIP at some point, will find collecting accurate data from the start will be helpful. There are many excellent resources (see Resources below) that describe the individual traits and/or give detailed instructions for entering the data into Pedigree Master. This document…

Continue ReadingData Collection for NSIP

NSIP – What Is in It for Me?

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:13 mins read

  • Loading

For most of us, raising sheep is a business. All successful businesses continually and objectively evaluate their products for performance, accuracy, and predictability. Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) as provided by the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP), allow shepherds to convert performance records for economically important traits into information about an animal's genetic merit while increasing accuracy and predictability for those traits. EBVs provide a science-based selection tool to improve or enhance preferred traits but do not take the place of direct evaluation of an animal's physical appearance, health, or structural correctness. There are multiple ways to use the power of…

Continue ReadingNSIP – What Is in It for Me?

Planning for the Next Generation

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:7 mins read

  • Loading

The SID Sheep Production Handbook states that a key limiting factor in genetic improvement is "accuracy of selection". In other words, to make the most improvement in our flocks, we have to accurately assess the impacts our sires (and dams) are having on their offspring. We need to identify superior sires as lambs and then confirm their superiority by evaluating their offspring. If they're not passing it on, it doesn't matter how good they look now or how good they looked as lambs. If you want to make the best decisions in the spring when you evaluate their offspring, you…

Continue ReadingPlanning for the Next Generation