Blending Technology & Tradition to Achieve Breeding Goals

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:9 mins read

  • Loading

We talk a lot about tradition in the American sheep industry. Traditions aren’t stagnant, they get modified from one generation to the next as new information and insights are gained. Nearly everything in modern sheep production – be that fences, milk replacer or RFID readers – was at one time a state-of-the-art technology. Whether we choose to adopt a new technology is dependent on economics and those intangibles that define our unique perspectives…

Continue ReadingBlending Technology & Tradition to Achieve Breeding Goals

A Tribute to Dr. Charles Parker, Mentor and Friend

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:10 mins read

  • Loading

Dr. Charles Parker (1935-2024) was a sheep specialist, researcher, industry leader and experienced advisor to many of us in the Katahdin breed. As an early supporter of the breed, Charles felt that Katahdins could and should be the Complete Meat Sheep, genetically balanced for reproductive and growth efficiency and easily adapted to diverse production systems. Following his death in July 2024 we decided to compile some of his advice and guidance over the…

Continue ReadingA Tribute to Dr. Charles Parker, Mentor and Friend

Building the foundations for genomic selection in U.S. sheep

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:4 mins read

  • Loading

Sheep GEMS News Brief 4 – mid-August 2024 The Sheep GEMS project, together with NSIP members and other sheep industry organizations, have been working to create the building blocks for the implementation of genomic selection in the U.S. sheep industry. In this second article of the Sheep GEMS update related to genomic predictions, we describe the practical aspects for application of genomic selection in our industry. Genomic selection is the process by which…

Continue ReadingBuilding the foundations for genomic selection in U.S. sheep

Three Common Genetic Defects to Look for when Buying or Selling Sheep

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:4 mins read

  • Loading

As the 4th Annual EAPK sale approaches, we’re expecting some very high quality Katahdins available for purchase in our unique sale format.  This hybrid sale gives eligible consignors the option to either physically bring their animals to the EAPK Symposium & Sale or consign them to the online sale only.  Buyers attending the EAPK Symposium will have an advantage in that they will have the opportunity to talk to the breeder and inspect…

Continue ReadingThree Common Genetic Defects to Look for when Buying or Selling Sheep

The Nuts and Bolts of EBVs

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:11 mins read

  • Loading

EBVs are tools that producers can use to select breeding animals that will help them meet flock goals for specific traits such as growth, milk, reproduction, parasite resistance and carcass quality. It is important to understand that selecting for extremes in one trait will often put negative selection pressure on other traits of interest. Often, animals with extremely high EBVs in certain traits will require additional nutritional support or better management to perform…

Continue ReadingThe Nuts and Bolts of EBVs

Buying Parasite Resistance: considerations for greater success

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:27 mins read

  • Loading

Often producers interested in adding genetics for parasite resistance to their flock are faced with deciphering the fecal egg count (FEC) EBVs listed on a stall card or catalog at an auction (online or in person). Is that enough information to identify a parasite resistant animal? In my experience, no. Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) provide a wonderful tool to predict animal performance, but when it comes to parasite resistance, the stated EBV often…

Continue ReadingBuying Parasite Resistance: considerations for greater success

Understanding “Number of Lambs Weaned” (NLW) Estimated Breeding Values

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:5 mins read

  • Loading

We've been members of NSIP since 2006 and I must confess that I've never really understood what all went into the calculation of "Number of Lambs Weaned", let alone Genomically-enhanced Estimated Breeding Values (GEBV) for NLW. Seems most of my ewes had NLW GEBV that were about the same as their NLB GEBV, with a few exceptions. Some were a little lower and some were a little higher, and since they are correlated,…

Continue ReadingUnderstanding “Number of Lambs Weaned” (NLW) Estimated Breeding Values

Impact of NSIP Status on Ram Value

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:4 mins read

  • Loading

In 2022, the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center hosted its 10th ram test and sale. Over the years, the program has developed a strong reputation for the development and identification of superior rams for growth and parasite resistance in a forage-based environment. Historically, the test has included rams from NSIP flocks and some rams from flocks not enrolled in NSIP (non-NSIP). The 2022 test and sale data were analyzed to explore…

Continue ReadingImpact of NSIP Status on Ram Value

Profile: Dr. Scott Bowdridge

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:11 mins read

  • Loading

This past summer, Dr. Scott Bowdridge, Associate Professor of Food Animal Production, West Virginia University, opened our minds to his exciting research identifying immune mechanisms in sheep to eliminate parasitic infections. At the 2022 Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins (EAPK) symposium he discussed his data that links low FEC EBVs (Fecal Egg Count Estimated Breeding Values) with an overall increase in disease resistance. Dr. Bowdridge has diverse experiences working as a sheep producer,…

Continue ReadingProfile: Dr. Scott Bowdridge

Shepherd to Shepherd: Producer Forum Blog #4

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:8 mins read

  • Loading

For our fourth and final producer forum we asked our four shepherds to share some words of wisdom. As usual, their answers are as varied as their production systems and geographic location. What has your experience taught you over the years and what nuggets or advice would you share with others, especially new, Katahdin producers? Michelle Canfield (Canfield Farms, Western Washington) Farming is a lot of work! Pulling from my day job that…

Continue ReadingShepherd to Shepherd: Producer Forum Blog #4