THE SUFFOLK TERMINAL SIRE
32 T he Suffolk sheep was originally developed in southeast England and came to prominence as a breed favored in the London markets. The ability to produce an outstanding carcass and be fed quickly to desired market weights was why the United States originally imported the breed. Suffolk rams were then widely used in western range flocks and eastern farm flocks to improve lamb crops. This established the Suffolk breed as the premier market animal in the 20th century. In addition to its success in the commercial sheep industry, the Suffolk breed enjoyed tremendous popularity in the show ring. Suffolk registrations peaked at 90,792 in 1981 and have declined steadily since that time. Suffolk sheep are useful in a wide variety of commercial applications, from terminal range rams to farm flock ewes, as part of composite breeds, and as market lambs. Suffolks are also exhibited in various show classes, from fitted and slick sheared breeding sheep to club lambs and wether sires and dams. This diversity in purpose has also resulted in distinct “types” within the breed. While individual breeders have set their own flock priorities and goals and should continue to do so, the Association recognizes the importance of breed identity and breed improvement to its mission and vision statements. The science of animal breeding has advanced exponentially in recent decades. For the U.S. sheep industry to remain competitive with other species as a protein source, it must embrace modern selection practices and tools. With a mission and vision as a
breed to contribute to the advancement and future of the entire industry, the Association now recognizes the need to focus on data-driven performance indicators and not merely what the show ring dictates. The USSA encourages genetic diversity within the breed’s gene pool, as well as the utilization of performance tools that the beef, dairy, swine, and poultry industries established long ago. As a breed, we have been and believe that we should still be the terminal sire of choice. The USSA embraces this philosophy to meet the demands of the commercial industry. The current, updated Suffolk breed standard describes a breed that meets the current needs of the commercial sheep industry in the U.S. It includes both visual and data-driven parameters. The commercial industry seeks lamb crops with improved weight gain and superior carcass composition. Commercial flocks sell lambs by the pound and are more profitable when they market more efficiently grown, heavier lamb crops. To achieve this, terminal sires with high genetic merit for growth and carcass traits are in demand. Functional terminal sires must also be structurally sound, fertile, and athletic. The ideal Suffolk rams are long-lived, active foragers that aggressively breed ewes and maintain body condition. Phenotypically, they will be rugged and unmistakably masculine, with large testicular circumference, ample bone, and superior muscle development. In the past, breeders were only able to select breeding stock based on visual appraisal. While this is still important, additional tools are now available to
improve the breed phenotypically and genetically. Breeders can visually improve their flocks based on traits important to their buyer base and also measurably improve quantitative performance traits. The new registry program is designed to assist breeders in collecting data and using it in selection and matings decisions, therefore developing a Suffolk sheep that will improve their bottom line. Data- driven performance allows for objective or measurable improvement over time. Flock improvement is the domain of the individual breeder, while breed improvement is a collective effort among breeders. The genetic diversity within our breed’s gene pool allows breeders to select sheep that will move their flock in the direction of their goals. Orienting those goals toward breed characteristics that are relevant to the commercial industry is necessary to preserve and improve the breed. To supplement the new registration program coming online in 2022, the Association has developed a vocabulary list to help members understand terminology that may be new to them. Having a collective language will make it easier to use the many new options available for breed improvement. Educational materials will also be forthcoming to explain how to use the new software in easy-to-understand language and specifically how to use the new software to improve performance traits. Regardless of individual goals, the new tools will benefit every Suffolk breeder. Collectively, they will help unite the breed to address the emerging needs of the entire sheep industry.
Powered by FlippingBook