SUFFOLK RESOURCE LIBRARY
Discriminations Sheep showing evidence of the following fail to meet the breed standard: lack of muscle development or ability to grow and thrive, dark or black or colored fleece, unmanageable disposition, underdeveloped genitalia, split or asymmetrical testicles, upturned vulva, hernia, over or undershot jaw, prolapse or tendency to prolapse (rectal or vaginal), inverted eyelids, weak udder attachments and teat size or placement that impedes nursing. NOTE: The USSA allows for an appendix registry and upgrading to purebred status. When animals reach 15/16th status (purebred) these animals must adhere to the breed standard as well. Sheep that appear to be black faced crossbreds do not meet the Suffolk breed standard. Genetic and Performance Considerations Visual or phenotypic selection has been used for centuries in animal breeding. It does address issues of structural correctness, breed type, sex character,and breed aesthetics. Today, there are additional tools and resources available to quantify and measure traits. Genetic testing can reduce and eliminate genetic recessives (spider syndrome, dwarfism, and scrapie susceptibility). The technology more accurately evaluates genotype and expands the ability to select breed improving replacements. Superior performing animals within a flock can be additionally identified through on farm data collection. This can include such things as weighing (60, 90 or 120 day weights) and ultrasound scanning for carcass traits (loin eye size and fat depth). Another potential strategy is the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs). This tool allows for measurable genetic comparison, over time, and across flocks with other performance recorded flocks. Either of these selection methods (as well as others yet to be developed) can be used as additional tools to measure rapid growth, leanness, and superior muscling – all of which reinforce the Suffolk as the preferred terminal sire breed. Further, as the industry moves toward more objective carcass evaluation, there will be premiums paid for market animals that meet more demanding carcass expectations.
WEBINAR SERIES SUFFOLK
MAY 5 - JUNIORWEBINAR: SHOW LAMB NUTRITION Mark Johnson, Land O’Lakes MAY 9 - EWE SELECTION, PRODUCTIVITY AND FLOCK RETAINMENT Dr. Scott Greiner, Sheep Extension, Virginia Tech JUNE 9 - SUFFOLK TRAIT HERITABILITY AND BREEDING STRATEGIES Jeremy Geske, USSA President & Dr. Joe Emenheiser, Extension Specialist, UCONN SEPTEMBER 28 - AMERICAN LAMB: FARMGATE TO DINNERPLATE Nick Forrest DECEMBER 5 - RAMS & PROFITABILITY: A PANEL DISCUSSION Moderated by Susan Shultz, ASI President JULY 21 - 7PM - IDENTIFYING CONTEMPORARY GROUPS Dr. TomMurphy, Geneticist, USMARC
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