Pedigree sheep breeders are being asked to help inform the future development of performance recording services by completing an online questionnaire.
The survey has been developed by AHDB Beef & Lamb, through Signet Breeding Services, in order to capture the views of pedigree sheep breeders on strategies for data collection.
The questionnaire is the result of recommendations generated by the Genetic Review, which was undertaken by Abacus Bio on behalf of AHDB. One of the recommendations was that AHDB begin to look at the collection of new traits, particularly maternal traits, which might have benefits to the sheep industry.
The survey asks breeders to provide feedback on the information they are already collecting, information they may collect in the future or would value others collecting, for the purpose of genetic analysis and making breeding decisions.
Kim Matthews, head of animal breeding and product quality at AHDB, said: “The Genetic Review was highly supportive of the value of existing recording services. However, it did identify several areas that should be considered in the future, particularly with regard to maternal traits.
“The more feedback we get from breeders, the more we can tailor future AHDB activity, including recording systems, to their needs.”
The survey, which can be found on the Signet website, will close on 21 September 2016. Paper copies can be requested by calling 0247 647 8834.
