The continuing success of British Texel genetics in France in recent years was once again proven at this week’s Salon International De L’Agriculture (SIA), Paris, where a number of the prize winners in the Texel classes were sired by British rams.
Included in the success were sheep from Haringey-based breeder Christophe Perry which included the first prize ram lamb in the meat class and the second prize winning ram lamb in the wool class which were progeny of Ettrick Rainbow Warrior and a Cairness ram which was a son of the world record priced ram Deveronvale Perfection, explained British Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates.
“French breeders have made judicious use of British Texel genetics to help increase the genetic diversity, with particular focus on increasing growth and lean meat yield, in their flocks and the success of these sheep at SIA is great to see.”
Meanwhile, the Society was pleased to be represented on the EBLEX stand at the event by a British Texel ram bred by Aubrey and Sue Andrews in their Miserden flock which proved a major draw for both French Texel breeders and the French public alike.
The ram, Miserden Valiant, was presented on the stand having been sold to Mr Sebastien Boissonade Boutonne of the La Feline flock and is a son of Hull House Ultimate II and has an index of 353, placing him in the top 5% of the breed.
This was one of a growing number of exports of British Texels to mainland Europe in recent years. Mr Yates said the ram had drawn plenty of admiring comments from French breeders at the show. “He was certainly one of the stars of the AHDB stand and reinforced the quality message which the Society and AHDB has been promoting in mainland Europe in recent years.
“A significant number of British Texels have been exported to France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and many other European countries in recent years and have provided a significant genetic boost for the sheep industries in these countries.
“A number of inward missions are due to visit the UK to seek out Texels for export this year, including a group of Swiss breeders attending the RHASS Royal Highland Show later this summer.”
The Society was delighted once again to support the work of AHDB’s Remi Fourier in the excellent work carried out by his marketing team promoting English lamb to the French public, added Mr Yates.