New Members
Welcome to the New Members information pages where you will find answers to questions on Animal Identification, Society Processes, Health Schemes and an introduction to Showing Etiquette.
For more information please contact membership team at the Society office (registrations@texel.co.uk, 024 7669 6629).
Animal Identification
What is a UK Ministry Tag or Flock mark Number?
A UK Ministry Tag or flock ‘mark’, as they are generally known, is a unique six-digit number identifying all animals born on your holding. The primary purpose of a flock mark is to identify any livestock born on your land so the origin of such livestock can be traced when they are moved from the farm upon which they were born.
However, a flock mark is required even if you have no intention of allowing your animals to breed and even if the flock only consists of a single animal.
The UK Ministry Tag Number is one of the pieces of information printed on your animals’ identifier (eg, an ear tag).
Flock marks can be obtained from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). You must have a County Parish Holding (CPH) number before a flock mark can be obtained.
What is a CPH number?
If you intend to keep livestock, you must apply for a County Parish Holding (CPH) number this must be done before moving livestock onto your land. Applications are managed by various authorities dependent on your geographical location please refer to the Government website for further details.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-land-you-use-to-keep-livestock
What is EID Sheep Identification?
EID’s are external electronic identifiers and are used to identify your sheep. All sheep need to be tagged with an EID in the left ear (as viewed from behind) and a second tag in the right ear in accordance with Government legislation. In the event of any sheep losing its tag it must be re-tagged with the original number. For further information please see the government website.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sheep-and-goats-types-and-combinations-of-identifier
Where can I order ear tags?
The list of APHA approved sheep ear tag providers can be found on the Government website.
What information needs to appear on my ear tags?
Sheep must be identified in accordance with current UK or EU legislation. Breeding sheep must carry two ear tags, one of which is electronic. In England, Northern Ireland and Wales the EID tag must be yellow, in Scotland it can be any colour, the other tag, a visual tag can be any other colour.
Both tags must show the UK flock number followed by the individual animal 5-digit number. The yellow EID tag should be inserted in the lamb’s left ear as viewed from behind. The lamb’s individual number will be the ETAS number as allocated by the tag company. The numbers will run on from year to year and will correlate with the number on the electronic chip. The visual tag may display additional management information such as the Society official three-letter flock code and the last two digits of the year of birth. Management tags alone will not be accepted as identification in any circumstances.
When do I need to tag my sheep?
Pedigree Texels must have an individual tag number attributed to them at birth in order for them to be added into the Flock Book.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sheep-and-goat-keepers-how-to-identify-your-animals
Do I need to keep a veterinary/medicine book for my flock?
The Society does not need to know about medicines which have been administered to animals. However, we do require the cause of death to be given when the status is updated on the flock admin page.
By law, as a sheep keeper you need to record any medicines given to your sheep and keep in a suitable format in case you are selected for an inspection by the relevant government department.
Members are also recommended to prepare a flock health plan with your vet. This will usually include details of routine health treatments as well as information on protocols for dealing with certain diseases and health issues affecting the flock.
Texel Sheep Society Glossary
Ewe(s) female sheep
Ram/Tup male sheep
Shearling Ewe/Gimmer female sheep between one and two years of age
Ewe Lamb female sheep up to the age of one year
Recipient Ewe commonly a commercial ewe that is used within a breeding programme to carry embryos
Donor Ewe a pedigree ewe that is used within a breeding programme to produce multiple embryos
Sire the male parent of a sheep
Dam the female parent of a sheep
Cull to dispense with live animals that are no longer suitable for breeding.
Birth Notification/Birth Notified: All lambs intended for pedigree breeding must be birth notified in their year of birth.
Pedigree Registration: All animals used to breed pedigree Texels must be fully registered with the Society.
Index: A breeding index is a calculation of an animal’s genetic merit based on objective data collected as part of performance recording.
For example, the Texel Terminal Sire Index has been designed to increase lean meat yield across the whole carcass while controlling the level of optimal fatness. This is to ensure that Texels are still a popular choice for butchers and farmers alike.
Service Types
Natural service: Allowing rams to serve ewes naturally without use of artificial insemination
Laparoscopic artificial insemination: ewes are inseminated by inserting fresh or frozen semen directly into the uterus. This is conducted by a specialist veterinary surgeon.
Embryo Flushing: A process by which fertilised embryos are flushed (removed) from a ‘donor’ ewe and then transplanted into ‘recipient’ ewes. This is conducted by a specialist veterinary surgeon.
There are many companies up and down the country that are experts in artificial breeding techniques. You should contact them directly for further information.
Society Processes with FAQs
Male Registrations
Members must fully register rams they are planning to use as service sires within their flocks.
This includes homebred rams as well as purchased rams. For rams to become fully registered the Society must receive a DNA sample from them as part of its ongoing research and development projects.
DNA Kits can be requested from: www.itexel.uk.
Male Registrations FAQs
Do I need to fully register my rams to sell them at Society/Club/NSA Sales?
No, Male sheep do not need to be fully registered in order to be catalogued for sale.
It is the purchaser’s responsibility to fully register the rams they buy as service sires for their pedigree Texel flock.
I have purchased a ram, but I did not receive a pedigree certificate, why?
The ram you have purchased will not have been fully registered, as they are sold as only birth notified. Once you have DNA sampled the ram and he is transferred into your name, you will be able to print a pedigree certificate from iTexel. However, they are no longer required for trading purposes.
Purchasing Females FAQs
I have bought Texel ewes, but they are not fully registered. Can I transfer them?
If you knowingly purchase ewes that are only birth notified and not fully registered, they can be transferred into your flock, however, you will have to pay the fee for the full registration and the transfer into your flock.
Where can I buy Pedigree Texel Ewes?
Sales of pedigree Texels are published on the sales page on texel.uk along with sale catalogues.
Any sales not on that list may not have fully pedigree Texels entered.
Look out for sales under the Texel Sheep Society Auspices, they protect you as a buyer and as a seller. If you buy from an Auction Market you will also be covered by their Livestock Auctioneer Rules which will cover warranty etc. on animals.
If buying privately or from a sale not under the Society’s auspices, use the breeder and animal searches available on iTexel to ensure the vendor is a current member of the Society and that the sheep they are trying to sell are in the flock book
Entering Texel National Sales
When can I enter these sales?
All members will be emailed in the summer to let them know that pre-entries for the National Sales are open.
What are pre-entries?
Pre-entries allow members to request the number of entries they want for the National Sales.
The Society then uses these figures to estimate numbers of entries forward for the sale and then will apply the initial entry ratio.
How does the initial entry ratio system work?
This uses the number of birth notifications over a three-year average to allocate the number of entries each flock is able to enter for the National Sales.
The initial ratios are available when pre-entries open to ensure members are given realistic expectations of their number of entries.
Members are able to appeal against the entry ratio, but only if they have a 25% rise in the number of lambs birth notified in that year.
Where do I provide the tag numbers for cataloguing?
All cataloguing for national sales is completed online via iTexel. Vendors will be informed via email that entries are open and a tutorial video is available on the Society’s YouTube page.
Please note that to enter club sales, you will need to contact the relevant Texel Breeders Club directly for further information. Secretaries’ details can be found on the Society website here.
Guidelines on the use of advanced breeding technologies
Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) in the Texel breed
Introduction
From its humble beginnings 50 years ago, the British Texel has grown to be the UK’s leading terminal sire: 27% of UK lambs are Texel-sired, and 17% of the national ewe flock contain Texel genetics, demonstrating how the Texel is a true dual-purpose breed. To maintain this position, Texel breeders must be responsible in their breeding decisions. The Texel breed must also remain sustainable and provide commercial customers with the confidence that their [ram] purchases will deliver longevity and financial reward.
The vigour and hardiness of Texel lambs to get up and suckle are exceptional, and a ewe’s mothering ability is equally important to lamb survival. These maternal traits can only be recognised once a ewe has reared naturally born lambs.
The impact of advanced breeding technologies on sheep breeding is a positive one and a breeding policy that follows the guidelines below, will help to ensure the future of the Texel breed, benefitting the UK industry.
Artificial insemination (AI)
AI in sheep is conducted for several reasons, but principally to use elite male genetics more widely than would be possible through natural matings.
This can include using genetics from previous generations which have been cryo-preserved as well as the use of rams across greater numbers of flocks or flocks in widespread geographical locations.
AI can also allow access to genetics which breeders may otherwise be unable to access due to cost or other logistical or practical restrictions, such as health status. In addition, it can also allow access to genetics from Texel populations in other countries.
Most sheep AI is undertaken by a laparoscopic procedure, using frozen / thawed semen; cervical AI is also possible with freshly collected semen only. However, cervical AI has resulted in lower success rates than laparoscopic AI.
Key considerations when using AI:
- Ensure animals being used for AI are suitable in all aspects, including functional and commercially important traits.
- Sheep for AI should be in good tupping condition and on a rising plane of nutrition.
- Ewes for AI must be synchronised according to a timeline provided by the AI company.
- Animals with hereditary or acquired health issues should not be considered for AI.
Embryo transfer (ET)
ET in sheep, as in any species, is undertaken to maximise the genetic influence of a particular female or family line within a flock.
In sheep, ET is an invasive veterinary procedure which can only be undertaken by specially trained vets. It involves using multi-ovulation drugs to encourage a donor ewe to produce many oocytes, combined with surgical removal and transfer of fertilised embryos.
These oocytes are fertilised using AI and the fertilised embryos are flushed from the ovaries at either five- or six-days post AI and transferred to recipient ewes or frozen for later use.
All the considerations for AI apply to ET in addition to the following:
- Animals susceptible to, or demonstrating, health issues should not be considered for ET as any increases of these issues is damaging to flock and breed progress.
- Ideally donor ewes should be proven and regular breeders in their prime reproductive years, capable of rearing two lambs.
- Selection of animals for ET must take in to account their genetic worth and any heritable or acquired health issues.
- ET is an expensive and invasive procedure; its use should be limited to those animals from which genetics are most valued to support genetic improvement.
- It is worth noting that whilst ET is a valuable tool for multiplying desirable traits, the same effect from the use of ET applies to undesirable traits, which needs to be avoided.
- ET can only be undertaken by trained vets.
- Recipient ewes, which are implanted with the purebred embryos, should be sound, functional ewes in good reproductive condition and on a rising plane of nutrition.
- It is advisable to genotype donor ewes to screen for undesirable genes.
Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes
The Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes are run by SRUC Veterinary Services and provide an important framework for establishing the disease status of a flock as well as guidance for reduction, eradication, and certification of freedom from disease.
They work in close partnership with vet practices and member farmers, offering a cost-effective national programme of proactive testing and management to control Maedi Visna (MV) for sheep, Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) and Johne’s Disease. They also provide a Scrapie Monitoring Scheme for export and Scrapie Genotyping for selective breeding.
Please visit their website for further information.
Scrapie Monitoring Scheme
What is scrapie?
Scrapie is an infectious wasting disease affecting the nervous system of adult sheep and is very difficult to control. It has been a notifiable disease in the UK since 1993 and is one of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The causal agent is resistant to normal disinfection procedures and the disease has a long incubation period. There is no cure, no vaccine, the condition is fatal and animals pass on their genetic susceptibility to the next generation.
The Scheme
Flock masters wishing to export breeding sheep and goats throughout the EU may have their flock or herd monitored under the provisions of the Scrapie Monitoring Scheme administered by SRUC Veterinary Services. Registered flocks and herds undergo an annual flock inspection by an official vet, obey the biosecurity rules and brains from all adult fallen stock should be screened for TSEs. Flocks gain Controlled Risk status after three years and Negligible Risk status after seven years. Please see the scheme rules for further details.
MV Accreditation Scheme
What is Maedi Visna (MV)
Maedi Visna (MV) is a viral infection with a long incubation period that spreads slowly within a flock. This means that, by the time a problem is suspected, a large number of sheep in the flock will give positive results when blood tested for antibodies to MV. The name derives from two Icelandic words which describe the main clinical signs of pneumonia and wasting.
More information on Maedi Visna can be found here.
Johne’s Disease
The bacteria Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis causes Johne’s disease in both cattle and sheep and goats. The disease has been found across a range of extensive and intensive husbandry systems and is often under diagnosed. Johne’s disease has a long incubation period, there is no cure and it is ultimately fatal.
Disease symptoms are normally only seen in adults typically 3-4 years old
• Chronic weight loss despite animals eating normally
• Poor fleece in individual sheep
• Scouring is much less common in sheep and goats than in cattle
• Bottle jaw (swelling under the jaw) may be seen in the later stages
More information on Johnes Disease can be found here.
Enzootic Abortion Of Ewes (EAE)
Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) ranks as one of the most common causes of abortion in sheep in the UK. It is primarily a disease of low ground flocks and disease can spread rapidly in intensively managed systems. Once established, the infection is persistent and difficult to eradicate. EAE can cause abortion storms and lamb loss leading to huge economic loss.
Further information on Enzootic Abortion Of Ewes (EAE) can be found here.
Getting Show Ready & Showing Etiquette
The Texel Sheep Society Bye Laws referring to the Conditions of Show and Sale entries can be found here.
If you are entering any show classes operating under the Society Auspices, the Society recommends becoming familiar with these rules so you are not caught out.
Preparing Texel Sheep for Showing
For Texel Sheep classes operated under the Society Rules no dressing, trimming, clipping or excessive use of dips on the fleeces of sheep will be permitted. No artificial whitening on any part of the sheep is permitted. An inspector may be present at the sale or show, they have the authority to disqualify any sheep, which in their opinion, are below a minimum standard with regard to breed type or are found to be contravening the Society Byelaws, right up to the point of sale. The decision of the inspector shall
be final and failure to accept the inspector’s decision will result in the entire consignment or show team being rejected. (Society Bye Law 11.6)
Sheep should be washed in advance of a show or sale to present them in a clean state. You should remember to allow time between washing and any show or sale for the fleece to regain its natural state. Any colour you wish to apply to the sheep’s fleece should be done once the sheep has dried after washing and can either be done by dipping or spraying.
The legs and head of Texels should be washed ahead of showing to remove any discolouration. This may need to be done on the day of showing to maximise the benefit.
No fleece may be cut, trimmed or carded on Texels for events run under the Society’s showing rules and any brushing of the fleece should be kept to a minimum to avoid altering the staple of the fleece.
Showing Top Tips!
Always dress smartly with a white coat on top. White show coats can be ordered through many different suppliers online.
If you are showing on a hot sunny day remember there is rarely any shade within the show ring so pack your hat and sun cream and plenty of water.
Always keep your eye on the judge.
Stay alert to the ring stewards instructions, they may want you to turn around or let your sheep lose.
Stay calm and enjoy yourself!
Helpful Organisations
National Sheep Association
National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry.
The NSA aims to keep sheep breeders enthusiastic, knowledgeable and up to date with best practice. Along with interacting with those who aren’t actively involved in the sheep industry, to make them increasingly aware of the contribution sheep make to society and the core aspects of the agricultural sector.
More information on the National Sheep Association can be found on their website.
National Sheep Association Next Generation
NSA Next Generation is a programme dedicated to encouraging and supporting the sheep farmers and service providers of the future.
Through offering young people interested in the sheep industry opportunities to join ambassador schemes to helping them in securing work placements and employment NSA Next Generation helps the young shepherds of the future look forward positively and enthusiastically to a career in a sector that is crucial to UK livestock production.
More information can be found here.
National Federation Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC)
NFYFC is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK dedicated to young people who have a love of agriculture and rural life. Led by young people, for young people, Young Farmers’ Clubs provide more than 19,000 members aged 10 to 28 with a unique opportunity to develop skills, work with their local communities, travel abroad, take part in a varied competitions programme and enjoy a dynamic social life.
For more information visit the NFYFC website.
Agriculture Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) / Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) / Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)/ Livestock and Meat Commission (LMCNI)
All the above are levy boards. They are funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain to help the industry within their countries succeed in a changing world. Creating a world-class food and farming industry, inspired by and competing with the best.
For England: https://ahdb.org.uk/
For Scotland: https://www.qmscotland.co.uk/
For Wales: https://meatpromotion.wales/en
For Northern Ireland: https://www.lmcni.com
Animal Identification
What is a UK Ministry Tag or Flock mark Number?
A UK Ministry Tag or flock ‘mark’, as they are generally known, is a unique six-digit number identifying all animals born on your holding. The primary purpose of a flock mark is to identify any livestock born on your land so the origin of such livestock can be traced when they are moved from the farm upon which they were born.
However, a flock mark is required even if you have no intention of allowing your animals to breed and even if the flock only consists of a single animal.
The UK Ministry Tag Number is one of the pieces of information printed on your animals’ identifier (eg, an ear tag).
Flock marks can be obtained from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). You must have a County Parish Holding (CPH) number before a flock mark can be obtained.
What is a CPH number?
If you intend to keep livestock, you must apply for a County Parish Holding (CPH) number this must be done before moving livestock onto your land. Applications are managed by various authorities dependent on your geographical location please refer to the Government website for further details.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-land-you-use-to-keep-livestock
What is EID Sheep Identification?
EID’s are external electronic identifiers and are used to identify your sheep. All sheep need to be tagged with an EID in the left ear (as viewed from behind) and a second tag in the right ear in accordance with Government legislation. In the event of any sheep losing its tag it must be re-tagged with the original number. For further information please see the government website.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sheep-and-goats-types-and-combinations-of-identifier
Where can I order ear tags?
The list of APHA approved sheep ear tag providers can be found on the Government website.
What information needs to appear on my ear tags?
Sheep must be identified in accordance with current UK or EU legislation. Breeding sheep must carry two ear tags, one of which is electronic. In England, Northern Ireland and Wales the EID tag must be yellow, in Scotland it can be any colour, the other tag, a visual tag can be any other colour.
Both tags must show the UK flock number followed by the individual animal 5-digit number. The yellow EID tag should be inserted in the lamb’s left ear as viewed from behind. The lamb’s individual number will be the ETAS number as allocated by the tag company. The numbers will run on from year to year and will correlate with the number on the electronic chip. The visual tag may display additional management information such as the Society official three-letter flock code and the last two digits of the year of birth. Management tags alone will not be accepted as identification in any circumstances.
When do I need to tag my sheep?
Pedigree Texels must have an individual tag number attributed to them at birth in order for them to be added into the Flock Book.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sheep-and-goat-keepers-how-to-identify-your-animals
Do I need to keep a veterinary/medicine book for my flock?
The Society does not need to know about medicines which have been administered to animals. However, we do require the cause of death to be given when the status is updated on the flock admin page.
By law, as a sheep keeper you need to record any medicines given to your sheep and keep in a suitable format in case you are selected for an inspection by the relevant government department.
Members are also recommended to prepare a flock health plan with your vet. This will usually include details of routine health treatments as well as information on protocols for dealing with certain diseases and health issues affecting the flock.
Texel Sheep Society Glossary
Ewe(s) female sheep
Ram/Tup male sheep
Shearling Ewe/Gimmer female sheep between one and two years of age
Ewe Lamb female sheep up to the age of one year
Recipient Ewe commonly a commercial ewe that is used within a breeding programme to carry embryos
Donor Ewe a pedigree ewe that is used within a breeding programme to produce multiple embryos
Sire the male parent of a sheep
Dam the female parent of a sheep
Cull to dispense with live animals that are no longer suitable for breeding.
Birth Notification/Birth Notified: All lambs intended for pedigree breeding must be birth notified in their year of birth.
Pedigree Registration: All animals used to breed pedigree Texels must be fully registered with the Society.
Service Types
Natural service: Allowing rams to serve ewes naturally without use of artificial insemination
Laparoscopic artificial insemination: ewes are inseminated by inserting fresh or frozen semen directly into the uterus. This is conducted by a specialist veterinary surgeon.
Embryo Flushing: A process by which fertilised embryos are flushed (removed) from a ‘donor’ ewe and then transplanted into ‘recipient’ ewes. This is conducted by a specialist veterinary surgeon.
There are many companies up and down the country that are experts in artificial breeding techniques. You should contact them directly for further information.
texelplus
texelplus is the Society’s genetic improvement programme. Breeders submit additional information on their sheep such as lamb weights during different stages of growth, to allow them to have an objective way of assessing genetic potential.
Index: A breeding index is a calculation of an animal’s genetic merit based on objective data collected as part of performance recording.
For example, the Texel Terminal Sire Index has been designed to increase lean meat yield across the whole carcass while controlling the level of optimal fatness. This is to ensure that Texels are still a popular choice for butchers and farmers alike.
Further information on the texelplus service can be found here
Society Processes with FAQs
Male Registrations
Members must fully register rams they are planning to use as service sires within their flocks.
This includes both homebred and purchased rams. To register a ram, the Society must receive a genotype for each sire, issued by the Society’s partner lab (Neogen). This means it is necessary to submit a DNA sample for analysis for each ram to be registered to the Society. The genotyping process can take up to eight weeks from receipt of sample, so members are advised to plan ahead.
DNA Kits can be requested from: https://itexel.uk.
Male Registrations FAQs
Do I need to fully register my rams to sell them at Society/Club/NSA Sales?
No, Male sheep do not need to be fully registered in order to be catalogued for sale.
It is the purchaser’s responsibility to fully register the rams they buy as service sires for their pedigree Texel flock.
I have purchased a ram, but I did not receive a pedigree certificate, why?
The ram you have purchased will not have been fully registered, as they are sold as only birth notified. Once a genotype has been issued for the ram and he is transferred into your name, you will be able to print a pedigree certificate from iTexel. However, they are no longer required for trading purposes.
Purchasing Females FAQs
I have bought Texel ewes, but they are not fully registered. Can I transfer them?
If you knowingly purchase ewes that are only birth notified and not fully registered, they can be transferred into your flock, however, you will have to pay the fee for the full registration and the transfer into your flock.
Where can I buy Pedigree Texel Ewes?
Sales of pedigree Texels are published on the sales page on texel.uk along with sale catalogues.
Any sales not on that list may not have fully pedigree Texels entered.
Look out for sales under the Texel Sheep Society Auspices, they protect you as a buyer and as a seller. If you buy from an Auction Market you will also be covered by their Livestock Auctioneer Rules which will cover warranty etc. on animals.
If buying privately or from a sale not under the Society’s auspices, use the breeder and animal searches available on iTexel to ensure the vendor is a current member of the Society and that the sheep they are trying to sell are in the flock book
Entering Texel National Sales
When can I enter these sales?
All members will be emailed in the summer to let them know that pre-entries for the National Sales are open.
What are pre-entries?
Pre-entries allow members to request the number of entries they want for the National Sales.
The Society then uses these figures to estimate numbers of entries forward for the sale and then will apply the initial entry ratio.
How does the initial entry ratio system work?
This uses the number of birth notifications over a three-year average to allocate the number of entries each flock is able to enter for the National Sales.
The initial ratios are available when pre-entries open to ensure members are given realistic expectations of their number of entries.
Members are able to appeal against the entry ratio, but only if they have a 25% rise in the number of lambs birth notified in that year.
Where do I provide the tag numbers for cataloguing?
All cataloguing for national sales is completed online via iTexel. Vendors will be informed via email that entries are open and a tutorial video is available on the Society’s YouTube page.
Please note that to enter club sales, you will need to contact the relevant Texel Breeders Club directly for further information. Secretaries’ details can be found on the Society website here.
Guidelines on the use of advanced breeding technologies
Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) in the Texel breed
Introduction
From its humble beginnings 50 years ago, the British Texel has grown to be the UK’s leading terminal sire: 27% of UK lambs are Texel-sired, and 17% of the national ewe flock contain Texel genetics, demonstrating how the Texel is a true dual-purpose breed. To maintain this position, Texel breeders must be responsible in their breeding decisions. The Texel breed must also remain sustainable and provide commercial customers with the confidence that their [ram] purchases will deliver longevity and financial reward.
The vigour and hardiness of Texel lambs to get up and suckle are exceptional, and a ewe’s mothering ability is equally important to lamb survival. These maternal traits can only be recognised once a ewe has reared naturally born lambs.
The impact of advanced breeding technologies on sheep breeding is a positive one and a breeding policy that follows the guidelines below, will help to ensure the future of the Texel breed, benefitting the UK industry.
Artificial insemination (AI)
AI in sheep is conducted for several reasons, but principally to use elite male genetics more widely than would be possible through natural matings.
This can include using genetics from previous generations which have been cryo-preserved as well as the use of rams across greater numbers of flocks or flocks in widespread geographical locations.
AI can also allow access to genetics which breeders may otherwise be unable to access due to cost or other logistical or practical restrictions, such as health status. In addition, it can also allow access to genetics from Texel populations in other countries.
Most sheep AI is undertaken by a laparoscopic procedure, using frozen / thawed semen; cervical AI is also possible with freshly collected semen only. However, cervical AI has resulted in lower success rates than laparoscopic AI.
Key considerations when using AI:
- Ensure animals being used for AI are suitable in all aspects, including functional and commercially important traits.
- Sheep for AI should be in good tupping condition and on a rising plane of nutrition.
- Ewes for AI must be synchronised according to a timeline provided by the AI company.
- Animals with hereditary or acquired health issues should not be considered for AI.
Embryo transfer (ET)
ET in sheep, as in any species, is undertaken to maximise the genetic influence of a particular female or family line within a flock.
In sheep, ET is an invasive veterinary procedure which can only be undertaken by specially trained vets. It involves using multi-ovulation drugs to encourage a donor ewe to produce many oocytes, combined with surgical removal and transfer of fertilised embryos.
These oocytes are fertilised using AI and the fertilised embryos are flushed from the ovaries at either five- or six-days post AI and transferred to recipient ewes or frozen for later use.
All the considerations for AI apply to ET in addition to the following:
- Animals susceptible to, or demonstrating, health issues should not be considered for ET as any increases of these issues is damaging to flock and breed progress.
- Ideally donor ewes should be proven and regular breeders in their prime reproductive years, capable of rearing two lambs.
- Selection of animals for ET must take in to account their genetic worth and any heritable or acquired health issues.
- ET is an expensive and invasive procedure; its use should be limited to those animals from which genetics are most valued to support genetic improvement.
- It is worth noting that whilst ET is a valuable tool for multiplying desirable traits, the same effect from the use of ET applies to undesirable traits, which needs to be avoided.
- ET can only be undertaken by trained vets.
- Recipient ewes, which are implanted with the purebred embryos, should be sound, functional ewes in good reproductive condition and on a rising plane of nutrition.
- It is advisable to genotype donor ewes to screen for undesirable genes.
Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes
The Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes are run by SRUC Veterinary Services and provide an important framework for establishing the disease status of a flock as well as guidance for reduction, eradication, and certification of freedom from disease.
They work in close partnership with vet practices and member farmers, offering a cost-effective national programme of proactive testing and management to control Maedi Visna (MV) for sheep, Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) and Johne’s Disease. They also provide a Scrapie Monitoring Scheme for export and Scrapie Genotyping for selective breeding.
Please visit their website for further information.
Scrapie Monitoring Scheme
What is scrapie?
Scrapie is an infectious wasting disease affecting the nervous system of adult sheep and is very difficult to control. It has been a notifiable disease in the UK since 1993 and is one of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The causal agent is resistant to normal disinfection procedures and the disease has a long incubation period. There is no cure, no vaccine, the condition is fatal and animals pass on their genetic susceptibility to the next generation.
The Scheme
Flock masters wishing to export breeding sheep and goats throughout the EU may have their flock or herd monitored under the provisions of the Scrapie Monitoring Scheme administered by SRUC Veterinary Services. Registered flocks and herds undergo an annual flock inspection by an official vet, obey the biosecurity rules and brains from all adult fallen stock should be screened for TSEs. Flocks gain Controlled Risk status after three years and Negligible Risk status after seven years. Please see the scheme rules for further details.
MV Accreditation Scheme
What is Maedi Visna (MV)
Maedi Visna (MV) is a viral infection with a long incubation period that spreads slowly within a flock. This means that, by the time a problem is suspected, a large number of sheep in the flock will give positive results when blood tested for antibodies to MV. The name derives from two Icelandic words which describe the main clinical signs of pneumonia and wasting.
More information on Maedi Visna can be found here.
Johne’s Disease
The bacteria Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis causes Johne’s disease in both cattle and sheep and goats. The disease has been found across a range of extensive and intensive husbandry systems and is often under diagnosed. Johne’s disease has a long incubation period, there is no cure and it is ultimately fatal.
Disease symptoms are normally only seen in adults typically 3-4 years old
• Chronic weight loss despite animals eating normally
• Poor fleece in individual sheep
• Scouring is much less common in sheep and goats than in cattle
• Bottle jaw (swelling under the jaw) may be seen in the later stages
More information on Johnes Disease can be found here.
Enzootic Abortion Of Ewes (EAE)
Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) ranks as one of the most common causes of abortion in sheep in the UK. It is primarily a disease of low ground flocks and disease can spread rapidly in intensively managed systems. Once established, the infection is persistent and difficult to eradicate. EAE can cause abortion storms and lamb loss leading to huge economic loss.
Further information on Enzootic Abortion Of Ewes (EAE) can be found here.
Getting Show Ready & Showing Etiquette
The Texel Sheep Society Bye Laws referring to the Conditions of Show and Sale entries can be found here.
If you are entering any show classes operating under the Society Auspices, the Society recommends becoming familiar with these rules so you are not caught out.
Preparing Texel Sheep for Showing
For Texel Sheep classes operated under the Society Rules no dressing, trimming, clipping or excessive use of dips on the fleeces of sheep will be permitted. No artificial whitening on any part of the sheep is permitted. An inspector may be present at the sale or show, they have the authority to disqualify any sheep, which in their opinion, are below a minimum standard with regard to breed type or are found to be contravening the Society Byelaws, right up to the point of sale. The decision of the inspector shall
be final and failure to accept the inspector’s decision will result in the entire consignment or show team being rejected. (Society Bye Law 11.6)
Sheep should be washed in advance of a show or sale to present them in a clean state. You should remember to allow time between washing and any show or sale for the fleece to regain its natural state. Any colour you wish to apply to the sheep’s fleece should be done once the sheep has dried after washing and can either be done by dipping or spraying.
The legs and head of Texels should be washed ahead of showing to remove any discolouration. This may need to be done on the day of showing to maximise the benefit.
No fleece may be cut, trimmed or carded on Texels for events run under the Society’s showing rules and any brushing of the fleece should be kept to a minimum to avoid altering the staple of the fleece.
Showing Top Tips!
Always dress smartly with a white coat on top. White show coats can be ordered through many different suppliers online.
If you are showing on a hot sunny day remember there is rarely any shade within the show ring so pack your hat and sun cream and plenty of water.
Always keep your eye on the judge.
Stay alert to the ring stewards instructions, they may want you to turn around or let your sheep loose.
Stay calm and enjoy yourself!
Helpful Organisations
National Sheep Association
National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry.
The NSA aims to keep sheep breeders enthusiastic, knowledgeable and up to date with best practice. Along with interacting with those who aren’t actively involved in the sheep industry, to make them increasingly aware of the contribution sheep make to society and the core aspects of the agricultural sector.
More information on the National Sheep Association can be found on their website.
National Sheep Association Next Generation
NSA Next Generation is a programme dedicated to encouraging and supporting the sheep farmers and service providers of the future.
Through offering young people interested in the sheep industry opportunities to join ambassador schemes to helping them in securing work placements and employment NSA Next Generation helps the young shepherds of the future look forward positively and enthusiastically to a career in a sector that is crucial to UK livestock production.
More information can be found here.
National Federation Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC)
NFYFC is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK dedicated to young people who have a love of agriculture and rural life. Led by young people, for young people, Young Farmers’ Clubs provide more than 19,000 members aged 10 to 28 with a unique opportunity to develop skills, work with their local communities, travel abroad, take part in a varied competitions programme and enjoy a dynamic social life.
For more information visit the NFYFC website.
Agriculture Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) / Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) / Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)/ Livestock and Meat Commission (LMCNI)
All the above are levy boards. They are funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain to help the industry within their countries succeed in a changing world. Creating a world-class food and farming industry, inspired by and competing with the best.
For England: https://ahdb.org.uk/
For Scotland: https://www.qmscotland.co.uk/
For Wales: https://meatpromotion.wales/en
For Northern Ireland: https://www.lmcni.com