Texel breeders can now make even better informed breeding decisions thanks to the launch of new inbreeding values on the Society’s Basco database. The new inbreeding values are published for most of the 1.4m pedigree Texel animals on the database and provide a unique, consistent and reliable way for Society members to research flock history and make informed breeding decisions.
Alongside the inbreeding values published Texel Society members can also access a novel inbreeding prediction tool which will benefit those members wanting to carefully manage the level of inbreeding within their flock, explained British Texel Society chief executive John Yates.
“For many breeders inbreeding will not be a significant issue, but for all breeders, using the new tool will help them access the latest genetics with confidence and allow them to make purchasing decisions this autumn with high levels of certainty about the impact it could have on the level of inbreeding in their flock. Additionally, the new tool with help those breeders who choose to line breed to manage that decision more effectively.”
Mr Yates said that the new service would complement the Society’s DNA parentage service, allowing breeders access to the very latest breeding technologies alongside progressive genetics.
The new inbreeding values have been made available thanks to a Bio-Sciences KTN funded project.
The project, which involves EGENEs (SRUC’s genetic evaluation service) and BASCO, with additional support provided by EBLEX has been rolled out through the Basco database earlier this month.
In trying to improve the genetic makeup of their sheep, breeders are constantly mating the best rams and ewes together, explained Signet Breeding Services manager Samuel Boon. “Within any breed, if this approach is taken to an extreme, it will result in animals being mated that have common ancestors – this relatedness can be measured and is expressed as an inbreeding value.
“Inbreeding values are published on the BASCO websearch (www.basco.org) and have been produced for all animals providing they have a full three-generational pedigree (all eight great-grandparents are known),” he explained.
The inbreeding values produced range between 0% and 100%, however, high values (very inbred animals) are relatively rare, said Mr Boon. “The mating of half–siblings would result in an inbreeding value for their progeny of 12.5%. Breeders are advised to keep the inbreeding value of individuals below 6% to maintain acceptable levels of inbreeding.
“Although, animals with high inbreeding values can be used successfully, they just need to be mated to non-related animals, to ensure the progeny are suitably out crossed.”
Mr Boon said breeders needed to strike a balance to optimise rates of genetic gain, while controlling increases in levels of inbreeding.
“The availability of this information provides breeders with information to make an informed decision and optimise selection decisions.”
Mr Yates added that with Texels having been progressively bred in the UK for more than 40 years and the British Texel Sheep Society this year celebrating its 40th anniversary the addition of these new breeding tools would add further to the value Texels offer the sheep industry. “The Society is pleased to have supported the launch of a new tool to assist our breeders.
“As the dominant terminal sire Texels have proved without doubt they are genetically robust and effective across a range of sheep farming systems and environments. These latest developments will aid Texel breeders in their continued breeding to ensure they can plan ahead and deliver sheep best suited to the needs of today’s commercial sheep farmers.”
Further information on how to use the new tool and interpret inbreeding values can be found here
