Breeders using the Society’s texelplus genetic improvement service are now able to record eight-week weights using the weight screens available on the Society’s new iTexel database.
From June onwards members will also be able to use the weight screens to input scan weights once they have been collected when lambs are 18-21 weeks old.
It is important to remember when inputting data that management groups are used when appropriate, ensuring lambs are grouped where they have been managed separately due to age or different feeding groups, for example.
To ensure accuracy within the texelplus evaluation it is important that both eight-week weights and scan weights are collected from all lambs to provide full comparison across all lambs in your flock. Selectively weighing lambs in your flock will reduce the accuracy and validity of the EBVs generated, in turn reducing the value of the results produced.
Ultrasound and CT scanning
As a result of Covid-19 restrictions, the providers have currently withdrawn these additional services, meaning it is unlikely that either ultrasound or CT scanning services will be taking place this summer. To support members the Society is creating a scan weights facility on the weight recording screen on iTexel. Weigh your lambs between 18-21 weeks and enter the weights on iTexel, just as you do for eight-week weights.
While some breeders may feel the loss of ultrasound and CT scanning will reduce the value of the texelplus evaluations, the close correlation between traits within texelplus as well as the high heritability of these traits means that collecting both eight-week weights and scan weights along with accurate pedigree information will enable accurate EBVs to be generated. Omitting the ultrasound data for one year should not cause members any concern.
That does not mean that ultrasound and CT scanning are not important, but in circumstances such as this and in a breed like Texel where there are significant volumes of historic data, not collecting that information for a season won’t hinder the quality of the EBVs produced.
iTexel database makes texelplus services attractive and simpler for all
With the introduction of iTexel the texelplus service is now even simpler to use for both breeders and potential buyers. From a breeder’s perspective iTexel makes data inputting much simpler, with new weight screens and the overall iTexel database is a much more user-friendly modern platform.
Recording with texelplus is a simple three step process:
Record lambing data on iTexel including, birth weight and lambing ease along with pedigree information at lambing.
Record lamb weights at eight weeks of age on the weight capture screen on iTexel (when lambs are 42-84 days old).
For 2020, weigh lambs at 18-21 weeks of age (early to mid-June for early February lambing flocks) and input them using the scan weight screen on iTexel.
For data to be included in the first of this season’s evaluations, data must be entered onto iTexel on or before the 15thJune. Flock reports for 2020 born lambs will be available to texelplus breeders on iTexel at the end of June.
Further information on this important service available to all Texel members is available at www.texel.uk/texelplus
Texelplus fees are additional to membership of the Society. There is an annual £97 flock fee then a headage fee per breeding ewe scaled from £2.60 a ewe for the first 50 ewes, £2.10 for 51-150 ewes and £1 a ewe 151-400 ewes. All prices are exclusive of VAT.
For example, for a 30-ewe flock you can receive the texelplus services for less than £6+VAT a ewe.
Start recording today and contact registrations@texel.co.ukif you need further information or wish to start using the service.
To ensure the highest levels of user security, the Society’s new iTexel database has been developed for use with Chrome and the latest ios browsers.
Using other and/or older versions of browsers will result in limited accessibility and functionality, significantly impacting on your user experience. Please ensure you are using the appropriate browser before attempting to input data.
