texelplus indexes have changed to support an increased focus on commercial traits and profitability.
There are now two indexes for each animal: a terminal index and a replacement index. These are available for all animals in texelplus flocks. Logged in texelplus members can also see the values for all animals on iTexel.
Both indexes are presented as the potential extra profit per lamb born in a commercial setting, compared to population average. In simple terms, the higher the value, the better the performance of the animal.
Pedigree breeders and commercial producers retaining female replacements should use the replacement index to select breeding stock as the index includes maternal traits alongside meat traits, to give a balance of characteristics on both sides of the breeding goal. Commercial producers solely producing prime lambs should use the terminal index as this is weighted for meat production.
Sub-indexes for growth, carcass quality, reproduction and adult size capture the benefits and value of related traits. These enable breeders and commercial producers to make better decisions and where necessary, select animals that offer advantages in specific areas to suit their production goals.
Updated information is now displayed throughout iTexel and will be available in sales catalogues later this year.
For more details and information, see the webpage and FAQs pages.