Ram trials check if it's all in the genes

Simon Wilson is hosting a scientific experiment at Mt Herbert Station, measuring the merit of genetic rankings. Photo / Paul Taylor

A trial to prove genetic potential is a superior indicator of ram performance, compared with paddock assessment, had its second field day on Tuesday at Simon Wilson's Mt Herbert Station in Waipukurau.

Data Drives Dollars is a joint project between Massey University and Focus Genetics, aiming to find out if there is a financial advantage in buying rams with high genetic ranking.

Running over the lambing season, it involves two farmer working groups from the East Coast and Wairarapa, overseeing the experiment at Mt Herbert and tertiary institute Taratahi's Glenside Station near Carterton.

Two teams of rams of high and low genetic merit are run over 500 mixed-aged ewes on each farm, the rams selected based on estimated breeding values (EBVs) for live weight at eight months of age.

Values are ranked by Beef+Lamb New Zealand's SIL, an industry-wide tool measuring genetic merit.

Ewes and their lambs will be managed in a single flock on each farm throughout the experiment to give lambs equal opportunity to grow, with weight gains measured periodically.

"The selection of rams is very important and a lot more people are going for figures, combined with what they look like," Mr Wilson said.

"Hopefully, the trial will demonstrate that higher-ranked rams can produce more kilograms of meat." The principle, common in other meat sectors, had seen few experiments for sheep.

Ewes used were "just commercially farmed" and unranked, chosen for their bodyweight. Mr Wilson does not expect to experience a loss from the trial's lower-ranked rams covering his flock.

"They could well be better than the ones that I use on the farm anyway." Weaning will take place shortly before Christmas, with final results available early next year.

"Hopefully, it will make more farmers aware of the benefits you can gain by buying higher-indexed rams with higher breeding values."

Wairarapa coastal farmer Kurt Portas wanted to see if he should be doing more homework when selecting rams.

"It's tricky buying rams when you're spoilt for choice," he said.

"It would be handy to know exactly what questions I should be asking, or the information I should be looking at, to get the right fit for the farm.

"Everyone talks about the significance of the EBVs but, until it's proven, you are going on assumptions.

"It's a good thing to look at and farmers will be interested in the outcome."

Uriti farmer Willie Tatham was confident the project would show he was on the money by using EBVs to buy rams.

"What's good about this project is we're looking at teams of rams," he said.

"This is a good basic starting point and, personally, if the trial goes well and we keep learning, I would be keen to see it expanded and perhaps look at the maternal side as a follow up."