RamCompare: Protocol for selecting rams for use as AI sires and
for use by natural mating
During the two year project AHDB will obtain semen for artificial insemination and
buy rams for natural mating for the RamCompare commercial progeny test.
The following volume of semen will be purchased:
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Charollais - 150 doses x 2 rams
Charollais - 60 doses x 1 ram
Suffolk - 150 doses x 2 rams
Suffolk - 60 doses x 1 ram
Texel - 150 doses x 2 rams
Texel - 60 doses x 1 ram
Hampshire Down – 90 doses x 2 rams
Meatlinc – 90 doses x 2 rams
The following rams will be purchased for natural service
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Charollais – 12 rams
Suffolk – 12 rams
Texel – 12 rams
Hampshire Down – 6 rams
Meatlinc – 6 rams
Selection protocol
The selection of rams and semen will take into account:
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Genetic merit of the ram
o EBVs in the Top 20% of the breed, including some with higher figures
o Accuracy values for each EBV
o Balance of EBVs for the farm’s breeding objectives
Connectedness to the breeding programme
o For stock rams and semen, preference will be given to sires with large
numbers of progeny in multiple flocks
Diversity of breeding lines being tested
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o Seeking sires that are not closely related
Ram age – with preference for shearlings and stock rams.
Issues relating to experimental design and balance of genetic merit
Cost of the ram (incorporating a haulage charge)
System under which the ram has been reared
Flock health status
Quality of performance records taken on ram, his contemporaries and his
relatives (including availability of CT data)
Ease of semen collection and storage (if applicable)
Maximum of two rams on-test per breeder
RamCompare farm preferences in relation to Meatlinc and Hampshire Down
The views of the RamCompare farm participants
In the case of semen procurement, priority will be given to rams where high
quality semen is already frozen and readily available, with preference being
given to rams where large quantities are available.
Where similar rams are put forward, the proximity of the breeder to the host farm will
be taken into consideration, with close proximity being an advantage.
Reaching a decision
The final decision relating to the procurement of rams and semen will be made by an
AHDB Breeding Specialist.
In each case a verbal discussion will then take place with the ram breeder relating to
procurement, followed by a “procurement form” which is intended to provide a
binding agreement to purchase the ram/semen ( subject to a number of conditions
being achieved).
Financial structure
The financial structure supporting this pilot project aims to test its financial
sustainability. The prices for the procurement of rams and semen are set with this in
mind.
o Semen will be purchased to a maximum value of £10/straw
o Rams will be purchased to a maximum value of £750/ram – to include delivery
to an agreed location