1. Increase flock connectedness, strengthening the quality of Signet breeding evaluations.
2. Provide a short-term injection of elite genetics into a breed, with the additional benefits if these sires are widely used and their genes retained in the population.
3. Increase the profile of recording within Breeds and Societies.
A sum of £2,500 will be made available to the successful RLP applicant.
3 or more
top 10%
25+
Note: Rams who exhibit exceptional performance in specific traits (EBVs) that could be considered to improve the breed in a sustainable direction can also be nominated.
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Additional criteria which could be taken into consideration are: o Recorded progeny born in one or more flocks. o Scrapie Genotype. o High accuracy values for traits of interest. o Two generations of recorded ancestors. o Has been a Reference Sire with more to contribute to the breed.
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The awarding panel must be convinced that there is a high chance that the semen collected would be used in multiple flocks. In small breeds, a written statement of intent from those breeders wishing to use the semen may be requested.
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There are no age restrictions.
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EBLEX will consider nominations twice a year in June and September.
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Breed Societies, Breeding Groups or Individuals can nominate rams for semen collection and nominations should be sent to Dylan Laws by the dates notified in the nomination letter.
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Nominations are competitive and open to any Signet recorded breed based in the UK, analysed on an across-flock basis, and with five or more Signet recording flocks in England.
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Two rams are selected at each round (total of four rams per year).
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More than one ram per breed can be nominated in each round.
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In the event of a number of eligible rams within a breed being nominated, those with the highest
EBVs/index within the breed will have the best chance of selection.
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The nominating body or individual will be informed of the outcome within one month of the deadline.
Revised May 2012 (Dylan Laws)

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A total payment of £2,500 will be made to the organisation or individual who nominates the ram to cover semen collection and storage costs of a minimum of 350 straws . o EBLEX will make one payment of £1,250 upon the successful collection and storage of 350 straws of semen.
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The facilitator responsible for the collection must provide proof of the number of straws collected o A second payment of £1,250 will be made after 350 semen straws have been distributed.
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Prior to the final payment records must be submitted containing: o Which breeders have used the semen o How many doses they received
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Semen must be made available free of charge to any breeder wishing to use it (do not have to be registered with Signet), for 3 years (after 3 years unused semen can be disposed of).
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Payment of handling/shipping charges for semen distribution is the responsibility of the breeder wishing to use the semen.
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Any additional straws (exceeding 350) are the property of the nominee who is/are free to market them as they wish.
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EBLEX will not be liable for any costs incurred in the unsuccessful attempt to collect semen from any ram or rams.
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The distribution of the funding is at the complete discretion of the group/individual awarded funding.
One way to distribute funds might be: o £750 ram fee o £1500 for semen collection o £250 for semen storage
Funds should be allocated by the applicant to ensure the storage costs for the three years are covered.
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EBLEX will use successful rams as case studies for publicising the SLP. The relevant party will be informed of any activities.
Revised May 2012 (Dylan Laws)