Semen Collection and Distribution from Top Kikitangeo Sire
We have decided to collect semen from our top worm resistant sire – Kikitangeo G197-14 – and make it available to other ram breeders. It will be the first time that semen from a top worm resistant ram has been made available in New Zealand. The measure for assessing worm resistance in the SIL recording system is the DPF figure, which takes into account a ram’s faecal egg counts – we take at least two counts per year – combined with all the historical data. A figure of 0.00 is taken as the base, or average number, with a minus figure indicating susceptibility to worms and a positive figure resistance.
This year, for the first time, we had three rams born 2017 that had a DPF figure of over 900 with the top ram being 969. Two years previous, the top ram had a DPF of 750, which indicates that the rate of progress in breeding for this resistant trait is now increasing at a rapid rate.
Kiki G197-14 as a two tooth had a DPF of 662, which ranked him 4th out of 385 in his year. He also ranked 6th in the overall index. These figures are estimated forecasts of how their progeny should perform. As more data is fed into the SIL system from a ram’s progeny, a more accurate figure results. Now after three years of extra data, the DPF figure for G197-14 has increased to 946, which should indicate a more accurate assessment of his true worth for worm resistance.
Physical traits of G197-14
He is a medium sized ram, very “stocky”, thick set, with great chest and gut capacity. He moves well, which indicates structural soundness. He has sound well shaped feet which have never required any attention (every year, we examine the feet of all two tooth rams and grade them for structure, shape and freedom from faults. The sons of G197-14 have always been in the top bracket in this assessment).
His wool is on the finer side of medium, has good colour and quality. From a Romney breed type point of view, he ticks all the boxes and his progeny stand out for these attributes.
Readers of this summary need to appreciate this sire is the culmination of over 30 years of intensive breeding which includes a cost of approximately $5,000 per annum (faecal egg sampling). This does not take into account the cost of labour which includes extra handling and about 30 hours per annum spent collecting dung samples. Furthermore because over the past decade, lambs are only drenched when needed, they have to be checked at least twice weekly to see if any lambs do need drenching (the barbers’ pole worm, once it weakens the immune system by reducing blood, can kill a lamb in a matter of days). In spite of careful monitoring, a few lambs are lost which is the result of walking a tightrope and taking things to the limit.
When semen becomes available – hopefully in the third week of March – a price will be determined. If you require further information or wish to place an order, please make contact by telephone (09 423 7034) or email glevet5192@gmail.com
We have decided to collect semen from our top worm resistant sire – Kikitangeo G197-14 – and make it available to other ram breeders. It will be the first time that semen from a top worm resistant ram has been made available in New Zealand. The measure for assessing worm resistance in the SIL recording system is the DPF figure, which takes into account a ram’s faecal egg counts – we take at least two counts per year – combined with all the historical data. A figure of 0.00 is taken as the base, or average number, with a minus figure indicating susceptibility to worms and a positive figure resistance.
This year, for the first time, we had three rams born 2017 that had a DPF figure of over 900 with the top ram being 969. Two years previous, the top ram had a DPF of 750, which indicates that the rate of progress in breeding for this resistant trait is now increasing at a rapid rate.
Kiki G197-14 as a two tooth had a DPF of 662, which ranked him 4th out of 385 in his year. He also ranked 6th in the overall index. These figures are estimated forecasts of how their progeny should perform. As more data is fed into the SIL system from a ram’s progeny, a more accurate figure results. Now after three years of extra data, the DPF figure for G197-14 has increased to 946, which should indicate a more accurate assessment of his true worth for worm resistance.
Physical traits of G197-14
He is a medium sized ram, very “stocky”, thick set, with great chest and gut capacity. He moves well, which indicates structural soundness. He has sound well shaped feet which have never required any attention (every year, we examine the feet of all two tooth rams and grade them for structure, shape and freedom from faults. The sons of G197-14 have always been in the top bracket in this assessment).
His wool is on the finer side of medium, has good colour and quality. From a Romney breed type point of view, he ticks all the boxes and his progeny stand out for these attributes.
Readers of this summary need to appreciate this sire is the culmination of over 30 years of intensive breeding which includes a cost of approximately $5,000 per annum (faecal egg sampling). This does not take into account the cost of labour which includes extra handling and about 30 hours per annum spent collecting dung samples. Furthermore because over the past decade, lambs are only drenched when needed, they have to be checked at least twice weekly to see if any lambs do need drenching (the barbers’ pole worm, once it weakens the immune system by reducing blood, can kill a lamb in a matter of days). In spite of careful monitoring, a few lambs are lost which is the result of walking a tightrope and taking things to the limit.
When semen becomes available – hopefully in the third week of March – a price will be determined. If you require further information or wish to place an order, please make contact by telephone (09 423 7034) or email glevet5192@gmail.com
