Comments from Scientists on our Kikitangeo Stud

Dr Jon Hickford, Lincoln University:

“While it is important to pursue production traits, it is also important to breed sheep that are robust and can perform well in our most challenging environments.  In this respect, the Kikitangeo Stud is well known for having a flock that has a high degree of resistance to internal parasites, and reasonable tolerance to Facial Eczema.  Kikitangeo has long been acknowledged as placing emphasis on breeding sheep that are less susceptible to foot diseases, and have used our DNA services to score feet for resistance or susceptibility to foot diseases.”

Dr John McEwan, AgResearch, Invermay states:

“Gordon Levet Kikitangeo Romney stud has been selecting for increased resistance to worm infection for the longest of any commercial stud in New Zealand in fact since 1987.  The fact that he has done this consistently and well is shown in that on the latest SIL-ACE trait leader lists (June 2012) where the Kikitangeo stud has the top 3 progeny tested rams ranked for parasite resistance.  The best rams breeding values are around -70% depending on age and time of measurement.  This means the animal deposits 70% less contamination on pasture than the “average animal”.  This is taken as the typical SIL recorded animal born in 1995.”