Dairy Sheep Symposium - the Department of Animal Sciences ...

The structure and movement of animals for the whole breeding group is shown in Figure 3.
The best EPD rams are shared by all members of the group. Young rams are progeny tested in all
member flocks. Artificial insemination (fresh or frozen) is used.
Flock B
Flock B
Young
rams
Flock C
Flock C
Young
rams
Youn
g
Flock A
Flock A
Flock D
Flock D
Youn
g
Best
rams
Figure 3. Design of a group breeding scheme.
Young
rams
Flock F
Flock F
Ram
Pool
Flock E
Flock E
Advantages of a Group Breeding Scheme
- A Group Breeding Scheme can be easily started by a group of producers already
involved in a small cooperative (milk marketing) or any other association.
- The maximum genetic gain is realized in the “elite” group. The genetic gain is rapidly
passed to the base population and all member flocks improve at the same rate.
- Manageable population size (a few hundred to a few thousand) if the group stays at a
reasonable size.
- Only a small percentage of ewes need to be recorded with great accuracy, reducing
expenses, time and labor.
- Financial rewards for the members through the sale of surplus breeding animals based
on accurate genetic value.