Importing sheep genetics from New Zealand?

[Global ovine]

I am a great believer in looking at what has already been achieved by others to get that functional sheep with the heritability traits already built in.

This rationale is certainly commendable if there is not the genetic variation within the existing gene pool of possible options in which to instigate a rigorous selection policy, or a lifetime of work may slip by without reaching the original goals.
The introduction of imported genetics will fast track some of those hard to achieve boxes needing to be ticked. However getting those genetics to be proven as suitable for an environment different to where they were selected will require quite a bit of experimentation. A range of animals will need to be imported to get genetic diversity that will open and possibly close some of the options. And that may prove difficult getting import compliant candidates......thinking ARR ARR and freedom from some diseases such as Lympho and Johnnes.

 

[Jockers84]

why not just get a good wooled IDF that will give yer a good spinning fleece around 23-25 micron good growths ok lambing % right ones quite bomb proof in the feet run on a oilly rag just got to breed the tail a bit shorter if thats yer bell ringer

I don’t think I’ve seen an IDF in Scotland, closest thing would be a meatlinc that thrown towards the IDF type.

 

[neilo]

I don’t think I’ve seen an IDF in Scotland, closest thing would be a meatlinc that thrown towards the IDF type.

i expect you find some a lot closer than New Zealand though.

 

[CopperBeech]

I still don’t quite understand what you’re actually wanting to spend a huge amount of money to get over here ? Doesnt seem particularly groundbreaking ? And I’d have thought anything with merino would be terrible here

 

[Jockers84]

i expect you find some a lot closer than New Zealand though.

I was waiting for this comment

 

[Jockers84]

I still don’t quite understand what you’re actually wanting to spend a huge amount of money to get over here ? Doesnt seem particularly groundbreaking ? And I’d have thought anything with merino would be terrible here

It’s just a discussion, OP was regarding technicalities of importing stock from NZ, the conversation has since developed with no set agenda. It just folk putting ideas out looking at improving margins and get ahead of the curve for expected changes in government policies and consumer habits - there’s no right or wrong.

 

[CopperBeech]

It’s just a discussion, OP was regarding technicalities of importing stock from NZ, the conversation has since developed with no set agenda. It just folk putting ideas out looking at improving margins and get ahead of the curve for expected changes in government policies and consumer habits - there’s no right or wrong.

It wasn’t meant as a dig, I am still just confused a bit. As said I know several folk who have brought / are bringing animals in from NZ and also semen / embryos from OZ. Also embryos and semen out from uk to NZ.

Most of them are bringing a certain type over which will compliment their existing breeding programme ...... ie top ranking Romney rams that carry specific traits or genes, to go over their Romney flock in the uk. Or similar.

I was just curious about these wooly, ethical whatsit do dahs and if bringing over a ram or two would really have much of an impact in a breeding programme going over random (unrelated, different breed / type) ewes.

As said I am still slightly confused about what angle or traits you’re trying to focus on.

And yes, I’m just discussing to..... that’s the nature of a discussion.

I struggle to see how a merino is of any use to man or beast in the UK.

Wool is dying ....... fast.

 

[Jockers84]

It wasn’t meant as a dig, I am still just confused a bit. As said I know several folk who have brought / are bringing animals in from NZ and also semen / embryos from OZ. Also embryos and semen out from uk to NZ.

Most of them are bringing a certain type over which will compliment their existing breeding programme ...... ie top ranking Romney rams that carry specific traits or genes, to go over their Romney flock in the uk. Or similar.

I was just curious about these wooly, ethical whatsit do dahs and if bringing over a ram or two would really have much of an impact in a breeding programme going over random (unrelated, different breed / type) ewes.

As said I am still slightly confused about what angle or traits you’re trying to focus on.

And yes, I’m just discussing to..... that’s the nature of a discussion.

I struggle to see how a merino is of any use to man or beast in the UK.

Wool is dying ....... fast.

Hi, basically (after many years of geeking out) I personally think these sheep have real potential for the future. So with that in mind I’m trying to understand both the logistical and financial implications for someone to import these. I’m much in favour of utilising genetics from established breeding programs, learn from their mistakes rather than make them all myself. For a long time I was quiet interested in the tefroms but have since been swayed more towards the ethical marketed breeds. Tefroms we’re substantially imported by Easyram and marketed as Easydam. For me the next logical new composite we’ll see from NZ will be one of the low micron, clean breach & short tailed types. I suppose they follow a similar mantra to easycares apart from making the wool a premium product.

 

[CopperBeech]

It’s the whole “ethical breeds” thing which puts me off. That is an awful name

I find it very interesting / strange that you’re putting so much faith in wool. Can see that as a plus for a small scale niche production, but not for any scale in the UK.

Or indeed in NZ.

I still don’t quite get what they are, a wooly sheep with a clean belly and naturally short tail ?

Any photos or links ?

 

[Jockers84]

It’s the whole “ethical breeds” thing which puts me off. That is an awful name

I find it very interesting / strange that you’re putting so much faith in wool. Can see that as a plus for a small scale niche production, but not for any scale in the UK.

Or indeed in NZ.

I still don’t quite get what they are, a wooly sheep with a clean belly and naturally short tail ?

Any photos or links ?

I agree the name is a bit different but hopefully aligns better with public perception. It’s only a name at the end of the day, doesn’t affect the actual animals.

Yes with the change of attitude from the excess of the 90’s to the carbon conscious present day I think wool has a future, especially lustre grades.

links wise, I’ll see what I can find, I’d listed breeders in a previous post so you find them via those. Some of the NZ folk on here will know better.

 

[CopperBeech]

I agree the name is a bit different but hopefully aligns better with public perception. It’s only a name at the end of the day, doesn’t affect the actual animals.

Yes with the change of attitude from the excess of the 90’s to the carbon conscious present day I think wool has a future, especially lustre grades.

links wise, I’ll see what I can find, I’d listed breeders in a previous post so you find them via those. Some of the NZ folk on here will know better.

Seeing as the kiwis are flat out importing wool shedding genetics I do find the idea of bringing wooly sheep this way interesting / odd.

 

[Jockers84]

Seeing as the kiwis are flat out importing wool shedding genetics I do find the idea of bringing wooly sheep this way interesting / odd.

Well the more wool shedders there are, the more demand there should be for the remaining harvested wool lol

 

[CopperBeech]

Well the more wool shedders there are, the more demand there should be for the remaining harvested wool lol

This I do agree with. Stop producing shite wool abs only produce the higher quality stuff and you’ll probably find a decent market

 

[neilo]

Seeing as the kiwis are flat out importing wool shedding genetics I do find the idea of bringing wooly sheep this way interesting / odd.

You mean ‘some’ shedding genetics have gone to NZ. It’s hardly a revolution yet.

 

[CopperBeech]

You mean ‘some’ shedding genetics have gone to NZ. It’s hardly a revolution yet.

No it’s hardly a revolution.

But there have been more than the lot that’s been sent to Wairre that’s gone out there, and they have quite a lot of home bred shedding genetics already as well.

 

[exmoorromney]

I agree the name is a bit different but hopefully aligns better with public perception. It’s only a name at the end of the day, doesn’t affect the actual animals.

Yes with the change of attitude from the excess of the 90’s to the carbon conscious present day I think wool has a future, especially lustre grades.

links wise, I’ll see what I can find, I’d listed breeders in a previous post so you find them via those. Some of the NZ folk on here will know better.

Weren't they called the 'ultimate' sheep, developed by Avalon genetics?

Ultimate | Avalon Genetics

Ultimate Avalon sheep are New Zealand's high performance, low input sheep - the ultimate lifestyle sheep for farmers.

www.avalongenetics.co.nz

 

[unlacedgecko]

Weren't they called the 'ultimate' sheep, developed by Avalon genetics?

Ultimate | Avalon Genetics

Ultimate Avalon sheep are New Zealand's high performance, low input sheep - the ultimate lifestyle sheep for farmers.

www.avalongenetics.co.nz

I was just about to Google and post that. However, I think the Ultimate is a strong wool rather than a fine wool.

What OP is describing appears to be an Ultimate with Merino quality fleece.

 

[unlacedgecko]

It’s the whole “ethical breeds” thing which puts me off. That is an awful name

It was originally used to refer to Merinos which didn't need mulesing.

 

[exmoorromney]

I was just about to Google and post that. However, I think the Ultimate is a strong wool rather than a fine wool.

What OP is describing appears to be an Ultimate with Merino quality fleece.

I think you are right yes, I haven't heard of anyone trying the same with fine wool though. When I first read about the ultimate I was very interested to hear more but that was a few years ago and haven't heard anything of note since so assumed it was a dead duck?

 

[unlacedgecko]

I think you are right yes, I haven't heard of anyone trying the same with fine wool though. When I first read about the ultimate I was very interested to hear more but that was a few years ago and haven't heard anything of note since so assumed it was a dead duck?

I don't know. I'm not sure Allan is still running Avalon. But if you speak to whoever through the website I'm sure they will explain.