4: Episode 4: Ram Focus - using genetic information

Ram Focus - using genetic information. In this episode we are joined by Dr Noirin McHugh from Teagasc and Kevin McDermott programme manager with Sheep Ireland. Since the introduction of the Eurostar index in sheep we now have an additional tool to use when selecting rams. Noirin talks us through the terminal and replacement index and the key criteria to pay attention. We also get the opportunity to discuss the results on the on farm validation of the Eurostar index which examined the differences observed in progeny from high and low genetic merit rams on commercial farms. In the second half of the podcast we catch up with Kevin McDermott. We start the conversation discusses the level of breeder involvement and information being recorded with Sheep Ireland. We also discuss the online ram search tool that’s available on their website (www.sheep.ie). Kevin also describes the across breed evaluation a new initiative launched in 2019 and how this can be used by commercial farmers.