Efficiency in Lamb Breeding: A ProBreed Perspective In 2024, the processing sector has shown a keen interest in heavier lambs. However, at ProBreed, we firmly believe that efficiency remains the cornerstone of successful lamb production. Let's delve into how ProBreed's approach aligns with this philosophy.   1. The Pursuit of Efficiency Efficiency is multifaceted. It encompasses not only the number of lambs produced but also their growth rate and overall health. As a producer, it's essential to strike a balance between size and efficiency. While larger lambs may seem appealing, their rapid growth and feed consumed can sometimes come at the expense of long-term productivity. THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVIEW To support our commitment to efficiency, we draw insights from the literature review titled Improving the on-farm energetic efficiency of the Australian lamb industry . Conducted by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), this review explores key factors influencing energy utilisation in lamb production. Here are some highlights: Energy Conversion and Utilisation Understanding energy partitioning—gross energy, digestible energy, metabolisable energy, and net energy—is crucial. Factors like feed quality, photoperiod, temperature, and humidity impact energy utilisation. Animal Factors and Genetics Sex, birth type, and temperament influence efficiency. Genotype matters too—high growth potential, muscling potential, and back fat potential play a role. Maternal genetics also affect lamb performance. Growth Trajectory and Body Composition Steady, balanced growth is essential for efficiency. Monitoring fat score and body composition helps maintain optimal lamb development. Prenatal Influences Maternal nutrition and stress during gestation impact lamb efficiency. 2. Grass-Fed Growth in the First 100 Days The critical early period—those first 100 days—sets the foundation for lamb development. ProBreed focuses on sires that excel in grass-fed environments. Our rams are carefully selected based on their ability to thrive on natural pasture, efficiently converting it into healthy lamb growth. Sustainability is at the core of our practices, ensuring robust lambs without compromising efficiency. 3. ProBreed's Commitment to the Australian Lamb Industry Remember that ProBreed supplies rams to the Australian lamb industry. Our dedication to efficiency extends beyond individual producers—it contributes to the industry's overall success. By prioritising efficient breeding practices, we collectively enhance lamb production across the nation. 4. Stay Focussed As a producer, it's tempting to be seduced by the allure of bigger lambs. However, we encourage you to stay focused on efficiency. Consider the long-term benefits of well-balanced growth and sustainable practices. ProBreed stands by your side, providing support and guidance on this rewarding journey. At ProBreed, we refuse mediocrity and embrace a growth mindset. Prioritise efficiency—it's the key to sustainable success! 🐑💡  Upcoming Ram Sale ProBreed rams available for private selection, by appointment, from Wednesday 9 October 2024.

In the quest for excellence within the Australian Lamb Industry, the role of genetics cannot be overstated. At the forefront of this genetic evolution are Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs), a set of predictive tools that are reshaping how we understand and select ram genetics for a sustainable and profitable future. ASBVs provide a comprehensive prediction of an animal’s genetic merit for a range of economically important traits .   These traits encompass growth, carcass and eating quality, wool characteristics, reproduction, health, and welfare traits. By evaluating these traits, ASBVs offer a glimpse into the potential performance of an animal’s progeny, based on the genetic legacy they inherit. Unlike Flock Breeding Values (FBVs), which are limited to comparisons within a single flock, ASBVs are comparable across different flocks.  This universality allows for a broader, more accurate assessment of genetic merit, facilitating better-informed selection decisions across the industry. The process of estimating ASBVs involves a meticulous analysis of data, pedigree, and genomic information collected by Sheep Genetics members.  This data-driven approach ensures that the breeding values reflect a true genetic potential, rather than being influenced by environmental factors. Indexes, which combine multiple production traits into a single, weighted figure, further streamline the selection process.  By ranking animals based on these indexes, breeders can quickly identify the best candidates for their specific production goals, ensuring balanced genetic progress. ProBreed’s commitment to utilising ASBVs in ram selection exemplifies the innovative spirit driving the Australian Lamb Industry forward.  By embracing these advanced genetic tools, ProBreed is not only enhancing the quality and performance of their rams but also contributing to the industry’s overarching goal of producing high-quality, sustainable lamb products for the world. For more insights into the transformative impact of ASBVs on ram genetics and the Australian Lamb Industry, stay tuned to upcoming articles at probreed.com.au/blog where we will delve deeper into each trait and the science behind genetic selection. x

Rebuilding Flocks with High Fertility Maternal Lines One constant is climate variability where droughts can challenge even the hardiest of sheep, breeders seek resilient solutions. ProBreed, a trusted name in the industry, offers three distinct ram lines: ProBreed Maternal ; ProBreed Plus ; and ProBreed Terminal . Let's explore how high fertility maternal rams play a crucial role in rebuilding flocks after droughts. 1. The PROBREED MATERNAL  Line Self Replacing Fertility: The ProBreed Maternal line is a beacon of fertility. Ewes within this lineage consistently produce healthy lambs, ensuring the flock's continuity. Adaptability: These rams thrive in diverse conditions. Their ability to conceive and rear lambs efficiently makes them ideal for rebuilding flocks post-drought. 2. The PROBREED PLUS Line Performance Merino Infusions: The ProBreed Plus combines the best of both worlds. By infusing performance merino genetics, it achieves lower micron wool without compromising maternal traits. Dual Purpose: These rams contribute to both wool and meat production. Their adaptability allows breeders to rebuild their flocks while maintaining wool quality. 3. The PROBREED TERMINAL Line Meat Excellence: The ProBreed Terminal line focuses on meat production. These rams deliver rapid early growth and superior meat quality. Easy Lambing: Their genetics ensure smooth lambing, minimising stress during critical periods. High Fertility Maternal Rams: Fast Recovery: After a drought, rebuilding flocks swiftly is essential. High fertility maternal rams play a pivotal role with shorter breeding intervals. These rams reduce the time between lambing seasons. More Lambs Per Annum: Ewes conceive sooner, leading to more lambs per year. Their genetics favour multiple births. More lambs mean faster flock replenishment. Healthy Lambs: High fertility rams produce robust lambs, increasing survival rates. A Numbers Game: As management has moved to capture the opportunity that higher fertility ewes possess our industry leading maternal lines place most producers in the best position to rebuild flocks cost effectively. As droughts test our resolve, ProBreed Rams stand strong. Whether it's the Maternal, Plus, or Terminal line, their genetics empower breeders to rebuild with confidence. Let's celebrate our high fertility maternal rams, rebuilding our flocks, one lamb at a time. #ProBreedRams #FlockResilience #SheepIndustry

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Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Our Breeds. Probreed Terminal. Probreed Terminal. Probreed Terminal. ProBreed Terminal is the ideal breed type for producers who want to maximise their carcase yield and quality, by focusing on growth and muscling traits. ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high post-weaning weight, eye muscle depth and intramuscular fat ASBVs, as well as low birth weight and high survival ASBVs. They are also selected for high lean meat yield and dressing percentage, to increase the value of their progeny. ProBreed Terminal sires are suitable for mating with crossbred ewes, to produce premium prime lambs for domestic and export markets. Post-weaning weight is the weight of a lamb at 200 days of age, adjusted for age, sex and management. It is a key trait for lamb growth and profitability, as it reflects the genetic potential of a lamb to grow from weaning to slaughter. Post-weaning weight is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as sire, dam, nutrition, health and management. ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high post-weaning weight (PWT) ASBV, which means that they have the genetic potential to produce lambs that grow faster and heavier from weaning to slaughter, compared to other sires. By using ProBreed Terminal sires, you can increase your lamb growth rate, turn-off weight and profitability. You can also reduce your feed costs, labour costs and time to market, as you can finish your lambs earlier and more efficiently. Intramuscular fat is the fat that is deposited within the muscle fibres, also known as marbling. It is a key trait for lamb eating quality and demand, as it affects the tenderness, juiciness, flavour and appearance of lamb. Intramuscular fat is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as breed, sire, dam, nutrition, health and management. ProBreed Terminal sires are selected for high intramuscular fat (IMF) ASBV, which means that they have the genetic potential to produce lambs that have higher levels of marbling, compared to other sires. By using ProBreed Terminal sires, you can improve your lamb eating quality and demand. You can also access premium markets and prices, as you can meet the specifications and expectations of discerning consumers and customers. Terminal Pricing 10% VOLUME BUY DISCOUNT (4+) Premium ​ Standard ​ Basic ​ Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation. Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation. Sheep Breeding is a complex and challenging activity that requires planning, management and evaluation. There are many factors that influence the performance, health and profitability of your flock, such as genetics, nutrition, health, environment and market conditions. To help you achieve your breeding goals, you need a reliable and trusted partner that can provide you with the best genetics, advice and support. That partner is ProBreed, the leading sheep breeding company in Australia. ProBreed offers a range of breed types that are designed to suit different production systems and market requirements. Whether you are looking for maternal, dual-purpose or terminal sires, ProBreed has the right solution for you. Probreed Maternal Probreed Terminal Probreed Plus Blog Posts Contact Us