The Texas A & M Ram Central Performance test was conducted for nearly 70 years to identify genetically superior rams. In 2018, the performance test was discontinued to focus on new technology in sheep breeding. We encourage sheep breeders use the National Sheep Improvement Program to generate Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for commercially important traits. This change was made to improve selection of sheep in their natural environment and measure traits that were not possible to be included in central ram tests, such as reproductive efficiency and parasite resistance. Assistance is available to help breeders make this transition. Moreover, we are actively using this technology in breeding sheep at the San Angelo center. These research flocks are resource flocks to create genetic linkages across flocks in Texas and beyond. Moreover, we are conducting genomics research to help the industry apply this technology when it becomes available. The performance test has been reported in several publications.
Dr. Reid Redden • Dr. Jake Thorne
Ram Performance Test Historical Record: 1948-2018
Sire Summary, 1995 – Present • Historical Performance Summary 1980 – 2018 • Pictures of Rams from Previous Tests
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