In 2011 we began to use a simple weight ratio scheme in our flock, which we called LLEYN GOLD, to identify our milkiest and most productive ewes. LLEYN GOLD involves weighing lambs around 8 weeks old and the ewe at weaning. Dividing the total lamb weight by the ewe weight gives a ratio not only indicative of the ewe's maternal ability but also related to total lamb produced per acre, a Key Profit Indicator.
The Lleyn Sheep Society adopted LLEYN GOLD in 2014 as a tool for breeders to improve the performance of their flocks.
By weeding out the poor performers, and retaining lambs from the best, the overall flock performance can be improved dramatically. In our flock, over the 2011 to 2015 period, we increased our ratio from 0.45 to 0.60, meaning that our average ewe produced 11 kg more lamb at 8 weeks than 4 years previously. This performance has been maintained ever since.
The tables emphasise the improvements that can be made over time. In 2011 49% of ewes were GOLD or SILVER, with 39% unclassified (ratio less than 0.4). Since 2017 well over 80% of ewes were GOLD or SILVER.
The Lleyn Sheep Society adopted LLEYN GOLD in 2014 as a tool for breeders to improve the performance of their flocks.
By weeding out the poor performers, and retaining lambs from the best, the overall flock performance can be improved dramatically. In our flock, over the 2011 to 2015 period, we increased our ratio from 0.45 to 0.60, meaning that our average ewe produced 11 kg more lamb at 8 weeks than 4 years previously. This performance has been maintained ever since.
The tables emphasise the improvements that can be made over time. In 2011 49% of ewes were GOLD or SILVER, with 39% unclassified (ratio less than 0.4). Since 2017 well over 80% of ewes were GOLD or SILVER.
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