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Practical breeding developments and future prospects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

M. K. Curran
M. K. Curran
Affiliation:
Wye College, University of London, Wye, Ashford TN25 5AH
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Abstract

This paper is a review of practical sheep breeding improvement schemes and techniques in the UK. Recent breed population changes in each of the broad categories of hill, longwool/crossing, longwool ewe, terminal sire and shortwool ewe breeds are outlined. Current or planned improvement programmes are reported for Welsh Mountain, Beulah, Scottish Blackface, Border Leicester, Cambridge, Friesland, Romney, Texel, Suffolk, Lleyn and Merino breeds. The techniques of genetic improvement currently available are discussed including some costs and likely genetic gains; techniques include group breeding schemes, artificial insemination, multiple ovulation and embryo transplant, best linear unbiased prediction and transgenic methods. The application of these techniques and contribution they could make to future sheep improvement are assessed.

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Type
Research Article
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 14: New Developments in Sheep Production , January 1990 , pp. 13 - 22
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 1990

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