Innovis breeding for worm resistance
Breeding sheep with increased immunity to roundworms is one key tool to help sheep breeders to slow the development of wormer resistance and reduce the costs associated with worm control. Breeding for worm resistance also provides a useful way to improve your flock performance and a valuable marketing tool for selling rams.
Innovis are pleased to provide the FEC analysis service which Signet use to generate the FEC EBV. This is incorporated into Signet’s performance recording programmes so that you can identify sheep that are that more resistant to roundworms and also have superior genes for other performance traits.
Your advantage
- Lambs that are more resistant to worms tend to grow faster and need less drenching
- Ewes sired by more resistant rams shed fewer eggs at lambing, reducing pasture contamination and improving lamb growth rates
- Selection for worm resistance in self-contained flocks can greatly reduce the need for routine drenching.
Test more – gain more!
Since the greatest value is gained by those who collect the largest amounts of data, Innovis offers breeders a discount for larger batches of samples. Subsidies are also available from EBLEX, HCC and QMS to support breeders in England, Wales and Scotland who wish to use this tool in their flocks.
Ask our Innovis team about breeding for worm resistance
What does breeding for worm resistance involve?
Worm resistance can be assessed by analysing an animal’s faecal egg count (FEC), to do this lambs must be experiencing a worm challenge. Individual faecal samples are sent to Innovis for FEC laboratory analysis. These FEC scores are sent directly to Signet to produce an Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) for FEC.
How do I take faecal samples?
Sampling is really easy! Contact Innovis to order a sampling kit, this comes complete with bags, gloves and labels as well as details explaining how to do the sampling. Faeces must be collected fresh and we need to have at least 5g (4-5 pellets) or a teaspoon equivalent.
How do I know my lambs have been exposed to worms?
To help ensure that your lambs are experiencing a challenge before you start individually testing, we recommend you carry out a mob sample on the lambs beforehand. Innovis staff can then advise you when egg counts are high enough to consider sampling individuals – saving you unnecessary time and expense. Lambs should not have been treated for worms within the last 4 weeks before sampling, they will have grazed “dirty” pastures during that time and they will have been managed in the same way. Don’t sample lambs which have been given long-acting or persistent drenches.
How many lambs should I test?
The most accurate breeding values will be obtained in flocks that sample all their lambs. If this isn’t possible then at least 20 animals per sex should be tested to provide. a meaningful sample and at least 5 lambs of the same sex tested per sire. For best results, sample a cross section of your flock – not just “the best” lambs.
When should I test my lambs?
Samples can be sent once lambs are over 18 weeks of age and at least 5 days before your designated BLUP deadline.
Is the FEC EBV service available for all breeds?
FEC analysis services are currently available to Texel, Suffolk, Charollais, Welsh Hardy Speckles, Romney, Lleyn, Bluefaced Leicester and Scottish Blackface breeders. If you are interested in having FEC samples analysed for another breed please contact Signet before sampling your sheep.
How much does breeding for worm resistance cost?
The cost of breeding for worm resistance includes the laboratory cost plus the Signet fee for providing FEC breeding values. Discounts are available to breeders sending in more than 100 samples and subsidies are currently available form EBLEX, HCC and QMS. Contact our Aberystwyth Centre on 01970 828236 for the current prices and subsidy information.
Do you need our expertise?
For further information about breeding for worm resistance contact our Aberystwyth Centre on 01970 828236 or email enquiries@innovis.org.uk.
