NSIP Record System
The National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) is a performance based genetic evaluation program designed to help sheep producers choose breeding stock with the best genetics. The NSIP genetic evaluation provides across-flock Expected Progeny Differences (EPD’s) for sheep, which are the same genetic tools used by beef, dairy and swine livestock breeders. Producers who are members of NSIP receive EPD values on all their sheep, and these values are used to reliably compare the genetics of different animals. Breeders use these reliable genetic measures to improve their flock genetics and provide information that can be used to advertise their breeding stock. NSIP tries to work through breed associations to provide the best source of genetic prediction for important performance traits in the sheep industry.
NSIP Homepage: http://www.nsip.org/
Well defined breeding objectives for livestock selection programs are needed to reduce the risk of sub-optimal genetic improvement of all economically important traits, which may result in less-than-maximum profitability. The objective was to develop an economic breeding objective for the Targhee sheep breed that integrates the combined value of genetic improvements for both meat and wool production to achieve optimal economic benefit from animal selection. Performance data from flocks participating in the National Sheep Improvement Programs (NSIP) genetic evaluation was used to develop a simulated research model for economical analysis of genetic values for the following traits: 120 day weaning weight, maternal milk, yearling weight, fleece weight, fiber diameter, staple length, and percent lamb crop (lambs born/100 ewes lambing). Profit indexes were developed as selection tools that simultaneously improve all economically important traits resulting in profitable genetic improvement for sheep. The different indexes assumed a wide range of lamb performance and market lamb values that are common to Targhee breeders.
Genetic improvement typically focuses on market lamb performance, however the correlated response to this type of selection on lifetime ewe performance has not been will documented in sheep. The objectives are to evaluate the genetic relationships between EPD values that are reported by NSIP genetic evaluations and lifetime performance of breeding ewes to sustain adult flock survival while continually selecting for improved lamb growth and wool characteristics. Data for the Montana State University commercial Targhee flock will be analyzed to establish a genetic measure of ewe survival that can be incorporated into a profit index to ensure genetic improvement of lean muscle growth and wool does not have detrimental effects on lifetime ewe performance.