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Report celebrates genetic advances in sheep industry
Pair of sheep
The report features success stories from farmers who have found huge benefit from flock recording.

Genetic gain 'having a real impact' at farm level

A report championing genetic advances in the English sheep industry has been published by AHDB Beef & Lamb.  

The report looks at the ten years since AHDB Beef & Lamb launched the Better Returns Programme (BRP), which focuses on the use of superior genetics as one of its key areas.

AHDB say that the publication shows how genetic gain is having a real impact at farm level, by centering on the achievements of breeders in England and giving examples of best practice with regard to the breeding and marketing of rams.

The report features success stories from farmers who have found huge benefit from flock recording and the use of technology such as Computed Tomography (CT) scanning.  It also includes technical advice showing how breeders could make faster rates of genetic gain in their flocks.

Chris Lloyd, AHDB research and development and knowledge exchange director of livestock, said that ten years ago encouraging commercial farmers to embrace the benefits of performance recording was a challenge.

He added: “The progress made since then is clear, with performance-recorded flock producers reporting greater interest in recorded sheep and the most progressive customers looking for estimated breeding value (EBV) information to select breeding stock according to their farm situation.”

‘A Decade of Genetic Progress in the English Sheep Industry’ is available to download at: beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk. 

 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.