Sheep flocks to benefit from NZ genetics
Commercial flocks in the UK are set to benefit from the importation of New Zealand genetics, with the arrival of New Zealand Texels.
Sheep breeders Robyn Hulme and his family have decided to break away from what Mr Hulme saw as the "pedigree-ised" faults within the UK breeding stock, and are looking to benefit from the traits in the NZ breed designed for low-input Antipodean sheep systems.
He says the decision followed the greater focus on show-ring fashion, as opposed to a commercial need for easy lambing ewes and viable lambs reared off grass, and hopes that the use of NZ genetics will alter this.
NZ Texels genetics have been introduced over the last four years, with several ewe lambs and rams being brought across in 2011.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
