GENETIC INDEX

INTRODUCTION

Genetic indexes are used to select for several traits using only one number, the genetic index. Each index is formulated to provide an average rate of progress that has been set for each trait. The six genetic indexes have their own purpose and combine different EPDs.

A genetic index is the best tool for selection.

WHICH ARE THE GENETIC INDEXES?

GAIN INDEX

For Terminal Breeds Selection

This index will allow you to select animals whose offspring will have faster growth.

Ideal to select terminal breeds (as Suffolk, Canadian Arcott, Hampshire, Ile-de-France, Southdown, Charollais….)

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CARC INDEX

For Terminal Breeds Selection

This index will allow you to select animals whose offspring will have faster growth and higher carcass quality.

Ideal to select terminal breeds (as Suffolk, Canadian Arcott, Hampshire, Ile-de-France, Southdown, Charollais….).

Ultrasound measurements are required.

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MAT INDEX

For Prolific Breeds Selection

This index is used when you want to maintain prolificacy while improving the lambs’ growth to weaning.

Ideal to select prolific breeds (as Rideau Arcott, Romanov, Finns…).

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MAT-U INDEX

For Prolific Breeds Selection

This index is used when you want to maintain prolificacy while improving the lambs’ growth to weaning and carcass quality.

Ideal to select prolific breeds (as Rideau Arcott, Romanov, Finns…)

Ultrasound measurements are required.

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MAT-HP INDEX

For Maternal Breeds Selection

This index will allow you to select animals whose offspring will have higher prolificacy.

Ideal to select maternal breeds (as Dorset, North Country Cheviot, Polypay…).

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MAT-UHP INDEX

For Maternal Breeds Selection

This index will allow you to select animals whose offspring will have both higher prolificacy and carcass quality.

Ideal to select maternal breeds (as Dorset, North Country Cheviot, Polypay…).

Ultrasound measurements are required.

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TO IMPROVE

LAMB GROWTH

FOR PUREBRED BREEDERS

Selection in terminal breeds

(males & females)

FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCERS

To buy a good ram to produce market lambs having fast growing.

GAIN INDEX

LAMB GROWTH & MATERNAL TRAITS

FOR PUREBRED BREEDERS

Selection in prolific breeds

(males & females)

FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCERS

Select replacement when you want to improve growth and maternal traits while maintaining number born per ewe
To buy a ram to produce ewe-lambs when you focus on improving maternal traits and growth

MAT INDEX

NUMBER BORN & MATERNAL TRAITS & LAMB GROWTH

FOR PUREBRED BREEDERS

Selection in maternal non prolific breeds

(males & females)

FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCERS

To buy or select more prolific replacement
To buy a ram to produce your own replacement (his daughters will have a bit more lambs per lambing)

MAT-HP INDEX

LAMB GROWTH

+ CARCASS QUALITY

Ultrasound measurements are required

CARC INDEX

LAMB GROWTH & MATERNAL TRAITS

+ CARCASS QUALITY

Ultrasound measurements are required

MAT-U INDEX

NUMBER BORN & MATERNAL TRAITS & LAMB GROWTH

+ CARCASS QUALITY

Ultrasound measurements are required.

MAT-UHP INDEX

IMPORTANT FOR PUREBRED SELECTION

Males and females are selected using the same genetic index in purebred flock to get a genetic progress on the traits. If females are selected on maternal traits while males are selected on growth, your flock will not have the expected progress over the years. Most of the growth traits have non favorable links with maternal traits.

TERMINAL BREEDS: males and females are selected using the GAIN or CARC index

PROLIFIC BREEDS: males and females are selected using the MAT or MAT-U index

MATERNAL BREEDS: males and females are selected using the MAT-HP or MAT-UHP index

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