Polypay Study Highlights Genetic Solution to Parasite Problem
By Terri Queck-Matzie
The American Polypay Sheep Association is wrapping up a three-year project that could ultimately lead to enhanced parasite resistance for the breed. Funded by the American Sheep Industry’s Let’s Grow Initiative, the study uses the National Sheep Improvement Program’s system of Estimated Breeding Values, or EBVs, in looking to quantitative genetics for a solution to a key sheep production problem. Read More
Producers turn to NSIP to combat Internal Parasites
By Terri Queck-Matzie
Internal parasites don’t just plague sheep and goats in the warm, humid southern states. “It’s a problem anywhere sheep are grass fed,” says Katherine Petersson, Associate Professor of Animal and Veterinary Science at University of Rhode Island. “Here in the Northeast, parasites aren’t as much a problem as in the South, but we’re still losing animals and losing productivity.” Read More
Commercial Producer puts EBVs to the Test:
Using NSIP to increase productivity in a commercial range operation
By: Terri Queck-Matzie
A producer-driven field study in Utah proves genetics make a difference in lamb profitability. Conducted by Matt and Dan Mickel at Mickel Brothers Sheep Company of Spring City, Utah, as part of the Leading Edge Sheep Production Group, the ASI Let’s Grow funded experiment bred two groups of commercial white-faced ewes to two groups of black faced terminal rams – one with Estimated Breeding Values (EBV) from the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) and one without. Read More
NSIP Program Director Press Release
NSIP Hires Program Director
Harlan, Iowa [April 3, 2015] – The National Sheep Improvement Program will enter a new era when Rusty Burgett takes on the position of Program Director in mid-April. Burgett will be the first paid program director for the organization in many years.
“I’m ready for this, and NSIP is ready for this,” says Burgett, who has served as treasurer on NSIP’s Board of Directors for the past 18 months. “It’s exciting breaking new ground and taking NSIP to a new level.”Read more.
Improving genetic selection in the sheep industry
Taking a page from other livestock species, the sheep industry is putting an emphasis on genetic improvement. Reid Redden, chairman of the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) says in order for the sheep industry to remain profitable, sheep producers will need to do a better job when it comes to genetic selection. To help with the selection process, Redden says NSIP has developed Estimated Breeding Values or EBVs. Read more.
Sheep genetic improvement gets renewed emphasis in U.S.
RENO, NV (Jan. 28, 2015) – Improving the productivity and quality of the U.S. sheep flock was on several agendas during the 2015 Sheep Industry Convention. There’s a good reason for this, says Reid Redden, chairman of the National Sheep Improvement Program and Sheep Extension
Specialist/ Assistant Professor at North Dakota State University. Read more.
Breeding for a New Age
Renowned sheep geneticist Dr. Dave Notter once said the backbone of America’s future commercial flock will be a ewe with parasite resistance, low maintenance costs, high fertility/prolificacy and good mothering ability. The National Sheep Improvement Program makes it possible to identify those animals. Read more.
Following the Leader into the Future
Mark Van Roekel, a sheep producer from northwest Iowa, no longer relies on mere visual appraisal when selecting genetics to improve his herd. He favors a data-based approach. Van Roekel participates in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). Read more.