LambPlan and Selection
No Stone Left Unturned
The UltraWhites are included in performance recording, with the extra measurements for eating quality and WEC being incorporated as they become available.
High emphasis is placed on selection for correct feet and leg structure. All rams sold have been through rigorous selection for soundness in this area before being offered. Intra-muscle fat, tenderness and meat yield are traits that are being adopted. It is intended that within the next couple of years, eating quality traits will play a large part in the selection process.
Fertility of the flock is currently around 120-140% of lambs weaned per 100 ewes, with scanning percentages up to 160%, which is good by industry standards. However our aim is to have genetics capable of averaging 170- 180% weaned, where conditions and management allows, within the very near future. Work in this area is in the final stages of development and is on track at this stage to meet these goals.
A gene which produces short tails in sheep, is also present in the UltraWhite. This gene is highly heritable and removes the need to tail dock lambs carrying the gene, as the short tail always remains clean and dry. This removes any chance of fly strike or carcase contamination at processing works, to say nothing about the welfare advantages and risk of infection during marking operations.
Black feet and points genes are present in the breed albeit in low numbers but are increasing in occurrence with each generation. This trait adds a further diverse characteristic to the breeds adaptable qualities for a wide range of climates and environments.
Mild temperament. UltraWhites are renown for their stress free, safe and easy handling temperament, making them a pleasure to work with under intensive and extensive working environments.
No stone is left unturned to continue to develop the UltraWhite to be a low maintenance, easy-care, highly fertile and functional breed that is suited to a wide range of environments throughout Australia. They must be hardy to handle our dry season and yet have the do-ability to enable them to respond quickly and efficiently to better conditions, when they are available each season.
