standard Sheep showing evidence of the following fail to meet the breed standard: lack of muscle development or ability to grow and thrive, dark or black or colored fleece, unmanageable disposition, underdeveloped genitalia, split or asymmetrical testicles, upturned vulva, hernia, over or undershot jaw, prolapse or tendency to prolapse (rectal or vaginal), inverted eyelids, weak udder attachments and teat size or placement that impedes nursing. NOTE: The USSA allows for an appendix registry and upgrading to purebred status. When animals reach 15/16th status (purebred) these animals must adhere to the breed standard as well. Sheep that appear to be black faced crossbreds do not meet the Suffolk breed standard. DISCRIMINATIONS
favor lean rapid early growth that can exceed one pound per day and be market ready as early as 3 to 4 months of age. The standard is a carcass in the 50-to-80-pound weight range that grades Prime to Choice and yield grades 2 (fat cover 0.16 to 0.26). Suffolk market lambs exhibited on foot should have wool free, black heads and legs, exhibit body mass and thickness, show evidence of youthful growth and measure at least 50% body length in the hind saddle (rear rib to pin bones). The feet and legs should be set wide apart on the corners of the body. They are moderate in length and covered in fine black hair from the knee and hock to the ground with no tendency to wooliness. The hooves are jet black also. Legs should be of adequate bone size, neither overly refined nor coarse; joints are strong and smooth on flat bone. Toes are of equal size, point forward with a deep heel and set upon a short pastern. The stride should be long, fluid and sure. The gait is athletic. The sheep travels wide when viewed from behind. Discriminate against weak or coarse joints, cow hocks, sickle hocks, bowed knees or hocks, post legs, wooly legs, widely splayed toes and any obstruction that impedes fluid movement. Feet, Legs & Mobility Forequarter The Suffolk neck is of moderate length, set smoothly into and atop the shoulder. The shoulder is deep and obliquely set into the body, being smooth and free of coarseness. The shoulder and forearm show evidence of superior muscling. The rack opens up into a wide, heavily muscled topline that extends and widens as it blends into the loin. The chest is deep and naturally wide showing evidence of vigor. The breast plate is neatly tucked up into the chest floor. Ribs are open, deep and well sprung denoting capacity. The barrel itself should be long, deep, wide and large. The belly and the body should be covered in white wool that is free of dark fiber. Preference is given to a tight uniform, white fleece of medium wool quality. Discriminate against steep or open shoulders, extremely long or short neck, lack of muscle shape, pinched ribs and shallowness.
Visual or phenotypic selection has been used for centuries in animal breeding. It does address issues of structural correctness, breed type, sex character, and breed aesthetics. Today, there are additional tools and resources available to quantify and measure traits. Genetic testing can reduce and eliminate genetic recessives (spider syndrome, dwarfism, and scrapie susceptibility). The technology more accurately evaluates genotype and expands the ability to select breed improving replacements. Superior performing animals within a flock can be additionally identified through on farm data collection. This can include such things as weighing (60, 90 or 120 day weights) and ultrasound scanning for carcass traits (loin eye size and fat depth). Another potential strategy is the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs). This tool allows for measurable genetic comparison, over time, and across flocks with other performance recorded flocks. Either of these selection methods (as well as others yet to be developed) can be used as additional tools to measure rapid growth, leanness, and superior muscling – all of which reinforce the Suffolk as the preferred terminal sire breed. Further, as the industry moves toward more objective carcass evaluation, there will be premiums paid for market animals that meet more demanding carcass expectations. GENETIC AND PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS
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