Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has updated its free guide explaining the use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to help sheep breeders in Scotland select the right breeding stock for their business.

“Using EBVs as a Tool to Breed Better Sheep” is an easy-to-read publication which has been extensively updated to include the improvements to the performance recording system that were introduced by Signet Breeding Services earlier this year.

One of the main changes for commercial buyers is that for terminal sire breeds, the existing carcase trait EBVs are now weight-adjusted, rather than being age-adjusted. This means that EBVs will give a better prediction of muscle and fat at slaughter weights. This reflects that on farm, lambs are selected on weight, not age.

If you would like to obtain a free copy of the updated guide ‘‘Using EBVs as a Tool to Breed Better Sheep’’ contact QMS on 0131 510 7920. It is also available to download on the QMS website.