AN ADVANCED breeding service is now being offered to sheep farmers in the Midlands, to help improve the reproductive performance and profitability of their flocks, regardless of size or system.

Three of the largest farm veterinary practices in the UK, Scarsdale Vets, McMurtry and Harding, and Glenthorne Vets, have come together as the Midlands Advanced Breeding Service (MABS), offering laparoscopic Artificial Insemination; ram pre-breeding exams; semen collection and evaluation; vasectomies and advice on teaser ram use and synchronisation protocol advice tailored to individual flocks.

The service is co-ordinated by David Charles of Scarsdale Vets, who explained how the service came about: “Midlands Advanced Breeding Services arose off the back of several conversations I had with members of Scarsdale’s Flock Health Club about advanced breeding and the desire for a service that could be tailored to their specific needs. MABS will allow us to enhance the service provided to sheep breeders across the Midlands, making it more accessible and affordable for all flock sizes.

“Working in partnership with McMurtry and Harding, and Glenthorne Vets is particularly exciting, and hopefully will allow MABS to benefit more clients,” he continued. “The opportunity to collaborate and offer the advanced breeding services to practices, beyond the three already involved, and their sheep flocks, is also now a real possibility. I welcome conversations with any practices who may have clients that wish to use our services, but retain their own regular vets.”