Progeny Testing of Welsh Mountain Sheep

Abstract

The progeny test is generally regarded as an important aid to selection in livestock improvement. It is by no means a new method, but it seems to be in the limelight today. The usual methods of selection have brought us to a certain standard of performance, and apparently any further imporvement can only result through the application of the progeny test.It is worth pointing out that cattle, especially dairy cattle, pigs and poultry have received more attention by the scientist than sheep. This may be due to the fact that these animals are more under the direct control of the breeder than sheep. They require daily attention whereas a hill flock of sheep may not be seen for weeks or months by the breeder. Again one has definite objectives in view when breeding dairy cows or hens; one can weigh the milk and count the eggs but the task of the hill sheep worker is considerably more complicated.