Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer in Hill Ewes

Abstract

A breed improvement programme has been initiated at both ADAS Redesdale (Scottish Blackface) and ADAS Pwllpeiran (Welsh Mountain) to improve carcass conformation of hill ewes. From a base population of 1100 Welsh Mountain and 1600 Scottish Blackface ewes, nucleus flocks of 60 ewes have been established. Selection of ewes into the nucleus flock at each site has been based on their ability to consistently produce wether lambs crops with good conformation and above average carcass weights when selected for slaughter at a fat class 2/3L. The next objective is to replicate these ewes through multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) since theoretical studies (Smith, 1986) indicate that this can substantially increase the rates of genetic improvement through the female line. However, to date little work has been conducted to determine whether this technology can be successfully applied to hill sheep maintained in harsh hill environments in the UK, and this formed the basis of the current study.