Glenbrook

 

Background

The "Glenbrook" flock has been intensively screened for 41 years, with only the highest performers selected. The flock became a member of the Auckland Romney Development Group in 1971. Approximately 1500 ewes are screened and recorded. Only the best rams are interchanged between all ARDG members. This distributes a broad band of genetic material from large numbers, these are indexed and ranked using a geneticist to be sure of accuracy.

 

Selection Pressure

This is based on increased fertility, improved body and wool weights with fleece excellence, facial eczema tolerance and worm resistance and resilience. A free lambing, open faced sheep with good mothering ability, a vigorous nature with high survival rates is a major feature. The flock is recorded for the above traits using the Sheep Improvements Limited recording system (SH). All stock is run under realistic stock rates on hill country. With our high number of recorded ewes we are able to present for sale approximately the top 40% of ram lambs weaned.

 

Facial Eczema

All rams are sired by highly facial eczema tolerant rams. Facial eczema testing using Sporidesmin has been carried out for 27 years. The ARDG are leaders in FE tolerance, using the highest commercial dose rates. DNA testing will be available to us from 2011.

 

Worms

The ARDG are in their 10th year of recording for worm resistance and worm resilience with guidance from Ag Research scientists.

 

Results

For 12 years Glenbrook clients have regularly achieved top prices at the upper North Island ewe fairs. All have experienced considerable flock improvement.

 

Annually we have available surplus CFA ewes (Jan), weaned lambs (Dec) and ewe hoggets (rising 2th) (Oct/Nov).

 

Stuart A Williams

760 Tahekeroa Road

RD3

Kaukapakapa 0873

 

Phone / Fax: (09) 420 5029

E-mail: stuandjoy@infogen.net.nz