Farmers creating online profiles for SHEEP on ‘Tinder’ breeding site
FARMERS are creating online profiles for their randy rams — on a sheep ‘Tinder’ site.
Fit and fertile rams are showcasing their best qualities on RamCompare.
The scheme allows farmers to see the top-performing sheep for breeding — by comparing lamb growth and carcass weight.
Farmer Alwyn Nutting and son Dylan are backing the idea.
Alwyn said: “I would encourage pedigree ram breeders to get involved in the RamCompare research project as it’s important to have a wide range of breeds represented.”
Alwyn, who farms at Glascoed near Newtown, Mid Wales, says rams from Welsh breeders have “scored very highly” on the site.
The scheme aims to help the lamb supply chain to be more efficient.
It means more commercial lambs will hit target carcass specifications and reach slaughter weight sooner — reducing the carbon footprint of UK livestock farming.
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The research is funded by the levy board HCC Meat Promotion Wales, Quality Meat Scotland and Agrisearch.
Rams are selected from a range of terminal sire breeds and are then used on commercial farms across the UK.
Frozen semen is also purchased in batches of 30 straws for use via artificial insemination.
Bridget Lloyd, RamCompare Project coordinator, said: “This is a great opportunity for breeders to contribute to this industry project, data from which can be used to promote their flocks and the rams they have for sale.
“Updated results are released in May — bringing leading flocks into the spotlight through breed specific articles and commercial farm case studies.”