For information on 2006 results, click here
For information on 2005 results, click here
For information on 2004 results, click here
For information on 2001 to 2002 results, click here
For information on 1998 to 2000 results, click here

2003 to 2004
In 2003, traits of scan weight and muscle depth had increased again in both ewe and ram lambs with average fat levels staying low. The actual muscling had increased by an average of 2mm based on the first year 1999 (the 'base' year). The Scheme Index now stands at 148. These results are summarised in graphs 2003/1 to 2003/3 and in table 2003/1.

Graph 2003/1

Graph 2003/2

Graph 2003/3

Table 2003/1: EBV trends from 1999 - 2003 for lambs evaluated from
Blue Sires members

Actual measurements from scanning are shown in Table 2003/2 for 390 lambs of which 167 are males and 223 are females.The average scan age was 157days (range: 92 to 197 days). The 13% increase in the average Scheme index from 2002 shows the progress in perfomance especially in the ewe flock. Actual figures do not take into account the adjustments for flock management eg feeding regimes which are shown with EBV values.

In June, assessment of shearling rams at members' farms took place by the panel of judges. As of previous years, good conformation and muscling and correct breed characteristics were high priorities when choosing stock rams for retention by the group. Improvement in the standard of the shearlings throughout the flocks was seen.

At Tucks Farm ten shearling rams were reviewed and the photo shows the top 5 chosen by the judges. Ram JH.Z117 (sire JH.W567) was further selected as being the best ram bred by a member and chosen to represent the breed as 'Top Tup' 2003

John Hastings was presented with the the 'Winholme Trophy for the Blue Sires Top Tup'


Shearling Rams at Tucks Farm, 2003

Shearling Ram JHZ117

Top Stock Sires
Identity, EBVs and Indices for the stock rams in the top 10%, ie SI>207 are summarised in Table 2003/3. They all had an actual muscle depth of over 30mm and weighed more than 55.5kg at 21 weeks.

Register of Merit for Females
Each member was asked to nominate ewes which were recorded in the top 20% of their flock. Entries had to be accompanied with figures and photos of the ewes to the judges. A Certificate would be presented to the best female animal and its name would be entered in a 'Register of Merit'.

In the first year this certificate was awarded to Julie Bury for her ewe Burford Venus JUB.V6. This ewe has won many championships and has an excellent breeding record. Link to Julie Bury's page

Bleu du Maine Buyers' Guide
For Blue Sires Estimated Breeding Values for 2003 click here (125Kb). This highlights superior breeding stock for both the Pedigree and Commercial Producer, for a specific breeding objective.
EBVs for growth rate have increased by 29% and muscling by over 70%.
This progress in performance is also showing throughout the ewe flock with the genetic improvement producing high index ewes whilst still maintaining the typical characteristics of high lambing percentage and milkiness.

Bleu du Maine Ewes

Champions in the Show Ring
Blue Sires stock has excelled in the 2003 Show ring.
Breed Championships have been achieved at 10 Agricultural Shows with 2 Reserve Interbreed titles.

Mid-Devon Show. Interbreed Pairs Championship

At the annual Premier Society sale, Carlisle and Central Club sale, Worcester, both Champions were Blue Sires bred. This indicates the importance of selecting stock by conformation and breed characteristics as well as high index.