Illoura uses the physical trait performance recording scheme to ensure that undesirable traits are not allowed to develop within the stud. In particular feet, conformation and wool quality are scored and each sheep is given an index based on their physical traits.

Along with this, we use the Lambplan performance recording service, which measures the genetic potential based on growth rates, muscling and leanness. Sheep are weighed at various ages and stages and then eye muscle and fat depth are measured by ultra sound. This raw data is fed into a national database to produce estimated breeding values and indexes for each sheep.

Understanding LAMBPLAN ASBV's
(Australian Sheep Breeding Values)

            At the request of the meat sheep industry, the South Australian Department of Agriculture launched its Meat Sheep Testing Service in April 1987. This Testing service has now combined with 'Lambplan", a national recording system which promotes genetic improvement in lamb production by identifying the animals that are genetically superior.

Lambplan results are aimed at:

1. Increasing Growth Rates of prime lambs
2. Increased Muscling of prime lambs
3. Decreasing Fat on prime lambs

            The basis of the service is farm measuring of weight, fat and eye muscle depth of stud lambs. Using this data, corrected for such things as age, birth type and age of the dam, the best breeding value (ASBV) of each lamb for both growth rate and lean meat is calculated. These values are combined in an index using economic values for weight and fat to allow more accurate selection of rams and ewes for genetic development of the flock.

Using the Estimated Breeding Value's for liveweight, fat and index:

1. Sheep that have high post weaning weight (PWT)  ASBV's are the fast growers at that stage of their life.
2. Sheep with negative fat (PFAT) ASBV's are lean sheep.
3. Sheep with high eye muscle (PEMD)  ASBV's are well muscled in relation to their weight.
4. Sheep with a high carcase + index have the best balance of weight, muscle and fat.

How Illoura sale rams compare with the White Suffolk breed average :-

Note :
These grades aim to increase the growth rate and eye muscle area without increasing the fat coverage of prime lambs, and are only intended as a guide to assist with your ram selection.

These figures are across flock, and can be used to compare sheep from different properties.that have born and bred under differing environmental conditions.

Trial results consistently show that buying high index rams from a high index stud will increase the profitability of your prime lamb enterprise.