Reproduction breeding values for the Combined LAMBPLAN analysis will be released on 1st June 2026.
There are four key enhancements made for the reproduction module for Combined LAMBPLAN:
1. Transitioning Terminals to component reproduction
The updated component reproduction module for Combined LAMBPLAN now includes Terminal data, recognising that historical reproduction data from Terminal flocks has often been limited. The analysis focuses on incorporating only highquality reproduction records from both Terminal and Maternal flocks to maintain data integrity in breeding value estimation. The component reproduction breeding values for Combined LAMBPLAN have approximately 75-80% of data coming from Maternal flocks, and the remaining 25-20% comes from Terminal flocks supplying high quality reproduction data.
2. Better utilisation of reproduction and weight data
In addition to direct reproduction data, genetically correlated traits such as post‑weaning weight, eye muscle depth, fat depth, and pre‑joining weight and condition score continue to support the evaluation. The inclusion of Terminal flocks is targeted to those submitting mating data, avoiding large volumes of lower‑quality or indirect data from flocks not actively recording reproduction. This ensures the module is informed by relevant, reliable data without introducing noise.
3. New validation logic and thresholds
Enhanced validation logic and thresholds have been implemented on top of current logic to improve data quality and consistency across the reproduction module. These include increasing the requirement of dam pedigree to 80%, addressing selective recording of lamb survival at a service sire level, checks on birth and rear type, as well as requiring ram out data for foetal age data following pregnancy scanning.
4. Updates to the genetic group structure
Genetic groups are used in the Sheep Genetics evaluations to help describe breed and population structure of animals with missing pedigree. The genetic groups in Combined LAMBPLAN will be at a genomic breed structure level (were previously at a flock level).