Table 1 Subpopulations included in the model which represent the Irish sheep industry
Subpopulation | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
Ram breeder flocks | ||
Conservative breeders | CON | Flocks that do not invest in superior genetics and are not achieving genetic gain |
Progressive breeders using domestic genetics | PRO | Flocks that are currently ranked in the top 40 flocks for genetic gain but never use foreign genetics |
Progressive breeders using foreign genetics | PROFOR | Flocks using foreign genetics via artificial insemination (AI) but also source domestic rams within their own subpopulation |
Foreign breeders | FOR | Foreign flocks who supply rams directly to domestic flocks |
End-users | ||
Commercial farmers | COM | Commercial flocks sourcing rams or semen from ram breeder flocks |