Reproduction and Genetics

A terminal sire is a ram chosen for survival rate of lambs, how fast the lambs will grow and the quality of the carcasses. The Lakeland Carcass Sire (LCS) project, conducted at Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta, was designed to compare the growth and carcass characteristics of lambs sired by the five terminal sire breeds commonly used in Western Canada (Suffolk, Canadian Arcott, Ile de France, Texel and Charollais).

The efficiency of meat production is maximized by the use of terminal sire breeds to complement characteristics of crossbred ewes. To compete effectively, the industry needs to produce uniform, nutritious, lean lamb that satisfies the eating preferences of Canadian consumers. A major influence on carcass lean content is the sire breed that is used and there is a wide range of breeds in Canada, as well as an increasing number of new breeds imported from Europe.

Five of the common terminal sire breeds in use in Western Canada were compared. The objective of this preliminary trial was to determine if any of them contribute to significant issues in consumer meat quality. An impact on consumer meat quality could result in an overall impact on lamb consumption if large numbers of a particular sire breed were used in producing market lambs.

Based on the results of this study there are no differences in eating quality by gender or amongst progeny from these five terminal sires within the hot carcass weight range of 22-27 kg (50-60 lb.).

The five terminal sire breeds can have a positive impact on consumer eating quality and no significant differences were observed in this first year that would reduce the value of one breed over another. It is critical that consistent product quality become the focus of the entire lamb supply chain.

Factsheets are available to provide information on using, selecting and managing terminal sires as well as using performance records.