Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Lafayette, Indiana
AS-269 Rev. 1972
Indiana Sheep Performance Testing Program
K. J. Drewry and J. B. Outhouse, Animal Sciences Department
Sheep performance testing is now considered an integral part of sheep production and management. Several states offer performance testing programs through their Cooperative Extension Services, and most national sheep breed associations currently offer testing programs. The purpose of this publication is to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about Indiana's Sheep Performance Testing Program.
Who can use the program? Any Indiana sheep producer, purebred or commercial, can utilize this performance testing program to help evaluate his flock.
Who administers the program? The program is administered by the Indiana Cooperative Extension Service. Weights and other data are recorded and certified by the cooperator. The records are processed and summarized at Purdue University.
What is performance testing? It is a simple, accurate method of obtaining systematic records on the production of each animal in the flock. Performance testing offers sheep producers a means of measuring differences among animals in heritable traits.
Why performance test? Performance testing provides a basis for comparing sheep handled alike within a flock. Differences among animals in traits of economic value are heritable to a large degree. Thus, the use of systematic production records in selection will lead to genetic improvement within flocks and breeds of sheep.
What traits are measured? Those economic traits that contribute both to produc-
tion efficiency and to desirability of product should be measured. These traits include reproductive performance, growth rate, efficiency of feed conversion, and carcass characteristics which are indicative of quality and quantity (cutability) of meat produced.
The Indiana program provides for measurement of ewe lambing record (singles, twins, etc.), lamb 90-day weight, lamb 210-day weight and the optional measurements of ewe wool weight, ewe lambing weight, and lamb birth weight. In addition, the carcass phase allows for measurement of carcass weight, carcass grade (conformation, quality and USDA), fat cover, leg conformation, internal fat, and the optional measurement of loineye area.
How can performance testing records be used? Performance records obtained and summarized through the Indiana programs can be used to:
1.	Determine eligibility for participation in the Hoosier Gold Medal Lamb Club (registered ewe and ram lambs).
2.	Determine and increase lamb crop percentage.
3.	Increase 90- and 210-day weights.
4.	Cull low-producing ewes.
5.	Evaluate each sire within the flock.
6.	Improve overall flock management.
7.	Aid in selection of replacement ram(s) and ewes for the flock.
8.	Provide additional production information for potential buyers.
9.	Help advertise the merit of the flock.
What must I do to performance test my flock? The requirements are as follows:
1.	Permanently identify each ram, ewe and lamb in flock.