Indiana Sheep Performance Testing Program
K. J. Drewry and J. B. Outhouse, Animal Sciences Department
Performance testing is recognized as an integral part of sheep production and a good management tool. Several states offer performance testing programs through their Cooperative Extension Services, and several 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 — purebredor commercial — can utilizethis performance testing program to help evaluate all sheep in 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. Records are processed and summarized through Animal Sciences Extension-Sheep Section, Purdue University.
What is performance test? Performance testing 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 testing? Performance testing provides a basis of adjusting production records for known environmental factors and comparing sheep managed alike within a flock. Differences among the adjusted records of animals, in traits of economic value, are heritable to a large degree. Thus, the selection of flock replacements on basis of adjusted production records will lead to genetic improvement within flocks and breeds of sheep.
What traits should be measured? Economic traits that contribute both to production efficiency and desirability of product should be measured. These traits include: reproductive performance, growth
rate, efficiency of feed conversion, and carcass traits that are indicative of quality and quantity (cutability) of meat produced.
The Indiana Flock Performance Program provides for measurement of ewe lambing record (singles, twins, etc.), lamb 90-day weight, lamb 210-day weight, and the optional measurement of ewe wool weight.
The Indiana Carcass Evaluation Program provides for measurement of carcass weight, carcass grade, loin fat cover, leg conformation grade, kidney fat, cutability and yield grade, and the optional measurement of loin eye area.
How can performance testing records be used?
Performance records obtained and summarized through the Indiana Sheep Performance Testing Program can be used to:
1.	Cull low-producing ewes.
2.	Evaluate each sire within the flock.
3.	Increase lamb crop percentage.
4.	Increase 90- and 210-day lamb weights.
5.	Improve overall flock management.
6.	Aid in selection of replacement rams and ewes.
7.	Provide additional production and carcass information for potential buyers.
8.	Help advertise the merit of the flock.
9.	Determine eligibility for participation in the Hoosier Gold Medal Lamb Club.
What must I do to performance test? Here are the steps to follow to participate in the Indiana Sheep Performance Testing Program:
1.	Permanently identify each ram, ewe and lamb in the flock. Any permanent numbering system is acceptable. Animals should be visibly identified to prevent loss of time when weighing. No two animals in the flock, over time, should be given the same identification number. Do not give twins and triplets the same identification number.