There are several genetic abbreviations to pay attention to when purchasing a Southdown ewe or ram. We wanted to give a quick rundown of the letters you might see at sales this year and what they stand for.
As of January 1, 2022, the ASBA policy states sheep sold at sales sponsored by the association are free of Hereditary Chondrodysplasia (spider), Ectodermal Dysplasia (hairy lamb), Ovine Dwarfism and contain a minimum of one “R” at codon 171.
This rule will affect the 2022 National Southdown Sale. The sale will be held April 29-30 in Noblesville, Indiana, hosted by Willoughby Livestock Sales. To enter and find more information about the sale visits, Willoughby Livestock Sales (wlivestock.com)
If you have questions about Southdowns in your flock or ones you are thinking about purchasing, contact Ann Fry at the office (765-237-2576; ann@southdownsheep.org) or ask the breeder. We are here to help you.
