Glentanna rams set for local conditions

Stud co-principal Adam Lehmann said the sale attracted five new buyers, with most rams going locally.

"Ararat was the furthest point the rams went," Mr Lehmann said.

"You have to cater for local clients and the local climate.

"We have been focusing on dropping our birthweights and increasing the fat cover for the colder climate down this way, whilst trying to keep the eye muscle depth.

"We want sheep to be early maturing, so they get a good foothold on life, before there is a cold snap."

Mr Lehmann said the stud was also trying to improve shear force and intramuscular fat.

Lot 2, a June-drop ram, had a 0.32-kilogram birth weight, a 10.16kg weaning weight and a 15.86 post-weaning weight.

He had a post-weaning fat depth of -0.57 millimetres and a post-weaning eye muscle depth of 1.95mm.

His total carcase production measurement was 143.66; he had a lean meat yield of 4.12 and intramuscular fat of -0.28.

Lot 33, another June-drop ram, had a BWT of 0.39kg, a WWT of 7.80kg and a PWT of 12.42kg.

His PFAT was -0.04mm, and his PEMD was 2.04mm, while his TCP was measured 139.21.

He had a LMY of 2.31 and an IMF of -0.20.

The stud was concentrating more on figures and would use more artificial insemination to improve the breeding objectives he was seeking.

"This next lot of rams will have a few different traits."

AI would allow the stud to get genetics it could not afford if it had to buy an actual ram.

"It also gives you a lot of linkage with other studs, if that particular ram is being used extensively our figures become more accurate."

The rams in this year's sale featured Waratah and Detpa Grove bloodlines.