Provision of Genetic Evaluation for the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme

HCC is seeking a supplier to provide genetic evaluations for breeders from the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme. The contract will run until 31 March 2029.

HCC requires a contractor to support in delivering genetic evaluations for flocks participating in the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme Phase 2. Specifically, the services required are: • Maintaining dialogue with the HCC project team and the service provider to ensure efficient and timely delivery of accurate estimated breeding values to the breeders • Providing genetic analysis of the participating hill and maternal flocks for the duration of the programme, to include; − Indices for each flock − Estimated breeding values (EBVs) evaluations − Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) evaluations • Ensuring flock and EBV data can be accessed on a universal/public facing platform • Training project staff and breeders • Assist with information that could be disseminated to highlight the genetic improvements made by participating flocks • Potential modelling of EBVs over an extended time period • Provide genetic estimates for traits such as growth, FEC, backfat scanning of selected progeny from participating flocks.

Also genetic estimates for any other significantly recorded traits of interest to the Welsh economy/environment targets. • Develop and report on potential new EBVs/GEBVs from the progeny • Potentially provide ongoing review of connectedness analysis between performance recorded Welsh Hill and Maternal flocks • Develop a longer-term strategy to develop genomic evaluations • Provide support for knowledge transfer of EBVs/GEBVs and performance recording to other Welsh Hill and Maternal flocks The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme Phase 2 activity will run until the end of March 2029. The aim is to maintain the approx. 60 hill and maternal flocks and recruit a further 55 flocks in three cohorts