14th September 2011

British Texel genetics in demand from sheep breeders worldwide

A surge in demand from sheep breeders across the globe for quality genetics backed by performance recording has seen British Texel breeders secure a number of significant export deals so far in 2011.

One of the most significant exports came early in the year, with a large scale export of semen to Brazil, with this pioneering export followed up with representation by the Society at a leading Agricultural event in Port Alegre, Rio Grand Du Sol in the southern tip of Brazil, explained British Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates.

One of the key Brazilian breeders behind the shipment was Marcio Auguinsky who says there has been unprecedented demand for British Texels following the initial imports earlier this year. “Brazilian Texel ewes inseminated to the first consignment are just starting to lamb. Breeders have been impressed with both fertility rates of the semen and the quality of the lambs, the vigour and fleshiness of the lambs is outstanding.”

German visitors visit Trinidad Investments' Colwood and High Weald flocks, West Sussex

As a result of this initial success the Society expects a second shipment to follow in early 2012. Other exports have seen shipments of live animals heading to Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Switzerland and Holland along with semen exported successfully to Norway.

Meanwhile at home in the UK the Society has hosted a number of inward missions from European countries, including France, Germany and Switzerland.

First among these was a mixed group of German and Swiss breeers which visited flocks across Northern England as well as heading to NSA North Sheep. Speaking on behalf of the group, Heinz Pluss a Swiss Texel Breeder who began importing British Texels three years ago from Ian Murrays Glenway flock, said the British Texel progeny in his flock were creating considerable interest both in Switzerland and among close neighbours on the German border.”

Then in June another German group visited flocks across the Scottish Borders as well as viewing the sheep on show at the Royal Highland Show. And in September, a brace of German groups visited the UK, with the first group heading to the Solway and Tyne Texel Club Sale at Carlisle.

The second group headed to the south of the UK and visited flocks in Kent and Sussex, including the Wealden flock of Tim Healy and later the Colwood and High Weald flocks owned by Trinidad Investment. Those visitors who are breeding Texels themselves were impressed by the power, length and uniformity of the rams in both flocks.
The freedom with which UK flocks can determine their own breeding strategy left the Germans in disbelief: for them it is unthinkable that breeders themselves decide on their breeding policy. Three specialist advisors from the provincial breed society, which covers all breeds, assesses every ram used for breeding and no ram may be used for pedigree breeding unless it has been judged and achieved a minimum standard.

Adding to the European interest was a delegation of French breeders which headed to the Scottish National Sale at Lanark, taking in visits to five flocks at the same time.

Society chairman Gordon Gray of the Ettrick flock said the visit had been one of the biggest highlights of his time as chairman. “Their enthusiasm was evident for all to see and I’m sure it won’t be long before we see exports of British Texels back to France. The French group has already made orders for both live animals and semen and are extremely keen to include our Texels in their progeny test evaluations”.

Mr Yates added that the recent export success had been the culmination of a successful promotional campaign across the UK and Europe over the last three years. “Attracting and supporting inward missions is a major objective for the Society and I’m delighted that breeders are reaping the rewards as we continue to build business relationships across many international borders.”