CT Scanning

Full Recorders encouraged to CT Scan lambs in 2012

SAC will again be offering a CT scanner service in 2012, both at their static site near Edinburgh and with the mobile scanner at various sites throughout England and Wales.

* Please note dates are NOT exclusive to one breed.

CT scan charges (before levy body subsidy) for 2012 are as follows:

SAC scanner (Edinburgh) - £60 per lamb
Mobile scanner (Nottingham / Aberystwyth) - £92 per lamb
Mobile scanner (Midhurst) - £109 per lamb
Mobile scanner (Thorganby) –contact SAC for further info.

CT scanning subsidy
Devolved bodies have agreed to support this service again in 2012. The subsidy will apply to male lambs only and will be for a minimum of 5 lambs per flock, with a selection of sires represented. The following rates have been agreed with maximum lamb numbers applicable:

EBLEX -£55 per lamb (max of 15 lambs per flock / breeder)
HCC - £55 per lamb (max of 10 lambs per flock / breeder)
QMS – Awaiting confirmation

Total cost for Welsh Members using the Aberystwyth site will be less than £37 per lamb*
Total cost for English members using Nottingham site will be less than £37 per lamb*
Total cost for English Members using Midhurst site will be less than £54 per lamb*

*The Texel Society will offer £3500 support for the Mobile scanner further reducing the costs for fully recorded members using the mobile locations.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• A minimum of 5 lambs from each flock is required to allow evaluations to be as accurate as possible.

• Only male lambs are eligible for subsidy but can scan both males and females

• Lambs must be starved for a minimum of 4 hours before scanning

• Lambs should be back-fat scanned before they come for CT

• Lambs should be around 20 - 24 weeks of age at CT scanning

• Lamb numbers per day are flexible in Edinburgh but a full day (around 35 lambs) is preferred to make good use of our time and the facility

• The mobile scanner has been booked for a minimum of 2 days at each session. Must have 50 lambs per day booked in for scanning to enable a session to go ahead

• Numbers for the mobile scanner must be finalised 10 days before the scan date to allow us to confirm the scanner booking. Lambs withdrawn after this time will be charged at the full unsubsidised rate.

2012 CT Scanning update
18 Jan 2012
As you will see from the following file (CT update), which was shown at SBRT 2011, there has been an increase in the number of pedigree lambs being CT scanned with Texel members offering the greatest influence, since the introduction of the mobile scanning service in 2009. The service has also opened up a few new research possibilities for the breed which has been very positive. SAC are still able to offer the mobile service alongside their normal service at Edinburgh. SAC will be sending out a list of the dates, sites (once confirmed by the scanner company), subsidies (once confirmed by the devolved bodies) and charges for the 2012 scanning season hopefully by the end of January. These will also be sent to individual farmers.

The Society will also be supporting the 2012 CT scanning with financial support for the mobile scanner and will be advised shortly.

CT update poster SBRT 2011

CT identified as a key accelerator for a breeds development

First trialled back in the early nineties using Texel sheep, CT Scanning of lambs has continued to offer major benefits for many breeds development.

The accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values for growth and carcass traits are greatly enhanced through the incorporation of CT data into the evaluation of your flock. Indexes and EBVs will be increased if CT measures prove an individual or family to be genetically superior.

The benefits

CT scanning your lambs provides several benefits to your flock:

• Use of CT to help identify elite lambs, amongst homebred ram lambs, to choose stock sires, has led to very high rates of genetic gain in many leading recorded flocks

• CT provides the only authenticated way to assess gigot muscularity and have it evaluated by Signet

• CT data and images provide a valuable way to support the promotion of recorded rams at sales

• CT scanning provides a great way to assess the genetic merit of less well recorded bloodlines

• Results are sent to Signet for inclusion in the database

• Breeders receive CT results and predictions for individual lambs as well as a breed average for the year

To take full advantage of this service, and help achieve the maximum genetic potential of your flock and our breed, please book your lambs in for CT scanning in 2012 as early as possible, contact the Society office or Kirsty Mclean at SAC.

Full details of costs, subsidiaries and locations will be announced in early 2012

What is CT Scanning

Intech use of x-ray computed tomography ct in UK sheep production and breeding