In a survey of English sheep breeders using Signet Breeding Services, 95% identified a rise in commercial interest in performance recorded stock; the majority of these credited the change to work done by Eblex’s Better Return Programme.

Over half of respondents said that a majority of their buyers asked for EBVs, and, although it varied by region and breed, 80% also reported an increase in EBV requests since the BRP began.

More than 90% reported better ram sales, increased profit on rams or a price differential for the very best tups.

Eblex Breeding Services Manager Samuel Boon says: “It is encouraging to hear that the BRP is having a positive influence on breeding improvement within the sheep sector. The findings of this survey are extremely helpful in enabling us to build on the aspects of the BRP that levy payers find useful.”