Farmer experiences with the double-muscled Beltex breed in New Zealand have been outstanding, according to importer, Beltex NZ.
Company principal Blair Gallagher says most of the buyers at Beltex NZ’s first sale in 2018 have returned in following years. The first two-tooth ram sale is scheduled for November 19 this year.
As a rough rule of thumb, quarter-Beltex lambs produced from Beltex-Suffolk, Beltex-Texel, Beltex-Poll Dorset or Beltex-Perendale rams, produce a 1.5-2% higher killing out percentage and about a 2% higher meat yield in the carcase compared with other terminal sires.
For half-Beltex lambs, an increase in the killing out percentage of up to4% is possible, along with a big increase in the meat yield in the carcase, adding huge value to lamb carcases in the future.
Mackenzie Basin farmer Glen Fastier, Simon’s Hill Station, scanned 160% in a line of 700 Merino ewes mated to Beltex sires. Wool from hoggets out of Merino ewes will meet specifications for Smart Wool contracts.
Beltex NZ says Beltex and Beltex cross sheep will add value particularly where black fibre needs to be avoided in progeny. Beltex-Cheviot rams will also become a feature for hogget mating.
Rangiatea Beltex is breeding halfbred rams out of Suffolk and Texel-Perendale ewes.
An improved Sufftex (half-Beltex) will likely become a feature for the stud in the future along with many more three-quarter Beltex ram lambs available for purchase.
For more information call Blair Gallagher, Beltex NZ, 021 022 31522.
