The Border Leicester breed plays a very important role in the North Lyham sheep enterprise.

650 breeding ewes are kept and the breakdown of breeds is approximately as follows:

120 North Country Cheviots
50 Border Leicester’s
300 Scotch Half Breds
120 Vendeens
60 Vendeen and other Border Leicester crosses.

The ewes graze mainly “less favoured area” land which is predominantly permanent pasture. Land runs from 300 to 650 feet above sea level and soil type varies from sandy loam, rising to peat and rocky outcrop.

Most ewes lamb in the first half of April. They're brought inside by mid February and fed on spring barley straw and 18% ewe pencils. (This allows the grass 6 weeks to freshen up!)

Finished lambs are mostly sold off grass with the final 25% fattened on Swedes. Lambs are marketed both live and dead weight @ 41 to 45 kgs live weight. Approximately 200 lambs are put through local butchers shops each year. The North Country Cheviot ewes are kept primarily to breed flock replacements. The oldest 50 are bred pure and the rest are put to the Border Leicester rams to produce the Scotch Half Bred ewe lambs. High index rams are used with the aim to improve growth rate, carcase quality and milking ability of offspring.

The Scotch Half Bred ewes are mainly crossed with Vendeen Rams (a French terminal sire/meat breed) to produce prime butchers lambs. A small quantity of other crosses are kept/ experimented with, which include Border Leicester cross Texel, Border Leicester cross Vendeen and Vendeen cross Suffolk. The Pedigree Border Leicester ewes are kept primarily to produce shearling rams for sale at Kelso, Builth Wells or privately. The pedigree Vendeen ewes also breed rams for sale at Carlisle, Kelso, Builth and privately.

Q. Why do we use Border Leicester rams?

A. As a crossing sire to produce commercial breeding ewes, notably the much maligned, underrated Scotch Half Bred – (The Queen of commercial ewes.)

Q. What benefit does the Scotch Half Bred ewe have over its main competitor?

A. She produces quality lamb of a higher market value and is also a better price as a cull ewe.

 

Author: Neil Howie.

Over the last ten years the Border Leicester breed and its crosses have lost their popularity and breeding numbers have reduced.

The Scotch Half Bred in particular has suffered in the face of change, in favour of the mule. Although the mule is perceived to be more prolific and cheaper to keep, the quality of the lamb produced is questionable.

However, due to political changes in the European Agricultural sector there is hope. Breeding sheep numbers undoubtedly will continue to fall, especially with an increasing shortage of skilled labour and rapidly rising costs. To balance the books high value quality lambs will have to be produced.

Recently Playfair Farms have exported Scotch Half Bred ewe lambs to France. Why? An easy answer is described by the value of a quality lamb carcase compared to one of lesser value. For example this year a quality 18.5kg E2 carcase was worth 101 euros, whilst an inferior 18.5kg R3 one was worth 79 euros. As French farmers have selected their breeding stock to produce high quality and good conformation lambs with high carcase value, prolificacy has been lost – many French flocks are struggling to produce any more that a 100% crop. The Scotch Half Bred is seen as the answer to producing quality lamb carcases with a vastly improved lambing percentage when used with the local French rams.

The Border Leicester, recognised years ago as the most influential crossing sheep in the world still has a role to play and when fashions do the full circle the maternal traits of the breed along with improvements in terminal traits will be required again - this is beginning to happen. The Border Leicester and its crosses can provide quality and quantity.

 Author: James Playfair Hannay

Caseous lymphadenitis has now been established within the United Kingdom for more than 15 years. In that time the bacterial disease known more commonly as CLA, has spread widely through both the sheep and goat industries. The disease is now present in all parts of the country, with the condition still being most common within the terminal sire breeds of sheep. A survey carried out in 2001 suggested that as many as 18% of flocks in that sector were affected. Latterly other sheep breeds including hill and upland have been affected and further spread of the condition seems inevitable.

In sheep and goats the infection is characterised by the formation of abscesses within the lymph nodes and other internal organs, most notably the lungs. Whilst the majority of infected animal remains clinically healthy, most go on to develop visible external swellings. These chronic abscesses often discharge thick pus on to the skin and leave characteristic scars. In the last two years there have been several reports of the internal or visceral form of CLA being associated with chronic wasting in affected flocks. This is an established form of the disease in other parts of the world, and the emergence of such a syndrome in the UK is a worrying development that will be closely monitored by SAC Veterinary Services.

The widespread use of commercial vaccines to control CLA is still not possible, since none is yet licensed for use in the UK . However, the production of an autogenous CLA vaccine and the emergency importation of commercial vaccines, is possible in affected flocks under special license from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, a division of DEFRA.

An encouraging development in the fight against CLA is a new "ELISA" blood test for the condition in sheep. This test detects antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the bacterium that causes the condition. It can identify infected animals before they develop the characteristic external abscesses, and is effective in finding sheep with only the internal form of the disease. Such animals would otherwise carry the infection without detection and represent the greatest threat in spreading the disease from one flock to another.

Initial experience with the blood test suggests that it can be very effective in reducing the number of infected animals within a flock, with the ultimate aim being that of total disease eradication. Another use for the test is in screening purchased animals before they are introduced to a new flock, and this forms the basis of the CLA Monitoring Scheme, recently launched by SAC.

The CLA Monitoring Scheme, which was piloted at Kelso and Lairg Ram Sales in 2005, has now been made available to all UK producers of breeding hoggs, gimmers and tups. The Scheme is designed to provide confidence for purchasers and vendors that sheep offered for sale carry a low risk of CLA infection.

The Scheme employs the highly specific ELISA blood test for CLA infection, developed by the Moredun Research Institute and SAC. This is used in conjunction with two veterinary clinical inspections and a three-month period of quarantine during the run-up to the autumn sales. In addition, a second test known as a Western Blot is now available for use as part of the Scheme in cases where the results of the ELISA are unclear.

To become "CLA Monitored" in 2006, a group rams, hoggs or gimmers must fulfil a number of conditions:

• At least twelve weeks of isolation from all other sheep on the premises prior to the sale.
• Two veterinary visits during the isolation period - for physical examination by a vet and for blood sampling. These visits should be a minimum of six weeks apart.
• Enhanced precautions in flocks that have previously experienced CLA
• The total charge testing and certification in the Scheme is £8.00 per head.

Taken together, the requirements of the Scheme provide a much more reliable assurance of freedom from disease than the testing of individual purchased animals before they are introduced to a new flock. This strategy cannot provide an absolute guarantee of freedom from the disease and no certification to that effect will be provided. However, when animals are tested as required and maintained under the rules of the programme, the chance that they might carry infection to a purchaser’s flock is greatly reduced. Vendors will therefore be encouraged to display a signed declaration of CLA Monitored Status at the sale pen and show this certificate to potential private buyers.

Farmers wishing to obtain further details of the Scheme can go to the SAC website at www.sac.ac.uk/cla or call the Sheep and Goat Health Schemes office on 01463 226 995.

 G Baird, SAC Veterinary Services, St Boswells

Results of Kelso Ram Sales 2005 - Courtesy of The Scottish Farmer

Averages: 99 shearling rams, £372.32 (-£190.42 for 16 more sold).

DESPITE A strong show and 16 more lots sold, the Border Leicester trade was considerably down on the year, with 99 shearling rams levelling at £372.32, back £190.42.

Top price was £1700, for the reserve champion from John Mauchlen's Kelso-based Spotsmains flock. Bought as a lamb at Lanark from Lammermuir, this ARR/ARR Clola Playboy son, is out of a dam by Glenside Glorify. The buyers were Billy and Neil Hamilton, Earlside, Hawick.

Another from the same pen made £1050 to Johnny Davidson, Adderstonshiels, Hawick. This one is by Glenside Hallmark, a ram bought at Lanark in 1999, and out of a bought-in ewe by Alticane Amalord.

A shearling from Eleanor Stokeld’s Doulton flock, at Acklam, Middlesbrough , reached the second-top price of the day, selling at £1500. Sired by Lyham Lord and out of a Kilphin Gentleman Jim ewe, this one sold to Playfair Farms, Morebattle Tofts, Kelso. Doulton also secured the top average for Borders, with eight shearlings levelling at £681.25.

The show champion, a Kilphin Fortress son from RN Howie, North Lyham , Alnwick, reached £1400. Rated ARR/ARR, this shearling, out of a Lyham King dam, sold to Rolley Telford, Branton Eastside, Branton, Morpeth.

Jimmy and John Jeffrey returned to the Border Leicester ring to sell at Kelso in their own right, for the first time in 35 years. It turned out a worthwhile choice, as their pen of two from the Deuchrie flock at Kersknowe, Kelso, reached a top of £1200. Securing this price was a ARR/ARR son of Mosside Mighty Fewd — a tup on loan from Mindrum Mill. Out of a ewe by Glenside Grandee, he sold to John and James Pate, Marvingston, Gifford.

Masham Sheep Fair

The event that now takes place every year at the end of September, began life in 1986 as a 'resurrection' of the old Masham Sheep Fairs, which were held in days gone by as the fore runner to Auction Markets, as a means of buying and selling stock. In those days there were sheep pens in every part of the town, but at the modern event the stock is kept to half of the Market Place.

The event was restarted again following on from Live Aid, Band Aid etc. as a one off to raise money for the Sudan. The original Chairman, Mr Bob Arnold has worked out in the Sudan for charities, and therefore knew how best to get aid money out there. Together with Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister as Secretary, who delegated virtually every organisation in Masham with a different task, the event came to life.

The sheep show was held on the Saturday, with only 77 classes, and only prize money and rosettes to be won. Trophies came later when it became obvious that it was going to be an annual event. On the Sunday, a show and sale of Rare Breeds took place. To get the sheep show up and running, a lot of legwork had to be done to make sure that the catalogues got to as many people as possible. The event though was a success, a substantial amount of money was raised for the cause, and calls for the event to become an annual event - with the charities benefiting being closer to home.

During the Foot and Mouth year of 2001, the pens were put up as usual, but were filled with 'scarecrows' resembling sheep and shepherds, all competing for the £500 prize on offer, being voted for by the public putting their money in the collecting boxes on the side of each pen. Despite the mood in the countryside that year, the event still managed to be hailed as a success.

Masham Sheep Fair now has sheep shows on both the Saturday and Sunday. (The sale of Rare Breeds and the Sheep Dog Trials ran until 2000, but have never restarted since). There are now 84 classes on the Saturday, covering 12 different breeds plus a Fat Lamb section. On the Sunday there are 55 classes which cover 10 different breeds plus a Fat Lamb section and the Young Handlers sections.

Over the years the show has seen numerous wet days (especially at judging time!) and on one memorable occasion the competitors came to ask if they could take the sheep home earlier that 3.30pm as it was too hot for them - a rarity surely for a show held at the end of September. The event has attracted over the years, and still does today, some of the best Judges and exhibitors - many coming great distances just to attend. The ones from the past also pop in when the event is on simply to look around again.

The total money given to charity since the event began out passed the £100,00.00 mark many years ago. Many of the exhibitors comment on the overly friendly atmosphere at Masham, which is a fantastic compliment. This and the whole structure of the event is built on team work, and without the support of the exhibitors, judges, volunteers, helpers, committee and everyone else who contributes and have done so over the years, Masham Sheep Fair would not have got the good reputations that it now has.

Article was provided by Ruth Thompson, Shaw Secretary of the Masham Sheep Fair, which is held every year in Masham, North Yorkshire, England.

The New South Wales Border Leicester Sheepbreeders Association Inc. is a state body of the Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association. Of the 377287 registered ewes in Australia some 20287 ewes are found in New South Wales (NSW) and in 2001 covered some 133 studs. The studs are found throughout NSW - different types of sheep suit different areas.

The Association was incorporated in 1991, but it has been in existence since 1947 and succeeds earlier bodies which were The Australian Longwool Sheepbreeders Association and the NSW Sheepbreeders Association which commenced in 1909.

The Association supports Border Leicester breeders through the maintenance of breed standards, the provision of show judges and the promotion of the breed. The Association also provides trophies for the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Canberra Royal Show. Breeders compete vigorously at these shows.

The number of commercial growers is unknown, but many first cross sales are held throughout the state. The name "first cross" is still widely used to refer to the Border-Merino and it is believed that these are the best mothers for the production of meat breeds. Despite the introduction of other crossing breeds in recent year, the Border-Merino is still one of the best crosses available - they have great milking ability and display hybrid vigour.

First Cross Sales are also promoted and ribbons are presented to the vendor of the Best Presented Pen at the annual sale. A perpetual trophy has been provided in the towns of Barellen, Boorowa, Crookwell, Goulburn and Narrandera and the name of the breeder obtaining the highest price for his pen of ewes is inscribed annually. The agent for that breeder holds the trophy until the following sale.

The Association sponsors the major ram sale in Dubbo - both stud and flock rams, which is held on the first Tuesday in February at the Dubbo Showgrounds.

The Narromine First-Cross Association is a leader in the breeding, promotion and presentation of First Cross Ewes. It was founded in 1959 and offers approximately 15,000 ewes for sale in February and October. All sheep are sourced from within the Narromine Shire and are bred by the vendors. In each yarding offered at Narromine first cross sales there is a variety of ages which allows prime lamb breeders to find the type of sheep that is best suited to their purposes. The NSW Border Leicester Sheepbreeders Association is pleased to sponsor this sale.

Uptake of the NSP for The Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders, to end of April 2002.

The genotype results for the Border Leicester are favourable with 57% ARR/ARR - the most resistant genotype.

There was 76 Expressions of interest; 54 applications; 392 sheep tested; and 13 flocks tested.

News Letter - December 2001

The Wool Board has now resumed its re-structuring and development programme designed to improve efficiencies and improve returns to producers through research and investment. The need for such a programme, interrupted as a consequence of the FMD, is now more urgent following the outbreak, according to Wool Board Chairman Frank Langrish.

Speaking this week in Scotland, Mr Langrish said the British Wool clip would probably finalise around 35 m.kg, 20% less than last year. Although this should increase again over the next few years, it was unlikely to reach the 45.6m.kg handled in 1999/2000.

As a result, staff changes and redundancies have been made both at Head Office and at grading depots in the North of England. A review of the grading depot operation elsewhere in the UK is now going on and, Mr Langrish said it was the intention to make savings of over £500,000 in wages by the start of next season.

A reduced supply would normally cause prices to rise and the long-term indicators of world supply and demand suggest a sustained rise in price. However the market for British Wool has remained fairly static, with the indicator around 68p/kg.,since the start of the selling season in late June.

Initially, manufacturers' confidence in the continued supply of some types was shaken by FMD when depots had to be shut and and some export markets were closed off.

Since then, international economic uncertainty following the events of September 11th has had a severe impact on activity. It is noted that New Zealand prices for comparative wools have dropped 15% (19% sterling equivalent)

To benefit from any overall market upturn, Mr Langrish said the Wool Board believes it must ensure the clip is of a consistently high quality, meets international specifications and is supported by all relevant technical information.

Consequently, the programme of introducing electronic auctioning, postponed during the summer, will now be re-started from the New Year, with a view to providing a fully integrated selling system. Mechanisation and the increased use of technology in the grading operation is also being considered.

There will be a requirement to control the level of pesticide residue within the clip and to achieve this there will need to be improved trace-ability. With increasingly stringent water quality and disposal regulations in the UK and the rest of Europe, this is becoming essential and Wool Board research is investigating both ways of reducing
the initial level of pesticide applied, perhaps through high-speed jetters. A commercially acceptable procedure for testing sale lots for residue content is also being developed.

Mr Langrish said he believed a viable sheep industry would emerge from the FMD disaster. "This will be an industry that will need to make the best use of its resources, and the Wool Board, run by producers for the benefit of producers, will be an integral part of this," he said.

News Letter - July 2001

Valued as a crossing sire, the influence of Border Leicester wool on the British clip is considerable. Pure-bred, the wool is white and semi lustrous, without kemp or coloured fibres and giving a staple length of up to 20 cms. On crosses and half-breds, these characteristics help to give versatility to the whole clip by producing slightly finer fleeces and reducing the incidence of coloured fibres and kemp, often found in the wool from hill and mountain breeds. Put on the Cheviot, good quality white wool is produced by the Scotch Half-bred; on the Blackface, the cross wool is whiter and resilient.

http://www.defra.gov.uk