Sheep Genetic Technical Specialist Services

Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is required to deliver the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP) on behalf of Welsh Government. Welsh Government’s ambition and challenge is to continue to reduce greenhouse gases by improving efficiencies on farm to achieve a cumulative effect whilst maintaining the production of high quality and sustainable food. Seen as part of both short term and long-term response to the sectors role in climate change mitigation, support for genetic improvement of the Welsh sheep industry is crucial. This project seeks to build on the previous work funded by Welsh Government to support the uptake of genetic improvement within the Welsh sheep flock. The activity will look to further develop activity that has been delivered through the Hill Ram Scheme (HRS) and the first phase of WSGP, which was undertaken as part of Farming Connect. The proposed programme will be designed to meet the specific needs of the Welsh sheep sector in advancing genetic improvement. It will support participating businesses by assessing their current baseline performance, identifying key performance indicators relevant to their farming system and develop tailored action plans. Each plan will include clear, evidence-based recommendations to enhance genetic progress at the individual farm level, whilst collecting valuable information that could highlight the wider-sectoral benefits of the activity. Phase 2 of the WSGP will deliver the following objectives: • Improve economic and environmental performance of Welsh sheep farms (including methods to address decarbonisation of the red meat sector) • Increase uptake and confidence in EBVs and genomic EBVs • Grow a critical mass of performance-recorded and genotyped flocks in Wales • Enable and encourage sheep farmers to make evidence-based breeding and purchasing decisions • Support a long-term transition to farmer-led genetic improvement within the national flock in Wales • Exploring genetic improvement as a natural and impactful way to assist lowering the carbon footprint of the sheep sector in Wales. HCC is seeking a supplier to provide technical expertise in sheep genetics and support for the delivery of the project in relation to the activities detailed below: The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme The core requirement of the WSGP is to improve the understanding and uptake of EBVs and Genomic EBVs within the Welsh sheep sector. It is envisaged that the programme will be delivered through the following stages; Transition support for existing participants of the WSGP who wish to continue in Phase 2 Initially, the priority will be to provide a seamless transition for current participants of the WSGP into Phase 2. This will seek to maintain and maximise the data collection opportunity for the 2026 lambing season. Approximately 60 flocks actively participated at the end of the first phase of the programme, with various degrees of experience and understanding within the field of sheep genetics. For the final year of Phase 1 of the WSGP, 42 flocks with an average 119 lambs undertook DNA Sampling (a total of circa. 5,000 lambs for the year). 60 flocks undertook backfat scanning with an average of 228 lambs scanned. It is expected that the number of flocks participating in the programme increase in Phase 2, with the average number of lambs per farm remaining relatively stable. Identify and recruit a suitable range of participating farms & breeds Once it is known how many existing participants will transfer over to Phase 2 of the WSGP, there will be opportunities to expand the offer to new businesses. It Is envisaged the recruitment of participating businesses to be a mix of: • Those experienced in genetic improvement of sheep – this is to ensure a continued level of knowledge and data which can be shared with other farming businesses who are looking at genetics • Those who have already started on engaging with genetic improvement, but require further assistance to develop their knowledge, understanding and confidence. • Those who are new to the process. The level of support will be proportionate to the participating businesses experience of the subject, but the goal will be for beneficiaries having the practical knowledge and expertise to undertake the work independently. Identify KPIs and create an Action Plan for participating businesses - working with the eligible businesses in identifying their current baseline performance, KPIs will be identified for the businesses, and an action plan created with clear recommendations for participating businesses at the end of the programme. Provide a pathway report for options for future support in this field - using lessons learnt from Phase 1 of the WSGP and from similar schemes and programmes provided in Wales and the UK, a pathway report for potential future options for support in this field will be undertaken. Develop additional applicable innovative projects - during the programme there will be potential to develop innovative projects linked to work within the sheep genetics sphere. This may include continuing with existing projects developed under the WSGP, or proposals for new projects or a combination of both. HCC requires suppliers who can provide sheep genetics expertise and support for the delivery of the project in relation to the following activities. The contract will run until 31 March 2029.