“The Doone”, is the new home for Doughboy Romney - Flock 2588
The Taylor family have purchased a hill country property, “The Doone”, located on the Inland Road between Waiau and Kaikoura (see map below). The Oxford property "Gleneyre" was sold and the Doughboy Romney stud was relocated to the new farm.
“The Doone” comprises 3600 hectares, ranging from 250 metres to 1000 metres above sea level, with an average rainfall of 1000mm to 1250mm per annum. Snow is always a threat, with falls throughout the winter and spring months. Whilst the property had not been utilised to its full potential, its inherent possibilities are apparent, with its mainly brown top base pasture. Around 500 hectares can be cultivated by wheel tractor, whereas the balance is medium to steep hill country. Water sources comprise dams and streams but no water reticulation schemes.
Our aim is to progressively improve pasture, install a water reticulation scheme, subdivide the big blocks into manageable sizes and improve fencing to better manage stock and pasture utilisation. At present the property carries 4500 ewes, 1600 hoggets plus 300 Angus-base cows. Whilst the potential is to maximise carrying capacity, having highly productive animals for the future of the flock and benefit of our clients is also vital.
A principal objective is to make a greater number of Romney rams available for sheep farmers across diverse climatic regions. In the past Romneys may have been considered the breed that more commonly frequented flat, high rainfall areas and not a breed able to cope with steep terrain and challenging seasonal/pasture variances. Our Romney have clearly demonstrated their ability to adapt to the dramatic climatic and topographical variances present at "The Doone". The goal with the stud is to breed Romney able to thrive with minimal inputs in any location under myriad seasonal and pasture management conditions.
Genetic selection is driven by the need to breed sheep with a sound constitution/structure and true to breed type. This perquisite is balanced by the utilisation of assistive technology to identify desirable performance data for fertility, carcase and wool traits. Our goal is to provide “dual purpose”, “self-replacing” purebred Romney genetics which eliminate the need for multidimensional breeding strategies.
When making breeding and selection decisions, information is power when balanced with structural correctness, trueness to breed type and attention to pedigrees. Lambs from all registered stud and trial ewes are tagged at birth, and the mothering ability of ewes assessed. Professor Jon Hickford from Lincoln University assists by making students available to do the recording and measuring. Lambs are weighed at docking and again at weaning to measure growth. Conducting the above tasks on hill country will be challenging but crucial in the identification of superior genetics.
Contact:
Marcus & Leanne Taylor — Phone: 033195507
Hugh and Diane on 033124267 or mobile 021935244
Email: southernprime@scorch.co.nz
“The Doone”, 3012 Inland Road Kaikoura.
The Taylor family have purchased a hill country property, “The Doone”, located on the Inland Road between Waiau and Kaikoura (see map below). The Oxford property "Gleneyre" was sold and the Doughboy Romney stud was relocated to the new farm.
“The Doone” comprises 3600 hectares, ranging from 250 metres to 1000 metres above sea level, with an average rainfall of 1000mm to 1250mm per annum. Snow is always a threat, with falls throughout the winter and spring months. Whilst the property had not been utilised to its full potential, its inherent possibilities are apparent, with its mainly brown top base pasture. Around 500 hectares can be cultivated by wheel tractor, whereas the balance is medium to steep hill country. Water sources comprise dams and streams but no water reticulation schemes.
Our aim is to progressively improve pasture, install a water reticulation scheme, subdivide the big blocks into manageable sizes and improve fencing to better manage stock and pasture utilisation. At present the property carries 4500 ewes, 1600 hoggets plus 300 Angus-base cows. Whilst the potential is to maximise carrying capacity, having highly productive animals for the future of the flock and benefit of our clients is also vital.
A principal objective is to make a greater number of Romney rams available for sheep farmers across diverse climatic regions. In the past Romneys may have been considered the breed that more commonly frequented flat, high rainfall areas and not a breed able to cope with steep terrain and challenging seasonal/pasture variances. Our Romney have clearly demonstrated their ability to adapt to the dramatic climatic and topographical variances present at "The Doone". The goal with the stud is to breed Romney able to thrive with minimal inputs in any location under myriad seasonal and pasture management conditions.
Genetic selection is driven by the need to breed sheep with a sound constitution/structure and true to breed type. This perquisite is balanced by the utilisation of assistive technology to identify desirable performance data for fertility, carcase and wool traits. Our goal is to provide “dual purpose”, “self-replacing” purebred Romney genetics which eliminate the need for multidimensional breeding strategies.
When making breeding and selection decisions, information is power when balanced with structural correctness, trueness to breed type and attention to pedigrees. Lambs from all registered stud and trial ewes are tagged at birth, and the mothering ability of ewes assessed. Professor Jon Hickford from Lincoln University assists by making students available to do the recording and measuring. Lambs are weighed at docking and again at weaning to measure growth. Conducting the above tasks on hill country will be challenging but crucial in the identification of superior genetics.
Contact:
Marcus & Leanne Taylor — Phone: 033195507
Hugh and Diane on 033124267 or mobile 021935244
Email: southernprime@scorch.co.nz
“The Doone”, 3012 Inland Road Kaikoura.
History of Doughboy Romney - Prefix 2588
Leo Taylor with some of the early Doughboy Romney rams.
First established in 1953, "Doughboy" was the name chosen after the stream, “Doughboy” that flowed through the hill block portion of the property. A good selection of quality ewes were purchased from several leading Romney studs of the time in New Zealand. These included ewes from Tresco, Rinaultrie, Mereoak, Leedstown, Caterhope, Merrydowns and more recently Gatton Park.
In 1977 H.G.E (Hugh) Taylor went into partnership with Leo Taylor, and then in 1984 the ownership was transferred to H.G.E. & D.M. (Hugh & Diane) Taylor.
In the 1960s the Romney ewes would produce 90% lambing. Twins were considered rear and triplets even more so. Shepherds would do a 24 hour watch to save lambs that were breached at birth. In those days many lambing boxes were used to "mother on" any mismothered lambs.
In the seventies the Doughboy farm tried other breeds alongside Romney such as: Halfbreds (Merino x Romneys), Border Leicesters, Coopworths, Perendales and Lincolns. For numerous reasons it was quite clear that the Romney was best suited for the land, the climate and our breeding objectives. It took the introduction of the Coopworth Breed Society's direction to give the Romney Breeders the impetuous and motivation to focus on the many Romney strengths and improve attributes across the board. Since then the bar has been dramatically raised to present day heights, and there is ongoing work and research to further accelerate improvement in all desirable traits.
Since the inception of the stud many rams have been purchased along with using homebred rams. Recent dominant rams that have performed well and contributed to the success of the Doughboy stud are as follows: Offord 141/00, Doughboy 85/02, Mana 83/04, Totaranui 1572/05, Doughboy 67/07, Doughboy 116/07, Doughboy 52/10, Mana 188/10, Doughboy 142/12 and Ram Hill 322/12.
Over the years the Doughboy Romney exhibits have won at many shows including New Zealand's premier Blue Ribbon (1992) in Palmerston North. From 2012 to 2014 the stud has won the coveted Overton cup, a feature at the Canterbury A&P show for the highest aggregate of points in the Romney section.
Doughboy genetics have been exported to several continents around the world, including rams to South America, Australia, China and to Kenya.
The stud once comprise of 700 stud ewes but due to global economics, wool and lamb returns, a decision was made to focus on quality and reduce the overall numbers. Doughboy management embraces progressive technology that assist with the enhancement of the numerous desirable attributes of Romney. At present, the Doughboy recorded ewe flock is growing to near 200 plus. Stud and commercial rams are sold privately annually. The oldest client family has been buying Doughboy rams for the last 60 years. This in itself is very unique.
In 1977 H.G.E (Hugh) Taylor went into partnership with Leo Taylor, and then in 1984 the ownership was transferred to H.G.E. & D.M. (Hugh & Diane) Taylor.
In the 1960s the Romney ewes would produce 90% lambing. Twins were considered rear and triplets even more so. Shepherds would do a 24 hour watch to save lambs that were breached at birth. In those days many lambing boxes were used to "mother on" any mismothered lambs.
In the seventies the Doughboy farm tried other breeds alongside Romney such as: Halfbreds (Merino x Romneys), Border Leicesters, Coopworths, Perendales and Lincolns. For numerous reasons it was quite clear that the Romney was best suited for the land, the climate and our breeding objectives. It took the introduction of the Coopworth Breed Society's direction to give the Romney Breeders the impetuous and motivation to focus on the many Romney strengths and improve attributes across the board. Since then the bar has been dramatically raised to present day heights, and there is ongoing work and research to further accelerate improvement in all desirable traits.
Since the inception of the stud many rams have been purchased along with using homebred rams. Recent dominant rams that have performed well and contributed to the success of the Doughboy stud are as follows: Offord 141/00, Doughboy 85/02, Mana 83/04, Totaranui 1572/05, Doughboy 67/07, Doughboy 116/07, Doughboy 52/10, Mana 188/10, Doughboy 142/12 and Ram Hill 322/12.
Over the years the Doughboy Romney exhibits have won at many shows including New Zealand's premier Blue Ribbon (1992) in Palmerston North. From 2012 to 2014 the stud has won the coveted Overton cup, a feature at the Canterbury A&P show for the highest aggregate of points in the Romney section.
Doughboy genetics have been exported to several continents around the world, including rams to South America, Australia, China and to Kenya.
The stud once comprise of 700 stud ewes but due to global economics, wool and lamb returns, a decision was made to focus on quality and reduce the overall numbers. Doughboy management embraces progressive technology that assist with the enhancement of the numerous desirable attributes of Romney. At present, the Doughboy recorded ewe flock is growing to near 200 plus. Stud and commercial rams are sold privately annually. The oldest client family has been buying Doughboy rams for the last 60 years. This in itself is very unique.
Doughboy Romney - Breeding Aims and Objectives:
In today's world, successful production and the utilisation of skills, knowledge and relevant technology is the key to success. We put immense effort into quality, sound structure/constitution, balance and data/figures – in this order. Technology is vital in assisting us make selection decisions. To ultimately achieve desired genetic gains and results it is imperative that equal importance if placed on pasture management or feed availability in an open range grazing situation. We have a simple motto that we adhere to: Breed them right feed them right. The introduction of EID ear tags has helped us improve the accuracy and efficiencies of recording data as well as labour efficiencies via the speed with which we can perform various recording procedures.
Going forward, all our selection benchmark criteria are based on desirable economic and genetic attributes. Alongside the stud we run the Merial Ancare, South Island Romney Meat Trial. This is a progeny trial where the male offspring are processed and measured for yield, fat and growth. More than 120 Romney sires have been tested since 2007.This information has helped us identify and make important decisions on what bloodlines or which individual sires to use. Pedigree is a powerful tool in itself; we are always looking for dominant sires or females. We never under estimate the value of any animal regardless of that being a male or female, each can contribute to the success of any stud.
We believe that recording commercially valid information is imperative for our success and ultimately the success of our client’s, from both a productivity and economic point of view.
A ewe’s mothering/nurturing and protective performance is measured at lambing time where each ewe is scored on her mothering ability. A ewe that stands her ground with her lambs when we are tagging, as well as her being able to recognise that she has 2 or more lambs, will receive top marks with a score of 1tt (top mothers). Conversely any ewe that bolts (runs off) when we approach or pick up her lambs or takes off with only one lamb will score a 3 and be removed from the stud flock. Additionally, any ewe that requires assistance giving birth will score a 3. Any ewe that has only one lamb will be removed from the stud flock.
Lambs are weaned at 90 days and weighed, then again in March when they are approximately 200 days old. The better ram lambs are then scanned using Computer Tomography (CT) for meat yield. Their wool is also tested for micron, crimp and feel. All this information is fed into the SIL program. This program will give us a ranking on each trait then will give us an overall combination ranking where that animal sits in our flock. Once the figures are collated we can then use eye appraisal to make the final decision on selection.
Ewe hoggets are mated to stud rams and the offspring are kept even if they are singles, providing they meet our other selection criteria. This enables us to place selection pressure on these young ewes as well as it provides us with a more rapid genetic cycle and more sheep to select from. All two-tooth ewes must have reared two lambs or they are culled from the stud. Most ewes are kept until they are six year old unless they have proven to be exceptionally top breeders; these are kept up to eight year old. Ewes with poor performance data are dispatched once the ewe summaries and selection lists are viewed. All ram hoggets are DNA tested for foot scores and the cold tolerance gene. Twin lambs that can tolerate an extreme weather event are a huge bonus; this is aided by the mother’s ability to find shelter for her new born lambs is a considerable bonus for all concerned.
Breeding takes constant vigilance to achieve and maintain all the desirable economic attributes including, correct structure/constitution, breed type, uniformity and performance all in the one package. There have been trends and fashions that fluctuate over the years but with attention to detail and utilising technology enable us to breed a purebred animal that will satisfy markets regardless of trends or fashions. All animals are first assessed from a breed type and structure/constitutional point of view, then their performance data is scrutinised before making final selection decisions. We believe this method puts the horse before the cart and enables us to avoid any surprises in relation to structure or breed type.
Many of the top sheep have top figures e.g. Doughboy 227/13 is ranked 2nd and Doughboy 32/13 is ranked 3rd and Doughboy 30/13 is ranked 9th from 137 using the SIL programme.
An area of concern is that growth figures are making Romney too big with heavier mature weights and not having the ability to grow rapidly at an early age. Sire selections are closely monitored for frame size and eventual mature weights; this is of immense importance especially considering the fact that some of our genetics are sold to High Country stations.
Some years back it was considered that sheep needed to be bigger, larger framed and heavier mature weights. This was similar to the tendency in cattle where the fashion trended towards large framed cattle with excessive mature weights; ultimately this proved the undoing of many cattle breeders. Fortunately that trend has reverted back to moderate framed animals for more efficient production. Large framed animals take more feed to maintain body condition and are the first to suffer in drought or periods of reduced feed availability. Fertility also suffers in larger animals when seasonal conditions are less than ideal. We believe it is all about optimising stocking rate and maximising production returns on a given area regardless of that location. Therefore we aim to breed for moderate frame/weight Romney that have more barrel and balance. We recognise that these Romney grow rapidly and mature out at mid-range frame and weights, thereby giving greater production efficiencies regardless of the seasonal variability’s.
One of the numerous advantages of placing our sheep under considerable selection pressure and lifting the bar on perfection, especially fertility, is the snow-ball effect where we have greater numbers to select from and that these efficiencies are also passed onto our clients. There also appears to be a link between the proportion of “head cover” and fertility, with modest head cover, open faced sheep being the more desired. The added advantage of sheep with open faces is their ability to forage without risk of tumbling down steep embankments and or keeping free of grass seeds to the eyes. So for many practical reasons, clear vision is imperative in the basket of desirable traits.
Improving taste and tenderness will be worked on in the future, using the new ovine SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) chip technology to chart small genetic differences that produce a variety of commercially important genetic and economic traits in our Romney.
In line with our progressive utilisation of technology we will be utilising artificial insemination of selected sires, thereby giving us another tool to improve our Romney.
Additionally we are looking to utilise embryo transfer to take full advantage of the superior ewes we have identified within our flock.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Doone-Home-of-Doughboy-Romney-2325300921021636/
In today's world, successful production and the utilisation of skills, knowledge and relevant technology is the key to success. We put immense effort into quality, sound structure/constitution, balance and data/figures – in this order. Technology is vital in assisting us make selection decisions. To ultimately achieve desired genetic gains and results it is imperative that equal importance if placed on pasture management or feed availability in an open range grazing situation. We have a simple motto that we adhere to: Breed them right feed them right. The introduction of EID ear tags has helped us improve the accuracy and efficiencies of recording data as well as labour efficiencies via the speed with which we can perform various recording procedures.
Going forward, all our selection benchmark criteria are based on desirable economic and genetic attributes. Alongside the stud we run the Merial Ancare, South Island Romney Meat Trial. This is a progeny trial where the male offspring are processed and measured for yield, fat and growth. More than 120 Romney sires have been tested since 2007.This information has helped us identify and make important decisions on what bloodlines or which individual sires to use. Pedigree is a powerful tool in itself; we are always looking for dominant sires or females. We never under estimate the value of any animal regardless of that being a male or female, each can contribute to the success of any stud.
We believe that recording commercially valid information is imperative for our success and ultimately the success of our client’s, from both a productivity and economic point of view.
A ewe’s mothering/nurturing and protective performance is measured at lambing time where each ewe is scored on her mothering ability. A ewe that stands her ground with her lambs when we are tagging, as well as her being able to recognise that she has 2 or more lambs, will receive top marks with a score of 1tt (top mothers). Conversely any ewe that bolts (runs off) when we approach or pick up her lambs or takes off with only one lamb will score a 3 and be removed from the stud flock. Additionally, any ewe that requires assistance giving birth will score a 3. Any ewe that has only one lamb will be removed from the stud flock.
Lambs are weaned at 90 days and weighed, then again in March when they are approximately 200 days old. The better ram lambs are then scanned using Computer Tomography (CT) for meat yield. Their wool is also tested for micron, crimp and feel. All this information is fed into the SIL program. This program will give us a ranking on each trait then will give us an overall combination ranking where that animal sits in our flock. Once the figures are collated we can then use eye appraisal to make the final decision on selection.
Ewe hoggets are mated to stud rams and the offspring are kept even if they are singles, providing they meet our other selection criteria. This enables us to place selection pressure on these young ewes as well as it provides us with a more rapid genetic cycle and more sheep to select from. All two-tooth ewes must have reared two lambs or they are culled from the stud. Most ewes are kept until they are six year old unless they have proven to be exceptionally top breeders; these are kept up to eight year old. Ewes with poor performance data are dispatched once the ewe summaries and selection lists are viewed. All ram hoggets are DNA tested for foot scores and the cold tolerance gene. Twin lambs that can tolerate an extreme weather event are a huge bonus; this is aided by the mother’s ability to find shelter for her new born lambs is a considerable bonus for all concerned.
Breeding takes constant vigilance to achieve and maintain all the desirable economic attributes including, correct structure/constitution, breed type, uniformity and performance all in the one package. There have been trends and fashions that fluctuate over the years but with attention to detail and utilising technology enable us to breed a purebred animal that will satisfy markets regardless of trends or fashions. All animals are first assessed from a breed type and structure/constitutional point of view, then their performance data is scrutinised before making final selection decisions. We believe this method puts the horse before the cart and enables us to avoid any surprises in relation to structure or breed type.
Many of the top sheep have top figures e.g. Doughboy 227/13 is ranked 2nd and Doughboy 32/13 is ranked 3rd and Doughboy 30/13 is ranked 9th from 137 using the SIL programme.
An area of concern is that growth figures are making Romney too big with heavier mature weights and not having the ability to grow rapidly at an early age. Sire selections are closely monitored for frame size and eventual mature weights; this is of immense importance especially considering the fact that some of our genetics are sold to High Country stations.
Some years back it was considered that sheep needed to be bigger, larger framed and heavier mature weights. This was similar to the tendency in cattle where the fashion trended towards large framed cattle with excessive mature weights; ultimately this proved the undoing of many cattle breeders. Fortunately that trend has reverted back to moderate framed animals for more efficient production. Large framed animals take more feed to maintain body condition and are the first to suffer in drought or periods of reduced feed availability. Fertility also suffers in larger animals when seasonal conditions are less than ideal. We believe it is all about optimising stocking rate and maximising production returns on a given area regardless of that location. Therefore we aim to breed for moderate frame/weight Romney that have more barrel and balance. We recognise that these Romney grow rapidly and mature out at mid-range frame and weights, thereby giving greater production efficiencies regardless of the seasonal variability’s.
One of the numerous advantages of placing our sheep under considerable selection pressure and lifting the bar on perfection, especially fertility, is the snow-ball effect where we have greater numbers to select from and that these efficiencies are also passed onto our clients. There also appears to be a link between the proportion of “head cover” and fertility, with modest head cover, open faced sheep being the more desired. The added advantage of sheep with open faces is their ability to forage without risk of tumbling down steep embankments and or keeping free of grass seeds to the eyes. So for many practical reasons, clear vision is imperative in the basket of desirable traits.
Improving taste and tenderness will be worked on in the future, using the new ovine SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) chip technology to chart small genetic differences that produce a variety of commercially important genetic and economic traits in our Romney.
In line with our progressive utilisation of technology we will be utilising artificial insemination of selected sires, thereby giving us another tool to improve our Romney.
Additionally we are looking to utilise embryo transfer to take full advantage of the superior ewes we have identified within our flock.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Doone-Home-of-Doughboy-Romney-2325300921021636/
Current Doughboy Romney Sires:
Sire: Doughboy 227/13 (T)
Doughboy 166/15 (Tr)
Dam: Doughboy 85/08 (T)
Sire: Kikitangeo 62/16 (T)
Chrome Hills 29/18 (T)
Dam: Chrome Hills 9/16 (T)
See a son, Doughboy 3/20 (T), below.
Sire: Ram Hill 322/11 (Tr)
Doughboy 227/13 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 85/08 (T)
|
Sire: Merrydowns 1840/16 (T) Doughboy 169/18 (T) Dam: Doughboy 523/16 (T) |
Sire: Glenleith 176/16
Doughboy 503/18 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 212/16 (T)
Doughboy 503/18 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 212/16 (T)
Sire: Chrome Hills 29/18 (T)
Doughboy 3/20 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 383/17 (T)
See the sire of Doughboy 3/20 (T) above.
Sire: Glenleith 14/17
Doughboy 320/19 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 192/15 (T)
Sire: Ram Hill 322/11 (Tr)
Doughboy 130/16 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 168/08 (T)
Doughboy 130/16 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 168/08 (T)
Sire: Merrydowns 1840/16 (T)
Doughboy 248/19 (T)
Dam: Gleneyre 467/15 (T)
Doughboy 248/19 (T)
Dam: Gleneyre 467/15 (T)
Sire: Tintern Elmo 328/13 (T)
Doughboy 11/19 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 523/16 (T)
Doughboy 11/19 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 523/16 (T)
Sire: Merrydowns 1840/16 (T)
Doughboy 247/19 (T)
Dam: Gleneyre 467/15 (T)
Sire: Glenleith 14/17
Doughboy 320/19 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 192/15 (T)
Doughboy 320/19 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 192/15 (T)
Sire: Doughboy 52/10 (T)
Doughboy 235/12 (T)
Dam: Doughboy 23/07 (T)
Doughboy 235/12 (T) has died but in his time made a significant impact on the studs progress.
