Performance

The Baalands is a performance-oriented flock.

Selection is based on (maternal) performance traits not show-ring qualities or physical traits that have no relationship to productivity.

Ewe lambs are bred to lamb at 12 months of age.

Poor-performing animals are removed from the flock.

On-farm performance records are provided on sale animals.

The following table gives the current performance goals of The Baalands:

Trait	Definition	Target
Fertility: mature ewes, %	# ewes lambing/# ewes exposed	100
Fertility: ewe lambs, %	# ewes lambing/#ewes exposed	100
Duration of lambing season	# days between first and last lambs	< 21 days
Lambing %: mature ewes	# lambs weaned/# ewes exposed	> 2.0
Percent triplet births, %	# ewes giving birth to triplets	> 33
Lambing %: yearling ewes	# lambs weaned/# ewes exposed	> 1.5
Birth weight, lbs.	Average birth weight	9.0-10.0
Pre-weaning ADG: rams	Weaning weight - birth weight/date weighed	> 0.80
Pre-weaning ADG: ewes	Weaning weight - birth weight/date weigned	> 0.60
Lbs. lamb weaned	Lbs. lamb weaned/ewe	> 120
Trait	Definition	Target
Top producers	Lbs. lamb weaned	> 150
Hall of Fame	Lbs. lamb weaned	> 200
Efficiency	Lbs. lamb weaned/ewe body weight	> 100
Profitability	Income - expenses/Number of ewes exposed	> $100

SUSAN SCHOENIAN • THE BAALANDS
15007 Hicksville Road, Clear Spring, Maryland 21722-1229 USA
Phone: (301) 582-4317 • E-mail: susan@baalands.com