Progeny Tests

Video: Low Input PT Field Day > Progeny Test Results >CPT Flocks for 2025 mating >

A progeny test is used to benchmark the performance of a ram by comparing how his progeny perform under the same environmental conditions relative to progeny from other rams. In this way, rams can be compared across different flocks as these reference sires create genetic connections between flocks.

Running a progeny test at one location – a “central progeny test” – facilitates comparisons of rams that would not normally be made in industry. It is also an opportunity to use provide a practical resource for genetic research development.

The linkages created by the B+LNZ Genetics Sheep Progeny Test underpin NZGE – the weekly large-scale across-flock and across-breed evaluation.

Sheep Progeny Test sites

B+LNZ Genetics Central Progeny Test (CPT) involves multiple industry sires, across two hub sites: Glenside Station near Masteron, in the North Island and AgResearch’s Invermay farm near Dunedin, in the South Island.

Every year, around 20 rams - both maternal and terminal breeds - are selected for the programme. 

Underpinning our national sheep genetic evaluation

Funded and overseen by B+LNZ Genetics, the CPT has been underpinning New Zealand’s national sheep genetic evaluation (the NZGE) by creating genetic links, benchmarking sires, investigating new traits, and demonstrating the power of genetic selection. 

The purpose of the CPT is to connect flocks across breeds - which wouldn’t happen naturally in industry, creating connections between diverse breeds and groups from the wider industry, giving the greatest industry benefit. As well as helping drive connectivity, the CPT provides an opportunity for new and hard-to-measure traits to be investigated. 

Confirmed rams for Progeny Test mating

To improve connectedness, you can contact a breeder on the list to check if additional straws are available, or organise a sire referencing group to share one of these rams. Best practice for achieving connectedness to one of the progeny test sites is to use the same ram, in the same year and measure the same traits.

Flock/Group Allocations for 2025 Mating (pdf)

View List of Rams used for 2024 Mating (pdf)

Flock/Group Allocations for 2024 Mating (pdf)

View List of Rams used for 2023-mating (pdf)

Flock/Group Allocations for 2023 Mating (pdf)

View List of Rams used for 2022-mating (pdf)

Flock/Group Allocations for 2022 Mating(pdf)

View List of Rams used for 2021-mating (pdf)

View List of Rams used for 2020-Mating (pdf)