Improvement in Norwegian sheep breeding by using artificial insemination

Janne Karin Brodin

In this doctoral study, PhD student Leiv Sigbjørn Eikje has reviewed the status of Norwegian sheep breeding strategies.

Leiv Sigbjørn Eikje Photo: Janne Brodin

His findings indicate positive genetic developments for slaughter weight, number of lambs and maternal ability. There was no change in wool weight, but there was a less desirable change as far as fat class is concerned.

Eikje has evaluated alternative changes in breeding strategies, where natural mating and artificial insemination are used to differing degrees within flocks of similar structure to what is usual in Norway today.

Artificial insemination provides new options for Norwegian sheep breeding. The existing breeding strategi dates back to1960 and is based on natural mating. Simulation results in Eikje's PhD work show that partial use of artificial insemination may give approximately 40% genetic improvement.

Leiv Sigbjørn Eikje is from Nedstrand, Tysvær municipal in Rogaland. He is 37 years old. He took his Cand. Agric degree in animal breeding at IHA/UMB in 2000.

The trial lecture and the public defence took place Wednesday June 20 2009 at IHA.

Title of the thesis: Sheep breeding schemes for Norway based on artificial insemination
Prescribed subject of the trial lecture: Challenges and opportunities for European sheep breeding the coming 20 years - and contributions of science.

Associate Professor Tormod Ådnøy has been main supervisor for Eikje. Professor Gunnar Klemetsdal, IHA and Professor Atle Guttormsen, IØR have been assistant supervisors.

Published: 17.06.09
Updated: 22.06.09
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