| 5 RURAL PEOPLE » Anui Stud Right genetics, right results at Anui Anui Romneys caters to the demands of both meat and wool producers. Karen Phelps As Anui Romneys prepares for its upcoming ram sale the stud’s commitment to utilising the right genetics has paid off handsomely this year, says Willie Philip, as the ewes have achieved great scanning results with mixed-aged ewes scanning at 200% and two-tooths at 180%. The commercial Romney flock of 3500 sheep scanned at 180%. The breeding program at Anui Romneys focuses on important traits such as WormFEC, facial eczema resistance and fertility. The stud carefully selects sires with facial eczema testing scores of at least 0.6 and prioritises worm-resistant genetics. While focusing on these critical traits, Anui Romneys has not overlooked the importance of wool quality in the rams, says Willie, catering to the demands of both meat and wool producers. Because the stud’s SIL records are integrated with those of other stud breeders in the southern part of the North Island Willie says this enhances the accuracy and reliability of the data. The stud has also been employing DNA genomic testing through Zoetis. This advanced analysis not only helps identify parentage but also allows for the more accurate prediction of future performance using DNA markers. Farmers can leverage the tests to better assess the genetic merit of their flock, thereby improving selection, retention, and overall management strategies. Additionally, the results obtained from genomic analysis can help identify genetic trends and provide valuable insights for future breeding strategies, says Willie. “It’s about trying to do the basics well and keeping conformation and soundness correct as well along the way. We introduce one or two new sires each year to keep the gene pool ticking over,” says Willie. Philip Land Company, the family-owned business behind Anui Romneys, operates on two properties. Willie oversees the 200-hectare Anui farm in Dannevirke, while his brother John, along with John’s son George and George’s wife Laura, manages an 870-hectare hill country block in Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke. The combined properties run 3500 commercial Romneys at Mangatuna, 700 stud Romney ewes, and 300 Dorset down ewes at Anui. Additionally, the family runs a 250-cow Dandaleith Angus Stud at Mangatuna, showcasing their versatility and expertise across different livestock sectors. Anui Romney Stud traces its origins back to Willie’s uncle, Don McDonald, who initiated the venture. Willie purchased the stud in the 1970s, following in the footsteps of his father Bill, who primarily farmed Romneys while also maintaining a flock of Dorset Downs. Anui Romneys also manages a ram lamb trial for Dorset Downs involving measuring growth S P R I N G P A DDO C K S A 2 Y E A R A N D Y E A R L I N G B U L L S A V A I L A B L E 1 0 2 L AWS R OA D , DA N N E V I R K E I N S P E C T I O N S W E L C O M E Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz @AnuiStudLivestock George Philip 923 Mangatuna R Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 S P R I N G P A DDO C K S A L E S 2 Y E A R A N D Y E A R L I N G B U L L S A V A I L B L E 1 0 2 L AWS R OA D , D N N E V I R K I N S P E C T I O N S W E L C O M E Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz @AnuiStudLivestock George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road,Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 G I VE U S A CA L L TO ARRANGE AN I N S P E CT I ON . - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 - Sires DNA tested for sheep 50K - Worm resistance programme in place Willy Philip 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 8857 Email: anui@xtra.co.nz George Philip 923 Mangatuna Road,Dannevirke Ph: 06 374 2861 G I VE U S A CA L L TO ARRANGE AN I N S P E CT I ON . - Fully SIL & Studfax performanc recorded - Stud ewes far ed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 - Sires DNA tested for sheep 50K - Worm resistance programme in place A N U I S T U D L I V E S T O C K R OM N E Y | D O R S E T D OWN | T E F R OM - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 A N U I S T U D L I V E S T O C K R OM N E Y | D O R S E T D OWN | T E F R OM - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, - Fully SIL & Studfax performance recorded - Stud ewes farmed on hard hill country at Mangatuna, east of Dannevirke - We use eczema tested sires up to .6 - Sires DNA test for sheep 50K - Worm resistance programme in place sweatwork@gmail.com 021 066 0274 063747701 27HighSt, Dannevirke rates from weaning time until March to identify the best-performing lambs. The selected lambs have demonstrated growth rates of up to 800 grams per day, and other traits such as skin thickness for improved lamb survival and eye muscle scanning are carefully evaluated. To ensure a consistent supply of quality lambs, approximately 2500 lambs are brought to Anui Romneys for fattening from the commercial flock at Mangatuna. The goal is to raise the lambs to around 43 kilograms, and thanks to the Dorset Downs’ exceptional growth rates, this can be achieved within 100 days. This capability proves valuable in mitigating the impact of adverse events such as drought. Anui Romneys also implements a re-grassing program that includes the cultivation of summer crops, which are used to fatten the lambs. Anui Romneys typically offers around 100 Dorset Downs and 200 Romney ram hoggets for sale on the farm at Anui from late November. Privately sold, these rams represent the pinnacle of the stud’s breeding achievements, says Willie, and offer buyers the opportunity to enhance the genetics and performance of their own flocks.
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