Virginia Tech Suffolks

 

The objective of the Virginia Tech’s registered Suffolk Flock is to produce balanced-trait, functional Suffolk sheep that are useful to all segments of the sheep industry.  This goal stems from the utilization of the flock in our teaching, research, and outreach efforts.  We strive to produce Suffolk sheep that excel in the traits that have made the breed popular - growth and carcass composition.   In addition to these fundamental traits, moderate mature size, maternal performance, longevity, structural correctness and eye appeal, genetic resistance to scrapie, and spider-free genotype are also important in our balanced-trait approach.  Our Suffolk flock is designed to fit the needs of our department and its missions and as a result our genetics have had wide appeal to commercial, club lamb, and purebred sheep producers as well.

Virginia Tech Suffolks has been enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program since 1998.  EPDs generated through the NSIP program have provided an objective means to improve growth and maternal traits.  Complete performance records are collected on each ewe and lamb and utilized in our selection decisions.  Ultrasonic evaluation of fat thickness and loin muscle area allow for the characterization of carcass composition.

The Suffolk flock currently consists of 85 ewes.  Beginning with the 1998 lamb crop, the flock has been intensely selected resulting in a relatively young flock of ewes.  All ewes are sired by the reference sires listed below, and the majority trace to these sires multiple times on the dam side as well.

Sheep from the Virginia Tech Sheep Center are merchandised through several avenues, including:

Through these events, Virginia Tech genetics are made available to the industry.  Proceeds from sheep sales are used to support the sheep program in the Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences.

For further details on the VT Suffolk flock, contact faculty coordinator Dr. Scott Greiner.

 

Suffolk Stud Rams
(all rams genotype AA at codon 136 and NN for spider)

KRM Suffolks 5211 "Platinum"
BD 1/17/05   RR

5211 is the son of "Hokie" (VA Tech Z0272) that we have long been searching.  This ram combines the lineage of three foundation sires of the VT Flock -- Kimm 39, Henry 810, and Kimm 11.  Bred by the Meadows family, 5211 is a big, powerful, correct ram that scanned a 3.36 LEA at 125 pounds.  His lambs possess his power and growth, and he is our leading active sire for growth on NSIP.  5211's mother is sired by Kimm 11 and is part of a great ewe family.  Platinum's twin sister was Champion Suffolk ewe at the 2005 VA State Fair (shown slick-sheared).

**Leased to Bob Kimm for 2008 lambs!**

"Platinum"  

 

Kimm 02239-05081
BD 1/4/05   RR

Our selection through the Kimm production sale in 2005.  He is sired by McLaughlin/ Griffin 0038, one of the most influential sires in the history of Kimm's program.  This ram sires tremendous balance, extension, and correctness while maintaining a big loin and square hip.

Kimm 81  

 

VA Tech E5300
BD 3/8/05   RR

Our high-selling ram through our 2005 Production Sale which we recently had the opportunity to get back for use this fall.  A son of Kimm 14 and out of a Sickels 200 dam.  Look for his progeny in 2008.

 

VA Tech E5300  

 

VA Tech H7241
BD 2/8/07   RR

Our keeper ram from 2007 lamb crop.  A son of Kimm 5081, and out of a Kimm 14 daughter who also produced the lead ram lamb in our 2004 Production Sale.

 

 

 

VA Tech H7241  

 

D Howard  4035-04
BD 1/29/04   QR

Our pick of the 2004 ram lambs at Darrell Howard’s in Oklahoma.  His sire, “Rattler” is by the Brian Johnson stud “Poison”.  His dam is double-bred Hickman W-44, a Hickman 50 son.  This outcross ram added extension and growth along with tremendous balance, hip structure, and bone.  Sired lamb crops 2005-2007.

Howard 4035  

         

VA Tech D4251
BD 2/10/04   RR

Our keeper ram from the 2004 lamb crop.  Sired by Kimm 14 and out of a Kimm 39 daughter which goes back to strong Sickels 95-6 ewe family.  Sired a limited number of lambs for 2005.

VA Tech D4251  

 

Kimm 96026-01014  
BD 1/1/01   RR

A Slack 8414qW son who’s dam is a Kimm 30 daughter.  Bob sent us the “14” ram based on his outstanding pedigree, and he has done a tremendous job and worked particularly well on the Sickels 96-200 daughters.  Sired lamb crops 2002-2005.

Slack 8414qW, sire of Kimm 14

 

Sickels 96-200
BD 3/17/96   QR

We acquired an interest in “200” as an aged ram from Duane Sickels in Indiana.  Pedigree includes Fields and Kimm genetics.  His daughters have been excellent producers with superior phenotype.  Sired lamb crops 2001-2005.

 

Sickels 96-200

Kimm 95117-00011
BD 1/3/00   QR

“11” was leased from Meadows Suffolks for the 2004 lamb crop.  He added power and muscle expression to his offspring as his pedigree suggests – Slack 7039WE x Hickman 43 daughter.



Kimm 97049-99039
BD 1/23/99   QR

Purchased by us as high-selling ram in 1999 Kimm Production Sale.  Sired by Slack 5259ET, and dam by Kimm 30.  “39” has had a tremendous impact on the VT flock, proved to be an excellent female sire.  His influence is prominent in the pedigrees of our current ewe flock, with many daughters and granddaughters.  Sired lambs crops 2000-2004.

Kimm 39  

   

VA Tech C3297
BD 4/4/03   RR

“Tabasco” is the result of a bred ewe purchase from Meadows Suffolks of Buchanan, VA.  Sired by a McLaughlin/Griffin 01-144 son from Bob Kimm, and dam by “Hokie” VA Tech Z0272.  Sired a limited number of lambs in 2004.

 

VA Tech Z0272
BD 4/1/00 QR

“Hokie” was our keeper ram from the 2000 lamb crop.  Sired by Kimm 39 and out of a Henry 810 daughter.  He sired a limited number of lambs for us in 2001, and has gone on to do a tremendous job for Meadows Suffolks of Buchanan, VA - including sire our current stud 5211.  

 

Henry Suffolks 810
BD 2/28/98   QQ

Our first ram brought in as we changed priorities in our Suffolk flock.  Bred by Henry Suffolks in Iowa, long-time breeders of balanced performance sheep.  “Double Stuff”, Henry Suffolks 986 appears on both sides of his pedigree, and his sire traces to a Schilder ram.  Sired lamb crops 1999-2001.

Henry 810