Tool 9.5 Protocols for effective visual assessment
Effective visual assessment requires protocols to be followed consistently. This tool provides a number of protocols that will assist with ensuring consistent and effective assessment with room to add protocols as required.
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Assess sheep from the same age and management group. |
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Understand the age and management structure of each mob to be assessed. |
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Assess when early life environmental effects are less and according to your annual management calendar. |
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Look at each animal from head to tail, the same way. |
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Where traits you want to visually assess are in the Visual Sheep Scores Guide, compare the animals to the images in the Guide, not each other. |
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Shoulders and back: Look at each animal and check for a pronounced dip between shoulder blades and dipping in the neck. |
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Tail length: Check tail length covers the bottom of the vulva. |
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Horns: Check for curl and tightness to side of face and closeness at top of head. |
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Jaw: Check the upper and lower jaws line up squarely at the teeth. Recommended timing: Anytime. |
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Pasterns: Check the pasterns have very little angulation. Recommended timing: Anytime. |
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Source: Adapted from AWI
