Applying for Ram Registration
When an animal is submitted for registration, the information provided in the application is subject to analysis under regulations set out in the Flock Register for Poll Dorset Sheep in Australia. The implementation of these regulations are set out below.
Guidelines for Ram Registrations for FULL status
Regulation 9 (h) As of 1st November 2020, a registered and transferable ram must have a consecutive traceable pedigree of four generations, with all parentage registered with the APDA.
1. All sires in the application pedigree have FULL APDA registration status with a registration number.
2. All dams in the application pedigree have an APDA stud prefix
3. All four generations of the pedigree are complete where the animal to be registered is noted as Generation 1
Rams with full stud registration status with the APDA may be eligible for stud and/or semen transfer, if they also meet Regulation 11 (k):
Regulation 11 (k) As of 1st July 2023 all registered rams requiring stud or semen transfer must be DNA tested
Guidelines for “In-Flock” Only registration status
Regulation 9 (i) Applications for ram registrations that do not meet regulation (9.h), maybe registered with board approval. These registrations may be subject to a status of ‘In-Flock use only” and/or “Progeny non-transferable”.
1. One or more sires in pedigree have an “In-Flock use only” status
2. Unexplained vacancies on maternal lineage
3. Rams do not meet Full Registration requirements
Rams given this status can only be used in the breeders own flock and are ineligible for APDA stud, semen or natural service transfer into another registered stud under any circumstances.
Guidelines for DNA on Dead or Historic Sires
When using historic sires in your breeding program it is recommended that you supply semen to be DNA tested to one of the APDA recommended laboratories. This will be looked on favourably if you need to register progeny and will make the process of registration seamless. You can also take a DNA sample from a deceased animal using an applicator and a TSU (refer to December 2024 Poll Dorset Journal). The APDA makes registration decisions on individual basis for applications of progeny of deceased or historic sires but the applicant/breeder can also make the process streamlined by DNA testing all their stud rams they intend to retain.
Regulation 35. DNA Protocol: It is recommended that all registered rams be DNA tested for parentage verification and genomic testing.
DNA testing
It is currently a regulation to DNA test rams if you wish to sell your ram/s or semen from a ram into another stud. If you require a semen or stud transfer you will need to take DNA from your ram and submit it to one of the APDA’s listed approved DNA laboratories and results of this can then be forwarded to the APDA office.
The APDA do however recommend as per Regulation 35:
Regulation 35. DNA Protocol: It is recommended that all registered rams be DNA tested for parentage verification and genomic testing.
DNA can be taken from an animal by using an applicator and TSUs (Tissue sample units), blood cards or semen samples. TSUs are designed so that each sample has its own vial and cutter which reduces the risk of sample contamination. Each TSU has its own unique ID that can be linked to the animal’s ear tag. All region secretaries have been supplied with a TSU gun for your region’s use.
Online database searching for animals
Breeders can look up the online searchable database to see a rams registration status and pedigree. The database will show you the full 4 generation pedigree of the ram as well as the registration numbers of the sires within the pedigree, represented by the letter R beside their registration number. To find out the status of these registrations you will need to click on them and this will take you through to that particular rams information.
Further down the page under Ownership/Rights History is a list of any activity for that particular ram.