Parasite Resilient Sheep

 
 The PEI Sheep Breeder Association (PEISBA) is positioning our industry to be ready for 2040 Net Zero by accelerating the provincial breeding flocks’ resilience to parasites found on permanent pastures.  Permanent pastures are critical to enhance the land’s ability to absorb carbon.  Gastro-intestinal parasites which affect sheep performance and welfare are now showing anthelmintic resistance; furthermore, increased numbers of parasites are surviving the milder winters due to climate change.  Poor animal performance caused by parasite burden increases GHG emissions as more feed is required for growth and maintenance in the flock.  Due to increased parasite burdens, it is now necessary for the provincial flock to import semen from proven parasite resilient genetics to ensure the success of carbon-sequestering and the best management practice of grazing sheep.  Importing semen from proven parasite resilient genetics will also reduce GHG emissions caused by poor animal performance associated with parasites and will accelerate the rate of scale-up and industry adoption of carbon sequestering grazing practices in which permanent pastures are foundational. 

PEISBA and the Climate Challenge Fund

The PEISBA is excited to announce that we have received funding to purchase NZ parasite resilient semen to inseminate into our island flock! 
We will be sure to keep producers updated in the coming months as things progress.  Below are a couple of news release stories.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/18-groups-receive-funding-to-battle-climate-change 
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-sheep-parasite-worm-climate-1.6916362