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Upgrade ProgramGrading up is not a new concept. It has been used in many species for years. In fact, upgrading was used in the development of some newer sheep breeds. We are probably most familiar with its recent use in establishing flocks of foreign breeds in this country, as with the Wensleydale. Through upgrading, we can increase the population of the breed quite rapidly while introducing genetic diversity and vigor. We also create a broader market for purebred rams to be used as sires in the upgrading flocks. We must take into account the character and purpose of the Coopworth when we upgrade. The most benefit will be made if the newly introduced genes are similar to those in the current gene pool. By maintaining a reasonable degree of predictability within the breed, we preserve its integrity. Animals from the following breeds, and crosses of them, may be used for the foundation of upgrading in this ACR program:
Foundation animals should meet the standard for their particular breeds and crossbred animals should exhibit the best qualities of their breeds. During the upgrading process, it is especially important to
select for qualities that are typically Coopworth, choosing and
retaining only those animals that show the greatest potential.
The resulting registerable upgraded animals must look and behave
like Coopworths. The Coopworth Breed Standard
and Culling Guidelines (ACR By-laws
Art. XII) are helpful tools along with personal flock records. How to Participate1. Participant must be a current member of ACR. All purebred Coopworth sheep that are being used to increase percentage blood must be registered with ACR. There is no fee for participating in this program but the usual registration fees will apply to the fully upgraded animals. 2. To participate in the Upgrade Program, send a Foundation List ( Forms ) to the Upgrade Committee Chair. The Foundation List is available from the Upgrade Chair, the ACR Secretary or at www.AmericanCoopworthRegistry.org. Foundation animals may be from any of the breeds listed above and/or crosses of them. If an animal is part Coopworth, indicate the percentage of Coopworth on the form. This percentage may be applied to the foundation animal’s upgraded offspring. ACR registration is not required of purebred Coopworths on the Foundation List. 3. Foundation animals should be listed by their Personal ID’s and ACR registered animals by their registration numbers. 4. Both white and natural colored animals are eligible. Use the color definitions that are on the Foundation List. 5. Upgraded ewes that are 7/8 (F3) pure and rams that are 15/16 (F4) pure may be ACR registered, provided they meet eligibility requirements and the Breed Standard. 6. When upgrading is complete, notify the Upgrade Committee Chair. Use the Dual Purpose Request for Registration Approval ( Forms ). Send the completed form, along with a photo and fleece sample for each animal, to the Upgrade Committee Chair and registration will follow. For the participant’s convenience, an Upgrade Worksheet
is available ( Forms ). Using the Worksheet is not required,
however, the information accumulated on it may be helpful when
applying for registration of the upgraded animals. How to Determine Percentage BloodAdd the sire’s and dam’s Coopworth percentages together and divide the sum by two. Round down the answer to the nearest whole number (87.5 would be 87). This is the percentage blood of the animal in question.
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