We started working with the USDA NAGP in 2005 to collect semen for the gene bank. We did collections in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. By then, we were working with them on developing sheep AI procedures, since laparoscopic surgery was expensive and ineffective. While we collected good data through these experiments, it became clear that we needed a better way to handle the data collection and store the data we accrued.
Here’s Dr. Purdy measuring scrotal circumference on our rams. He’s getting ready to collect semen for AI.
To collect data on the matings of previously synchronized ewes, we resorted to painting numbers on our sheep coats, then watching from afar to track them. We were testing sync protocols while watching who was coming into heat and being bred.
And thus, the seeds of LambTracker® were planted.