Boosting Flock Productivity with Rideau Arcott Genetics

The Rideau Arcott, a Canadian-bred sheep known for its exceptional maternal traits and prolificacy, is a game-changer for sheep producers aiming to enhance flock productivity. Developed at Agriculture Canada’s Animal Research Centre in Ottawa, this synthetic breed combines the best traits of Finnish Landrace, Suffolk, East Friesian, and other breeds to deliver high lambing rates, strong milking ability, and rapid lamb growth. By introducing Rideau genetics into your flock, you can significantly increase lamb production and profitability.

Unmatched Prolificacy

One of the standout features of Rideau Arcott sheep is their high fertility and ability to produce multiple lambs per ewe. According to GenOvis, the Canadian sheep genetic evaluation program, Rideau ewes average 2.33 lambs born per lambing, with 1.90 lambs weaned. In high-performing flocks, this can climb to 2.38 lambs born and 2.24 lambs weaned per lambing, with annual productivity reaching approximately 2.56 lambs born and 2.09 lambs weaned per ewe when factoring in accelerated lambing schedules (around 1.10 lambings per year). These figures translate to a lambing rate of around 180%, often with 40% twins and 50% triplets in mature ewes.

By introducing Rideau rams or ewes into a crossbreeding program, producers can boost the lambing rates of their existing flock. For example, crossing Rideau rams with less prolific breeds can elevate lambing percentages to 180% or higher, significantly increasing the number of lambs available for market or flock expansion.

Rapid Lamb Growth for Earlier Market Readiness

Rideau genetics also shine in lamb growth rates, making it possible to get lambs to market weight faster. GenOvis data shows that Rideau lambs have an average adjusted 50-day weaning weight of 22.5–23.2 kg (49.6–51.1 lbs), with high-performing flocks reaching 26.4 kg (58.2 lbs) per lamb. At 100 days, Rideau lambs typically weigh 37.6–38.9 kg (82.9–85.8 lbs), with top flocks achieving an estimated 41–43 kg (90.4–94.8 lbs). With an average daily gain (ADG) of 0.29–0.33 kg/day (0.64–0.73 lb/day) from 50 to 100 days, Rideau lambs can reach a market weight of 100 lbs (45.4 kg) in approximately 120–127 days from birth.

This rapid growth, driven by the Suffolk and East Friesian genetics in the Rideau’s makeup, allows producers to turn over lambs quickly, reducing feed costs and increasing throughput. For crossbreeding, Rideau genetics can enhance growth rates in offspring, ensuring more lambs hit target weights sooner.

Superior Maternal Traits

Rideau ewes are renowned for their excellent milking and mothering abilities, which contribute to higher weaning success. The East Friesian influence (14% of the breed’s genetics) ensures strong milk production, supporting the robust growth of twins and triplets. This is critical for maintaining high weaning rates, as seen in the 2019–2020 GenOvis data, where a high-performing Rideau flock weaned 59.1 kg of lambs per ewe at 50 days. Introducing Rideau ewes or rams into your flock can improve maternal care, reducing lamb mortality and boosting the number of healthy lambs raised to weaning.

Additionally, Rideau ewes reach sexual maturity early, at 7–8 months, and can lamb at one year with intervals as short as eight months. This supports accelerated lambing programs, allowing producers to maximize annual output and maintain consistent production cycles.

Practical Benefits for Crossbreeding

The Rideau Arcott’s genetic diversity makes it an ideal candidate for crossbreeding programs. Its Finnish Landrace foundation (40%) drives prolificacy, while Suffolk (20%) and East Friesian (14%) genetics enhance growth and milk yield, respectively. When crossed with terminal sire breeds like Suffolk or Dorset, Rideau genetics produce lambs with excellent carcass quality and faster finishing times. For producers with less prolific breeds, introducing Rideau rams can transform flock output by increasing litter sizes and improving lamb vigor.

However, the high incidence of multiple births requires careful management. Producers should ensure adequate nutrition, particularly during late gestation and lactation, and provide close monitoring during lambing to support the health of ewes and lambs.

A Canadian Success Story

Developed over decades at the Animal Research Centre, the Rideau Arcott is a testament to Canada’s progress in agricultural innovation. Released to producers in 1988–1989, it has become a cornerstone of intensive lamb production systems in Canada and here at Pastureland we are hoping to bring the benefits of the Rideau genetics to producers here in the USA.

Ready to elevate your flock’s performance? Consider introducing Rideau Arcott genetics to unlock higher lambing rates, faster growth, and stronger maternal traits. Your bottom line will thank you.