Breeding Program
Improving genetics through Artificial Insemination
,Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (LAI) plays an important role in our breeding program at Kerry Hills of Upperville, giving us access to exceptional Kerry Hill genetics from around the world. This specialized technique allows frozen semen from carefully selected rams to be deposited directly into the uterus of the ewe, providing a highly effective method of breeding with genetics that may otherwise be unavailable in the United States.
Through LAI, we can thoughtfully pair each ewe with the sire we believe will best complement her strengths, introduce important bloodlines into our flock, and make deliberate progress toward our breeding goals. It also allows us to preserve and utilize valuable genetics for generations to come while maintaining the distinctive breed type, structure, markings, wool quality, and character of the Kerry Hill.
Advancing the breed through Embryo Transfers
Embryo transfer allows us to produce more offspring from our most valuable Kerry Hill genetics while preserving the breed characteristics and bloodlines we value most. Carefully selected donor ewes are bred to exceptional Kerry Hill sires, and the resulting embryos are collected by an experienced reproductive professional. Each viable embryo is then transferred into a synchronized Katahdin recipient ewe, who carries, delivers, and raises the lamb as her own.
Although the Katahdin serves as the surrogate mother, she contributes no genetics—the lamb’s DNA comes entirely from the Kerry Hill donor ewe and sire. This advanced breeding method helps us expand important bloodlines thoughtfully while maintaining our commitment to soundness, breed type, and quality.
The heart of our breeding program! Our Katahdin recipient ewes play an essential role in the success of our embryo-transfer program. Carefully selected for their maternal ability, soundness, and dependable nature, these exceptional ewes carry, deliver, and nurture our Kerry Hill lambs as their own. Although they contribute no genetics to the lambs they carry, their health, attentive mothering, and ability to raise strong lambs are invaluable. We are deeply grateful for these hardworking ewes and provide them with attentive care throughout synchronization, pregnancy, lambing, and lactation. They are more than recipients, they are trusted mothers and indispensable members of our flock