The OLIBS flock currently has 2000 ewes divided among the three Replicating Breeders across Ontario. Our goal is to provide large groups of healthy uniform ewes of above average production to commercial producers.

The OLIBS ewe is a two breed composite of Polled Dorset and Rideau Arcott. The lineage of both ewes and rams can be traced to the original OLIBS research flock from the University of Guelph. The Replicating Breeder's Association is working to ensure the genetic progress of the OLIBS flock for the benefit of commercial buyers.

There are several advantages for commercial producers to purchase OLIBS replacement ewes. The genetics and health status are the same among the Replicating Breeder's flock so large orders can easily be supplied. Through single sire mating, extensive flock records and sire referencing, the Replicating Breeder's achieve ongoing genetic advancement to the benefit of commercial buyers. Purchasing OLIBS replacements ewes every year, allows the commercial producer to concentrate on providing uniform quality lambs for the meat market. High index, terminal sires can be purchased and utilized for their full productive life without risk of in-breeding.

Replacement ewe lambs are born throughout the year. High-health ewes relate to lower flock depreciation costs and should wean more pounds of lamb per ewe as well as more lambs per ewe. The health status also provides commercial producers with opportunities to participate in future Quality Assurance schemes.

The OLIBS Replicating Breeder's have been participants in the Ontario Sheep Health Program (OSHP) since its inception. They have the level one health certificate and an "A" status on the Maedi Visna project. In 2004, the Replicators began a monitoring program for Scrapie. All flock sires were genotyped for Scrapie resistance. All ewes that die on the Steele farm are tested for scrapie and all test results to date have been negative.

The OLIBS Flock lambs in January, April/May and September on the "3 times in 2 years" accelerated lambing system over a 34 day period. Lambs are weaned at 50 days of age. All animals are individually identified and recorded. All females, surplus to flock replacement needs, are sold as replacement ewes to commercial producers.

The OLIBS Flock is also recorded on the Ewe Byte computer program. Ewe Byte is a comprehensive sheep management system designed for health, lamb production and pedigree tracking.