Wilkins Farming Herd Sires

We have been expertly developing our breeding programme over the last five decades. World-leading genetics and best in class animal husbandry ensures our consistent herd performance.

The key sires used within our breeding programme are featured here.  You will note we focus on four types of Red Deer, that each contribute their own specific performance strengths, traits and bloodlines.

Progeny of these stags is available annually by public auction or private treaty. +view

Semen from herd sires is also available. +view

Maternal Sires

Maternal Red Deer are bred specifically as replacement hinds. Maternal sires are a great solution to introduce to a European herd in order to stabilize via the hardier traits and/or body size of English and German bloodlines:

The key Maternal Red Deer attributes we look for are:

• Good growth rates
• Breeding efficiency including milking ability
• Hardiness
• Good meet yield i.e. loin size and meat to bone ratios
• Type of animal i.e. good body confirmation & constitution
• Good temperament
• High fertility
• Velvet production

European Sires

Our European Red Deer are bred specifically for venison productions, while some can be used for both Terminal and Maternal breeding programmes depending on particular blood lines and objectives.

The key European Red Deer attributes we look for are:

• High growth rate
• Breeding efficiency
• Good meat yield i.e. loin size and meat to bone ratios
• Type of animal i.e. good body conformation and constitution
• Good temperament
• High fertility
• Velvet production

Velvet Sires

Our Velvet Antler Red Deer animals are specifically bred to produce high quality velvet antler and good velvet weights that also feature round clean beams in order to achieve premium prices via these genetics.

The key Velvet Antler Red Deer attributes we look for are:

• Good velvet weights
• Nice round beam
• Good length in the beam
• Breeding efficiency
• Temperament

Velvet / Trophy Sires

Our Velvet and Trophy Antler Red Deer, are Velvet Antler deer who offer good quality velvet antler but are at the end of their velveting life so antler can be grown out to produce an attractive WOW-factor Trophy stag.  These beautiful animals have well-placed clean long front tynes and length in the beam to help create their eye-catching appeal for the hunter.

The key Velvet and Trophy Antler Red Deer attributes we look for are:

• Good velvet weights
• Nice round beam
• Length in the beam
• Length between the tray and Bye
• Good clean long front tynes with WOW factor
• Breeding efficiency
• Temperament

English Sires

The base of our English genetics originates from the Woburn English Red Deer which reflect 100’s of years of managed breeding. Most likely the longest standing breeding programme of Red Deer in the world.

The key attributes we look for are similar to our maternal traits, but the Pure English bloodline is the key point of difference. Especially of note is the superior velvet and antler production, and the records achieved for these traits within the Woburn bloodline.

The key English attributes we look for are:

• Pure English bloodline
• Antler and Velvet production
• Good growth rates
• Breeding efficiency including milking ability
• Hardiness
• Good meat yield i.e. loin size and meat to bone ratios
• Good temperament
• High fertility

Eastern Sires

Eastern Deer are bred specifically for venison, velvet and antler production. Our Eastern stud contains incredible depth with over 35 years of selective breeding in New Zealand.

The key Eastern Red Deer attributes we look for are:

• High growth rate – Easterns are the largest type for Red Deer and sizes is an important attribute
• Early conception – Easterns mate earlier therefore calve earlier
• Clean heavy beamed velvet and antler combined with length and width in beam that is not commonly seen in other Red Deer. Seldom do you see snags and bifurcations
• Good temperament
• Type of animal i.e. good body conformation and type