1.  Additional visual traits in sheep genetics

In order to continue building on the genetic information already available for use by Australian woolgrowers, AWI and Meat and Livestock Australia are expanding the traits in the Sheep Genetics program for which it offers ASBVs (Australian Sheep Breeding Values).

The additional traits that are under investigation include:

• Visual breech traits including breech cover and dag scores

Breeding values for breech wrinkle were launched by Sheep Genetics in September 2009.

Over time other traits could be offered such as:

• Visual wool quality traits including wool colour, wool character and pigmentation scores

• Visual conformation traits including jaw, shoulders, feet and legs scores

A standard set of scores has been developed in the form of a pocket guide and is available to download in PDF format (4.98Mb) or by calling the AWI helpline on 1800 070 099.

Once ASBVs are available through Sheep Genetics for these traits, sheep breeders will be able to make more informed decisions on valuable traits when buying rams and selecting ewes for breeding, to boost animal health and productivity.

2.  DNA Marker Technology

Breeding tools for the future include the discovery of genetic markers carried in Merino DNA for traits that are difficult or expensive to measure.

AWI has invested considerably with Meat and Livestock Australia in a research program called SheepGenomics.

The goal is to lay the foundations for long-term productivity, quality, health and welfare improvements in the national sheep population, leading to higher sheep producer profits, better quality output and greater productivity.

Through SheepGenomics, sheep producers will be able to breed for a wider range of traits, cost effectively and with increased accuracy.

Gene marker technology will allow sheep producers to select for traits that are: 

• Difficult to measure (e.g. parasite resistance)
• Expensive to measure (e.g. staple strength)
• Require slaughter (e.g. eating quality)
• Measured late in life or are sex limited (e.g. reproduction)

The four major production targets in SheepGenomics are: 

1. Resistance to internal parasites
2. The biology of wool production
3. Muscle production and energy utilisation 
4. Reproductive success

3.  DNA Pedigree Testing

AWI is investigating methods to reduce sheep DNA parentage testing costs and substantially improve test accuracy. 

In consultation with expert scientists and testing businesses, AWI and Meat and Livestock Australia is in the process of developing a set of standards to which DNA parentage tests must achieve before the pedigree information can be included in the Sheep Genetics database.