Introduction Sheep genomic technologies and
the Information Nucleus
James Rowe
New ways to estimate breeding values
End user deliveryfor 70% of Terminal ramsfor 35% of Merino rams
End user involved in design specification
18 Organisation5 Abattoirs9 laboratories75 researchers>150 traits measured> 5 Million data entries>10,000 DNA profiles
Sheep Genetics (End User) and Sheep CRC Design Team
Stud Ram Breeders
Measurement Protocols
Select 100 rams/yearFor 5 years
8 farms in 4 States5 Organisations 4,500 ewes/year5 years18,000 lambs
AI Program Lambing records + growth
On farm fat/muscle scan and blood/ DNA samples Shearing Reproduction of
female progeny
Parasitology Behaviour
Base data joining records
DNA Extraction
Genotyping DNA
analysis
Meat ProcessorsWool
LaboratoryFleece
data
Carcase data
Meat analysis
Meat Science Laboratories
Consumer testing
Wool data
Reproduction data
Meat quality
Sheep CRC Information Nucleus Data Base
Genomics DNA predictions of breeding value
Improved accuracy of genetic parameters
New traits Sheep CRC Research Teams Genetics/Genomic, Meat, Wool, Reproduction and Parasitology
Sheep Genetics data base and operational softwareLAMBPLAN MERINOSELECT
• Research Papers• Technical Reports• Training
programs
Delivery of genetic information to stud ram breeders and producers to select and use better rams
Impact through increased productivity gain, improved product quality and easier management
Genomic BVs most valuable- difficult to measure traits- traits measured late in life
Productivity–Lean meat yield–Dressing %
Consumer eating quality– Intramuscular fat
Consumer health–Omega-3 and Iron
Genomic Pilot Projects 2012
Parentage and horn/poll–10,000 tests at $16–100 samples per breeder
Genotyping 50k SNP test $50/test–2,000 tests with half for ‘whole
drop’ testing
6
CRC Extension application
Next generation genotyping New traits – welfare, quality
Very fast and effective adoption– New breeding designs– Active supply chain engagement
New money and good leverage
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