Record number of farmers sign up to Sheep Genetics program

Meat and Livestock Australia’s Sheep Genetics program included a record of more than 190 million parentage and higher density genotypes processed between July 2021 and June 2022, according to the Sheep Genetics 2021–22 Annual Outcomes Report.MLA Sheep Genetics manager Peta Bradley said with borders reopening after COVID-19 and less restrictions, there were more events held and attended by producers around the country which increased genetic processing interests.“We have achieved a lot this year in delivering our service to clients,” she said. “In particular, MLA has been focused on improving our genetic evaluation as well as working with producers to drive genetic progress within the sheep industry.”Ms Bradley said throughout the financial year, Sheep Genetics had engaged with more than 1000 seedstock and commercial producers at events MLA hosted or supported. “The efforts of our clients have contributed to doubling the rate of genetic gain across all the standard indexes for all analyses,” she said..“During 2021–22, Sheep Genetics experienced growth in both numbers of new clients as well as additional flocks with existing clients. “There are now currently 1187 member flocks in Sheep Genetics.” Three-Springs-based Hill Padua stud manager Fred Echaniz said he attended an MLA meeting in July to find out why Sheep Genetics had made adjustments to its Australian Sheep Breeding Values data analisis. Sheep Genetics recently introduced a new database system for its best practised genetic evaluations of ASBVs to ensure the best available client member data was being utilised. Mr Echaniz said he accepted MLA’s requirement for full pedigree parentage data to be submitted for more accurate ASBV data feedback. “We will now use DNA testing of all stud lambs, rams and ewes to determine correct parenatge,” he said. “This will increase our data accuracy and ensure to our clients that they can trust in our data collection.” She said with the huge growth in membership over the last few years, Sheep Genetics developed a new member workshop.“These online workshops are run regularly and are targeted at helping new members get started with genetic evaluations, including what information is needed to calculate Australian Sheep Breeding Values and how results are accessed,” she said.As part of this year’s analysis enhancements implemented in May, MLA launched the redeveloped Sheep Genetics database. The database contains valuable information on pedigree, on-farm and research data that is used to generate ASBVs from the LAMBPLAN, MERINOSELECT, KIDPLAN and DOHNE evaluations.The implementation of the database redevelopment as well as the other analysis enhancements for 2022 were done as part of an MLA project with the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, in which Sheep Genetics works closely alongside in the delivery of the national genetic evaluation. Between 2021 and 2022, LAMBPLAN membership increased by 9.8 per cent and MERINOSELECT membership had an increase of 6 per cent. The LAMBPLAN membership included both maternal and terminal breed types, while the MERINOSELECT membership included both Merino and DOHNE breed types.Selection indexes are an important tool to drive genetic improvement in breeding programs, particularly where there are a range of traits of economic or functional importance.In 2021–2022, all reported indexes increased across all major analyses. There was also notable improvement in the genetic trend for key trait groups including improved reproduction trend, improved intramuscular fat and shear force while continuing to improve lean meat yield in terminals. Other improvement trends included further reduction in early breech wrinkle in Merinos and improved growth across all analysis. Ms Bradley commended the Sheep Genetics team and producers for all their hard work this year.