Introduction
Sheep genomic technologies and
the Information Nucleus
James Rowe
New ways to estimate breeding values
Select 100 rams/year
For 5 years
End user involved
in design specification
Sheep Genetics (End User) and
Sheep CRC Design Team
Stud Ram
Breeders
8 farms in 4 States
5 Organisations
4,500 ewes/year
AI Program
5 years
18,000 lambs
Base data
joining
records
18 Organisation
5 Abattoirs
9 laboratories
75 researchers
>150 traits measured
> 5 Million data entries
>10,000 DNA profiles
Measurement Protocols
Lambing records
+ growth
Parasitology
Behaviour
On farm fat/muscle scan
and blood/ DNA samples
Meat Processors
DNA
Extraction
Genotyping
DNA
analysis
Carcase
data
Meat Science
Laboratories
Reproduction of
female progeny
Shearing
Fleece
data
Wool
Laboratory
Consumer
testing
Wool data
Meat analysis
Reproduction
data
Meat quality
Sheep CRC Information Nucleus Data Base
Genomics DNA predictions
of breeding value
Improved accuracy of
genetic parameters
New traits
Sheep Genetics data base and operational software
LAMBPLAN
MERINOSELECT
End user delivery
for 70% of Terminal rams
for 35% of Merino rams
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
Sheep CRC Research Teams
Genetics/Genomic, Meat, Wool,
Reproduction and Parasitology
• Research Papers
• Technical Reports
• Training programs
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
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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