Introduction Sheep genomic technologies and the Information Nucleus James Rowe

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