Assessing genetic variability in flystrike resistance across expression levels in Australian Merino sheep

Title
Assessing genetic variability in flystrike resistance across expression levels in Australian Merino sheep
Publication Date
2025-06
Author(s)
Dehnavi, E
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8238-6290
Email: edehnavi@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:edehnavi
Swain, B C
Swan, A A
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8048-3169
Email: aswan@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:aswan
Greeff, J C
Smith, J L
Burbidge, G
Ramsay, A M M
Bird-gardiner, T L
Brown, D J
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4786-7563
Email: dbrown2@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:dbrown2
Editor
Editor(s): Sue Hatcher
Type of document
Conference Publication
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics
Place of publication
Armidale, Australia
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/71545
Abstract

This work aimed to provide guidance to breeders on the level of flystrike expression required to achieve effective selection and to develop genomic reference data for future prediction. Genetic parameters and breeding values were compared across different expression thresholds (1% to 10%) using data sourced from 21 research and industry breeder flocks. Among the thresholds examined (1% to 10%), a 2.5% threshold was adequate for excluding data with no genetic variation for breech strike while retaining sufficient data for analysis. Previously, a 5% threshold was considered effective for capturing data with adequate variation, primarily from research flocks with minimal flystrike prevention practices. Lowering this threshold to 2.5% enables greater breeder participation by making it more achievable to obtain information for selection purposes. As flystrike resistance has proven to be heritable, breeding for genetic resistance offers a sustainable, long-term solution, helping to reduce flystrike. Additionally, this change supports a broader breeding approach to reduce flystrike, potentially minimising reliance on chemical treatments and management practices.

Link
Citation
Proceedings of the Twenty-sixth Conference, p. 411-414
ISSN
1328-3227
Start page
411
End page
414

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