Genomics for the Australian Sheep Industry: From Design to Delivery

Abstract

This paper tells the story of translating a scientific concept to commercial scale use of game changing genomic technology within a period of just 6 years. It has involved close collaboration between researchers and end-users of the technology, facilitated by the resources and cooperative structure of the Sheep CRC. The paper explores some of the challenges encountered and the ways in which these challenges were addressed. Key elements of success were considered to be (i) delivery via existing modes, i.e. using estimated breeding values (EBVs) provided through Sheep Genetics, as breeders were familiar with the terminology and source of information; (ii) the delivery of EBVs for new traits created a huge amount of excitement, especially for terminal breeders (they do not have this in most other places, usually same traits); and (iii) the close engagement of breeders as potential end-users of the new technology.