Key differences between high and low performing Australian Sheep flocks participating in genetic evaluation

Abstract

Rates of genetic gain, as measured by trends in the index, are not as high in the Australian sheep industry as needed. The Sheep CRC project "Ramping up Genetic Gain" aims to address this by providing users with better information about the performance of their breeding programs. The variables that impact rates of gain in Sheep Genetics flocks are the amount and quality of pedigree (proportion of full pedigree known), the quality of the data (index accuracy and effective progeny), and the use of this information (selection efficiency and generation interval). There are considerable differences in the averages of these parameters for the flocks that are in the top versus bottom twenty percent on average index trend. Through reporting and benchmarking individual flocks for the variables that influence genetic gain, more tailored and accurate actions can be made on-farm. With these actions implemented genetic gain should be achieved for the flock and the Australian sheep industry.