Value of data from ram breeding flocks as an industry reference population for Australian sheep

Abstract

<p>This study examined the value of using carcass data from seedstock ram breeding flocks to build upon an industry sheep reference population in Australia. Data from 995 lambs managed in 15 commercial ram breeder flocks were collected between 2017 and 2020 for carcass and meat quality measurements: hot carcass weight, tissue depth on the 12^th rib (GR site), eye muscle depth, fat between the 12^th and the 13^th rib (C - site), intramuscular fat and shear force. Industry data were cross-validated with and without reference data from the MLA Resource Flock. Industry data did not bias the estimation of breeding values when used in combination with the reference population (MLA Resource Flock). Therefore, industry data can be used to expand an industry reference population if data collection is accurate and consistent with industry standards.</p>