Will genetics offer a permanent solution to breech strike?

Abstract

There are several options for managing flystrike other than mulesing. Breeding for plainer animals that do not require mulesing is an attractive, permanent long-term solution. Breech wrinkle is the key predisposing factor for breech and tail strike. Little effort has been made to reduce wrinkle score in sheep because mulesing was so successful and because there is a perception that reducing wrinkle score will reduce fleece weight. Fleece weight will be reduced if single-trait selection for wrinkle is applied, but if breech wrinkle is included in an index, the negative effect of wrinkle on other production traits can be minimised using the same method as that used to accommodate the negative correlation between fibre diameter and fleece weight. Breeding programs for reduced breech wrinkle should be used in combination with short-term tactical management strategies, especially during the initial stages of the breeding program. The need for tactical management will decrease as the program progresses. This approach can be applied using information that can be recorded easily and at low cost.