An exciting new project that is laying the ground work for developing genomic prediction tools for commercial Merino Sheep.

This project aims to develop, validate and evaluate the benefit of individual genomic predictions of genetic merit for commercial Merino sheep. A prediction pipeline will be build based on the Sheep Genetics evaluation system. Genomic predictions for 10,000 Merino ewes will be validated with commercial data over 12 months and commercial producers involved will be engaged to discuss the projects overall value for predicting individual genetic merit for their ewes, as well as their experiences throughout the process. A cost/benefit analysis will also be performed.

A number of genomic testing companies across Australia, and UNE have supported participating producers with the cost of genomic testing, and producers are guided by service providers, such as SheepMetriX to interpret the results and take the next steps.

We know that better informed selection of commercial sheep will improve rates of genetic gain and increase efficiency by better targeted use of genetic resources. This project will demonstrate the impact of within and across flock genetic differences and set the project team up to deliver PDS style programs to engage a wider subset of the industry in the future.

SheepMetriX have once again partnered with the South West Slopes Merino Breeders to run the 2025 SWS Sire Evaluation. The new site is located in Cootamundra, and the foundation ewe base is of Willandra Bloodline.

AI will commence in November 2024, and registrations are now closed for Merino Ram producers.

Unlike other sites, the ewe base has been genomic tested, and this will provide an extra layer of information on the progeny.

SheepMetriX will manage the site activities and provide independent data collection and management for all entrants.

It is worth mentioning that sire evaluations are just that, an evaluation of a sire - this is not a bloodline comparison.

For additional information, please contact Bridget - bridget@sheepmetrix.com.au

This 4 year project aims to demonstrate the decision making process and additional management skills required to successfully join ewe lambs.

The project involves working with 4 groups located in the Young/Harden, Wellington, Wagga/Junee and West Wyalong areas. The groups and core participants represent different production systems, sheep breeds and environments.

2023/2024 - Project Field day - Completed on 21st February 2024 - Click here for details

2024/2025 - Project Field Day - Monday 9th September 2024 - Click here for more details!

Check out the podcast with FarmsAdvice where Sally talks about the project.

Watch the latest SRSP webinar series, with Sally Martin and our project partner, Laura Broughton:

• Part 1 - Sally provides an update on the projects latest findings. Watch here.

• Part 2 - Laura provides an update on her project concerning pregnancy scanning in extensive sheep flocks. Watch here.

In 2022, five (5) Merino breeders from NSW and Victoria provided cull rams that were sent to a central host property to collect Footrot phenotypes.

A new project has now been funded and SheepMetriX pleased to be part of the project team with Murdoch University, neXtgen Agri and AGBU (funding from AWI and Animal Health Australia).

Wether trials have been a part of the genetic benchmarking landscape for over 30 years. They play a role in benchmarking your flock’s performance. Sally has been involved running wether trials since 1999 and has assisting Craig Wilson conduct trials since 2004.

2023 a new trial is being set up to evaluate each team in two different production systems – feedlot (Condobolin) and pasture/grazing crops (Wagga Wagga) and focus on the meat and wool traits respectively.

In 2023 the teams will be randomly split into two groups with Group 1 (Meat) going into a Feedlot run by Fletcher International Exports near Condobolin to capture growth and carcase trait measurements. Group 2 (Wool) will run on a property near Wagga Wagga and their wool traits will be assessed over two shearings.

SheepMetriX will be assisting with the data collection, wool and meat valuations, data analysis and reporting. Click here to down load the entry form.

Watch this case study video from the DNA Project on the benefits of using Genomics for ewe lamb joining.

Watch this video capturing Dugald's journey and the importance of using the tools available to inform genetic selection.