Science of Merino: Sheep Genetics advances Australian Sheep Breeding Values using genomic evaluations

Sheep Genetics’ Merinoselect research using the addition of genomic evaluations has paved the way for updated Australian Sheep Breeding Values and indexes. New England University’s animal breeding unit geneticist Andrew Swan said the updates to ASBVs, released in June, replaced the “old assumptions” of the standard indexes that had been around since 2014. “What has changed in the sheep industry is advances in ASBVs — starting with the introduction of genomic system options that include fibre, Merino and dual-purpose indexes,” he said. “We now have 8000 animals genotyped from the last few years coming into the analysis. “This is driving breeding values of the hard to measure genetic traits like carcase and eating quality.” Professor Swan said in 2021, new reproduction ASBVs were realised and this year Sheep Genetics did a complete revision of ASBV genetic parameters with intentions of looking at methane and feed efficiency soon. “We will be looking at those traits that are more about sustainability and animal welfare balanced with traditional production traits to help breeders meet the challenges of changing environments and production systems for sustainability goals,” he said. “To do this, we’ve updated the index software — SheepObject using a flock profile at the animal level to meet those needs.” Professor Swan said an industry consultation process was applied to the new model in the development of new index choices. He said the new indexes included maternal lamb, sustainable Merino and its variant sustainable Merino high rainfall, wool production and fine wool. “In summary, we have new indexes that are better fit to purpose for the future of Merino production and they integrate the developments made in the Merinoselect evaluation system during the last 12 years,” he said.