Using Sheep Breeding Values is making a difference in these flocks

摘要

In late 2011 it was announced that, 100% of registered SRS studs are using Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) through the national MERINOSELECT program to achieve improvement not only in their flocks, but also in their business bottom line. While ASBVs have been available in Merino sheep since 2003, the uptake by Merino breeders has been slow, with only 35% of rams sold in Australia today having breeding values identified for a range of traits. By using ASBVs in tandem with the SRS breeding system, CEO Ian Smith says breeders in a range of climates across Australia have observed that sheep with the genetic capacity to lay down muscle mass with high fat cover early in life are able to maintain good body condition during drought, pregnancy and lactation, and rear more lambs with fewer losses. Smith says that the progress in achieving high muscle and fat in particular, has been impressive not just with high profile members like Leahcim.