Comparing Merino genetic databases

摘要

Does the long-running national central test sire evaluation, Merino Superior Sires, have a future alongside the almost one-year-old Sheep Genetics Australia? SALLY EDGAR speaks to two seedstock producers and two breeding consultants to find out. Australia's wool industry is pursuing traits that make Merinos more profitable. But there is argument among sheep-breeder ranks about the integrity of genetic analysis methods being used to find these traits. There i are two main options for Merino breeders to find relevant genetic data about rams they may wish to use in their flocks: One is the national central test sire evaluation program called Merino Superior Sires (MSS), which has data on sires from ram progeny group evaluations made in each state overthe past 14 years.