Business Profile
Sheep Genetics uses world-class evaluation systems to help producers select high performing genetics.
It provides a national language for sheep breeders and buyers which allows sheep producers to make informed decisions about the genetic potential of animals.
Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) from the Lambplan and MerinoSelect evaluations are delivered by Sheep Genetics, a business unit of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
ASBVs help increase the rate of genetic gain, across a broad range of traits including carcase, growth, wool, reproduction and health. ASBVs can be used to compare animals across flocks.
Sheep Genetics has databases of approximately 5.5 million animals in Lambplan and 3.5 million in MerinoSelect.
The data is collected on-farm by accredited operators and submitted for bi-monthly analysis.
Breeding values are then reported directly to breeders and displayed on the web search system which allows producers to access the latest information on animals that can benefit their operations.
"We have plenty of resources for ram buyers shopping for a high performing sire," Sheep Genetics operations manager Gus Rose said.
The MLA Genetics Hub has videos, case studies and other resources if you are looking for information on purchasing rams to improve genetics.
"I encourage all ram breeders to visit genetics.mla.com.au ahead of this ram buying season," Mr Rose said.
"Consider talking to your ram source about whether they are recording and reporting the traits and ASBVs you are interested in."
Sheep Genetics is currently developing and releasing a new search site and content site to help producers find animals that meet their breeding objectives.
We have plenty of resources for ram buyers shopping for a high performing sire. Consider talking to your ram source about whether they are recording and reporting the traits and ASBVs you are interested in.
- Sheep Genetics operations manager Gus Rose
Improvements to the site include a clear display of breeding values in both data and graph view, the flexibility to allow users to customise how they view data, an easy to use search function to find animals that match desired criteria and the ability to browse animals and semen for sale.
The new search site will be available online at the end of July.
"The new search site will bring some exciting features that will enhance the user experience when looking to improve your genetic gain," said senior development officer Peta Bradley, who has managed the website development project.
"The new website system is much anticipated, and our breeders are looking forward to the changes.
"We have conducted comprehensive consultation and testing to ensure an improved customer experience."
Another exciting opportunity to increase uptake of tools and technology is MLA's Accelerated Adoption Initiative (AAI), which provides temporary cost relief to Australian red meat levy payers for the delivery of key products and services until November 2021.
Under the AAI, Lambplan and MerinoSelect clients will have fees waived for member subscriptions (new and existing), data submission (direct fees and charges of service providers not included), and forums, events and workshops (including regional forums, Leading Breeder and MateSel training).
"The AAI means that now is the best time to get started with Sheep Genetics," Mr Rose said.
"Any breeders considering ASBVs should take advantage of this initiative."