Genetics hub helps producers see ‘under the hood’
02 May 2023
Key points:
- Remember to ‘look under the hood’ when buying a ram – breeding values give insights into traits that may not be visible on the outside.
- Brush up on your skills at MLA’s Sheep Genetics Website – learn how to interpret estimated breeding values and selection indexes.
- MLA’s Genetics hub keeps it simple with a range of short ‘how-to’ animations on topics including:
- ‘What are Australian sheep breeding values?’
- ‘How do I set a breeding objective for my sheep flock?’
- ‘What are sheep indexes?
Producers have access to a wide range of resources at MLA’s Genetics hub to help them make the best selection decisions possible to boost the productivity of their flocks.
MLA’s Genetics hub is a one-stop-shop for commercial sheep producers looking to boost the productivity of their flocks. All the tools and resources needed to select the best performing ram and drive their flock’s performance forward are available at the hub.
Commercial sheep producers are urged to make use of the comprehensive range of tools, resources, advice and training available to them at MLA’s Genetics hub.
MLA has simplified this complex area into a suite of easy-to-use tools, videos, workshops and ‘how-to’ guides which means producers can now make better and more informed decisions than ever.
Spot the difference
How do you choose between two structurally sound rams that are the same breed, price and weight? MLA’s Genetics hub has a short animation to step you through the process. Knowing how to interpret each rams’ breeding values will help you ‘lift the lid’ to discover which one’s progeny have higher yielding and higher eating quality carcases. It will also reveal which ram’s daughters yield more lambs.
Watch ‘Can you pick the performer?’ at MLA’s Genetics hub.
Top tips on selecting a high performing ram
- When you’re buying a ram, his physical and structural soundness must be factored in – but what you can’t see is just as important.
- Breeding values will help you ‘look under the hood’ and identify his genetic strengths and weaknesses to see whether he’s the right fit for your flock.
- Make sure you use breeding values to see the bigger picture: analyse all the traits that he will pass on to his progeny – traits like fertility, carcase weight and eating quality.
Plan ahead to avoid buyer’s regret
It’s important to be prepared when looking to accelerate your flock’s productivity and performance. Keep these key steps in mind and take a look at MLA’s ‘How to shop for a high performing sire’ booklet for more detailed information.
- Set your breeding objective.
- Identify the relevant selection index that aligns with your breeding objective.
- Identify the relevant breeding values that align with your breeding objective.
- Search the printed sale catalogues and online LAMBPLAN and sheep genetics databases to find sires that match your desired indexes and breeding values.
- Contact the stud to gain more information about the sires and the stud’s breeding program.
- Develop a primary list of potential sires to purchase from the sale.
- Develop a secondary list of potential sires.
- Decide on your budget.
Attend a Sheep Genetics regional workshop
Each year, Sheep Genetics run a series of regional workshops across Australia so breeders can speak directly to Sheep Genetics staff and keep up-to-date on:
- principles of genetic selection
- the evolving world of genetics
- arming their genetics toolkit
- developing an action plan
- how to get the most out of their breeding program.
