Continuation of Sheep Information Nucleus under Sheep CRC management

Summary

The Sheep CRC (CRC) Information Nucleus Flock (INF) program integrated sophisticated genetic design and analysis with comprehensive measurement of biological and production traits. It allowed researchers to test progeny of key young industry sires for an extensive range of traits in differing environments. Research has analysed and used genotypic information on progeny and industry sires to estimate and test SNP panels as predictors of breeding values. Genetic information has been generated about new and novel traits, and traits that are difficult or expensive to measure on-farm, that may be related to wool and meat quality, disease resistance and reproductive fitness. The data generated by the INF was also integral to the of management, wool and meat research being undertaken in the other CRC research programs.
The CRC INF program conducted joining's from 2007 to 2011 and it evolved into the MLA funded Resource Flock program from 2012 onwards. The 2012 and 2013 joinings were conducted at UNE (Kirby, NSW) & DAFWA (Katanning, WA), with the Sheep CRC conducting the management and co-ordination of the programs..
In summary across the 2 sites:In 2012256 young industry sires were joined to 5714 ewes,with 5087 lambs born and 4316 weaned.In 2013154 sires were joined to 3586 ewes,with 3253 lambs born and 2626 weaned.  
The following actions have been implemented:A Steering Committee involving all partners has been established to coordinate the programs.An Annual Industry Planning meeting now occurs to manage the next joiningA Resource Flock Coordinator has been appointed to oversee all activitiesA coordinated approach to Industry Sire Nomination has been implementedSafeguards are in place to ensure all sires genotypedA communication strategy including a newsletter has been introducedA consistent & accountable budget has been deliveredAn Operation Manuals for the breeding programs, trait protocols and slaughter program has been delivered
The management of the Resource Flock by the Sheep CRC ceased on 31stMarch 2014. Coordination of the future joining programs is now under the management of the Resource Flock Steering Committee