1. Sheep genomic technologies and the Information Nucleus
Introduction
Sheep genomic technologies and the Information Nucleus
James Rowe

2. New ways to estimate breeding values

3. in design specification
End user involved
in design specification
Select 100 rams/year
For 5 years
Sheep Genetics (End User) and
Sheep CRC Design Team
Stud Ram Breeders
Measurement Protocols
8 farms in 4 States
5 Organisations
4,500 ewes/year
5 years
18,000 lambs
Lambing records + growth
On farm fat/muscle scan and blood/ DNA samples
Reproduction of female progeny
AI Program
Shearing
18 Organisation
5 Abattoirs
9 laboratories
75 researchers
>150 traits measured
> 5 Million data entries
>10,000 DNA profiles
DNA Extraction
Meat Processors
Base data joining records
Parasitology Behaviour
Fleece
data
Wool Laboratory
Meat Science Laboratories
Consumer testing
Reproduction data
Carcase data
Genotyping DNA analysis
Wool data
Meat analysis
Meat quality
Sheep CRC Information Nucleus Data Base
Genomics DNA predictions of breeding value
Improved accuracy of genetic parameters
New traits
Sheep CRC Research Teams
Genetics/Genomic, Meat, Wool, Reproduction and Parasitology
End user delivery
for 70% of Terminal rams
for 35% of Merino rams
Sheep Genetics data base and operational software
LAMBPLAN MERINOSELECT
Research Papers
Technical Reports
Training programs
Delivery of genetic information to stud ram breeders and producers to select and use better rams
Impact through increased productivity gain, improved product quality and easier management

4. Genomic BVs most valuable. - difficult to measure traits
Genomic BVs most valuable - difficult to measure traits - traits measured late in life
Productivity
Lean meat yield
Dressing %
Consumer eating quality
Intramuscular fat
Consumer health
Omega-3 and Iron

5. Genomic Pilot Projects 2012
Parentage and horn/poll
10,000 tests at $16
100 samples per breeder
Genotyping 50k SNP test $50/test
2,000 tests with half for ‘whole drop’ testing

6. CRC Extension application
Next generation genotyping
New traits – welfare, quality
Very fast and effective adoption
New breeding designs
Active supply chain engagement
New money and good leverage