Implementing & optimising genomic prediction tools for commercial Merino producer

Summary

The aim of this Integrated R&D Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project is to demonstrate and identify clear pathways for commercial Merino sheep producers to utilise a single or combination of current and emerging genetic and genomic tools in their ewe and ram selections to successfully improve genetic gain.

The current tools will include Flock Profile (FP), Ram Team Manager/Tracker, Genomic Breeding Values (GBVs - developed in project P.PSH.1483) and Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs). 

The project will facilitate the integration of the genomic and genetic tools into each demonstration site to provide educational material to commercial Merino flock producers within the project and the broader groups in the industry on how to use the tools within their flocks to make more informed selection decisions while measuring and showing the impact on productivity and genetic selection decisions.

Objectives

By 31st January 2029, the project will:

1.    Establish 8 Producer Demonstration Sites (PDS) across NSW, TAS, VIC, SA & WA (4 in NSW, 1 in each other state), engaging 10 core producers and a minimum of 50 observer producers per region to demonstrate the pathways and opportunities for sheep producers to use the various commercially available genetic and genomic tools, including a) Flock Profile, b) Ram Team Manager/Tracker, c) GEBVs and d) ASBVs to achieve a breeding objective.  

2.    Conduct 12,000 GBV tests over the course of the project (3,000 per year) to support achieving an estimated uptake by commercial producers industry wide of approximately 20,000 GBV tests per year within the first 2 years, partially attributed to the project.

3.    Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate the value to producers of implementing the various combinations of genetic and genomic tools across the host farms over the duration of the project. 

4.    Implement a series of communication and extension activities to increase the knowledge skills and confidence of core and observer producers, leading to the adoption of the demonstrated genetic and genomic tools: 

• 80% of core producers indicate an increase in knowledge and skills in the genetic and genomic tools available and their uses as a result of the project.
• 80% of core producers indicate an increase in confidence in the use of genetic and genomic tools. 
• 50% of observer producers indicate an increase in knowledge skills and confidence in genetic and genomic tools available, and their use as a result of the project. 
• 80% of Core producers and 50% of observer producers indicate that they have adopted or intend to adopt the use of the genetics and genomic tools to make selection decisions as a result of participating in the project.