P.PSH.0961 - Accelerating rates of genetic gain of MerinoLink members by utilising DNA testing and genetic tools
The collective group was able to increase the rate of genetic gain by 134% in the duration of the project compared to the previous five years.
| Project start date: | 14 December 2017 |
| Project end date: | 29 January 2023 |
| Publication date: | 20 February 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
This project was developed to double the rate of genetic gain in a group of Merino breeders that represented a cross section of the industry. This was facilitated by co-funded DNA testing and capacity building of sheep breeders and professional genetics service providers. Knowledge and genetic gain are permanent and cumulative, meaning the legacy of this project will continue to build through the years.• Increase the number of Merino sheep in seedstock flocks with full pedigree.
Objectives
• Double the rate of genetic gain in seedstock Merino flocks.
• Capacity build seedstock and commercial breeders.
• Capacity build genetics service providers.
Key findings
The collective group moved from 12% sire and dam pedigree allocation to 68% sire and dam pedigree allocation and were able to increase the rate of genetic gain by 134% in the duration of the project compared to the previous five years. A network of sheep breeders and service providers has been established with multiple participants wanting to continue the group’s activities.
Benefits to industry
The group are directly influencing the genetic improvement of around two million commercial Merinos bred annually. The geneflow benefits of this accelerated genetic improvement multiplied by commercial Merino ewes is estimated to be worth an extra $44 million dollars in a ten-year period and an extra $333 million dollars in a twenty-year period if rate of genetic gain is maintained. The Meat & Livestock Donor Company (MDC) co-invested 1.55 million dollars over the life of the project equated to a 28:1 and 215:1 return on investment, respectively.
MLA action
Projects that build on this concept to accelerate genetic gain will be reviewed by the National Livestock Genetics Consortium for future funding opportunities.
Future research
• This project has provided a framework for future projects where adoption of genetics tools is low in seedstock and commercial breeding enterprises.
• The adoption model implemented by this project would be repeatable across more sheep, cattle and goat groups who require help accelerating rates of genetic gain.
• Similar projects like this would be reviewed by the National Livestock Genetics Consortium.
More information
| Project manager: | Clara Bradford |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
