L.GEN.2302 - Sheep Genetics Genomic Database Service

Summary

This project saw an exponential increase to the uptake of genotyping. The number of tests from Nov 2022 to Jun 2025:

• Parentage tests: 435k
• Genomic tests (50k): 587k
• Flock profile tests: 390 (20 genotypes per test)
• This project also saw the genomic pipeline transition to a cost recovery model where genotyping revenue was used to fully support the cost of the service.

Objectives

The genomic database is used by the sheep industry and is an integral component to the delivery of genetic evaluations and supporting services. This project oversaw the delivery of this service to the sheep industry.

Key findings

The service provided by the Animal Genetics Breeding Unit as part of this project included the housing and maintenance of a secure copy of the genomic database as well as providing the services required for interaction with MLA’s Sheep Genetics business unit and customer support to stakeholders requiring interaction with the genomic database.

Benefits to industry

The continual maintenance and development of a genomic database provides significant improvement in the potential rates of genetic progress, particularly for harder to measure traits.

MLA action

Further development of the Sheep Genomic database where appropriate, along with ongoing maintenance.

Future research

Further development of the Sheep Genomic database where appropriate, along with ongoing maintenance.