L.GEN.2501 - Final Report - Development of accuracy metrics for genomic products

Summary

This project will deliver a reportable accuracy metric that will be reported as part of the Sheep Genetics Flock Profile tool and future Genomic Breeding Values (GBVs). The accuracy of Flock Profile tests have been previously investigated and observed that the level accuracy was variable for commercial flocks. This impacts how these tests should be used by producers. The metric derived from this project will enable producers to make informed decisions about how to utilise the results from their genomic tests. It will be able to be applied to BREEDPLAN genomic products for beef.

Objectives

• develop and validate new methodology to estimate accuracy for genomic only breeding value
• develop and validate new methodology to estimate accuracy for Flock Profile
• implement new methodology into the routine evaluations for Sheep Genetics
• document and publish the new methodology.

Key findings

• Develop and validate new methodology to estimate accuracy for genomic only breeding values:
  - Finding = new traits like reproduction, eating quality, WEC, visual wool traits have a large enough reference population to develop an accuracy metric and are therefore viable to add onto a Flock Profile and GBV tool.
• Develop and validate new methodology to estimate accuracy for Flock Profile:
  - Finding = accuracy was assessed of new traits and it's viable to add new traits onto genomic selection tools.
• Implement new methodology into the routine evaluations for Sheep Genetics:
  - Finding = addition of new traits will be implemented into pipeline and released to public in late 2026 with appropriate comms.
• Document and publish the new methodology.

Benefits to industry

Provides confidence in genomic selection tools to help commercial producers make accurate and confident genetic selection decisions for a range of important production traits.

MLA action

Report Final Report online and Sheep Genetics will provide delivery of comms and extension of products.

Future research

Yes. Investment in Sheep Genetics and BREEDPLAN to ensure that this can be rolled out across new products and evaluations as they are developed.