L.SGA.2610 - Project Shepherd: integrating and automating commercial genetic selection tools
Did you know that genetic selection tools exist to help commercial producers benchmark their flock (via a Flock Profile) or individual animals' genetic merit (via Australian Sheep Genomic Values ASgVs) to help inform selection decisions?
| Project start date: | 16 April 2026 |
| Project end date: | 30 December 2026 |
| Publication date: | 29 September 2026 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Sheep |
| Relevant regions: | National |
Summary
This project modernises Sheep Genetics’ core digital services by delivering an automated pipeline for ASgVs and Flock Profiles, eliminating manual processing and improving reporting speed and accuracy. It also upgrades key breeder decision making tools such as developing a new Stud Breeder Profile. Together, these enhancements strengthen data delivery reliability, reduce operational fragmentation, and support MLA’s broader shift toward scalable, secure and user‑centered digital infrastructure. The result is faster service delivery, improved breeder engagement, and a future‑ready platform supporting long‑term growth in commercial and seedstock adoption of genetic selection tools.
Objectives
2.1 Primary Scope — Automated Pipeline
- Develop transformation process for ASgVs and Flock Profile results based on order number.
- Define authorisation and deliver the results of GBVs and Flock Profile via third-party API to Genomics provider.
- Security and compliance implementation aligned with MLA data governance.
2.2 Secondary Scope — Digital Modernisation
- Development of a public Stud Breeder Profile page including permissions and content design.
- Delivery of commercial dashboard pages that render Flock Profiles, associated metrics, and ram team tracking views for commercial clients.
Key findings
A streamlined, automated pipeline for delivery of commercial genomic selection tools to industry partnerships.
Benefits to industry
Provides a streamlined delivery of genomic selection tools to help commercial producers make accurate and confident genetic selection decisions for a range of important production traits.
MLA action
Sheep Genetics to provide delivery of communication of products to relevant industry partnerships.
Future research
Yes, continued investment in Sheep Genetics and BREEDPLAN to ensure that this can be rolled out across new products and evaluations as they are developed.
More information
| Project manager: | Marnie Hodge |
| Contact email: | reports@mal.com.au |
