MerinoLink has partnered with the University of New England (UNE) on a DNA Stimulation project, jointly funded by MLA Donor Company and the participating breeders.

MerinoLink chief executive officer Sally Martin, of Young, said the DNA stimulation project aimed to double the rate of genetic gain among participating stud and commercial flocks within five years by providing breeding program support and expertise to those adopting genetic tools.

Ms Martin said the project involved 27 ram breeders, 14 commercial producers breeding their own rams and 200 commercial producers purchasing rams.

 “There are a number of different available tools however their use can be ad hoc,’’ she said.

 “We want to be able to help producers strategically and cost effectively use these tools so they get the best bang for their buck.

“If a producer is spending a certain amount on DNA parent testing, we want to make sure they are testing an entire cohort and not a shot gun approach, which can compromise the impact of their investment.

“This would help ram breeders have more confidence in their Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) to make more accurate selection decisions to continue to drive genetic gain.’’

Ms Martin said the DNA Flock Profile test would be used to benchmark commercial flocks and validate the commercial use of the tool.

It will help them to make better informed ram buying choices.

“The ram teams they are purchasing year-on-year can be evaluated to ensure they are purchasing genetically superior rams to the previous year, and with the ability to correct any weaknesses in the flock, and capitalise on strengths.

“Production information will also be collected on-farm to ensure top performing ewes are retained to increase profitability.’’

UNE genetic research scientist Dr Tom Granlesse and Professor Julius Van der Werf will provide technical expertise for the project.

“The exciting thing about this project is we can start making a big difference on-farm,’’ Ms Martin said.

“We are talking about trying to improve current measurement methods so breeders and their clients get the best value for money, through increasing the accuracy of the data going into Sheep Genetics as well as the ASBVs reported back.’’

Among the project participants is Bogo Merinos at Cavan Station, Yass.

Manager Malcolm Peake said DNA sampling on the stud sires, and 2017-drop rams and ewes was underway for genotyping.