SHEEP

Ram genetic trial results released

DAFWA's findings on genetics in rams

Alex Paull

This article is 8 years old. Images might not display.

The 18-month trial was conducted by DAFWA and the Federation of Performance Sheep Breeders WA under the requirements of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association.

It assessed the progeny of 12 WA sires and one from NSW which acted as a ‘link’ sire to other AMSEA trials running across Australia.

Sheep genetics development officer Meghan England said trials compared the breeding performance of the different sires by evaluating their progeny. 

Held at the department’s research facilities in Mt Barker and Katanning, sires were mated through artificial insemination to an equal allocation of ewes and had an average of 32 progeny each.

“The trials assessed each sire’s breeding performance for a large number of wool and meat traits which are important to breeders, and enable participants to compare Australian Sheep Breeding Values,” England said.

“This included weaning, yearling and hogget growth rates and carcase traits such as eye muscle depth and fat depth.

“Fleece traits such as fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple length and staple strength, among others, were also measured.

“Visual traits included wool colour and character, fleece rot, dust penetration, staple weathering, staple structure, fibre and non-fibre pigmentation, face cover, body wrinkle, breech cover, confirmation of feet/legs/back/shoulder/jaw and dag.”

The full report of the Yardstick ‘2015 Drop Hogget Assessment’ can be found on the AMSEA website.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.