1. Introduction to LAMBPLAN for the USA Texel Society

2. Why invest in genetics? Genes set the potential of what can be achieved Feed and management provide the tools to achieve some where near the potential Genetics are cumulative and investment is permanent (you don’t lose genes to the environment) Genetic change can reduce the effects of reduction in real prices

3. Do you get what you see? Genotype your set of genes Environment management, season, etc. Phenotype what you look like Only the GENES are passed on to the progeny LAMBPLAN provides an estimation of the genetic value (or breeding value) of animals

4. What does Sheep Genetics Australia (SGA) do? Takes raw measurements on animals and corrects them for environment and management Gives the genetic value, or breeding value, of the animal Allows breeders to select animals with superior genetics, based on breeding values

5. How does SGA calculate breeding values? Environmental influences Sire Dam Siblings Correlated traits Heritability of trait Animal BREEDING VALUE

6. Breeding values available for many traits at many ages AgeWeightFat & Muscle Depth Fleece TraitsScrotal Circ.FEC Birth (0-24hours)  Weaning (7-16 weeks)  Post Weaning (4-7 months)  Yearling (10-13 months)  Hogget (13-18 months)  Adult (18 months +)  Additional traits include number of lambs born and number of lambs weaned – ALL TRAITS ARE OPTIONAL!

7. Liveweight Breeding Values Estimate the genetic difference in live weight (kg) at a range of ages –Birth –Weaning – 100 days (3.3 mths) –Maternal Weaning Weight –Post Weaning – 225 days (7.5 mths) –Yearling – 360 days (12 mths) –Hogget – 450 days (15 mths) –Adult – 540 days (18 mths)

8. Carcase Trait Breeding Values Fat Depth (mm) Estimates the genetic difference in fat depth at the GR site Eye Muscle Depth (mm) Estimates the genetic difference in EMD at the C site EBVs expressed at three live weights Post Weaning - 45kg Yearling - 60kg Hogget - 70kg

9. Scanning Eye Muscle and Fat Depth LAMBPLAN operators scan at the C-site (45 mm from the midline at the 12/13 rib) GR depth is the fat grading in Australia GR site 110 mm out from the backbone at the 12/13 rib C-site

10. Fertility Trait Breeding Values Number of Lambs Born (%) –Estimates the genetic difference between animals for number of lambs born each lambing opportunity. Number of Lambs Weaned (%) –Estimates the genetic difference between animals for number of lambs weaned each lambing opportunity. Scrotal Circumference (cm) –Estimates the genetic difference between animals for scrotal circumference at yearling (360) and hogget (450) ages.

11. Faecal Egg Count Breeding Values FEC breeding values describe the value of an animals genes for carrying worm burdens They express a combination of being genetically less likely to pickup worms and being better able to cope with the worm burden.

12. Comparing sheep from different flocks – requires a ‘link’ ram A Live Weight of Progeny B C 45 35 Property + 1kg + 5kg - 3kg

13. Link rams provide a benchmark + 1kg Benchmark - 3kg + 5kg

14. SGA takes into account and adjusts for… Sex Birth date Birth type (single Vs Twin) Rearing type Age of dam Management group (feeding etc)

15. USA Texels – first steps in joining LAMBPLAN 3 year breed society membership, AU $360 per annum (paid by society) Each person submitting data on animals pays $2.00 per animal (you can enter as much data on one animal as you like, however only pay $2.00 for the first data entry, proceeding entries are free of charge).

16. What do I get for my money? SGA runs fortnightly data analysis, meaning updated figures are always available Each time you submit data, you will receive an updated report on your whole flock (via email) Many different styles of report are available… from individual animal figures, to genetic trends over time for each trait you measure

17. Major reasons for joining LAMBPLAN Lower the risk associated with ram selection Use LAMBPLAN figures and logos as a major marketing advantage Make faster genetic gain than you could from visual selection Breed productive, money making lambs that suit market specifications

18. Further Information SGA is a non for profit organisation, working towards improving the overall productivity and sustainability of our sheep industries. Please contact Kerry Richardson or the SGA office for more information. Alanna Roberts, SGA, aroberts@mla.com.au