Lamb survival in Australian Merino sheep was investigated using records from 14,142 lambs born between 1975 and 1983. This data set included roll calls of live at birth, 7 d, marking (30 d), weaning (110 which allowed 4 binomial traits (alive or dead) to be recorded for each lamb time interval. The average 72.4% with 23% singles, 32% twins, 45% multiple-born not surviving weaning. timing loss consistent across birth types; 6% died within 24 h a further 14% by 3% 30 8% 110 d. Partitioning...

Direct and maternal components of variance for lamb survival to birth, 7 d, weaning (110 d) were estimated by REML procedures in a flock Australian Merino sheep. A total 14,142 lambs, the progeny 421 sires 3,666 dams, born between 1975 1983 available analysis. The study has produced some most precise estimates genetic parameters Merino. Very low heritabilities viability (0.03) performance dam or ewe rearing ability (0.07) suggest that solutions are unlikely be significant. But, despite...

The application of genomic selection to sheep breeding could lead substantial increases in profitability wool production due the availability accurate values from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Several key traits determine value and influence a sheep's susceptibility fleece rot fly strike. Our aim was predict estimated (GEBV) compare three methods combining information across map polymorphisms that affect these traits.GEBV for 5726 Merino crossbred were calculated using BayesR...

Genetic correlations between 29 wool production and quality traits live weight ultrasound fat depth (FAT) eye muscle (EMD) were estimated from the Information Nucleus (IN). The IN comprised 8 genetically linked flocks managed across a range of Australian sheep environments. data maximum 9,135 progeny born over 5 yr 184 Merino sires 4,614 dams. included records for yearling adult fleece weight, fiber diameter (FD), staple length (SL), CV (FDCV), scoured color, visual scores breech body...

Two monitoring projects were conducted to investigate weaner mortality in commercial Merino flocks the Yass and Central Tablelands Rural Lands Protection Boards located Southern agricultural region of New South Wales. The 2005 2006. A random sample weaners from four board 11 regularly weighed, growth rates calculated after weaning survival was determined by continuing presence an individual at subsequent weighing activities. Weaning weight most important factor determining postweaning...

Genetic parameters (heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations) were estimated for a range of visual measured wool traits recorded from the 2008 shearing initial cohort Merino progeny born into Sheep CRC’s Information Nucleus Flock. The aim this analysis was to determine feasibility selectively breeding sheep softer, whiter, more photostable quantify likely impact on other production quality traits. estimates heritability high handle clean colour (0.86 0.70, respectively) moderate...

This paper reports changes in livestock weights recorded a whole-farmlet experiment, which aimed to examine the profitability and sustainability of three different pasture grazing management strategies. The assessment liveweights was considered key component measuring integrated effects farmlet-scale treatments. farmlets comprised typical regime, employed flexible rotational over eight paddocks with moderate soil fertility (farmlet B), system based on same paddock number but higher levels...

The two systems currently used in Australia for assessing the body reserves of live sheep (fat and condition scoring) were evaluated their ability to quantify range scores within a mob discriminate between varying fatness. Three ewe genotypes (fine Merino, medium Merino first-cross Border Leicester × Merino) independently assessed by four assessors experienced each system (i.e. eight assessors). Twenty-four hours after assessment ewes slaughtered commercial abattoir hot carcass measures...

Survival and subsequent productivity of Merino ewe weaners (weaned in 2006 2007, respectively) on commercial properties the New South Wales Central Tablelands were monitored through routine liveweight measurement until weaning their own progeny from maiden joining. Growth rates calculated regular measurements with survival determined by continuing presence an individual animal at measurements. This study demonstrates that high weaner are a function both weight post-weaning growth rates....

The historically small size of the Australian sheep flock, along with relatively high and lamb prices compared to wool returns, has highlighted issue low reproductive efficiency particularly Merino. major obstacle improving net reproduction rate (NRR, number lambs weaned per ewe joined) is survival. animal welfare issues relating survival are discussed causes loss factors that impact on successful rearing a weaning culmination sequence often interrelated events involving genetics,...

The natural cream colour and low photostability of Merino wool are impediments that affect the wool’s competitiveness over a wide range apparel interior textile products. In particular, these two properties need improvement if is to match performance cotton synthetics in expanding market for trans‐seasonal knitwear. strategy adopted by Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Sheep Industry Innovation improve whiteness clean genetic selection maintain through processing developing...

Livestock producers are facing increasing pressure to reduce the environmental and animal-welfare impacts of production, while also managing challenge an increasingly variable climate diminishing resources. This perspective paper highlights role for animal scientists contribute sustainability future livestock systems. We argue need a broader, more inclusive integrated concept science, better connections among scientists, producers, consumers policy makers, support next generation scientists....

The Australian sheep industry has historically made rapid advances in the quality and quantity of meat wool through genetic improvement, but unfortunately, maternal performance, i.e. number lambs weaned, is well below desired levels. aim present paper to investigate potential select for increased weight fat across production cycle improve performance. analysis explores score breeding ewes during ‘tough’ periods (i.e. when nutrient requirements are not met by pasture), preparing ewe upcoming...

Genetic correlations between 29 wool production and quality traits 14 whole carcass measures component were estimated from the Information Nucleus of 8 flocks managed across a range Australian sheep environments genetically linked. Wool data over 5,000 Merino progeny born 5 yr, whereas 1,200 wether 176 sires, slaughtered at about 21 kg weight, on average. included yearling adult records for fiber diameter, diameter variation, staple strength, scoured color, visual scores breech body wrinkle....

The success of slaughter lamb enterprises is heavily influenced by the ability breeding ewe to produce a annually across variable environments. It has been shown that maintaining heavier weight and condition annual production cycle producers can make significant improvements in maternal performance. This paper follows on from previous analysis crossbred ewes within Maternal Central Progeny Test examines potential select for reduced fluctuation fat cycle. A cubic spline model was fitted score...

Merino wethers from a mixed bloodline flock in western New South Wales were coated for varying periods of time after shearing between August 1999 and 2000. The similar number uncoated control each nine bloodlines (three fine six superfine) grazed together as part larger mob. Dyebands placed the fleeces wether before fitting coats removed when midside sample was taken several subjective assessments objective measurements made fleece. It concluded that coating sheep 6 months is effective...

The feed intake of 1279 mature non-pregnant and non-lactating Merino ewes grazing pasture was estimated by faecal marker dilution methods using rumen controlled-release devices containing chromium sesquioxide capsules. were from two genetic resource flocks (QPLU$ flock at Trangie in NSW a Western Australia Katanning) that are representative the major bloodlines strains Australian population. Pedigree information over several generations used to genetically link other animals had additional...

As part of the Cicerone Project’s whole-farmlet experiment on Northern Tablelands New South Wales, Australia, fat scores and reproductive performance ewes were measured to assess effect different management systems these important production parameters over time. The three farmlets (each 53 ha) included one (farmlet B) subjected ‘typical’ district consisting moderate levels inputs a target stocking rate 7.5 dse/ha, with flexible grazing across eight paddocks. A second farmlet (A) was managed...

The carcass characteristics, meat quality and specific muscle enzyme activity were studied in 342 Merino wether hoggets representing 7 bloodlines comprising 2 superfine lines, fine wool medium lines 1 broad line over years. All animals supplemented at pasture for 5 weeks before slaughter with high energy pellets. Fat levels the based on total tissue depth 12th rib, 110 mm from midline much greater than other lines. This also applied to fat measured longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) one...

Genetic correlations between 29 wool production and quality traits 25 meat nutritional value were estimated for Merino sheep from an Information Nucleus (IN). among the are also reported. The IN comprised 8 flocks linked genetically managed across a range of environments in Australia. included over 5,000 yearling 3,700 adult records fleece weight, fiber diameter, staple length, strength, diameter variation, scoured color, visual scores breech body wrinkle. measured on samples M. longissimus...

The present empirical study of data from three Merino resource flocks varying genetic backgrounds run in different environments investigated the impact various selection strategies aimed at culling poor performers (‘passengers’) or retaining good doers (‘performers’) longer, both, on flock reproductive performance. Four were and applied either individually combination, to quantify their litter size, rearing type breeding efficiency (number lambs weaned per ewe year) whole flock. main benefit...