In this section:
Merinos in Prime Lamb Production Systems
Merino genes have enormous impact on lamb and sheepmeat production. Approximately 45% of Merino ewes in Australia are mated to produce prime lambs and more than 80% of prime lamb dams have Merino genetics. A lot is known about Merino genetics for wool - but much less is known about their impact on prime lamb production.
South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) (external site) are collaborating on two projects that aim to improve prime lamb production by gaining a greater understanding of the influence of Merino genes and their management in prime lamb enterprises.
One of the projects, 'Influence of merino genes on prime lamb production', will increase the accuracy of genetic evaluation of meat related traits through improved estimates of phenotypic and genetic parameters for meat, wool, reproduction and disease traits in Merinos. The project will also identify the effect of Merino maternal genetics in prime lambs using progeny from South Australian Merino Central Test Sire Evaluation (SA CTSE) (Merino Superior Sires, external site). The results will link with other projects and services such as the Merino Validation Project and Sheep Genetics Australia (external site). Lamb producers will be able to use this information to improve carcass and meat quality of first cross lambs and second cross lambs which better fit market requirements.
A second project, 'Interaction between Merino Genes and Environment and their Effect on Prime Lamb Production' will identify the influence of weaning environment on the expression of Merino genes in prime lamb production systems. This will enable us to determine Merino ewe management strategies to improve prime lamb production.
Contacts:
Dr Janelle Hocking Edwards
Senior Research Scientist
Rachael Gould
Sheep Research Officer
