In this section:
Selection Demonstration Flocks
Aims of the project
- Demonstrate the merits of alternative sheep selection strategies
- Create a climate for open discussion and exchange of ideas relating to sheep selection strategies
Background
For a number of years the Merino industry has debated the merits of alternative sheep selection systems. In 1996 the Selection Demonstration Flocks (SDFs) were established to become the focus of technology transfer and education programs to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of alternative selection systems. Three initial selection flocks of 200 breeding ewes of conventional medium to strong wool Merinos were established, representing Measured Performance, Classer Assessment and Elite Wool. A randomly selected flock of the same size (Control flock) serves as a reference to determine the genetic change of the other flocks.
By 2001 two new breeding directions (a Fine Wool Flock, and a Meat Merino line) had been added.
All flocks are linked to enable an unbiased comparison among them. The breeding program in each flock is driven by industry persons, namely ram breeders, wool growers, sheep classers and consultants that have been involved in the project from its planning phase. Full pedigrees are kept. A very broad range of objectively measured and subjectively assessed characters is recorded. The flocks are genetically linked to industry sources and to Central Test Sire Evaluation. The sheep resources established and developed in this project are unrivalled in Australia.
Flocks
The initial 'conventional' flocks (including the control) each consist of 200 breeding ewes that were sourced from the same population base representing traditional South Australian bloodlines. For the first two matings each flock sourced sires from the Merino industry, since that time progeny have been born from sires generated within the Selection Demonstration Flocks.
Measured Performance (MPR) 
Selection based on objective measurement and performance records (indexes) with some attention to visually assessed wool and body faults.
Classer Assessment (PCA)
Selection based on Professional Classers visual and tactile assessment of conformation, wool quantity and quality. Occasional and non-systematic use of objective measurement data.
Elite Wool Flock (EWF)
This approach involves the visual and tactile evaluation of the skin, the use of objective measurement and the meticulous matching of sires to dams. Based on the 'soft rolling skin' or 'elite wool flock' technological packages.
Meat Merino Flock (FM+)
Demonstrating the attributes of both fibre plus meat traits. This flock aims to improve growth, carcase traits and reproductive performance, while paying attention to wool quality and maintaining fleece weight.
FM+ Background
The Fibre Meat Plus flock was established in 1999 based on contributions of highly selected ewes from seven participating producers plus a small portion selected from surplus SDF ewes. Outside sires were used for the 2000 and 2001 drops. For the next two years (2002 and 2003) a combination of outside and home-bred sires have been used.
Fine Wool Flock
(FWF)
Specialising in the production of high quality fine wool in a non traditional fine wool environment (cereal/sheep zone). The breeding objectives are to maintain fleece weight, body weight and staple strength while achieving a maximum reduction in fibre diameter.
FWF Background
The University of Adelaide and the Sheep Industry Development Centre established the Fine Wool Flock in 2000. Four hundred 17.8µm ewes were purchased from Grindon stud, Western Australia and moved to Roseworthy campus. This flock was integrated into the SDF's in late 2001 and additional ewes purchased from Gringegelgona , Victoria. For the first two years outside sires were used via an Artificial Insemination program and backup rams were sourced from the CSIRO towards 13µm project.
Control Flock
A reference point to determine the genetic change of the other flocks. Sheep are selected at random but ensuring inbreeding does not occur. 20 sires are used per year.
Sheep CRC Information Nucleus Open Day
An open day is held annually in Autumn to display a selection of sheep from each of the flocks and release the latest results. Keynote speakers are invited to discuss latest research and ideas for the sheep industry. More information on the open day.
Annual Newsletter
A newsletter is produced annually and made available at the open day. It includes the latest results and is distributed to over 900 people.
Contacts
For more information or to be included on the mailing list contact Kaylene Jaensch
Flock Participants
Ram breeders, wool growers, sheep classers and consultants (in alphabetical order) that make up the Management Committees:- Peter Adams, Peter Ashby, Don Blessing, Ian Bradtke, Geoff Davidson, Mark Dolling, Murray Elliott, Jonathan England, Colin Garnett, Phil Hammat, Ryves Hawker, Tom Hawker, Hugh Jarvis, Brian Jefferies, David Jones, Sid Nicholls, Graham Peart, Michael Pocock, Bill Richardson, Richard Smyth and Phil Venning.
