Quantitative genetics is a scientific method based on a mathematical approach that enables animal breeders to select and breed for improvement in desired productive traits. It is commonly referred to as objective measurement and is widely used throughout the industry. OM Performance Classes at State Shows: NSW - Sydney: This class is for Merino and Poll Merino rams out of Show Classes showing not more than 4 and not less than 2 permanent teeth. Sheep are shorn and then judged at the show using objective measurement for both wool and conformation. Judging criteria: The sheep are lined up after being shorn and judged for breed type, structure and soundness for a maximum of 150 points. A maximum of 150 points for objective measurement are divided between maximum weight, ultrasound measurement, eye muscle measurement, fleece staple strength (N/KT) and co-efficient variation (%) of fibre diameter. The allocation for fleece commercial value is 200 points, making the total points 500.
2007 Results - 1: One Oak, Jerilderie; 2: Darriwell, Trundle; 3: One Oak, Jerilderie. 2008 Results - 1: Nerstane, Woolbrook; 2: One Oak, Jerilderie; 3: Grassy Creek, Rugby.
2009 Results - 1: Alfoxton, Armidale; 2: Nerstane, Woolbrook; 3: Towalba, Peak Hill.
NSW - Dubbo: Rams out of Show Classes are judged on frame and conformation; body weight (kg); fat depth (mm); eye muscle depth (mm); staple strength; CV (%) and fleece value.
2007 Results - 1: Wanganella, Deniliquin; 2: Pemcaw, Dunedoo; 3: Nerstane, Woolbrook.
2008 Results - 1: Boonoke, Deniliquin; 2: Bungulla, Manilla; 3: Boonoke, Deniliquin.
WA - Katanning: Open to regulation shorn sheep that are professionally prepared and exhibiting profitable, processor-preferred wools. Judging covers ram in full wool, 100 points (15% of final score); fleece, 250 points (40% of final score); objectively measured traits, 250 points (40% of final score); ram out of wool, 50 points (5% of final score).
2007 Results - 1: East Strathglen, Tambellup.
SA - Adelaide: This class is for Merino and Poll Merino rams out of Show Classes showing four or more teeth (over two years). Sheep are shorn and then judged at the show for breed type, structure and soundness. Points are awarded out of wool for body weight and eye muscle. Fleece quality is judged on staple strength, co-efficient variation (%) and commercial value.
2007 Results - 1: Bradfield, Peterborough; 2: Old Ashrose, Hallett; 3: Deloshanda, Mount Pleasant.
VIC - Bendigo: Classes for short wool (March shorn) fine, medium and strongwool rams for both lambs teeth and two teeth. A maximum of 100 points are divided equally with 25 points for objective carcase measurements, 25 points for objective fleece sample measurements, 25 points for visual carcase judging and 25 points for visual wool judging. The Champion and Reserve Champion All Purpose Australian Merino are chosen by the two judges from the three highest point scores from the six classes.
2005 Results - Champion: Belka Valley, WA; Reserve Champion: Glendonald, Vic.
2006 Results - Champion: Uardry, NSW; Reserve Champion: Wallaloo Park, Vic.
2007 Results - Champion: Uardry, NSW; Reserve Champion: Terrick West, Vic.
Central Test Sire Evaluation (CTSE): In the early 1980s, a proposal to establish central test sire evaluation was progressed by the NSW SMBA until in 1992 the AASMB agreed to establish a national program for Merino rams involved in State sire evaluation. In the year 2000, a separate, independent group was formed known as the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA). This group publishes results of evaluations of Merino sires from across Australia in Merino Superior Sires, and information is available on the MSS website at www.merinosuperiorsires.com.au Contact AMSEA: Sheep Genetics is the national genetic information and evaluation service for the meat and wool sectors of the sheep industry, jointly developed and maintained by AWI and MLA. The main purpose of Sheep Genetics is to improve the quality, scope and utilisation of across-flock genetic information for the Australian sheep industry, using a common national language in the form of Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs). MERINOSELECT provides ASBVs for Merinos using on-farm data contributed by ram breeders, and from other independent providers such as AMSEA. Contact Sheep Genetics: Sam Gill, MERINOSELECT Project Manager Tel: 02 6773 4296, Fax: 02 6773 2707, M: 0428 248 552 Email: sgill@sheepgenetics.org.au Website: www.sheepgenetics.org.au
© The Australian Association The Australian Merino Centre Telephone: 02 9763 2744 |
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