Merino breeders can Boost Productivity

The Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association is calling on Merino stud breeders to enter their best rams in the 2009 sire evaluation program.

"We now have nearly 20 years of data measuring commercially important traits both the main visual and measured traits. Proof of industry progress is shown in the trends of the sires entered into sire evaluation" says executive officer of Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association, Ben Swain.

"Since 1990 sire evaluation entrants have experienced significant productivity gains. Clean fleece weights have increased by five per cent, fibre diameter has decreased by one micron and yearling body weight has increased by 1.7kg. The average seven per cent Micron Index of sires entered has increased from 120% in 1990 to 143% in 2007, despite breeders having very varied breeding goals."

"Breeders who put their rams in the sire evaluation program will quickly find out where their animal ranks in the industry for both visual and objectively measured traits. Some of the top performing rams in the country have been used in the program, so you will be benchmarking your rams against Australia's best in a well managed central progeny test program."

"The report on the evaluation 'Merino Superior Sires' goes to every stud breeder in Australia and many of them use it as a semen catalogue. If your ram performs well, you will sell semen as a result."

The sire evaluation program has focused on improving productivity and visual traits over the past 20 years. Breeders can use the program to select for plainer, lower wrinkle sheep as well as for higher productivity at the same time.

The power of the sire evaluation program is now being used to tackle the issue of mulesing. Breeding and selecting plainer sheep with reduced wrinkle and crutch cover is a key component of the wool industry's drive to phase out mulesing. The sire evaluation program ensures that other productivity gains aren't lost along the way.

"In 2009 our focus is on moving towards mules-free sheep," says Ben. "Sire evaluations focus on providing breeders with independent and reliable information on the use of plain-bodied, highly productive rams to breed profitable lower wrinkle sheep."

The sire evaluation program currently runs at 10 sites across Australia, covering the major wool growing regions. Breeders wanting to participate need to contact the site of their choice and provide semen to that site along with the entry fee, which is between $1500 and $3000 depending on the length of the trial and the measurements undertaken. Details are at www.merinosuperiorsires.com.au.

For more information, please contact Ben Swain, phone 0427 100 542, email ben_swain@bigpond.com