Sheep breeders to take tests
SHEEP producers now have the opportunity to DNA-test their breeding stock for parentage and poll status in merinos for just $17, as part of a new research program being run by the Co-operative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation.
The Sheep CRC is calling for registrations from sheep breeders for the 2012 Genomics Pilot Project, with applications already open.
The project offers three DNA testing programs: a SNP test for parentage at $17/test; an SNP test for merino poll for $17/test; and the 50k SNP test for prediction of genomic breeding values for sires at a cost of $50/test.
Merinos tested for parentage, or with the 50k SNP, will receive the poll test results at no extra cost.
The 2012 Pilot Project will deliver valuable commercial information to breeders, while at the same time provide research answers to questions such as: What is the gene frequency of horn genes in the Merino sheep population? And how do we sample and use the tests most effectively in breeding programs?
To get involved, head to sheepcrc.org.au and complete the application form by clicking on "Genomic Pilot Project" under "What's hot?"
Alternatively, you can contact the Sheep CRC on 02 6773 3466 to request a hard copy of the forms.
