Breeding workshops
Sheep Genetics Australia (SGA) plans to inform more ram breeders about the value of genetic information through a series of workshops and information sessions.
"Some breeders and buyers are very aware of the work of SGA and where it is headed, while others have some knowledge," says newly appointed SGA manager Richard Apps. "And there is still a group who is interested but hasn't yet had the opportunity to learn more.
"Therefore, throughout 2007 we will run events designed for both those who are SGA users and other ram breeders who are interested in learning more."
For ram breeders who are not presently evaluating their flocks with SGA, there will be a one-day Introduction to SGA workshop to be held in locations central to groups of interested breeders. A separate Ram Breeders workshop has also been designed for users of SGA to update them about new developments and provide assistance with the understanding and use of SGA breeding values in their flocks.
Ram buyers or commercial breeders wanting to find out more about SGA are encouraged to participate in a Money Making Merinos workshop, run by the EDGEnetwork.
"There will be a lot of developments with SGA this year, as we move from the establishment phase into delivering results for woolgrowers and lamb producers," Mr Apps says. "We are in the process of developing a standard scoring system for visually assessed traits. This scoring system will enable the submission of visually assessed characters into SGA and the subsequent estimation of genetic performance for these traits.
"In the future, breeding values for traits like wool colour and body wrinkle will be available."
Dr Alex Ball, the former manager of SGA, has moved into a new role as Meat and Livestock Australia manager for Lamb and Sheep Meats Research and Development, but will continue to liaise closely with SGA. Richard Apps was previously the SGA LAMBPLAN project officer.
More information: Sheep Genetics Australia, Introduction to SGA workshop, 02 6773 2948; SGA Ram Breeders workshop registration, 02 6773 3191, info@sheepgenetics.org.au; Money Making Merinos (commercial breeder) workshop registration, 1800 993 343, edgenetwork@mla.com.au
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