DNA mapping flock programme to help sheep producers
28 Jul '05
3 min read
The DNA fine mapping flock, also known as the DNA marker resource flock, involved the artificial insemination of 4,400 ewes with semen donated from 15 commercial sires which were trait leaders for fertility, parasite resistance, or muscle or wool characteristics.
Ewes were sourced from a wide area to ensure a good genetic spread, and lambed in April and May this year.
SheepGenomics subprogram leader Dr Frank Nicholas said measurements of the offspring had already started as part of the long process of recording up to 100 traits for each of the lambs.
Dr Nicholas said the measurements would provide extremely valuable research information.
"Offspring will be assessed for traits for which DNA markers are desired, with a particular emphasis on those traits not normally measured in commercial flocks," he said.
Progeny of the DNA marker resource flock will be assessed over about 18 months, with female progeny being assessed for reproductive traits monitored for a longer period.
Researchers in the various other SheepGenomics subprograms will use the valuable information collected to further their own areas of study. It is anticipated that the database will include over half a million pieces of information, allowing the most detailed analysis yet of interrelationships between breeding traits in sheep.
Dr Nicholas said the end result for producers could be new information to help with breeding strategies within a few years.
"Taking into account the time required for assessing traits, for genotyping and for analysis, we expect to have DNA markers ready for industry by mid-2008," he said.
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