Genetic tool chips in for sheep breeding

A new genetic tool that could be as revolutionary for sheep breeding as computer technology has been, should be available to farmers from early next year. SNP Chips was the result of genetic sequencing of the sheep genome and allowed researchers to understand the effects of small genes rather than just the large genes currently possible reports The ODT. "It allows you to get better predictions of what the actual worth of an animal is," AgResearch Invermay senior animal genomics scientist John McEwan said. Cumulatively, small genes could add up to 50% to 95% of genetic variation between animals, he said. In the dairy industry, the two large artificial insemination companies - LIC and CRV Ambreed New Zealand - had already adopted SNP Chips, but Mr McEwan said sheep farmers in general wanted to see how others adapted it. Historically, each of the top 40 bulls used in artificial insemination programmes would have be rated following testing of 80 to 100 daughters, by which stage the average age of each sire was five years. Since using SNP Chip technology, just three of the top 40 sires have progeny in milk, with the others ranked on DNA and parental information. "That allows generations to be shortened, more accurate breeding values and greater genetic progress," he said.