DESIGN & ANALYSIS

Project Leader

Professor Julius van der Werf

University of New England

Latest Updates

Further progress was made with the discussion papers on genetic analysis of INF data, especially by the meat team (14 discussion papers). Wool and parasite discussion papers are being finalized. Between-trait correlations and initial genetic analysis especially for some key ‘new ASBV’ traits such as IMF, colour, lean met yield and lamb survival are expected by February.

A process for progressing new ASBVs from the Information Nucleus via the Sheep Genetics technical committee has been developed.

The first phase of the whole genome association study has been completed for seven ASBV traits More precise modelling of polygenic effects, the breed structure and genetic grouping of dams has occurred. CRC INF data and Sheep Genomics data from the Falkiner flock have given similar results, with good correlations for merinos and lower correlations for terminal sires. The breed origin of all genomes analysed was 60% merino, 20% terminal and 20% maternal. Joint analysis of the INF and Falkiner Research Station flock data has commenced. Further work on technical aspects of launching genomic ASBVs has progressed well.

Semen of sires for the 2010 INF matings have been collected and a mate allocation list completed. The list includes 89 sires (26 Maternal, incl Border Leicester, Coopworth, Corridale, Dohnes and Samms, 29 Terminal, 34 Merino) and 4200 ewes, with some crossbred ewes from Falkiner being terminal crosses or full terminals.

About the Project

The objective of this Project is to develop the design for the Information Nucleus as follows:

to assist in selection of sires in collaboration with SG;
ongoing optimisation of the design and implication of SNP panel testing;
to design sampling and specifications for genotyping of progeny;
to undertake quantitative and molecular genetic analysis for new and existing survival and reproduction, disease, wool and meat traits; and
to develop applications of genetic technologies for future sheep breeding programs

Business Case

The project will ensure that maximum information is obtained for the given resources. The objective is to obtain accurate estimation of genetic parameters as well to provide a phenotypic resource suitable for whole genome association studies. The project will explore the most appropriate models for genetic analysis, and suggest suitable models for genetic evaluation by SG. The whole genome association study will explore the possibility of genomic selection, by obtaining experimental evidence about its utility, as well as by devising optimal ways to use such information in the industry.

The Information Nucleus is a unique concept, which integrates sophisticated genetic design and analysis with comprehensive measurement of biological and production parameters. The Information Nucleus progeny tests key young industry sires for an extensive range of traits in differing environments. The matings represent the major production types in the sheep industry and generate Merino (MxM), Maternal X Merino (MatxM) and Terminal first (TxM) and second cross progeny (TxMatM). The progeny are evaluated for a large number of growth, carcass, meat, wool, reproduction and disease traits. The sires used are selected from high performance (SG data) young rams that are likely to have industry impact and capture genetic variation for a range of traits. Performance data will flow immediately into the SG database which will enhance the accuracy of Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) by increasing progeny information and linkage across flocks and environments to increase genetic gain in industry. The Information Nucleus will also generate genetic information about new and novel traits and traits that are difficult or expensive to measure on-farm that may be related to wool and meat quality, disease resistance and reproductive fitness. This will provide genetic parameters for traits such as staple strength, meat eating quality, carcass yield and feed efficiency. A focus will also be to assess genetic variation and opportunities for improvement of new and novel quality traits such as wool UV colour stability and human nutritional traits of meat. The genetic analysis will provide the parameters for the possible inclusion of these new traits in SG.

A unique aspect of the Information Nucleus is that it will capture the power of high-density whole-genome molecular marker technologies being developed with the Sheep Genomics program. These high density marker assays based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) will be validated and further developed in the Information Nucleus for their ability to map genetic variation across the whole genome. The aim of this technology is to accurately predict molecular ASBV for many traits in young breeding animals. The first high density SNP chip for sheep is expected to become available in 2008 and will allow cost-effective genotyping of sixty thousand genetic markers in a single assay. Gene marker discoveries will be tested and validated in sheep with different genetic backgrounds and in a range of environments where they may have different expression.

Contact Details:
Professor Julius van der Wer
Project Leader
Design and Analysis
Tel: 02 6773 2092
Email - julius.vanderwerf@une.edu.au