Hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Federation of Performance Sheep Breeders (WA), the day includes an optional tour of the department’s Sheep Feed Intake Facility.
DPIRD’s Katanning Research Station is one of 10 national sites that collects Merino sire data for the program, from which breeding values are developed to compare performance within and across flocks.
The initiative has evolved significantly from its inception in 1989 and now includes more than 30 objective and visual measurements for growth rate, wool and easy care traits.
The Yardstick site also contributes phenotype data, together with genotypes, to Australian Wool Innovation’s (AWI) project to develop a breeding value for flystrike traits.
DPIRD research scientist John Paul Collins said field day visitors would be able to view 2023 drop hoggets in full wool, from which mid-side samples have been taken for analysis.
“Pen cards will be on display showing data collected since marking, including weight, eye muscle and fat depth, as well as recent classing and mid-side results for progeny from each sire group,” he said.
“Results from progeny of 12 Merino sires used in the 2023 program will be discussed at the field day, including nine entrants from WA studs and 2 sires linked to 10 sites from around Australia.
“Measurements from more than 600 hoggets have been collected, including weight, eye muscle and fat depth, wool measurements and scores for a range of easy care and conformation traits.”
Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association executive officer Ben Swain will provide a background on sire evaluation, including how the data is collected, analysed and presented, and discuss how to interpret the data, as well as new initiatives.
DPIRD project officer Andrew Longbottom will present on the new electronic identification (eID) ear tag requirements and progress towards the commencement of the new national livestock tracing system from 1 January 2025.
Department research scientist Claire Payne will detail the success of DPIRD and Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) Meat the Market pilot producer group in using objective carcase measurements to boost farm productivity.
Field day visitors will also benefit from an Animal Health Update from department veterinary officer Judy Burson, covering key livestock health issues to consider leading into summer.
DPIRD research scientists Amy Bowden and Brittany Bolt will give an update on the department’s sustainability traits research to improve sheep feed efficiency and reduce emissions.
Dr Serina Hancock from Murdoch University will present preliminary findings from a national project, co-funded by AWI and MLA, comparing the effects of trail feeding versus self-feeders during lambing on ewe behaviour and lamb survival.
The Yardstick sheep field day will be held at DPIRD’s Katanning Research Station on Thursday, 31 October from 12.30 – 4pm.
For more information and to register for catering purposes contact senior administration officer Dale Sutton on 98213 333 or dale.sutton@dpird.wa.gov.au.
