Summary

Sheep Genetics ID

16 digit ID number unique to every sheep that remains the same for their entire life. The format of the ID is: 6 digit breed and flock code, 4 digit year of birth, 6 individual identifier (eg tag number). 

Measuring traits

There are a number of requirements for submitting trait information to Sheep Genetics to ensure it is included in the evaluation. It is up to you to be familiar with what you need to do to make sure the data you submit is of high quality and can be successfully entered into the evaluation.

Pedigree

The accurate recording of pedigree information is integral to the genetic evaluation. While tagging at birth is considered the gold standard by Sheep Genetics, there are a number of different methods to capture pedigree information on farm. It is up to you to determine which method fits in with your production system that allows you to capture as much data as possible.

Management groups

To account for the effect of the environment on an animal’s performance, we need to account for the management conditions the animals were raised in prior to measurements being taken. For every measurement you submit, you must include a management group that reflects how the animal was run prior to measurement.

Linkage

To benchmark genetic merit across different environments we need to have genetic linkage. Genetic linkage involves sharing genes between management groups and drops on your property, and between Sheep Genetics flocks. 

Submitting data

Enter your data, including the pedigree, trait measurements, measurement dates and management groups, into a software that is compatible with the Sheep Genetics system. You will need to export your data from the software and submit it before 5pm on the run date. A list of compatible software and calendar of run dates is available on our website.

Getting results 

You will receive an email advising results are ready to access. You can then access a range of reports on your reports dashboard, and can download your ASBVs onto your data management software.

Breeding objective

Take the time to sit down and think about your breeding objective. It is important you write this down to be able to revisit it later to monitor the genetic progress you have made.