DNA testing of sheep is now quicker and easier than ever, following moves by the Sheep CRC to simplify the process for breeders.
From July 1 producers will be able to purchase a stock of blood cards to keep on hand on their properties, allowing them to take blood samples at their convenience, such as at lamb marking, and only submit those they are most interested in for analysis at a later date when they consider their selection options.
Chief executive of the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC), James Rowe, said the change was in direct response to a recent survey which indicated that breeders would be more willing to use DNA testing to improve their flocks if turnaround times were faster.
“We’re always eager to make sure that new technology is practical for producers and their feedback has been really valuable in identifying how we can improve the DNA test system,” Prof. Rowe said.
“Being able to order and keep on hand a blood cards may seem a simple change to the process, but in effect it will shorten the turnaround time by up to two weeks and save breeders time, labour and money.”
The Sheep CRC operates as part of the Federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s CRC program. It is a collaboration of over 40 organisations from across industry, government and the commercial sector, and includes producer groups, farm advisers, universities and research organisations, meat processors and retailers.
Working with its Participants and a number of international consortia the CRC has developed a range of sheep DNA tests, including genomic trait analysis, parentage and poll/horn tests, which rely on producers to collect a small tissue sample – either a couple of drops of blood sample onto a special card or an ear punch sample. The samples are sent to Geneseek’s laboratories for extraction and analysis of DNA before the results are processed and reported by the Sheep CRC and the Sheep Genetics.