YARDSTICK
Central Test Sire Evaluation
2007 Drop
Conducted by
The Federation of Performance Sheep Breeders
(WA Branch)
under the auspices of
The Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association
with support from
Wool Agency
August 2009
Disclaimer
The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and
understanding at the time of writing (August, 2009). However, because of advances
in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon
which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with an
appropriate adviser.
The product trade names in this publication are supplied on the understanding that
no preference between equivalent products is intended and that the inclusion of a
product name does not imply endorsement by the site over any equivalent product
from another manufacturer.
Recognising that some of the information in this document is provided by third
parties, the author and the publisher take no responsibility for the accuracy,
currency, reliability and correctness of any information included in the document
provided by third parties.
Foreword
YARDSTICK Central Test Sire Evaluation
YARDSTICK is an accredited Central Test Sire Evaluation (CTSE) site evaluation. It conforms to the
requirements of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA).
The Federation of Performance Sheep Breeders (WA branch) runs the YARDSTICK Sire Evaluation site.
The site committee are listed in the table below.
YARDSTICK has the following background.
A total of 15 evaluations have been run by YARDSTICK (1993-2007 drop)
These evaluations have taken place at Romilly Hills, Dale River WA (1993-2005 drop) and the Great
Southern Agricultural Research Institute (GSARI), Department of Agriculture and Food, Katanning
(2006-2007 drop).
Thanks must go to the staff of GSARI for the management of the trial.
Bill Sandilands
August, 2009
Current members of the Site Committee
Name
Bill Sandilands.............................
Bob Hall.......................................
Roger Bilney................................
Brooks Evans ...............................
Max Ewen....................................
Johan Greeff.................................
Russell Meaton ............................
Phone
08 9851 4030
08 9736 1055
08 9834 1012
08 9833 7528
08 9736 1176
08 9821 3215
08 9834 1030
Position on committee
Chairperson
Secretary
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
Committee member
For further information on this report please contact
Bill Sandilands, phone: 08 9851 4030, e-mail: [email protected]
Bob Hall, phone: 08 9736 1055, e-mail: [email protected]
Report authors
Bill Sandilands1, Bob Hall2, Bronwyn Clarke3, Andrew Swan4, Allan Casey5
1
2
2
3
4
Billandri, Kendenup WA 6323
Hall & Co, Darkan WA 6392
PO Box 7076, Shenton Park, WA 6008
Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, UNE, Armidale, NSW 2351
NSW DPI, Forest Road, Orange 2800
Date of publication: August 2009
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 1 of 20
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
The information in this site evaluation report provides a comprehensive assessment of the YARDSTICK
2007 drop sire's progeny performance, both measured and visually assessed. Three graphs and a table
provide a summary of the results and eight tables provide the detailed performance information for the
standard sire evaluation analysis. Additional measurements have been taken to give an average production
value.
This report provides the results from the 2007 drop hogget evaluation, 15 months of age with 12 months
wool growth.
Contents
Page
Sire and owner details ..............................................................................................................................
Managers report .......................................................................................................................................
Assessment and management program ..................................................................................................
Visual tait assessment and site Breeding Objective ...............................................................................
3
4
5
5
Results – 2007 Drop
Summary
Figure 1:
Table A:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Combined measured and visual assessed performance .....................................
Index values and Classer’s Grades ....................................................................
Fleece Weight and Fibre Diameter ....................................................................
Classer’s Grade: Tops and Culls .......................................................................
6
7
8
8
Understanding the results – Measured trait performance ............................................
Table 1: Major measured trait and Classer's Grade performance ....................................
Table 2: Other measured trait breeding values ................................................................
9
10
11
Understanding the results – Scored trait performance ..................................................
Table 3a: Wool quality ......................................................................................................
Table 3b: Wool quality ......................................................................................................
Table 3c: Pigmentation and Conformation ........................................................................
Table 3d: Conformation .....................................................................................................
Table 3e: Breech ................................................................................................................
Table 4: Sire averages for measured traits .......................................................................
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Understanding the results – Information to assist the use of results
Index options .......................................................................................................................
Accuracy of Flock Breeding Values (FBVs) .......................................................................
Link Sires ............................................................................................................................
Calculation of combined information ..................................................................................
19
20
20
20
Detail
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 2 of 20
Sire and owner details
YARDSTICK 2007 drop hogget evaluation, 15 months of age with 12 months wool growth.
Sire and owner details
Ram
code
1*
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Breeders flock, Ram number
Ram ID #, Breed †
Contact name, Address
Phone, Fax and email
Ag WA Baseflock, 20002058
509012-2000-002058, Merino
Billandri, 010564
600571-2001-010564, Poll Merino
Billandri, 030394
600571-2003-030394, Poll Merino
Calcookara, Garrett
504832-2002-JIM027, Merino
Carribber Poll, Green 500
601148-2003-03G500, Poll Merino
Centre Plus Poll, 207625
601250-2002-207625, Poll Merino
Coromandel Poll, KB5674
600553-2005-050674, Poll Merino
Johan Greeff, DAFWA, 10 Dore St Katanning WA 6317
ph 08 9921 3215 fax 08 9821 3333
Bill Sandilands, Billandri Kendenup WA 6323
ph 08 9851 4030 fax 08 9851 4264
Bill Sandilands, Billandri Kendenup WA 6323
ph 08 9851 4030 fax 08 9851 4264
Neil Smith, RSD 26 Cowell SA 5602
Ph 08.86292384 Fax 08.86292384
Richard Steel, PO Box 31 Southern Cross WA 6426
Ph 08.90499022 Fax 08.90499022
William Harvey, Centre Plus WA RMB 156 Kojonup WA 6395
Ph 08.98323017 Fax 08.98323037
Michael Campbell,
Coromandel 2040 Swamp Rd Gairdner WA 6337
Ph 08.98366044 Fax 08.98366099
Bruce Lefroy, Cranmore Park RSM 427 Moora WA 6510
Ph 08.96549066 Fax 08.96549067
Kevin Keatley, Hyfield RMB 619 Kojonup WA 6395
Ph 08.98311760 Fax 08.98311763
Kevin Keatley, Hyfield RMB 619 Kojonup WA 6395
Ph 08.98311760 Fax 08.98311763
Ray Lewis, Box 53 Wickepin WA 6370
Ph 08.98881022 Fax 08.98881428
Ian Robertson
Merinotech (WA) Ltd, RMB 311 Kojonup WA 6395
ph 08 9833 6251 fax 08 9833 6255
Ian Robertson
Merinotech (WA) Ltd, RMB 311 Kojonup WA 6395
ph 08 9833 6251 fax 08 9833 6255
John Mclaren, Nerstane Woolbrook NSW 2354
ph 02 6777 5881 fax 2 6777 5922
DJ & ND Jackson & Co, PO Box 198 Kojonup WA 6395
ph 08 9831 0331 fax 08 9831 0306
Phil Toland, RMB 2005 1888 Feltrim Rd Violet Town VIC 3669
Ph 03.57981605 Fax 03.57981404
Jerome Hardie, PO Box 29 Broomehill WA 6318
Ph 08.98241239 Fax 08.98241339
Craig Dewar, PO Box 61 Broomehill WA 6318
Ph 08.98241257 Fax 08.98241272
Cranmore Park, 3.1
500153-2003-000700, Merino
Hyfield Poll, 210
600717-2005-050210, Poll Merino
Hyfield Poll, 3723
600717-2004-043723, Poll Merino
Lewisdale, 15
501675-2005-050015, Merino
Merinotech WA Poll, 3143
609040-2003-033143, Poll Merino
13
Merinotech WA Poll, 3322
609040-2003-033322, Poll Merino
14*
Nerstane, N4636
503298-2005-054636, Merino
Sunny Valley, 5.6
501943-2005-050006, Merino
Toland Poll, Orange 1253
601082-2002-021253, Poll Merino
Wallinar, 05192G
500219-2005-05192G, Merino
Woodyarrup, 5.57
500412-2005-252657, Merino
15
16*
17
18
*
Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between years and sites so that the all site results can be
combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
UR
Unregistered Flock. Sires bred in an unregistered flock are identified in the table by a UR following the
sire’s code.
# Sire ID provides a unique number for all sheep. A sire ID has 16 digits.
- 2 for the breed of the flock, e.g., Merino (50), Poll Merino (60), Dohne (51), SAMM (48), Afrino (AF)
- 4 for flock code, AASMB Registered flock code or unregistered code.
- 4 for year of drop.
- 6 for tag number used in the breeder’s records.
†
Breed of flock in which the sire was born
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 3 of 20
Managers Report
1. Location
Yardstick is located at Katanning at the Department research station known as The Great Southern
Agricultural Research Institute (GSARI)
Being a research farm this property is well set up for the task having excellent handling facilities, many small
paddocks for sheep identification, appropriate sheep to be used access to RFID tags and equipment, and an
experienced staff.
The land is mostly duplex soil types with light soils over clay at 400-600mm depth. Base fertiliser dressings
for pastures are 100kg/ha of either plain superphosphate or 3:1 super potash on the lighter land.
Staff comprise:
Steve Bell
Farm Manager.
Geoff Cox
Technical officer
Deon Pickett Technical officer
Ken Hart
Research Officer
Rob Gairen
Vince Lambert
Darren Schliothe
Russell Quartermaine.
2. Selection and mating
• Research station ewes were selected from the station flock in late December/early January 07 to be
allocated to rams at random. They were fed a wheat/barley grain mix at 200 g/hd/day plus oaten hay
fodder rolls up to the time of insemination.
• Mating took place on the 8-9 Feb 2007. 18 sires were mated to 850 ewes (average 47 per sire
group). This was carried out by the GENSTOCK A.I. team.
3. Pregnancy and lambing
• 813 lambs were born from 850 ewes mated
4. Weaning and seasonal conditions
Lambs were marked on the 4th of August 2007
Lambs were weaned on the 4th of October 2007
General conditions were good with good average reainfall.
5. Assessments
AI was conducted by Genstock
Wool testing was performed by Wayne Marshall – The Micron-Man
Tamesha Gardner of Stocksmart conducted the scanning (pregnancy scanning, fat and eye muscle
depth scanning)
The Department of Agriculture and Food WA Parasitology laboratory did the worm egg counting.
Visual assessment was carried out by Preston Clarke from Landmark.
6. Rainfall
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
2004
24.5
8.5
4.0
16.0
39.0
106.5
54.0
73.5
16.5
27.0
33.3
9.0
411.8
Katanning Research Station Rainfall (mm per month) *
2005
2006
2007
2008
Average
0.0
76.2
20.8
0.0
20.3
0.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
3.0
36.5
1.0
7.4
4.8
15.0
102.6
41.0
55.4
68.8
53.8
178.0
16.6
20.2
60.4
60.1
70.2
18.4
41.0
70.6
59.9
29.2
60.4
96.2
105.2
65.3
54.4
62.1
64.8
7.8
54.8
54.8
26.0
60.4
47.2
45.2
34.4
18.2
54.8
59.8
37.0
35.0
7.6
2.0
27.6
19.8
13.4
2.6
40.1
24.2
15.4
609.3
330.1
463.1
476.4
449.4
* Source: Katanning Research Station
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 4 of 20
Assessment and management program
Activity
Date/s
Selection of ewes
Allocation of ewes for mating and mating
Pregnancy scanning
Lambing: start – finish
Tagging/pigment scores (age in days)
Early Jan 2007
8-9/2/2007
Weaning (age in days)
Weaning body weight (age in days)
Pre evaluation (even-up) shearing
Crutching
Fat and eye muscle scanning and body weight
Fleece sampling
Staple length assessment
Classer’s Grade
Pre shearing scoring
Assessment shearing
Post shearing scoring
Body weigh
Worm egg count sampling
Sire’s Progeny Group Evenness assessment
Vaccination
Drench
Supplementary feeding: start - finish
Field day or public display of sheep
1-14/7/2007
14/8/2007
7/10/2007
4/10/2007
8/10/2007
23/4/2008
29/9/2008
26/8/2008
26/8/2008
26/8/2008
26/8/2008
23/9/2008
29/9/2008
23/9/2008
26/8/2008
26/8/2008
22/9/2008
Age
(months)
Wool
(months)
30 days
90 days
90 days
3
3
10
15
7
14
14
14
14
15
15
15
14
11
11
14
11
15
12
11
11
12
12
Visual tait assessment and site Breeding Objective
Visual tait assessment
1st Assessment
Classer’s Grade: Mr Preston Clarke, Landmark
Trait Scores: Bob Hall, Bill Sandilands and Ed Riggall
Site Breeding Objective used to assess the Classer’s Grades
The Breeding Objective used by the classer/s when selecting the Classers Tops, Flock and Cull Grades is the
equivalent of a 7% Dual Purpose index with attention to body wrinkle. This objective for both measured and
visual assessed traits was developed by the site committee in consultation with the classer prior to the
grading.
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 5 of 20
Figure 1. Combined measured traits and visual trait performance
Summary graph: visual and measured performance
Each sire that had 20 or more progeny assessed is located on the graph. The graph describes performance for
combined measured traits and combined visual assessment.
Figure 1 is combined measured traits based on an AMSEA Merino 7% index that is equal emphasis on fleece
weight and fibre diameter with enough emphasis on body weight to provide a moderate increase in this trait).
Visual trait performance is a combination of Classer’s Grade performance (Tops and Culls). More
information is found in “Calculation of combined performance” (page 20).
Sires that are above average performers for combined measured traits and Classer’s Grade are located in the
top right hand quarter.
Figure 1. Visual and measured performance
Combined visual traits
8.0
High measured
High visual
17
6.0
2
16
4.0
2.0
3
4
0.0
9
7
12
-2.0
-4.0
5
6
15
18
8
11
1
Low measured
Low visual
10
14
13
-6.0
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
Combined measured traits
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 6 of 20
Table A. AMSEA Index values and Classer’s Grade
The highest performing 3 sires for each trait (i.e., trait leaders) are highlight by shading, e.g., in the table below see Sire 10 for Classers Grade – Tops%.
Each sire is listed for Classer’s Grade and the same three indexes at all site evaluations. An additional index (Fine 10% +SS +WEC) is also reported. The index
values reported are based on measured traits FBV performance with varying the emphasis on fleece weight, fibre diameter, body weight, staple strength and worm
egg count. See ‘Index Options’ on page 19 for more information on the indexes presented in the table below.
AMSEA Indexes are the same as MERINOSELECT Indexes apart from NLW (Number of Lambs Weaned) being given a zero FBV value in AMSEA calculations.
Merino 14% +SS High emphasis on fibre diameter and low emphasis on fleece weight plus moderate emphasis on live weight and staple strength.
Fine 10% +SS
Moderate emphasis on fleece weight and fibre diameter plus moderate emphasis on staple strength.
Dual Purpose 7% Moderate emphasis on fleece weight and fibre diameter plus high emphasis on live weight.
Fine 10% +SS +WEC
Similar to F10 + SS but with a high gain in WEC.
AMSEA Indexes Values
Classer's Grade
Ram
code
Ram name
Merino
Fine
Dual
Fine 10%
Tops %
Culls %
14%
10%
Purpose
SS
(dev)
(dev)
H^
H
SS
SS
7%
WEC
Ag WA Baseflock,
20002058
1
91
85
87
59
-10
7
2
Billandri, 010564
107
107
123
107
12
-12
3
Billandri, 030394
101
106
102
109
-2
-9
4
Calcookara, Garrett
100
101
102
111
0
-4
5
Carribber Poll, Green 500
98
98
86
103
-6
0
6
Centre Plus Poll, 207625
104
108
106
107
7
3
7
Coromandel Poll, KB5674
93
92
88
95
4
6
8
Cranmore Park, 3.1
91
92
89
98
-15
-3
9
Hyfield Poll, 210
94
94
89
88
-4
-4
10
Hyfield Poll, 3723
111
115
103
110
18
-5
11
Lewisdale, 15
91
92
124
93
-5
10
12
Merinotech WA Poll, 3143
94
89
101
96
-7
-1
13
Merinotech WA Poll, 3322
89
85
92
100
-15
11
14*
Nerstane, N4636
106
111
83
100
-4
19
15
Sunny Valley, 5.6
109
110
106
96
14
12
16*
Toland Poll, Orange 1253
112
112
104
108
8
-12
17
Wallinar, 05192G
104
101
110
104
15
-18
18
Woodyarrup, 5.57
103
101
105
94
-9
1
Average performance
100
100
100
100
29
19
* Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between site evaluations and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
^ Y = Yearling (300 to 400 days); H = Hogget (400 to 540 days); A = Adult (540 days and older).
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 7 of 20
Figures 2 and 3 – Summary Graphs – FW and FD, Tops and Culls
Figure 2. Fleece weight by fibre diameter
The graph describes performance for fleece weight on the side axis and fibre diameter on the bottom axis.
Rams that are above average for fleece weight and below average fibre diameter are located in the top left
hand quarter
Figure 2. Fleece Weight by Fibre Diameter
25.0
High CFW
Low FD
Clean fleece weight (%)
20.0
Mean CFW: 3.3kg
Mean FD: 17.9µm
15.0
11
10.0
5.0
3
6
0.0
15
10
14
2
16
17
8
5 18
4 7
-5.0
13
9
1
12
-10.0
-15.0
-2.0
-1.5
-1.0
-0.5
Low CFW
High FD
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
Fibre diameter (µ
µ m)
Figure 3. Classers Tops by Cull Grade
The graph describes performance for Classer’s Tops Grade on the side axis and Cull Grade on the bottom
axis. Rams that have above average Tops and below average Culls are in the top left hand quarter.
Figure 3. Classer Tops by Cull Grade
30
High Tops
Low Culls
Mean Tops: 29%
Mean Culls: 19%
Tops % (deviations)
20
10
17
10
15
2
16
0
6
4
9
3
7
125
-10
14
11
18
1
8
13
-20
Low Tops
High Culls
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
Culls % (deviations)
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 8 of 20
Understanding the results
Measured trait performance and Classer’s Grade – Tables 1 and 2 – pages 10 and 11
Ram code:
Allows a ram to be located on the summary graphs and some tables.
Ram name:
Identity of the breeder’s flock and the ram's number or name.
No. of progeny:
The number of progeny a ram had at the most recent measured analysis.
Flock Breeding
Values:
Flock Breeding Values (FBVs) are Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) calculated by Sheep Genetics for the ram’s evaluated in this report.
Only data from this site evaluation is used in the calculation of these FBVs. FBVs describe the relative breeding value (genetic performance) of
the rams (in this case based on the performance of their progeny). A ram’s progeny will express half of their ram’s FBV. FBVs do not
necessarily reflect the rams observed performance, which is a combination of both genetic and environmental influences. FBVs are an estimate
of the genetic component of the sheep’s performance.
Traits:
GFW:
CFW:
FD:
WT:
FDCV:
SL:
SS:
EMD:
FAT:
CURV:
WEC:
Abbreviation,
trait and the
(units reported)
Greasy fleece weight (percentage).
Clean fleece weight (percentage).
Average fibre diameter (micron).
Body weight (kilograms).
Fibre diameter coefficient of variation (percentage).
Staple length (mm) at the mid-side.
Staple strength (N/ktex) at the mid-side.
Eye muscle depth (mm) at the ‘C’ site.
Fat depth (mm) at the ‘C’ site.
Fibre curvature (degrees)
Worm egg count (% deviation in worm burden of ram’s progeny)
Age at
assessment:
Y = Yearling
H = Hogget
A = Adult
Classer's Grade:
A classer grades all progeny as Tops, Flocks or Culls based on their visual assessment of all traits relative to the site’s Breeding Objective (page
5). The percentage deviation from the average of Tops and Culls is presented in this report.
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
- 300 to 400 days (10 to 13 months of age).
- 400 to 540 days (13 to 18 months of age).
- 540 days or older (18 months and older).
Page 9 of 20
Table 1 – Major measured traits and Classer’s Grades
Number
Ram
code
1*
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14*
15
16*
17
18
Ram name
Ag WA Baseflock, 20002058
Billandri, 010564
Billandri, 030394
Calcookara, Garrett
Carribber Poll, Green 500
Centre Plus Poll, 207625
Coromandel Poll, KB5674
Cranmore Park, 3.1
Hyfield Poll, 210
Hyfield Poll, 3723
Lewisdale, 15
Merinotech WA Poll, 3143
Merinotech WA Poll, 3322
Nerstane, N4636
Sunny Valley, 5.6
Toland Poll, Orange 1253
Wallinar, 05192G
Woodyarrup, 5.57
Average performance
of
progeny
31
47
42
35
48
42
40
46
41
43
25
41
47
41
42
42
29
31
40
Flock Breeding Values (deviations)
GFW %
-5
4
6
-5
-4
5
-5
1
-2
1
11
-7
0
2
3
0
-1
-4
4.7
kg
CFW %
-5
4
6
-4
-4
5
-4
-1
-2
1
12
-9
0
-1
2
1
1
-3
3.3
kg
FD µm
0.4
0.4
0.2
-0.5
-0.6
-0.3
-0.3
0
0.3
-1.4
2.2
-0.2
1.9
-1.7
-0.6
-0.2
1
-0.5
17.9
Classer's Grade¹
WT kg
-2.1
1.9
-0.9
0
-1.6
1.6
-1.8
-3.6
-4.7
-0.4
8.5
1.6
-1.6
-1.7
0.3
-1
3.8
2
40.4
kg
Tops %
(dev)
-10
12
-2
0
-6
7
4
-15
-4
18
-5
-7
-15
-4
14
8
15
-9
29
%
Culls %
(dev)
7
-12
-9
-4
0
3
6
-3
-4
-5
10
-1
11
19
12
-12
-18
1
19
%
µm
Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between site evaluations and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
Y = Yearling (300 to 400 days); H = Hogget (400 to 540 days); A = Adult (540 days and older).
UR
Unregistered Flock. Rams bred in an unregistered flock are identified in the table by a UR following the ram’s code.
1
Classer’s Grade is expressed as the percentage deviation of average Tops% and Culls%
Information on how to use the results in the table above can be found on page 9.
*
^
YARDSTCIK 2007 Drop
Page 10 of 20
Table 2 – Other measured traits
Ram
code
1*
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14*
15
16*
17
18
Ram name
Ag WA Baseflock, 20002058
Billandri, 010564
Billandri, 030394
Calcookara, Garrett
Carribber Poll, Green 500
Centre Plus Poll, 207625
Coromandel Poll, KB5674
Cranmore Park, 3.1
Hyfield Poll, 210
Hyfield Poll, 3723
Lewisdale, 15
Merinotech WA Poll, 3143
Merinotech WA Poll, 3322
Nerstane, N4636
Sunny Valley, 5.6
Toland Poll, Orange 1253
Wallinar, 05192G
Woodyarrup, 5.57
Average performance
Number
of
progeny
31
47
42
35
48
42
40
46
41
43
25
41
47
41
42
42
29
31
40
FDCV %
H^
0
-1
0.8
0.1
0.9
0.2
1
1.7
0.1
0.1
0.9
-0.5
-0.8
0.9
-0.7
-1.6
-1.7
-0.6
21.1
Flock Breeding Values (deviations)
Curv deg/mm
SL mm SS N/ktex
Fat mm
H
H
H
H
1.4
1.5
-0.8
-0.9
0.4
-5.3
3.1
-1.1
-4.4
0.8
-3.3
7.7
-3.5
7.9
2.8
-3.8
-2.9
0
84.1
-3
1.9
1.4
-3.9
-0.2
5.8
-5.4
2.2
1.1
-0.7
1.3
-2.6
8.8
-3.5
-2.5
0.6
6
-7
25.7
2.9
2.3
-0.4
-3
-1.4
-1.9
-2.8
-1.7
0
-3.1
2.6
-1.2
4.9
-5.9
0.2
3.4
5.9
-0.6
86.8
EMD mm
WEC%
H
H
-1.2
-0.3
203
1.7
2.3
-2
-1
-0.7
-32
0.8
0.5
-66
-0.3
-1.1
-28
0.7
-0.1
5
-0.1
-0.4
-16
-0.6
-0.3
-38
0.2
0.3
47
-0.8
-1.1
26
1.3
1.6
-1
1.5
1.5
-33
1.6
1.1
-76
-2.2
-3.2
55
-1.6
-0.8
85
-0.5
-0.3
18
0.9
0.9
-9
-0.4
0
51
2
21
*
^
Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between site evaluations and sites so that the all evaluations can be combined into one report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
Y = Yearling (300 to 400 days); H = Hogget (400 to 540 days); A = Adult (540 days and older)
Information on how to use the results in the table above can be found on page 9.
YARDSTCIK 2007 Drop
Page 11 of 20
Understanding the results
Scored trait performance – Tables 3a to 3e – pages 13 to 17
The following description of trait scores is a summary of the detailed word and diagrammatical description of these scores in the Visual Sheep Scores booklet (free on
application to AWI 02 92995155).
A deviation from the average trait score for all progeny is reported as well as the percentage of the ram’s progeny recorded for each trait.
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Fleece rot:
Wool colour:
Wool character:
Dust penetration:
Staple weathering:
Staple structure:
Face cover:
Feet/Legs:
Body wrinkle:
Jaw:
■ Back/Shoulder:
■ Fibre
pigmentation:
■ Non-fibre
pigmentation:
■ Recessive black:
(black)
■ Random spot:
(spot)
■ Breech cover
■ Crutch cover
■ Breech wrinkle
■ Dag
■ Injury/Disease:
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
The severity of fleece rot from 1 (no fleece rot), 2 and 3 (bands of bacterial staining but no crusting), and 4 and 5 (bands of crusty fleece rot).
Greasy wool colour scored from 1 (whitest) to 5 (yellow).
Definition and variation of crimp between and along the staple scored from 1 (well defined and regular) to 5 (undefined and large variation).
Degree of dust penetration from 1 (only tip <5%) to 5 (80 to 100% of staple).
The deterioration due to light and water from 1 (least, <5% of staple) to 5 (most, 30 to 50%) reflect the depth and degree of deterioration.
The size and diameter of each staple from 1 (<5mm) to 5 (30 to 50 mm)
Wool cover on the face scored from 1 (open face) to 5 (fully covered face).
Conformation of feet and legs scored from 1 (very good) to 5 (very poor).
The degree of body wrinkle from 1 (no wrinkle) to 5 (extensive wrinkle).
Under- or over-shot lower jaw (and teeth) relative to the top jaw. Three scores 1 (very well aligned), 3 (marginally under or over) and 5 (heavily
under or over).
Conformation of the back and shoulder from 1 (very good) to 5 (very poor).
The percentage of dark fibres on any part of the sheep from 1 (0 pigmented fibres at any site) to 5 (76 to 100% pigmented fibres at one or more
sites). This trait does not include random spot or recessive black.
The percentage of pigmentation on the areas not shorn from 1 (0 pigmentation at any site) to 5 (76 to 100% pigmented area on one or more bare
skin sites, and/or 76 to 100% of the total hoof area).
Recessive black (black) is identified by relatively symmetrical markings on both sides of the face. There are two scores 1 (no recessive markings)
and 5 (recessive markings). This trait does not include random spot or fibre pigmentation.
Random spot (spot) is identified by rounded wool or hair spot/s, not symmetrical.
There are two scores 1 (no spot/s) and 5 (spot/s). If both sides of the face or body are spotted the sheep should be scored as a recessive black.
Size of natural bare area around the breech from 1 (large) to 5 (no bare).
Size of natural bare area in the pubic and groin from 1 (large) to 5 (no bare).
Degree of wrinkle at the tail set and kind legs from 1 (nil) to 5 (extensive).
Degree of dag adhering to the breech and legs from 1 (nil) to 5 (extensive).
Non-genetic effects due to injury, misadventure or infection – Yes or No.
Page 12 of 20
Table 3a – Visual trait assessments – Wool quality
Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a ram’s progeny assessed for each score is also reported.
For the majority of breeder’s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favorable and the larger the deviation the better.
Wool Quality
Ram
code
1*
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14*
15
16*
17
18
Avg.
Dev
-0.1
0.0
-0.1
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.1
-0.1
0.0
0.0
-0.1
0.0
-0.1
-0.1
0.1
-0.1
-0.1
0.1
1.1
Fleece Rot
1
2
100
0
91
6
93
7
89
6
81
10
86
12
88
8
96
4
85
12
88
9
96
4
93
5
96
4
98
2
93
0
98
2
100
0
84
6
92
6
3
0
3
0
0
4
0
2
0
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
4
0
0
0
2
3
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
5
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
5
0
0
0
1
Dev
0.2
0.1
0.1
-0.2
0.1
-0.2
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
-0.3
0.1
-0.2
0.0
-0.1
2.7
Wool Colour
1 2
3
0 19 77
0 26 70
0 25 68
6 35 59
0 24 70
0 50 50
0 35 65
0 33 57
3 22 70
0 33 60
0 28 68
0 39 56
2 32 66
3 52 45
2 19 76
2 43 55
0 34 66
4 33 60
2 32 63
4
4
4
7
0
6
0
0
10
5
7
4
5
0
0
3
0
0
3
3
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dev
0.5
0.0
0.0
-0.2
0.0
-0.4
-0.1
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.6
0.2
0.6
0.0
-0.5
-0.5
0.0
-0.3
3.0
Wool Character
1
2
3
0
6
42
7
11 65
3
22 50
6
29 50
4
20 48
7
43 40
0
25 68
2
17 43
2
10 70
2
19 55
4
0
36
2
12 49
0
4
40
8
10 57
8
41 46
14 33 48
10 14 45
13 27 40
5
19 50
4
52
17
25
15
28
10
7
36
18
24
60
37
53
25
5
5
31
20
26
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dev
-0.1
-0.1
0.1
-0.1
0.0
-0.1
-0.1
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.1
-0.2
0.3
0.0
-0.2
-0.1
0.0
0.0
1.4
Dust Penetration
1
2
3
68 32
0
74 24
2
57 40
3
71 29
0
63 30
7
71 29
0
70 30
0
48 43
9
55 42
3
64 33
3
56 40
4
78 22
0
45 40 15
65 32
3
78 22
0
71 26
3
66 31
3
57 43
0
64 33
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
* Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between years and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
Information on how to use the results in the table above can be found on page 12.
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 13 of 20
Table 3b – Visual trait assessments – Wool quality
Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a ram’s progeny assessed for each score is also reported.
For the majority of breeder’s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favorable and the larger the deviation the better.
Wool Quality
Ram
code
1*
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14*
15
16*
17
18
Avg.
*
Dev
-0.3
-0.2
0.2
0.2
0.4
0.2
-0.1
0.2
-0.1
0.1
-0.2
0.0
-0.3
0.0
0.0
-0.1
-0.2
0.4
1.5
Staple Weathering
1
2
3
81 16
3
72 26
2
48 38 14
59 26
9
39 39 13
50 36 10
68 25
2
43 48
9
75 18
2
50 45
3
68 28
4
59 34
7
81 17
2
57 32
8
59 35
3
57 40
3
72 28
0
47 27 23
60 31
7
4
0
0
0
0
5
4
5
0
5
2
0
0
0
3
3
0
0
0
1
5
0
0
0
6
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
Dev
0.3
-0.1
-0.1
-0.3
0.1
-0.3
0.0
0.3
0.0
-0.1
0.4
0.0
0.4
-0.3
-0.4
-0.3
0.1
-0.1
2.8
Staple Structure
1
2
3
0
6
71
2
22 72
0
25 72
12 24 62
2
13 70
5
43 45
2
15 75
0
14 55
2
18 72
2
24 69
0
4
64
0
22 76
0
4
64
7
40 45
8
38 54
5
36 57
0
17 72
10 20 57
4
21 64
4
23
4
3
2
15
7
8
31
8
5
32
2
32
8
0
2
11
13
11
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Fibre pigmentation
Dev 1 2 3 4
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0.0 0 0 0 0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dev
-0.2
-0.1
0.3
-0.3
0
0.2
-0.1
0.4
-0.3
0.1
0
0
-0.2
-0.1
-0.1
0.4
0.1
0
1.6
Pigmentation
Non-fibre pigmentation
1
2
3
4
5
61
35
4
0
0
54
41
3
2
0
30
50
20 0
0
74
26
0
0
0
52
35
13 0
0
33
55
12 0
0
55
38
5
2
0
14
69
17 0
0
65
35
0
0
0
40
50
10 0
0
48
48
4
0
0
51
41
8
0
0
62
38
0
0
0
50
45
5
0
0
54
46
0
0
0
26
52
22 0
0
34
66
0
0
0
50
43
7
0
0
48.0 45.0 7.0 0.0 0.0
Black
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Spot
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between years and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
Information on how to use the results in the table above can be found on page 12.
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 14 of 20
Table 3c – Visual trait assessments – Pigmentation and Conformation
Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a ram’s progeny assessed for each score is also reported.
For the majority of breeder’s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favorable and the larger the deviation the better.
Four pigmentation traits are reported as described on page 12. These are Fibre pigmentation, Non-fibre pigmentation, Recessive “black” and Random “spot”.
Fibre pigmentation and Non-fibre pigmentation are scored 1 to 5 however Recessive black and Random spot are scored 1 (no pigmentation of this type) or 5 (when the trait
is expressed). Only the percentage scored 5 are reported for Recessive black and Random spot.
Ram
code
Pigmentation
Fibre pigmentation
1
2
3
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Non-fibre pigmentation
1
2
3
4
61
35
4
0
54
41
3
2
30
50
20
0
74
26
0
0
52
35
13
0
33
55
12
0
55
38
5
2
14
69
17
0
65
35
0
0
40
50
10
0
48
48
4
0
51
41
8
0
62
38
0
0
Conformation
black
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
spot
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jaw
Dev
5
Dev
5
Dev
1
2
3
1*
0
0
-0.2
0
-0.1
97
0
0
2
0
0
-0.1
0
0
100
0
0
3
0
0
0.3
0
0.1
98
0
0
4
0
0
-0.3
0
0
100
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
100
0
0
6
0
0
0.2
0
0.1
93
0
0
7
0
0
-0.1
0
0.1
98
0
0
8
0
0
0.4
0
0
100
0
0
9
0
0
-0.3
0
-0.1
98
0
0
10
0
0
0.1
0
0
100
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
0.1
96
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
100
0
0
13
0
0
-0.2
0
0
98
0
0
14*
0
0
0
0
0
0
-0.1
50
45
5
0
0
0
0
-0.1
98
0
0
15
0
0
0
0
0
0
-0.1
54
46
0
0
0
0
0
0.1
97
0
0
16*
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.4
26
52
22
0
0
0
0
0
100
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.1
34
66
0
0
0
0
0
0
100
0
0
18
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
50
43
7
0
0
0
0
0
100
0
0
Av
0.0
0
0
0
0
0
1.6
48.0 45.0 7.0 0.0
0.0
0
0
* Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between years and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
4
5
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Information on how to use the results in the table above can be found on page 12.
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 15 of 20
Table 3d – Visual trait assessments – Conformation
Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a ram’s progeny assessed for each score is also reported.
For the majority of breeder’s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favorable and the larger the deviation the better. Face cover and body wrinkle are possible
exceptions when for many breeders the optimum score is in the middle of the range therefore trait leaders have not been highlighted.
Conformation
Ram
code
Legs and Feet
Shoulder and Back
Face Cover
Body Wrinkle
Dev
1
2
3
4 5
Dev
1 2 3 4 5
Dev
1
2
3
4 5
Dev
1
2
3
4
0
10
77
13 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.1
55
42
3
0 0
0.2
29
19
29
13
1*
0.2
17
50
33 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.1
57
41
2
0 0
-0.2
19
53
26
2
2
0.1
12
70
18 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0.5
10
72
15 3 0
0
10
52
31
7
3
-0.2
26
65
9
0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.1
53
44
3
0 0
0.2
20
31
37
3
4
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.1
50
50
0
0 0
0.1
21
35
29
8
0.1
15
65
20 0 0
5
0
22
57
21 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.2
64
31
5
0 0
-0.3
33
43
17
2
6
-0.1
28
60
12 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0.1
50
35
12 0 3
0.1
10
48
32
10
7
0.1
14
60
26 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.2
67
26
7
0 0
0.4
13
35
30
15
8
0
0 0 0 0 0
0.4
15
70
12 3 0
-0.2
27
41
27
3
0
22
60
12 6 0
9
0.1
21
60
14 0 5
0
0 0 0 0 0
0.5
21
57
17 5 0
-0.1
21
47
23
4
10
-0.3
40
56
0
4 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.3
68
32
0
0 0
-0.4
28
60
8
0
11
-0.2
32
61
7
0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.4
85
15
0
0 0
-0.3
39
32
22
5
12
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.1
53
47
0
0 0
0.1
23
28
38
5
0
8
81
11 0 0
13
0
20
68
10 2 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0.3
25
68
5
2 0
1
8
29
22
12
14*
0.2
16
49
32 3 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0.2
41
46
8
5 0
0.5
17
19
40
12
15
0.2
7
71
19 3 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.4
76
24
0
0 0
-0.1
36
33
19
2
16*
0
0 0 0 0 0
-0.2
66
34
0
0 0
-0.8
66
21
13
0
-0.2
34
55
11 0 0
17
0.1
13
60
27 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0
0.3
37
50
7
3 3
-0.3
29
45
19
7
18
Avg.
2.0
20
62
16 2 0
0.0
0 0 0 0 0
1.6
50
44
5
1 0
2.3
25
37
26
6
* Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between years and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
Information on how to use the results in the table above can be found on page 12.
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
5
10
0
0
9
7
5
0
7
2
5
4
2
6
29
12
10
0
0
6
Page 16 of 20
Table 3e – Visual trait assessments – Breech
Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a ram’s progeny assessed for each score is also reported.
For the majority of breeder’s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favorable and the larger the deviation the better.
Breech
Ram
code
1*
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14*
15
16*
17
18
Avg.
Dev
0.1
0
0.1
-0.4
0
-0.2
-0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
-0.2
0
0.1
0.2
0
-0.1
0
3.7
Breech Cover
1 2
3
0 0 19
0 0 27
0 0 18
0 6 62
0 0 33
0 7 38
0 2 32
0 0 22
0 0 30
0 2 21
0 0 24
0 5 41
0 2 26
0 0 24
0 0 12
0 0 36
0 4 34
0 0 32
0 2 29
4
81
73
82
32
67
55
66
78
62
77
72
51
72
76
83
60
59
68
67
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
4
3
0
0
5
4
3
0
2
Crutch Cover
Dev
1 2 3
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0 0
0.0
0 0 0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Breech Wrinkle
Dev
1 2 3 4
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0
0.0
0 0 0 0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dev
-0
-0
0.2
-1
0
-0
0.3
0.4
-0
0.1
-0
-0
0.4
-1
0.4
-0
0.5
0.3
1.9
1
57
57
43
73
50
55
40
35
54
45
72
67
28
85
36
56
26
45
51
Dag
2
23
26
24
21
26
26
28
37
37
30
16
15
41
10
31
20
41
21
26
3
10
4
14
3
15
10
18
9
7
8
8
10
11
3
12
20
15
17
11
4
10
11
19
3
5
4
10
4
0
15
4
8
11
0
17
2
7
7
8
5
0
2
0
0
4
5
4
15
2
2
0
0
9
2
4
2
11
10
4
* Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between years and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
Information on how to use the results in the table above can be found on page 12.
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 17 of 20
Table 4 – Ram averages for measured traits
Ram averages are the average performance of all the progeny of a ram. No account is made for factors that can improve the breeding value accuracy.
Number
Ram averages for measured traits (deviations)
GFW
CFW
FD
WT
FDCV
Curv
SL
SS
%
%
mm
kg
%
deg/mm
mm
N/ktex
Ram
Ram name
of
code
progeny
H^
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
1*
Ag WA Baseflock, 20002058
31
-0.2
-0.1
0.4
-2.3
0
1.9
-1.8
2.5
2
Billandri, 010564
47
0.2
0.1
0.2
0.9
-0.8
1.6
1.2
1.4
3
Billandri, 030394
42
0.2
0.1
0.1
-0.1
0.6
-0.2
0.8
-0.1
4
Calcookara, Garrett
35
-0.2
-0.1
-0.4
0.2
0.1
-2
-3.4
-3
5
Carribber Poll, Green 500
48
-0.2
-0.1
-0.4
-1
0.8
0.1
0.5
-0.2
6
Centre Plus Poll, 207625
42
0.1
0.1
-0.3
0.8
0.2
-3.7
4.2
-1.1
7
Coromandel Poll, KB5674
40
-0.2
-0.1
-0.1
-1.3
0.7
2.1
-3.6
-2.1
8
Cranmore Park, 3.1
46
0.1
-0.1
0
-2.5
1.3
-0.3
2.2
-0.4
9
Hyfield Poll, 210
41
-0.1
-0.1
0.2
-3.2
0
-3.1
0.5
-0.4
10
Hyfield Poll, 3723
43
0
0
-1
-0.3
-0.1
0.7
-0.2
-2.7
11
Lewisdale, 15
25
0.3
0.3
1.5
6.1
1
-2.8
0.1
3.6
12
Merinotech WA Poll, 3143
41
-0.2
-0.2
-0.2
0.5
-0.3
5.4
-1.2
-1.3
13
Merinotech WA Poll, 3322
47
-0.1
0
1.2
-0.4
-0.2
-2.3
6.3
4.1
14*
Nerstane, N4636
41
0.2
0
-1.1
-0.8
0.4
6.6
-1.7
-5.2
15
Sunny Valley, 5.6
42
0.2
0.1
-0.3
-0.3
-0.8
2.7
-2
-1.1
16*
Toland Poll, Orange 1253
42
0
0
-0.2
-0.5
-1.3
-3.1
-0.2
1.9
17
Wallinar, 05192G
29
-0.2
0.1
0.6
3.2
-1.1
-2.7
4.3
5.5
18
Woodyarrup, 5.57
31
-0.1
0
-0.3
1.1
-0.6
-0.9
-6
-1.5
Average performance
40
4.7
3.3
17.9
40.4
21.1
86.8
84.1
25.7
kg
kg
mm
kg
%
deg/mm
mm
N/ktex
*
^
Link ram: Ram evaluated to provide links between years and sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires.
Y = Yearling (300 to 400 days); H = Hogget (400 to 540 days); A = Adult (540 days and older).
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 18 of 20
Understanding the results
Index Options – page 7
Index production system and breeding objectives
Breeding Objective index options provide the relative value of rams based on a
combination of the measured traits’ genetic performance. The indexes used in
this report are only some of the many indexes that can be used to describe an
individual breeder's objective for measured traits.
AMSEA
Fine 10% +SS
(F10% +SS)
If a breeder is considering using a ram in this report it is critical to consider
the performance of the breeder’s flock relative to the performance standard
in this report. The relative performance must be considered to establish the
result that can be expected when a ram is used in a breeder’s flock.
AMSEA
Merino 14% +SS
(M14% +SS)
All AMSEA site evaluation reports present 3 standard indexes to provide
AMSEA
Dual Purpose 7%
(DP7%)
combined measured trait performance These 3 AMSEA indexes are Fine
10% +SS; Merino 14% +SS; and Dual Purpose 7%. These indexes are the
same as MERINOSELECT indexes of that name however as there is no
direct reproduction records captured by sire evaluation AMSEA do not
include a Reproduction (NLW) FBV in their index calculations. As a
result the 14% contribution by NLW in the Dual Purpose 7% index is not
effectively applied by the index calculation.
This report has added an additional index – the AMSEA Fine 10% + SS + WEC
AMSEA
Fine 10% +SS +
WEC
(F10%+SS+WEC)
Fine wool Merino self-replacing production system with
moderate emphasis on fleece weight and fibre diameter
(10% Micron Premium) plus moderate emphasis on staple
strength and maintain performance on other traits.
Medium wool Merino self-replacing production system with
high emphasis on fibre diameter and low emphasis on
fleece weight (14% Micron Premium) plus moderate
emphasis on live weight and staple strength with maintain
performance on other traits.
Medium wool Merino self-replacing production system (in
conjunction with 25% of ewes in terminal lamb production)
with moderate emphasis on fleece weight and fibre
diameter (7% Micron Premium) plus high emphasis on live
weight and maintain performance on other traits.
Similar to F10 + SS but with a high gain in WEC
Traits contribution to economic gain: The percentage contribution of the traits listed to economic gain in a commercial flock that selects rams using the index.
Merino 14% +SS
Fine10% +SS
Merino 7%
Dual Purpose 7%
SS
WEC CFW
WEC
CFW (8.4%)
SS WEC
CFW (42.1%)
SS
FD (58.6%)
SS
WT (2.8%)
WT
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
FD
NLW
FD (39.6%)
WT
NLW
CFW (25.5%)
CFW
FD (24%)
WT (0.7%)
WT (30.2%)
NLW (-1.2%)
NLW (-1.8%)
NLW (14.2%)
SS (31.4%)
SS (19.4%)
SS (6.1%)
WEC (0%)
WEC (0%)
CFW
FD
WT
WEC (0%)
FD
NL
W
WT
WE
C
CF
W
FD
CFW
(48.7%)
FD
(38%)
WT
(5.4%)
NLW
(2.4%)
SS
(5.4%)
WEC
(0%)
Page 19 of 20
Understanding the results – continued
Accuracy of Flock Breeding Values
Link rams
Flock Breeding Values (FBVs) are reported by Sheep Genetics Australia (SGA).
FBVs express the expected performance of progeny of a ram relative to another
ram in the evaluation when mated to the same standard of ewes. FBVs improve
the accuracy of ram results because they account for the association between
traits, adjustment for birth effects and the number of progeny a ram has in the
analysis.
Link rams provide the ‘genetic link’ between CTSE sites located across Australia
to allow all rams entered in these site evaluations to have their performance
reported relative to each other in Merino Superior Sires. Merino Superior Sires
reports rams from across all effectively linked CTSE sites and across all
evaluations at these sites. Link rams are therefore a vital component of the
Central Test Sire Evaluation.
True Breeding Values would be achieved if the number of progeny evaluated for
each ram were infinite. Because the number of progeny in the evaluation is not
infinite, performance shown in this report is described as Flock Breeding Values.
To be used as a link a ram must have at least 25 progeny assessed at 1st
Assessment at one accredited site. Site reports provide valuable information not
reported in Merino Superior Sires however Merino Superior Sires reports the
performance of a large number of rams which can provide a wider perspective of
the elite rams available across many flocks in Australia and New Zealand.
Without progeny test information the correlation between the Flock and True
Breeding Value of rams from different sources would be zero (0.0%). The
correlation between Flock and True Breeding Value improves rapidly from 0.0%
with no progeny to 77% with 10 progeny. The rate of improvement in
correlation slows from 86% with 20 progeny, to 90% with 30 progeny and 92%
with 40 progeny. With an infinite population the correlation is 100%. Note that
the correlation used in the above example is for a trait such as fibre diameter with
a high heritability (0.5).
Combined measured trait and combined visual trait performance
Combined measured trait performance is calculated as (7% MP Index - 100).
Combined visual trait performance is calculated as (Classer’s Grade Tops% Culls%)/5, expressed as a deviation from (average Tops% - average Culls%)/5.
Example
A heritability of 0.5 indicates that half or 50% of the measured performance is
passed onto offspring. A heritability of 0.35 indicates 35% is passed on. The
FBVs that are shown in this report have already accounted for heritability and
therefore describe the performance that can be expected from a ram’s progeny.
Ram’s performance: • AMSEA 7% MP Index value = 119.7
• Tops% = 25.5 (average Tops% = 25.1)
• Culls% = 17.6 (average Culls% = 16.4)
Combined Measured = 119.7.0 - 100 = 19.7
Combined Visual = ((25.5 – 17.6)/5) – ((25.1 – 16.4)/5) = 7.9/5 – 8.7/5 =
1.58 – 1.74 = -0.16
YARDSTICK 2007 Drop
Page 20 of 20
YARDSTICK
2007 Drop