Arguably the Holy Grail in stock breeding is to be able to select ewe replacements and future stock rams as early in their lives as possible, preferably as lambs. There are two ways of attempting to do this:
20 years ago, scrapie resistance was linked to specific genetic markers, and breeders became used to ARR/ARR genotypes indicating the highest resistance levels.
Back in 2009 or so we (Flock 847) became involved in DNA identification of more or less prolific genotypes in Lleyn sheep and, more recently, have been instrumental in using and popularising DNA information obtained using what are known as SNP chips (which give information on around 50,000 genetic fragments).
As things stand, nasal swab samples give information to breeders on:
We are currently working with the Society, Cardiff University and Neogen to expand the information which can be obtained from each nasal swab. The main focus is on having a marker for Maternal Performance but it is likely that several other important characteristics (including genetic resistance to MV) will also be available in the next year or two.
Imagine that you could easily select stock as lambs that would improve your flock (and the breed) year after year. Compare this with buying a ram on looks and hoping for the best.
- Performance recording of parents and inferring the likely performance of the lambs (LLEYN GOLD or Signet).
- Obtaining direct DNA evidence from (for example) nasal swabs and using what is known as 'Marker Assisted Selection'.
20 years ago, scrapie resistance was linked to specific genetic markers, and breeders became used to ARR/ARR genotypes indicating the highest resistance levels.
Back in 2009 or so we (Flock 847) became involved in DNA identification of more or less prolific genotypes in Lleyn sheep and, more recently, have been instrumental in using and popularising DNA information obtained using what are known as SNP chips (which give information on around 50,000 genetic fragments).
As things stand, nasal swab samples give information to breeders on:
- Scrapie genotype (important for health status of the flock, and also for export)
- Two prolificacy genes (FecX(G) and FecG(H)), which are critically important in maintaining and/or altering the overall prolificacy of the flock.
- Myostatin status of the sheep. One copy of the Myomax gene gives 7% more muscling; two copies gives 14% more. The myostatin status also affects lamb grading.
We are currently working with the Society, Cardiff University and Neogen to expand the information which can be obtained from each nasal swab. The main focus is on having a marker for Maternal Performance but it is likely that several other important characteristics (including genetic resistance to MV) will also be available in the next year or two.
Imagine that you could easily select stock as lambs that would improve your flock (and the breed) year after year. Compare this with buying a ram on looks and hoping for the best.