The effect of ewe breeding values for fleece weight on lamb weaning weights, with a nutritional overlay

Research output: Other contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Merino breeding objectives have historically focussed on the quantity and quality of wool produced. Most Merino flocks were self-replacing, with little consideration of reproductive performance. Since the 1980s, confidence in wool prices has dropped, which led to producers exploring options for increasing Merino carcass value. The result has been a divergence in Merino selection indices, with some producers placing high selection emphasis on carcass traits, while others remain focused on wool traits. It has been suggested that long-term selection for increased clean fleece weight (CFW) can have adverse effects on fat retention and reproduction, particularly under variable and harsh climates (Adams, Briegel et al. 2006, Hatcher and Atkins 2007), although other research has suggested that increased CFW has no such effect (Li, Oddy et al. 2008, Piper, Swan et al. 2009). This study investigated the reproductive performance of Merino ewes with a wide range of Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) for Adult Clean Fleece Weight (ACFW) under differing nutritional treatments.
Original languageEnglish
Pages520
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2024
EventJoint AAAP & AAAS Animal Production Congress 2024: Embracing Disruption as an opportunity for Animal Science - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Duration: 09 Jul 202412 Jul 2024
https://www.aaap2024.com/program
https://www.aaap2024.com/ (Conference website)

Conference

ConferenceJoint AAAP & AAAS Animal Production Congress 2024
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne
Period09/07/2412/07/24
OtherFull proceedings attached to PID 540553437

It is our great pleasure to invite you to the joint Congress for the Australian Association of Animal Science (AAAS) and the Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production (AAAP). Focusing on recent and future developments in Animal Science, this congress combines the 35th biennial AAAS conference and the 20th AAAP Congress in one meeting. This 3-day event (plus day tours) will take place from July 9th to 12th, 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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