BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
We are proud to combine phenotype and genotype when breeding a modern Merino and believe it is essential for producing animals that have both desirable physical traits and superior genetics. The result is an increase in the productivity and profitability of the genetics we sell, whilst retaining the essential traits of conformation, type and structure.
Combining visual selection with ASBVs
In March of this year Haddon Rig received a 5-star rating from Sheep Genetics in recognition of our commitment to regular and accurate data collection. 2023 marks the 10th year of collecting and submitting data to Sheep Genetics for ASBV’s on the Haddon Rig stud.
DNA testing has allowed accurate pedigree recording on a large scale. By having a greater understanding of both parents we've been able to understand the relative performance of both dam and sire. It is helping us to achieve our genetic vision of breeding balanced and profitable animals with superior fertility, wool, early-growth.
At Haddon Rig we believe that the combination of visual assessment for wool and structure and the use of ASBV’s as an additional tool is the best way to evaluate genetic potential. By using ASBV’s, genomics and raw data, we get a more complete picture of each animal’s potential and select the best rams for breeding. Scale and data ensures greater precision and accuracy, ensuring breeding programs are efficient, effective, and sustainable.
Given our continued focus on balance and ensuring a consistent line of structurally sound rams with excellent wool for our clients, we have been encouraged by the relative performance of our MP+ and DP+ indexes compared to the industry. Further we remain well above the industry average for Adult Clean Fleece Weight (ACFW) and finer than industry for micron (Yearling Fibre Diameter or YFD) which proves that our wool remains a strong advantage of our product offering. We continue to collect breech and wrinkle scores (EBCOV and EBWR) from all our stud lambs and this is assisting us for future selections.
ASBVs that we are monitoring over time and considering in our breeding program are;
- Balance: Merino Production (MP+) and Dual Purpose (DP+)
- Growth: Yearling Weight (YWT), Post Weaning Weight (PWT), Eye Muscle Depth (EMD) and Yearling Fat (YFAT)
- Wool: Adult Clean Fleece Weight (ACFW), Yearling Fibre Diameter (YFD)
- Welfare: Early Breech Cover (EBCOV) and Early Breech Wrinkle (EBWR)
- Reproduction: Ewe Rearing Ability (ERA) and Weaning Rate (WR)
SHEEP GENETICS - RELEASE OF 5 NEW TRAITS
Importantly we look forward to the release of Sheep Genetics’ 5 new indexes later this year, which will reflect up to date production systems and market values combined with a balanced approach to welfare traits.
Haddon Rig is working to make this information more accessible for our clients. Every year the accuracy of our ASBVs improves as we build on our database. We look forward to sharing the results of our progress and industry performance with our clients. Keep an eye on our website, as we continue to build our genetic vision and breeding philosophy.
PHYSICAL TRAITS
We observe the physical characteristics of an animal such as wool quality, body size and meat production potential. These traits are important because they can directly impact the value and profitability of the genetics we sell. By selecting animals with desirable physical traits, our clients produce sheep that are more productive, efficient, and profitable.
GENETICS
By selecting animals with superior genetics, we produce merinos that have improved fertility, wool, finishing ability and resilience to harsh environmental conditions. Our breeding focuses on
Scale for selection and accurate data
Genetic Investment
Fertility
Wool cut and quality
Survivability
Profitability
Maturity
