GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF SHEEP IN IRELAND

Abstract Text: SheepIreland was created in 2008 with a mission of implementing a dynamic genetic improvement program for sheep in the Republic of Ireland. The foundations of SheepIreland comprise of: a central database, ram producer pedigree flocks, four central progeny testing flocks, and 15 maternal lamb producer commercial flocks. The selection objective has both a terminal and a replacement aspect. Genetic merit is presented in monetary units and a percentile star-rating which helps farmers to visualise the most profitable animals for selection. SheepIreland and Teagasc are collaborating closely on research exploring the genetics aspects of novel traits such as lamb visual score or faecal egg count and the integration of genomic selection. 

Keywords: sheep genetic evaluation breeding central progeny testing