Sheep Genetics manager Sam Gill.
THE rapid advancements in DNA technology is a key topic of the 2013 Leading Breeder Forum, which began in Bendigo yesterday and continues today.
Ram breeders from all over Australia are attending the annual forum at the All Seasons Hotel, featuring key speakers from leading livestock scientists and doctors.
Sheep Genetics manager Sam Gill said it offered users of Lambplan and Merinoselect the latest in genetic information and technology.
“Armed with this information, they will be able to breed more productive and profitable sheep specifically suited to their business objectives,” he said.
“For some producers, this will mean implementing new techniques to breed more lambs.
“For others it will be about identifying the right genetics to reach target carcase weights sooner or produce higher quality fleeces.”
Mr Gill said the evolution of DNA and how it will impact on ram production would be a pressing issue at this year’s meeting. “We will really be focusing on how DNA technology will fit in with breeding,” he said. “Obviously as DNA undergoes large scale advancements, it will flow into livestock.”
He said it was vital breeders had as much knowledge as possible of the genetics of their sheep. “How you breed a ram now impacts on your flock for the next 15 years.”
Mr Gill also said the forum was an opportunity for users of Lambplan and Merinoselect to give feedback to Sheep Genetics.