Macquarie (Trangie) Central Test Sire Evaluation. Conducted. under the auspices of the. Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association

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1 Macquarie (Trangie) Central Test Sire Evaluation 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessments Conducted under the auspices of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association with support from NSW Department of Primary Industries March 2015

2 Riverina Wool Testers Riverina Wool Testers Pty Ltd (RWT) supply a service to woolgrowers across Australia and overseas by measuring the Fibre Diameter (Micron), Staple Strength, Staple Length and Yield of individual sheep at our Internationally Accredited Laboratory in Wagga Wagga using Laserscan technology. RWT also supply an On Farm Testing Service where they can test sheep on farm and work in conjunction with sheepclassers (Inrace Testing) and woolclassers (Inshed Testing). The on farm service enables the sheep/wool classers to combine Objective Measurements with their Subjective Assessment when making classing/sheep selection decisions by having access to Fibre Diameter (Micron) results in real time. By implementing Objective Measurements with Subjective Assessment when making sheep selection decisions can have a substantial influence in breeding programs to increase genetic gain in your flock. These systems give all woolgrowers the opportunity to identify their highly productive (highly profitable) sheep and their less productive (less profitable) sheep so they can make management decisions to achieve their goals and objectives and to make their wool growing enterprises more profitable. Whether it be Rams, Ewes or Wethers, Commercial breeders or Stud breeders. RWT can provide these services to you to assist in achieving your goals and objectives in your wool growing enterprise. The RWT team are more than happy to assist. RWT are also suppliers for NLIS eartags. Contact: Cheshire Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW Ph: , Mobile: Disclaimer Whilst Australian Wool Innovation Limited and Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association Incorporated and their respective employees, officers and contractors and any contributor to this material ( us or we ) have used reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this material is correct and current at the time of its publication, it is your responsibility to confirm its accuracy, reliability, suitability, currency and completeness for use for your purposes. To the extent permitted by law, we exclude all conditions, warranties, guarantees, terms and obligations expressed, implied or imposed by law or otherwise relating to the information contained in this material or your use of it and will have no liability to you, however arising and under any cause of action or theory of liability, in respect of any loss or damage (including indirect, special or consequential loss or damage, loss of profit or loss of business opportunity), arising out of or in connection with this material or your use of it. Australian Wool Innovation Limited and Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association Incorporated All rights reserved. This work is copyright. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific permission of the copyright owners. Neither may information be stored electronically in any form whatsoever without permission The Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association has approved the format used in this report. Australian Sheep Breeding Values reported here are based on analyses conducted by Sheep Genetics.

3 Foreword Macquarie (Trangie) Central Test Sire Evaluation The Macquarie Sire Evaluation 2012 drop sire evaluation trial is an accredited Central Test Sire Evaluation (CTSE) site evaluation. It conforms to the requirements of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA). A committee of Merino breeders who have entered sires and Trangie Agricultural Research Centre staff run the Trangie evaluation site. The site committee are listed on the following page. Background The 2012 drop is the 7th sire evaluation conducted in the Macquarie Valley of NSW. 607 ewes were purchased to conduct the evaluation, selected from two long term commercial flocks using different, bloodlines, one Karbullah Poll Merinos and one GRASS Merinos. Ewes from these 2 flocks were equally allocated to each sire. An average of 35 evaluation progeny per 50 ewe sire group were weaned from the AI joining. In addition to the 2012 drop, the Trangie site has a 2013 drop that was evaluated at the post weaning age and is presently undergoing hogget assessment and will also have an adult assessment. A 2015 drop was joined in January 2015 and will be evaluated as yearlings and as adults. A special mention must also go to staff of Trangie Agricultural Research Centre for all their assistance to conduct the evaluation, much of which was done at no cost to the site and outside their normal work hours. In particular, Sue Mortimer for the running the evaluation and Tom Patterson who manages the sheep. Brett Wilson Macquarie CTSE Dam type effect Unlike other sire evaluation trials, the ewes joined in this trial were from two different sources. An equal, random allocation of each type of ewes was joined to each sire. To account for the possible effect of the two dam types, the analysis conducted to estimate the flock breeding values published in this report have had dam type fitted in the analysis model. The result is that the flock breeding values (FBVs) published for each trait have been estimated accounting for dam type. This means that if a single sire progeny group has an imbalance of progeny from a particular dam type, its flock breeding values will be neither advantaged nor disadvantaged, versus a sire with an equal number of progeny from each dam type. Adjusting for dam type is only possible for those traits in which a flock breeding value is published as well as a Classer s Grade. Other visual traits are reported as means and frequency tables and are therefore not adjusted for dam type. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 1

4 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment The information in this site evaluation report provides a comprehensive assessment of the 2012 drop, both the Hogget and Adult assessment of the sire's progeny performance, for both measured and visually assessed traits. The Hogget fleece and visual assessment was carried out at 16 months of age with 8 months of wool growth. The Adult fleece and visual assessment was made at 25 months of age with 9 months of wool growth. A previous Post Weaning assessment was also undertaken and reported in the previous site report. Further information and results from the Post Weaning assessment can be found in that report. Management Committee Matthew Coddington (Chair)... matthew@rosevilleparkmerinos.com.au Don Hamblin (Deputy Chair)... donald.hamblin@bigpond.com Rick Baldwin... bundillamerinos@bigpond.com Bruce Barnes-Webb... brucebarneswebb@gmail.com Mark Kerin... gullen@bordernet.com.au Nigel Kerin... kerinag@bigpond.com Tom Kirk... bundemar11@bigpond.com Jim Litchfield... litchfield@hazeldean.com.au Stuart McBurnie... weealla4@bigpond.com Greg McCann gmccann@hwy.com.au Jock McLaren... jock@nerstane.com.au Callum Moody... callum.moody@uqconnect.edu.au Robert Mortimer... robert@centreplus.com.au Mark Mortimer... mark@centreplus.com.au Robert Mudford... robertandmeg@bigpond.com William Pye... wpye@bidpond.com Ian Robertson... yarrak311@optusnet.com.au Bill Sandilands..... csandilands@bordernet.com.au Norm Smith... norm@glenwoodmerinos.com.au Chad Taylor... chad@mumblebone.com.au Graham Wells... oneoakpl@bigpond.com Allan Casey... caseyk@ix.net.au Alex Russell... alex.russell@dpi.nsw.gov.au David Trengove... david.trengove@lls.nsw.gov.au Brett Wilson... brett.wilson@dpi.nsw.gov.au For further information on this report please contact Brett Wilson (NSW DPI)... brett.wilson@dpi.nsw.gov.au Ben Swain (AMSEA)... ben_swain@bigpond.com Visual trait assessment Classer s Grade: Allan Casey Trait Scores: Allan Casey (wool, fleece rot, feet, wrinkle and back) and NSW DPI staff (other scores). Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 2

5 Contents Foreword... 1 Dam type effect... 1 Management Committee and visual trait assessment... 2 Sire and Owner Details... 4 Manager s report... 5/6 Visual scores and grade relative to measured performance... 6 Assessment and management program... 7 Site Breeding Objective and Classer s Grade... 8 Results Summary Figure 1: Combined measured and visual performance... 9 Table 1: Index values and Classer s Grades Figure 2: Fleece Weight and Fibre Diameter Figure 3: Classer s Grade: Tops and Culls Detail Understanding the results Measured trait performance Table 2: Major measured trait and Classer's Grade Table 3: Other measured traits Understanding the results Scored trait performance Table 4a: Wool quality Table 4b: Wool quality and Pigmentation Table 4c: Conformation Table 4d: Breech Table 4e: Skin Other assessment results Table 5: Ram averages for measured traits Understanding the results Information to assist the use of results Index options Accuracy of Flock Breeding Values (FBVs) Link Sires Calculation of combined information Page Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 3

6 Sire and Owner Details Breeders flock, Sire name Sire ID #, Breed Far Valley Dohne Stud, Owner Details David Kain , Dohne 107 Howie Road, Arthur River WA 6315 P: (08) , F: (08) , E: GRASS, O3 Graham Peart , Merino GRASS Merinos Pty Ltd, PO Box 216, Nambucca Heads NSW 2448 P: , E: GullenGamble, Mark Kerin , Merino GullenGamble, Yeoval NSW 2868 P: (02) , F: (02) , E: Hazeldean, Jim Litchfield , Merino Hazeldean Pty Ltd, Cooma NSW 2630 P: (02) , F: (02) , E: Mumblebone, Chad Taylor , Merino Marapana, 456 Wuuluman Road, Wellington NSW 2820 P: (02) , F: (02) , E: One Oak No. 2, R56 (Link) Graham Wells R56, Merino One Oak, PO Box 84, Jerilderie NSW 2716 P: (03) , F: (03) , E: Roseville Park, (Link) Matthew and Cherie Coddington , Merino Glenwood, 39R Dilladerry Rd MS3, Dubbo NSW 2830 P: (02) , F: (02) , E: Terrick, Rick Keogh , Merino Amaroo, Blackall QLD 4422 P: (07) , F: (07) , E: Well Gully Poll, MT005 (Link) Errol and Candy Brumpton MT005, Poll Merino Well Gully, Mitchell QLD 4465 P: (07) , F: (07) , E: (Link) Sire evaluated to provide links between years and/or sites so that the all site results can be combined into a single report, e.g., Merino Superior Sires. (Unreg) Sire bred in an unregistered flock. # Sire ID provides a unique number for all sheep. A sire ID has 16 digits. - 2 for the breed of the flock, e.g., Merino (50), Poll Merino (60), Dohne (51), SAMM (48), Afrino (AF). - 4 for flock code, AASMB Registered flock code or unregistered code. - 4 for year of drop. - 6 for tag number used in the breeder s records. Breed of flock in which the sire was born Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 4

7 Manager s Report Host Property for 2012Drop Progeny Trangie Agricultural Research Centre is 7 kilometres north west of Trangie in Central NSW. Pasture type is dominated by native perennial grasses and herbage with annual introduced species. The main soil types are red brown earths and grey cracking clays. Long term average annual rainfall is approximately 476mm. Selection and mating 607 ewes equally mated to all sires based on flock and age. The ewes that sires were mated to were purchased in equal numbers from two commercial flocks based on two different bloodlines, Karbullah Poll Merinos ( and GRASS Merinos ( AI was carried out on 11 and 24 April sires participated in the site evaluation. Semen quality was tested for each sire. The ewes were in condition score 3 at insemination. Allstock Australia conducted the insemination. 50 ewes were prepared for AI by each sire with some spares. Pregnancy and lambing Pregnancy scanning was carried out on 22 May ewes were scanned with 36% being dry or 74% in lamb. The potential lambing rate was 549 foetuses (90.7%) which included multiple births. The ewes were managed on a rising plain of nutrition until lambing. The lambs were tagged on a daily basis over lambing that started on 6 September 2012 to 28th September Lambing occurred in sire lambing paddocks. Shortly after lambing concluded, lambs were tagged and boxed into one management group with their mothers. Weaning and seasonal conditions The lambs were marked on 16 November 2012 and weaned on 17 December Lambing took place on adequate pasture quality and quantity, however a drop in seasonal conditions meant by weaning the ewes were being supplementary fed to train the lambs for full supplementary at weaning. Full feeding did take place and along with careful management and some dryland lucerne growth from summer rainfall, the weaners grew adequately. Assessments Body weights were taken on 5 occasions from weaning to adult by Trangie research station staff. Visual classing was undertaken by Allan Casey of NSW DPI. Fleece mid side samples were processed by Riverina Wool Testers. Fleece weights were collected at shearing as unskirted fleeces including bellies. Muscle scanning was carried on the 24 September WEC was not evaluated as seasonal conditions did not allow a sufficient worm burden to build up. Rainfall The following rainfall records have been kept and maintained by Trangie Agricultural Research Station. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 5

8 Manager s Report - continued Trangie Agricultural Research Station Rainfall (mm per month) * Month Average January February March April May June July August September October November December Total * Source: W. Smith, Trangie Agricultural Research Centre Visual scores and grade relative to measured performance A summary of the performance of the sheep in the Classer s Grades is reported in the table below. The Adult Classer s Grades were evaluated pre shearing with no measured performance available, The Hogget Classer s Grading was assisted by the DP3.5% Index and Post Weaning FBVs (see page13). The performance in the table includes raw Adult measured performance. It is the classer s visual assessment of this raw performance that informed his grading decisions. The calculation of FBVs accounts for environmental effects (e.g. date of birth and birth type), ewe type and sire pedigree. Two questions were carefully examined regarding the scores and Classer s Grades they are as follows with a brief comment. If an entrant would like follow-up regarding their sire please contact Brett Wilson or Allan Casey (see Page 2). 1. Why do the sires site Index (DP+) values and the Adult Classer s Grades not better relate to each other given they are based on the same Breeding Objective? The table below shows there is good agreement between the site Breeding Objective, Classers s Grade and raw trait measured performance. On examination the Top grade sheep met the site Breeding Objective with equal and high gain in both raw FW (Fleece Weight) and WT (Body Weight) while maintaining FD (Fibre Diameter). In line with the site Objective some sheep with high measured performance were culled for traits that are not measured, therefore the FW and WT of the Cull grade is similar to the Flock grade. However as the FBV analysis accounts for environmental effects, ewe type and sire pedigree that are not made available to the Classer at the time of grading, it is understandable there are some differences between Classer s Grade and FBVs/Index. In addition, the Index includes a large emphasis on traits such as EMD and earlier age FBVs that cannot effectively be accounted for by the Classer. The following table reports the Classer s Grade standard for raw trait performance (shaded columns) and FBVs and Index Grade Prog No. FW% ACFW FD dev AFD SS dev ASS WT% AWT EMD dev YEMD Fat dev YFat DP+ Top Flock Cull Why have some sires Classer s Grade changed a great deal between Hogget and Adult ages? The progeny that changed Grade between Hogget and Adult ages were investigated. These sheep were largely Tops and Flocks being downgraded. Almost without exception, downgrading was based on sheep receiving a worse score for traits at the older age and being downgraded in line with the Objective (page 8). Worse performance for Legs/feet and Fleece Rot accounted for the great majority of sheep that were downgraded. It is reasonable that the scores for these traits could become worse: (i) Legs/feet: in general poor feet get worse with age, and (ii) Fleece Rot, poor weather at Adult age. The progeny of sires that reduced their Tops % significantly were examined in detail. These sires percentage of Tops were largely affected because they had progeny that were borderline standard for Legs/feet at the Hogget age, but by Adult age the fault had developed and did not meet the required standard for Tops. Fleece Rot also had a significant effect. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 6

9 Assessment and management program Activity Date/s Age Wool Selection of ewes February 2012 Allocation of ewes for mating April 2012 AI carried out 11 and 24 April 2012 Pregnancy scanning 25 June 2012 Separated into sire lambing groups 27 August 2012 Lambing: start finish 6 28 September 2012 Sire lambing groups boxed 27 September October days 15 days Tagging, pigmentation and breech scoring 14 November days Marking and mulesing 16 November days Weaning 17 December days Pre assessment (even-up) shearing Nil Crutching 19 December months 3 months Mid side fleece sampling Post weaning:... Hogget:... Adult:... Visual trait scoring Post weaning:... Hogget:... Adult:... Classer s Grade Post weaning:... Hogget:... Adult:... Assessment shearing Post weaning:... Hogget:... Adult: May January October May January October May January October May January October months 16 months 25 months 8 months 16 months 25 months 8 months 16 months 25 months 8 months 16 months 25 months Fat & eye muscle scanning Yearling: September months Body weighing Weaning:... Early post weaning: Post weaning:... Yearling:... Hogget:... Adult:... Worm egg count sampling 17 December February May September January November 2014 Monitoring showed no WEC suitable for evaluation. 3 months 5 months 8 months 12 months 16 months 25 months 8 months 8 months 9 months 8 months 8 months 9 months 8 months 8 months 9 months 8 months 8 months 9 months Vaccination 6:1 at marking 16November 2012, Weanerguard at weaning 17 November 2012 Drench Cydectin on 26 November 2012 Supplementary feeding Start 26 November 2012 finish 3 March 2013 Field day or public display Field day and progeny display 19 June 2014 Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 7

10 Site Breeding Objective Adult Site Breeding Objective used to assess Classer s Grade The Breeding Objective used by the classer when selecting the Classers Tops, Flock and Cull Grades is described below. The Breeding Objective was developed in consultation between the site and the classer prior to grading. Site Breeding Objective used to assess the Classer s Grades 3rd Assessment (Adult - 25 months age, 9 months wool). In assessing sheep for Classer s Grade the classer has in the past been able to use the sheep s measured performance results combined with visual assessment of traits in the breeding objective to finalise a grade (top, flock or cull). This option was used for the 2012 drop Hogget assessment. The post weaning RBVs and Dual Purpose 3.5% index (see page 22) were used. As a result the grade assigned to each sheep was based on a combined visual assessment for all traits in the Breeding Objective (as set out below) and the post weaning RBVs and Dual Purpose 3.5% index. Following the Hogget grading AMSEA made a decision that Classer s Grade should no longer be able to be assisted by measured information, thus the Adult Classers Grade for the 2012 drop was only based on visual assessment. In general: The Breeding Objective is to breed a highly commercially viable flock of sheep suitable for climatic and pastoral conditions of the Central West of NSW. Sheep should not require high management inputs but be highly productive (fleece weight) relative to a fine/medium wool type (18 to 20 micron adult fibre diameter) and have good carcase characteristics that made them suitable as 1stX or prime lamb dams. Given the sheep involved in general have a fibre diameter that matched the objective a Dual Purpose+ index reasonably describes the measured trait objective (i.e., equal and high emphasis on CFW and meat traits (body weight, EMD) while maintaining FD and SS). The expectation would be that the Classer s Grades would have a ratio of 25% Top, 50% Flock, and 25% Cull. However the sheep performance relative to the following standards determined the final proportion allocated to each grade. The first assessment ratio was 40% Top, 40% Flock, 20% Cull, Hogget ratio was 30% Top, 54% Flock, 16% Cull, and Adult ratio was 31% Top, 36% Flock, 33% Cull. Body structure - primarily feet/leg and shoulder/back structure were evaluated. In detail; Top: high standard (1 and 2 score) for feet/leg or shoulder/back. Flock: good standard (1 to 3 score) for feet/leg or shoulder/back. Cull: sheep that are poor or very poor (4/5 score) for feet/leg or shoulder/back. Body type - carcase characteristics that made them suitable as 1stX or prime lamb dams (considering age and pastoral conditions), body wrinkle, and face cover were evaluated. In detail; Top: average or better carcase type, plain bodied (1 to plainer 3 score), open face (1 to 3 score). Flock: satisfactory carcase type, plainer bodied (1 to 3 score), open face (1 to 3 score). Cull: sheep that are outside the Top/Flock standard, e.g., sheep with 4 and 5 score face cover. Wool type - primarily wool production (fleece weight) relative to a fine/medium wool type (18 to 20 micron adult fibre diameter), wool quality, and fleece rot resistance are being evaluated. In detail; Top: very good wool production (fleece weight), high standard for character (1-3 score), colour (1-2 score), staple structure (1-3 score), good resistance (relative to the group) to dust penetration, weathering and very high fleece rot resistance (1-3 score, given the high challenge as a result of rain in the spring and new year). Flock: good wool production (fleece weight), good standard for character (1-4 score), colour (1-3 score), staple structure (1-4 score), good resistance (relative to the group) to dust penetration, weathering and high fleece rot resistance (1-4 score given the extreme challenge). Cull: sheep that are outside the Top/Flock standard, e.g., sheep with 5 score for fleece rot were culled. Other traits: Sheep will be culled if they have poor jaw structure (>1 score), fibre pigment (>1 score), significant non-fibre pigment (>4 score), recessive black or random spot pigmentation. On balance: the standard described above for individual traits will in general apply however the balance of performance will also be taken into account. For example, a sheep that has a Tops standard in general but has a small deviation in performance for one trait may be grade as a Top. Some traits such as jaw (>1 score), wool pigmentation (>1 score) and body strike (5 score Fleece Rot), face cover (>4 score face cover) were independently culled. This resulted in some exceptionally good sheep for measured trait performance being culled on the basis that they were commercially unviable in the high risk (e.g., body strike susceptibility) and low intensity management system of sheep in this pastoral production environment. On a sire level this may be seen where high performing sheep for measured performance can in some cases be low performers on Visual performance. Breeding Objective variation: It should be noted between the Post Weaning and Hogget evaluation a slight change in the breeding objective took place due to feedback from entrants. The changes was (i) Tops were not restricted to 1 & 2 wrinkle score but able to also be plainer 3 scores (in line with objective to increase fleece weight), and (ii) Tops were not restricted to 1 and 2 for character but also 3 score (due to the high amount of dust). As discussed above measured performance was not able to be used in the Adult grading. Note: Scores described in this breeding objective are based on the industry Visual Sheep Scores booklet. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 8

11 Combined measured traits and visual trait performance Summary graph: visual and measured performance Each sire that meets reporting thresholds for index accuracies is located on the graph. The graph describes performance for combined measured traits and combined visual assessment. Visual trait performance is a combination of Classer s Grade performance (Tops and Culls). More information is found in Understanding the Results. Sires that are above average performers for combined measured traits and Classer s Grade are located in the top right hand quarter of the graph. Figure 1. Combined measured traits and combined visually assessed traits for the site objective. Combined visually assessed traits including relevant measured traits, e.g., Fleece Weight and Body Weight. The site breeding objective is described in general below this graph and more fully on pages 8 & 22. Figure 1a. Visual and measured performance (DP+ index) Combined visual traits Low measured Low visual High measured High visual Combined measured traits (DP+ index) Sire code Breeders flock, Sire number Sheep Genetics ID Sire of Sire 1 Far Valley Dohne Stud, (Uardry, ) 2 GRASS, O (Billandri Poll, ) 3 GullenGamble, Hazeldean, (Hazeldean, ) 5 Identity Withheld 6 Mumblebone, One Oak No. 2, R R Identity Withheld 9 Identity Withheld 10 Roseville Park, Terrick, Unknown 12 Well Gully Poll, MT MT SIB001 Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 9

12 Table 1. AMSEA Index Values and Classer s Grade The highest performing 3 sires for each trait (trait leaders) are highlighted by shading. Each sire is listed for Classer s Grade and the same three indexes at all site evaluations. The index values reported are based on measured traits FBV performance with varying the emphasis on fleece weight, fibre diameter, body weight, staple strength and worm egg count. See Index Options for more information on the indexes presented in the table below. AMSEA Indexes are the same as MERINOSELECT Indexes apart from NLW (Number of Lambs Weaned) being given a zero FBV value in AMSEA calculations. Dual Purpose Plus (DP+): Based on a meat focused production system where surplus progeny are sold as lambs and a portion of ewes are joined to terminal sires. Merino Production Plus (MP+): Based on a balanced wool and meat production system where surplus progeny are sold as hoggets. Fibre Production Plus (FP+): Based on a wool focussed production system where wethers are retained, operating in an environment where worms cause economic losses. AMSEA Index Values Classer's Grade Sire Number Dual Merino Fibre Tops Culls Code Breeders flock, Sire name of Purpose Production Production % % progeny Plus Plus Plus H^ A H A 1 Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Mumblebone, One Oak No. 2, R Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance The Trangie site Breeding Objective in general The Breeding Objective is to breed a highly commercially viable flock of sheep suitable for climatic and pastoral conditions of the Central West of NSW. Sheep should not require high management inputs but be highly productive (fleece weight) relative to a fine/medium wool type (18 to 20 micron adult fibre diameter) and have good carcase characteristics that made them suitable as 1stX or prime lamb dams. Given the sheep involved in general have a fibre diameter that matched the objective the AMSEA Dual Purpose Plus (DP+) index reasonably describes the measured trait objective, i.e., equal and high positive emphasis on CFW and meat traits (body weight, EMD) while maintaining FD, SS and Fat. While reproduction (NLW) is in the standard DP+ index it is not included in the AMSEA index as reproduction is not evaluated by AMSEA sites. The emphasis on NLW (see page 22) is effectively proportionally distributed to the other traits in the index. The 2012 drop used a slightly different index, AMSEA Dual Purpose 3.5%, in the earlier evaluations. This index was considered to reasonably match the measured trait Breeding Objective. However the Adult age evaluation has been changed to AMSEA DP+ index as it has a neutral emphasis on Fat (rather than an emphasis to reduce fat) and a closer to equal emphasis on meat and wool traits. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 10

13 Figures 2 and 3. Summary Graphs FW and FD, Tops and Culls Figure 2. Fleece weight by fibre diameter The graph describes performance for fleece weight on the side axis and fibre diameter on the bottom axis. Sires that are above average for fleece weight and below average fibre diameter are located in the top left hand quarter. Figure 2. Fleece Weight and Fibre Diameter Clean fleece weight (%) High CFW Low FD Low CFW High FD Fibre diameter ( m) Mean ACFW: 4.5kg Mean AFD: 19.7um 2 11 Figure 3. Classers Tops by Cull Grade The graph describes performance for Classer s Tops Grade on the side axis and Culls Grade on the bottom axis. Sires that have above average Tops and below average Culls are in the top left hand quarter. Figure 3. Classer's Grade: Tops and Culls Tops % (deviations) High Tops Low Culls Mean ATOPS: 31% Mean ACULLS: 33% Low Tops High Culls Culls % (deviations) Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page11

14 Understanding the results Measured trait performance and Classer s Grade Tables 2 and 3 Breeders flock, Sire number: Number of progeny: Flock Breeding Values: Traits: Abbreviation, trait and the (units reported) Identity of the breeder s flock and the sire s number or name. The number of progeny a sire had at the most recent measured analysis. Flock Breeding Values (FBVs) are Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) calculated by Sheep Genetics for the sires evaluated in this report. Only data from this site evaluation is used in the calculation of these FBVs. FBVs describe the relative breeding value (genetic performance) of the sires (in this case based on the performance of their progeny). A sire s progeny will express half of their sire s FBV. FBVs do not necessarily reflect the sire s observed performance, which is a combination of both genetic and environmental influences. FBVs are an estimate of the genetic component of the sheep s performance. GFW: Greasy fleece weight (percentage). CFW: Clean fleece weight (percentage). FD: Average fibre diameter (micron). WT: Body weight (kilograms). FDCV: Fibre diameter coefficient of variation (percentage). SL: Staple length (mm) at the mid-side. SS: Staple strength (N/ktex) at the mid-side. EMD: Eye muscle depth (mm) at the C site. FAT: Fat depth (mm) at the C site. CURV: Fibre curvature (degrees). WEC: Worm egg count (% deviation in worm burden of sire s progeny). Age at assessment: W = Weaning - 42 to 120 days (6 weeks to 4 months of age). E = Early Post Weaning to 210 days (4 to 7 months of age). P = Post Weaning to 300 days (7 to 10 months of age). Y = Yearling to 400 days (10 to 13 months of age). H = Hogget to 540 days (13 to 18 months of age). A = Adult days or older (18 months and older). Classer's Grade: A classer grades all progeny as either, Tops, Flocks or Culls based on their visual assessment of all traits relative to the site s Breeding Objective. The percentage deviation from the average of Tops and Culls is presented in this report. Page 8 provides more detail on Classer s Grade. In summary at the time of the 2012 drop Hogget evaluation Classer s Grade could be assisted by measured performance, however by the time of the Adult Classers Grading it was only allowed to be based on visual assessment. In the future Classer s Grade where it is only based on visual trait evaluation will be called Classer s Visual Grade. In the future sites will also have the option of reporting a grade assisted by measured performance that will be called Overall Selection Grade. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 12

15 Table 2. Major measured traits and Classer s Grades Flock Breeding Values (deviations) Classer's Grade¹ Sire Number GFW CFW FD WT Tops Culls Code Breeders flock, Sire name of % % m kg % % progeny H^ A H A H A W Y H A H A H A 1 Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Mumblebone, One Oak No. 2, R Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance kg kg m kg % % ^ 1 W = Weaning (42 to 120 days); P = Post Weaning (210 to 300 days); Y = Yearling (300 to 400 days); H = Hogget (400 to 540 days); A = Adult (540 days and older) Classer s Grade is expressed as the percentage deviation of average Tops% and Culls%. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 13

16 Table 3. Other measured traits Flock Breeding Values (deviations) FAT mm Sire Number FDCV SL SS CURV Code Breeders flock, Sire name of % mm N/ktex deg/mm progeny H^ A H A H A H A 1 Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Mumblebone, One Oak No. 2, R Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance EMD mm WEC % Y Y WEC was not measured do to seasonal conditions % mm N/ktex deg/mm mm mm ^ W = Weaning (42 to 120 days); P = Post Weaning (210 to 300 days); Y = Yearling (300 to 400 days); H = Hogget (400 to 540 days); A = Adult (540 days and older). Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 14

17 Understanding the results Scored trait performance Tables 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e The following description of trait scores is a summary of the detailed word and diagrammatical description of these scores in Version 2 (2013) of the Visual Sheep Scores booklet that is available free from AWI or at A deviation from the average trait score for all progeny is reported as well as the percentage of the sire s progeny recorded for each trait. Fleece rot: The severity of fleece rot from 1 (no fleece rot), 2 and 3 (bands of bacterial staining but no crusting), and 4 and 5 (bands of crusty fleece rot). Wool colour: Greasy wool colour scored from 1 (whitest) to 5 (yellow). Wool character: Definition and variation of crimp between and along the staple scored from 1 (well defined and regular) to 5 (undefined and large variation). Dust penetration: Degree of dust penetration from 1 (only tip <6%) to 5 (71 to 100% of staple). Staple weathering: The deterioration due to light and water from 1 (least, <6% of staple) to 5 (most, 71 to 100%) reflect the depth and degree of deterioration. Staple structure: The size and diameter of each staple from 1 (<6mm) to 5 (>30 mm) Face cover: Wool cover on the face scored from 1 (open face) to 5 (fully covered face). Feet/Legs: Conformation of feet and legs scored from 1 (very straight) to 5 (very angulated). Body wrinkle: The degree of body wrinkle from 1 (no wrinkle) to 5 (extensive wrinkle). Jaw: The alignment of the lower jaw and its teeth relative to the top jaw from1 (very well aligned) to5 (heavily undershot or overshot). Back/Shoulder: Conformation of the back and shoulder from 1 (very square) to 5 (very dipped or high). Fibre The percentage of dark fibres on any part of the sheep from 1 (0 pigmented fibres at any site) to 5 (71 to 100% pigmented fibres at one or more sites). pigmentation: This trait does not include random spot or recessive black. Non-fibre The percentage of pigmentation on the areas not shorn from 1 (0 pigmentation at any site) to 5 (71 to 100% pigmented area on one or more bare skin pigmentation: sites, and/or 71 to 100% of the total hoof area). Recessive black: Recessive black (black) is identified by relatively symmetrical markings on both sides of the face. There are two scores 1 (no recessive markings) and (Black) 5 (recessive markings). This trait does not include random spot or fibre pigmentation. Random spot: Random spot (spot) is identified by rounded wool or hair spot/s, not symmetrical. (Spot) There are two scores 1 (no spot/s) and 5 (spot/s). If both sides of the face or body are spotted the sheep should be scored as a recessive black. Breech cover Size of natural bare area around the breech from 1 (large) to 5 (no bare). Crutch cover Size of natural bare area in the pubic and groin from 1 (large) to 5 (no bare). Breech wrinkle Degree of wrinkle at the tail set and hind legs from 1 (nil) to 5 (extensive). Dag Degree of dag adhering to the breech and legs from 1 (nil) to 5 (extensive). Urine Degree of urine stained wool in the breech area, including the hind legs from 1 (nil) to 5 (extensive). Skin Score See description on page 20. Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 15

18 Table 4a. Visual trait assessments Wool quality Visually assessed traits reported were scored at their latest assessment with the exception of pigmentation which was scored at marking (Spot updated on an ongoing basis) and breech traits recorded at marking time (or later in unmulesed flocks with the exception of Dag and Urine). Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a sire s progeny assessed for each score is also reported. For the majority of breeder s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favourable and the larger the deviation the better. Wool Quality - Adult Breeders flock, Sire name Fleece Rot Wool Colour Wool Character Dust Penetration Dev Dev Dev Dev Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Mumblebone, One Oak No. 2, R Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 16

19 Table 4b. Visual trait assessments Wool quality and Pigmentation Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a sire s progeny assessed for each score is also reported. For the majority of breeder s objectives a negative deviation for wool quality traits would be considered favourable and the larger the deviation the better. Four pigmentation traits are reported. These are Fibre pigmentation, Non-fibre pigmentation, Recessive Black and Random Spot. Fibre pigmentation and Non-fibre pigmentation are scored 1 to 5 however Recessive black and Random spot are scored 1 (no pigmentation of this type) or 5 (when the trait is expressed). Only the percentage scored 5 are reported for Recessive black and Random spot. Wool Quality - Adult Breeders flock, Sire name Staple Weathering Staple Structure Dev Dev Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Staple Weathering Mumblebone, was not scored One Oak No. 2, R56 as Dust Penetration was Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance Pigmentation - Marking Fibre pigmentation Non-fibre pigmentation Black Spot Dev Dev Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 17

20 Table 4c. Visual trait assessments Conformation Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a sire s progeny assessed for each score is also reported. For the majority of breeder s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favourable and the larger the deviation the better. Face cover and body wrinkle are possible exceptions when for many breeders the optimum score is in the middle of the range therefore trait leaders have not been highlighted. Conformation - Adult Breeders flock, Sire name Jaw (Hogget) Legs and Feet Shoulder and Back Face Cover Body Wrinkle Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Mumblebone, One Oak No. 2, R Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 18

21 Table 4d. Visual trait assessments Breech Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a sire s progeny assessed for each score is also reported. For the majority of breeder s objectives a negative deviation would be considered favourable and the larger the deviation the better. Breech Visual Traits Breeders flock, Sire name Breech Cover Crutch Cover Breech Wrinkle Dag Urine Marking Marking Adult Adult Dev Dev Dev Dev Dev Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Mumblebone, Crutch Cover One Oak No. 2, R was not scored Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 19

22 Table 4e. Visual trait assessments Skin Traits are reported as a deviation (Dev) from the average trait score for all progeny. The percentage of a sire s progeny assessed for each score is also reported. The skin scores were scored by Robert Mudford against the following standard. Score 1: Free of wrinkle, soft, lustre, thin and loose skin. Score 2: Free of wrinkle, soft, thin, but lack the lustre and looseness of score 1. Score 3: Score 4: Score 5: Light body and neck wrinkle, soft, lustre, thicker skin than 1 and 2 but still loose. Medium body wrinkle and frontal development, thick tight skins on plain bodies. Heavy body wrinkle and frontal development, thick tight skins. Breeders flock, Sire name Skin Score - Adult Dev Far Valley Dohne Stud, GRASS, O GullenGamble, Hazeldean, Identity Withheld Mumblebone, One Oak No. 2, R Identity Withheld Identity Withheld Roseville Park, Terrick, Well Gully Poll, MT Average performance Macquarie 2012 Drop Hogget and Adult Assessment Sire Evaluation Site Report Page 20