Visual Sheep Scores
About this guide Visually assessed traits are included in the breeding objective of all stud and commercial sheep breeders, regardless of their target market or environment. Following extensive industry consultation, Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has developed this first-of-its-kind guide to: Provide the Australian sheep industry with a standardised set of visual assessment scores for the consistent description of important phenotypic traits of all breeds of sheep; Develop a quick and simple scoring system to help sheep classers and breeders select sheep on visually-assessed traits to accelerate genetic gain; Enable sheep breeders and classers to record and submit visual score data and genetic information to Sheep Genetics to progress development of across-flock Australian Sheep Breeding Values* (ASBVs) for visually-assessed traits; and, Enable researchers to validate the heritability of visually-assessed sheep traits, and to measure their relationships, if any, on important production traits such as fleece weight, fibre diameter, growth rate and body weight. In addition, the visual standards and scoring system contained in this guide are endorsed by the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA), and include all compulsory traits visually assessed at Central Test Sire Evaluation sites across Australia. * Developed by Sheep Genetics, a joint initiative of AWI and MLA, ASBVs enable ram breeders and commercial sheep producers to compare the genetic potential of rams and ewes for a range of production traits, independent of the environment and location.
Using Visual Sheep Scores This guide provides the Australian sheep industry with a common language for the visual description, recording and classing of all breeds of sheep according to important visual traits. Visual Sheep Scores are designed for ram and sheep breeders that choose to class and select animals on one or any number of visuallyassessed traits as part of their overall breeding objective. Visual scores gathered on individual animals may be submitted to Sheep Genetics with other pedigree and performance information to assist the sheep industry with the development of across-flock ASBVs for visually-assessed traits. Designed for use on both male and female sheep equally, the 19 sets of Visual Sheep Scores provided in this guide have been divided into three sections: 1. Wool Quality traits 2. Conformation traits 3. Breech traits* A set of illustrative standards and simple instructions on how and when to visually score animals are provided for each trait, however, unless otherwise stated: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 is recorded for each trait. (This includes combined traits, where the highest score of the multiple sites is recorded); and, Score 1 depicts LEAST expression of the trait and Score 5 depicts MOST expression (i.e. rule of thumb is Score 1 is LESS and Score 5 is MORE of each trait). * Please note: the visual breech traits contained in this guide replace the visual standards and scoring scale contained in the AWI Visual Breech Scores guide published in May 2006.
Using Wool Quality Scores Visual Wool Quality Scores provide visual standards for the description of physical fleece and fibre traits that contribute to the economic value of wool. These scores are designed for ram breeders and commercial woolgrowers who choose to class and select animals on one or more of these visual traits as part of their overall breeding objective. This guide contains a set of Wool Quality Scores for 10 traits. Visual scores of 1 to 5 are provided for eight traits, and scores of 1 and 5 only for the two binary traits (recessive black lamb and random spot). With the exception of wool character, Score 1 depicts LEAST expression of the trait and Score 5 depicts MOST expression (i.e. rule of thumb is Score 1 is LESS and Score 5 is MORE of each trait). In all cases, a single score is recorded for each trait. This includes the two combined traits (fibre pigmentation and non-fibre pigmentation), where the highest score of the multiple sites is recorded. In addition, it is essential that the two pigmentation traits random spot (Australian piebald) and recessive black lamb (Agouti gene) are scored and recorded separately from fibre pigmentation. Data gathered on individual animals may also be submitted to Sheep Genetics with other pedigree and performance information to assist the sheep industry with the development of across-flock ASBVs for various wool quality traits. Visual Wool Quality Scores can be taken on both male and female sheep at various ages. It is essential to record the age of the animal when scores are taken, with the optimal age recommended in the table below.
Wool Trait Fleece rot Wool colour Wool character Dust penetration Staple weathering Staple structure Fibre pigmentation Non-fibre pigmentation Recessive black Random spot Age Over 9 months Over 9 months Over 9 months Over 9 months Over 9 months Over 9 months 6 to 10 weeks 6 to 10 weeks 6 to 10 weeks 6 to 10 weeks When Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth Lamb marking* Lamb marking Lamb marking Lamb marking* * Score data can be submitted to Sheep Genetics if pigmentation is identified after lamb marking such as classing or shearing For further information about the development or use of these Visual Wool Quality Scores contact: Sheep Genetics Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association Tel: +61 2 6773 2948 Email: info@sheepgenetics.org.au Tel: +61 2 6743 2306 Email: ben_swain@bigpond.com Web: www.sheepgenetics.org.au Web: mss.csiro.au
Fleece rot Age: Over 9 months. When: Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth. Caused by moisture and bacterial growth at skin level, fleece rot refers to the degree of wool discolouration and/or crusted banding across wool fibres and parallel to the skin. Discoloured bands can be yellow, green, red-orange, pink-violet, blue, brown or grey in colour. Note: fleece rot should not be confused with Dermatitis (or lumpy wool ), which tends to form columns of hard lumps along the staple. How to score: Open the fleece at a minimum of three sites along the backline and look for evidence of staining and bands of crusting. The highest score across the sites is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has no bacterial colour or staining. An animal with Score 5 has bands of crusting greater than 5 millimetres wide, with or without bacterial staining. Score 1: No bacterial colouring or staining. Score 2: Band of bacterial staining <10mm wide with no crusting. Score 3: Band of bacterial staining >10mm wide with no crusting. Score 4: Band of crusting <5mm wide, with or without bacterial staining. Score 5: Band of crusting >5mm wide, with or without bacterial staining.
Fleece rot Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Wool colour Age: Over 9 months. When: Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth. Wool colour describes the degree of whiteness of greasy wool. How to score: Open the fleece at a minimum of three sites side of shoulder, mid-side and hip. The highest score across the sites is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has the brightest white wool, whereas a Score 5 animal has yellow wool.
Wool colour Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Wool character Age: Over 9 months. When: Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth. Wool character describes both the definition of crimp and variation of crimp frequency between fibres and along the staple. How to score: Open the fleece at a minimum of three sites side of shoulder, mid-side and hip. The highest score across the sites is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has well-defined crimp along the entire length of the staple. A Score 5 animal has large areas of flat wool due to a large variation in crimp frequency and/or definition of fibres along the staple. Score 1: No variation; consistent, well-defined crimp and regular crimp frequency along the entire length of the staple. Score 2: Staple still shows welldefined crimp, but not totally consistent crimp frequency and/or crimp definition along the entire staple. Score 3: Some staple crimp still visible, but crimp frequency and/or crimp definition of fibres becoming inconsistent. Score 4: Areas of staple with no visible crimp due to large variation in crimp frequency and/or crimp definition of fibres along the staple. Score 5: Total variation; large areas of staple with no visible crimp due to inconsistent crimp frequency and/or crimp definition of fibres along the staple.
Wool character Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Dust penetration Age: Over 9 months. When: Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth. Dust penetration is the degree of deterioration of the staple due to the penetration of dust. Note: research has shown that penetration of dust down the staple is not closely related to dust content in Merino wool and, therefore, is a poor indicator of fleece yield. Score 1: Staple is free of dust penetration with only the tip of wool affected by dust i.e. <5% of staple. Score 2: Staple has some dust penetration beyond the tip i.e. 5-10% of staple. Score 3: Penetration of dust well beyond the tip of the staple i.e. 10-30% of staple. How to score: Open the fleece at a minimum of three sites along the backline. The highest score across the sites is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has no weathering or dust penetration and is equivalent to a coated fleece in a shed environment. A Score 5 animal has extensive weathering and dust penetration almost the entire length of the staple. Score 4: Dust penetration significantly into the fleece i.e. 30-70% of staple. Score 5: Dust penetration can be seen down to the skin, particularly along the backline i.e. 80-100% of staple.
Dust penetration Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Staple weathering Age: Over 9 months. When: Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth. Staple weathering is the degree of deterioration of the staple due to penetration of light and water. How to score: Open the fleece at a minimum of three sites along the backline. The highest score across the sites is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has no visual weathering and is equivalent to a coated fleece in a shed environment. A Score 5 animal has extensive weathering and deterioration of fibre structure along the majority of the length of the staple. Score 1: Staple has no visible weathering or deterioration of fibre structure; tip comprises <5% of staple. Score 2: No visible weathering of tip but some deterioration of fibre structure i.e. <10% of staple swollen. Score 3: Some weathering of tip i.e. 5 10% of staple; moderate deterioration of fibre structure i.e. 10-20% of staple swollen. Score 4: Moderate weathering of tip i.e. 10 20% of staple; significant deterioration of fibre structure i.e 20-30% of staple swollen. Score 5: Extensive weathering and deterioration of fibre structure i.e. paint brush tip comprises >20% of staple, with 30-50% swollen.
Staple weathering Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Staple structure Age: Over 9 months. When: Classing or shearing, provided a minimum of 6 months (or 40 millimetres) of wool growth. Staple structure describes the cluster arrangement of the fibre bundles comprising each staple, in particular the size and diameter of each staple. How to score: Open the fleece at a minimum of three sites side of shoulder, mid-side and hip. The highest score across the sites is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has extremely fine fibre bundles, whereas a Score 5 animal has extremely large bundles of fibres which make the staple blocky in appearance. Score 1: Staple comprises very fine bundles i.e. staple width of less than 5mm in diameter. Score 2: Staple comprises fine bundles i.e. staple width of 5-10mm in diameter. Score 3: Staple comprises medium bundles i.e. staple width of 10-20mm in diameter. Score 4: Staple comprises large bundles i.e. staple width of 20-30mm in diameter. Score 5: Blocky staple comprising extremely large bundles i.e. staple width of 30-50mm in diameter.
Staple structure < 5mm 5 10mm 10 20mm 20 30mm 30 50mm fibre bundle Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Fibre pigmentation Age: 6 to 10 weeks When: Lamb marking*. Fibre pigmentation is a combined trait. It refers to the percentage of dark fibres on any part of the animal, particularly the body, ears, legs, eyelashes and back of neck (birthcoat halo-hair). Pigmented fibres are normally black, grey or red-tan in colour. Importantly, fibre pigmentation is scored separately from random spot (Australian piebald) and recessive black lamb (Agouti gene). How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The highest score (i.e. percentage of fibres) of a particular site body, ears, legs, eyelashes and back of neck (birthcoat halo-hair) is recorded. Rule of thumb: If the body, ears, legs and eyelashes have no pigmentation (Score 1), but if 51-75% of the fibres on the back of neck are birthcoat halo-hairs (Score 4), then Score 4 is the overall score recorded for the trait. * Score data can be submitted to Sheep Genetics if pigmentation is identified after lamb marking such as classing or shearing. Score 1: No pigmentation i.e. 0% pigmented fibres at any site. Score 2: 1-25% pigmented fibres at one or more sites. Score 3: 26-50% pigmented fibres at one or more sites. Score 4: 51-75% pigmented fibres at at one or more sites. Score 5: 76-100% pigmented fibres at one or more sites.
Fibre pigmentation Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Non-fibre pigmentation Age: 6 to 10 weeks. When: Lamb marking. Non-fibre pigmentation (skin/hoof) is a combined trait. It refers to the percentage of pigmentation on the areas of the sheep that are not shorn, in particular the bare skin of the nose, lips, eyelids and hooves. Pigmented skin and hooves are normally brown-tan or black-grey in colour. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The highest score of the various sites is recorded. Rule of thumb: A Score 1 animal has no skin or hoof pigmentation at all. If an animal has no pigmentation (Score 1) on the nose, lips or eyelids, but 51-75% of the total hoof area is pigmented (Score 4), then Score 4 is the overall score recorded for the trait. Score 1: No pigmented area i.e. 0% of all bare skin sites and all four hooves. Score 2: 1 25% pigmented area of one or more bare skin sites and/or 1-25% of the total hoof area. Score 3: 26 50% pigmented area of one or more bare skin sites and/or 26-50% of the total hoof area. Score 4: 51 75% pigmented area of one or more bare skin sites and/or 51-75% of the total hoof area. Score 5: 76 100% pigmented area of one or more bare skin sites and/or 76-100% of the total hoof area.
Non-fibre pigmentation Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Recessive black Age: 6 to 10 weeks. When: Lamb marking. Caused by the symmetrical Agouti gene, recessive black refers to the presence of pigmented wool or hair fibres anywhere on the face or body. Pigmented fibres can be black, dark and light grey, brown or tan in colour. Importantly, recessive black is scored separately from random spot and fibre pigmentation. How to score: A single score of 1 or 5. Rule of thumb: If an animal has relatively symmetrical markings on both sides of the face then it is going to be one of the recessive black patterns (Score 5) of spotted self-colour, badgerface or reverse badgerface. Note: If the face is completely white or has a random pattern on one side of the face (i.e. non-symmetrical), the animal should be scored as random spot.
Recessive black badgerface reversed badgerface spotted self-colour Score 1 Score 5
Random spot Age: 6 to 10 weeks. When: Lamb marking*. Random spot (Australian piebald) refers to the presence of a distinct patch of pigmented fibres anywhere on the face or body, ranging from small to large in size. Pigmented fibres are normally black-grey in colour. Importantly, random spot is scored separately from recessive black and fibre pigmentation. How to score: A single score of 1 or 5. Rule of thumb: A random pattern is characterised as a rounded, pigmented wool or hair spot; usually only one or, if more than one, not symmetrically positioned (i.e. distributed unevenly to one side of the face or body). Note: If both sides of the face or body are spotted (i.e. symmetrical), the animal should be scored as recessive black. * Score data can be submitted to Sheep Genetics if pigmentation is identified after lamb marking such as classing or shearing.
Random spot Score 1 Score 5
Using Conformation Scores Visual Conformation Scores provide visual standards for the description of physical body and structural traits that influence the soundness and productivity of sheep and wool flocks. These scores are designed for ram breeders and commercial producers who choose to class and select animals on one or more of these visual traits as part of their overall breeding objective. This guide contains a set of Visual Conformation Scores of 1 to 5 for five traits. Importantly, the Score 1 is LEAST and Score 5 is MOST scoring scale does not apply to three conformation traits jaw, feet/ legs and shoulder/back. In these cases, Score 1 depicts VERY GOOD expression, Score 3 depicts AVERAGE expression and Score 5 depicts VERY BAD expression of the trait. A single score is recorded for all conformation traits. This includes combined traits (feet/legs and shoulder/back), where the highest score of the multiple sites is recorded. Data gathered on individual animals may also be submitted to Sheep Genetics with other pedigree and performance information to assist the sheep industry with the development of across-flock ASBVs for various conformation traits. Visual Conformation Scores can be taken on both male and female sheep at various ages. It is essential to record the age of the animal when scores are taken, with the optimal age recommended in the table below.
Conformation Trait Jaw Legs/Feet Shoulder/Back Face cover Body wrinkle Age Over 4 months Over 4 months Over 4 months Over 4 months Over 4 months When Anytime after weaning, ideally at classing Anytime after weaning, ideally at classing Anytime after weaning, post-shearing recommended Minimum 4 months wool Anytime after weaning, post-shearing recommended For further information about the development or use of these Visual Conformation Scores contact: Sheep Genetics Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association Tel: +61 2 6773 2948 Email: info@sheepgenetics.org.au Tel: +61 2 6743 2306 Email: ben_swain@bigpond.com Web: www.sheepgenetics.org.au Web: mss.csiro.au
Jaw Age: Over 4 months. When: Anytime, ideally at classing. Jaw refers to the soundness of jaw structure, in particular the alignment of the lower jaw (and teeth) relative to the top jaw. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: The upper and lower jaws of a Score 1 animal line up squarely at the teeth i.e. teeth rest on the pad, whereas a Score 5 animal has either a heavily undershot or heavily overshot jaw. Score 1: Very Good: upper and lower jaws line up squarely at the teeth i.e. teeth rest on the pad. Score 3: Average: jaw is marginally undershot or overshot ; lower jaw is slightly shorter or longer than the upper jaw. Score 5: Very Poor: heavily undershot or overshot jaw; lower jaw is significantly shorter or longer than the upper jaw.
Jaw Score 1 Score 3 Score 5
Legs/Feet Age: Over 4 months. When: Anytime, ideally at classing. Legs/Feet is a combined trait. It refers to the overall soundness of the front and back leg and feet structure, in particular the orientation of the legs/feet and angulation of the hocks and pasterns in relation to the feet. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The highest score across the leg and feet components of all four legs is recorded. Rule of thumb: If the stance, hocks and pasterns of the back legs and feet are very good (Score 1), but the pasterns of the front legs are very poor (Score 5), then Score 5 is the overall score recorded for the trait. Score 1: Very Good: good width of stance; straight legs that stand squarely over the feet; moderate hock and pastern angulation. Score 2: Good. Score 3: Average: significant hock angulation, and/or legs and feet orientating slightly inwards or outwards, and/ or slightly weak pasterns. Score 4: Poor. Score 5: Very Poor: extreme angulation of hocks, and/or legs orientating inwards with hocks touching or bowed outwards, and/or very weak pasterns.
Legs/Feet Score 1 Score 3 Score 5
Shoulder/Back Age: Over 4 months. When: Anytime after weaning, post-shearing recommended. A combined trait, shoulder/back refers to the soundness of the shoulder blades and their positioning in relation to the neck and spine. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has angular shoulders and a perfectly straight back between the top of the shoulder blades and hips. A Score 5 animal has shoulder blades that sit well above (or well below) the spine to create an extremely dipped backline. Score 1: Very Good: shoulder blades sit squarely either side of the spine i.e. no trough or ridge between the shoulders; back straight between shoulders and hips. Score 2: Good. Score 3: Average: shoulders positioned below the spine to create a ridge or above the spine to create a trough between the shoulder blades; back dips slightly behind the shoulders. Score 4: Poor. Score 5: Very Poor: extremely high and wide shoulder blades that create a deep trough above the spine or extremely low and narrow shoulder blades that create a sharp ridge above the spine; back dips severely behind the shoulders.
Shoulder/Back Score 1 Score 3 Score 5
Face cover Age: Over 4 months. When: Minimum of 4 months wool. Face cover refers to the degree of wool cover on the face, including the top of head and jowl. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has an open face with no wool on the jowls or top of the head. A Score 5 animal has wool covering its entire face, commonly referred to as wool blind. Score 1: Open face with no wool in front of the ears and topknot, or on the jowls. Score 2: Wool cover over the top of head; some on the side of muzzle, but not joined between the ears and eyes. Score 3: Wool cover over the top of head and on the side of muzzle; wool joined between the ears and eyes. Score 4: Wool cover from the top of the head down the muzzle; clear channel remains between the eye and the mouth. Score 5: Heavy wool growth over the entire face; wool from the top and side of the muzzle joining.
Face cover Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Body wrinkle Age: Over 4 months. When: Anytime after weaning, post-shearing recommended. Body wrinkle refers to the degree and quantity of wrinkle on the body. Neck wrinkle is highly related to body wrinkle, hence a single score for body wrinkle will provide a reliable visual description for both traits. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has a plain body with no wrinkles. A Score 5 animal has extensive wrinkles and heavy folds of skin over its entire body. Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Score 4: Score 5: Plain-bodied animal with no body wrinkle. Plain body type with a few small wrinkles over the shoulders and hip region. Slight wrinkling over the length of the body. Heavy wrinkling over the entire body. Extensive wrinkling and heavy folds of skin over entire body.
Body wrinkle Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
About Visual Breech Scores The recording of Visual Breech Scores and selection for these traits has the potential to reduce the susceptibility of sheep to breech flystrike. Following extensive industry consultation, Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has developed this breech scoring system to: Provide a quick and simple breech scoring system to help ram breeders and commercial producers select sheep for desirable breech characteristics that are less susceptible to flystrike; and Estimate the heritability of these Visual Breech Scores (traits) and measure their impact, if any, on important production traits such as fleece weight, fibre diameter and body weight. These Visual Breech Scores have also been developed with the aim of generating sufficient data (on unmulesed animals only) to assist Sheep Genetics with the development of Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) for each of these traits. Sheep Genetics, a joint initiative of AWI and MLA, is designed to enable ram breeders and commercial producers to compare animals from different flocks on genetic merit (by ASBVs) using measured and visually scored data.
Desirable breech traits Breech flystrike of sheep is a consequence of wrinkle and wool in the breech area that allows wet dags (urine and/or faeces) to create an environment conducive to the laying and hatching of blowfly larvae. Research has already shown that each of the following are valuable tools to reducing susceptibility to breech flystrike but, individually, are not enough to significantly reduce breech flystrike: selection for plain (no wrinkle) breech; selection for reduced wool cover on the breech; and, selection against the tendency to scour, and form dags. It is believed that genetic improvement of breech flystrike resistance of sheep can be achieved through the complementary selection of animals for the following four indicator traits: 1. Breech Wrinkle 2. Breech Cover 3. Crutch Cover 4. Dag Score Consequently, this set of Visual Breech Scores has been developed for each trait and various age groups. AWI-funded research is underway to investigate the effects of breeding and the selection of Merino sheep using this breech scoring system over a range of environments. The effectiveness and commercial impact of breeding for these indicator traits, however, will remain unknown until this research is completed.
Using Visual Breech Scores Visual Breech Scores provide standard scores for physical breech traits that are thought to reduce the susceptibility of Merino sheep flocks to breech flystrike. This guide contains a set of Visual Breech Scores of 1 to 5 for four traits Breech Wrinkle, Breech Cover, Crutch Cover and Dag. In each case, Score 1 depicts LEAST expression of the trait and Score 5 depicts MOST expression (i.e. rule of thumb is Score 1 is LESS and Score 5 is MORE of each trait). These scores are available for use by ram breeders and commercial woolgrowers who choose to score animals and select on these traits for breech flystrike resistance. If doing so, it should be remembered that mulesing can affect the physical expression (and breech score) of each trait. Data gathered on individual animals (unmulesed only) may be submitted to Sheep Genetics with other pedigree and performance information to assist with the development of across-flock ASBVs for traits for breech flystrike resistance. Visual Breech Scores can be taken on both male and female sheep at various ages. It is essential to record the age of the animal when scores are taken, recommended in the table below. Remember, profitable selection is based on identifying traits that have significant commercial value. When selecting traits for your breeding objective, ensure the selection balance is maintained. Be mindful of all traits that determine the commercial profitability and quality of your flock. Please note: the visual breech traits and contained in this guide replace the visual standards and scoring scale contained in the AWI Visual Breech Scores guide published in May 2006.
Trait Breech Cover Crutch Cover Age 6 to 10 weeks Over 4 months Over 4 months When Lamb marking, preferably in the cradle Anytime, ideally at weaning or classing Anytime, ideally at crutching or shearing Breech Wrinkle Dag 6 to 10 weeks Over 4 months Over 4 months Lamb marking Crutching or post-shearing Prior to crutching For further information about the development or use of these Visual Breech Scores contact: AWI Helpline 1800 070 099 or visit www.wool.com.au
Breech Cover Lambs Age: 6 to 10 weeks. When: Lamb marking, preferably in the cradle. Breech Cover score refers to the amount of natural bare skin around the perineum and breech area, in particular, the depth and width of bare skin below and surrounding the vulva or anus. Note: only visual scores on unmulesed animals (or lambs prior to mulesing) can be submitted to Sheep Genetics. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: A Score 1 animal has natural bare area that extends outwards around the anus and vulva, and right down to the bottom of the breech area (the channel). An animal with Score 5 has complete (most) wool cover i.e. no natural bare area at all.
Breech Cover Lambs Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Breech Cover Age: Over 4 months. When: Anytime, ideally at weaning or classing. Breech Cover score refers to the amount of natural bare skin around the perineum and breech area, in particular, the depth and width of bare skin below and surrounding the vulva or anus. Note: only visual scores on unmulesed animals (or lambs prior to mulesing) can be submitted to Sheep Genetics. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: A Score 1 animal has natural bare area that extends outwards around the anus and vulva, and right down to the bottom of the breech area (the channel). An animal with Score 5 has complete (most) wool cover i.e. no natural bare area at all.
Breech Cover Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Crutch Cover Age: Over 4 months. When: Anytime, ideally at crutching or shearing. Crutch Cover score refers to the amount of natural bare skin from which wool would normally be removed by the first blow during crutching, in particular, the pubic area, groin and inside back legs. Note: visual scores on unmulesed animals only (or lambs prior to mulesing) can be submitted to Sheep Genetics. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: A Score 1 animal has natural bare area that extends completely throughout the pubic and groin region, and extends through to the animal s breech, as well as right down the inside back legs beyond the hocks. An animal with Score 5 has complete (most) wool cover i.e. no bare area at all.
Crutch Cover Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Breech Wrinkle Lambs Age: 6 to 10 weeks. When: Lamb marking. Breech Wrinkle refers to the degree of wrinkle at the tail set and down the hind legs. Note: visual scores on unmulesed animals only (or lambs prior to mulesing) can be submitted to Sheep Genetics. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The highest score of either the tail set or leg zone is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has no wrinkle. A Score 5 animal has extensive wrinkle at the tail set and extending down the hind legs to the hocks.
Breech Wrinkle Lambs Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Breech Wrinkle Age: Over 4 months. When: Crutching or post-shearing. Breech Wrinkle refers to the degree of wrinkle at the tail set and down the hind legs. Note: visual scores on unmulesed animals only (or lambs prior to mulesing) can be submitted to Sheep Genetics. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The highest score of either the tail set or leg zone is recorded. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has no wrinkle. A Score 5 animal has extensive wrinkle at the tail set and extending down the hind legs to the hocks.
Breech Wrinkle Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Dag Age: Over 4 months. When: Prior to crutching; 60 days following the break to the dominant rainfall season or when 30 to 40 per cent of flock is scouring. Dag formation is caused by the adhesion of faecal material to the breech area. Dag scores refer to the quantity of faecal material adhering to the wool surrounding the breech and extending down the hind legs. Note: visual scores on unmulesed animals only (or lambs prior to mulesing) can be submitted to Sheep Genetics. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Rule of thumb: An animal with Score 1 has no dags. A Score 5 animal has extensive dags not only remaining in the breech area, but extending right down the hind legs to the pasterns.
Dag Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5
Acknowledgements AWI sincerely acknowledges the time and commitment provided by all sheep breeders, classers and researchers involved in the development of this guide, in particular members of the Executive Committee of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association.
Disclaimer In compiling the information contained in these Visual Sheep Scores, Australian Wool Innovation Limited and Meat and Livestock Australia Limited has used its best endeavours to ensure that the information is correct and current at the time of publication but takes no responsibility for any error, omission or defect therein. These Visual Sheep Scores cover the information required to score sheep for use as an additional tool in selection and breeding decisions. Selection of traits to include in breeding objectives involves identifying profitability of all aspects of sheep and wool production. Use of these scores for selection and breeding should be carried out with appropriate guidance. To the extent permitted by law, Australian Wool Innovation Limited and Meat and Livestock Australia Limited, and its employees, agents and consultants exclude all liability for any loss or damage (including indirect, special or consequential loss or damage) arising from the use of, or reliance on, these Visual Sheep Scores whether or not caused by any negligent act or omission.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited Meat & Livestock Australia Limited Sheep Genetics Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association GPO Box 4177, Sydney NSW 2001 Tel: +61 2 9299 5155 Fax: +61 2 9299 9880 Locked Bag 991 North Sydney NSW 2059 Tel: +61 2 9463 9333 Fax: +61 2 9463 9393 PO Box U254, University of New England Armidale, NSW 2351 Tel +61 2 6773 2948 Fax +61 2 6773 2707 Gartmore Gunnedah NSW 2380 Tel: +61 2 6743 2306 Fax: +61 2 6743 2307 www.wool.com.au www.mla.com.au www.sheepgenetics.org.au mss.csiro.au September 2007 ISBN 1 92090 871 4