Selection Demonstration Flocks: Demonstrating Improvements in the Productivity of Merinos

The Selection Demonstration Flocks are showing that improvements in the productivity of the Merino are possible when following a defined breeding objective. The selection strategy, whether based on measurement or visual assessment, is less important than the gains in productivity achieved by focusing on a long-term breeding goal. Selection lines are highlighting the importance of monitoring overall progress towards a breeding goal to prevent undesirable changes in secondary traits. AIMS The Selection Demonstration Flocks are an exhibition of selection strategies for Merino sheep. The original three flocks aim to publicise the application of selection based on measurement and performance recording, professional classers and the ‘elite ’ wool approach. These flocks have the goal to improve the productivity of the Merino, with a breeding objective to reduce mean fibre diameter and maintain or improve fleece and body weight. The fourth flock is a dual-purpose line aiming to simultaneously improve wool and meat quality attributes. METHOD Animals