Carcass trait phenotype feedback for genomic selection in sheep
Lead Participant:
BRITISH TEXEL SHEEP SOCIETY LIMITED (THE)
Abstract
Only around half of UK-produced lambs meet target conformation and fat quality specifications
resulting in waste at the farm and processor levels. This livestock genomics project addresses key issues
in primary livestock production by collecting, analysing, and exploiting state-of-the art genomic and new
phenotypic data from meat sheep on hard to measure (HTM) traits, combining carcass and disease for
sustainable sheep improvement. New visual image assessments (VIA) of post-mortem lamb carcass
quality, and novel, in-line meat hygiene records on individuals will be linked to genome-screening
technology to identify superior bloodlines and genomic regions that are more productive and also more
resistant to economically-important disease traits. This allows greater productivity to be acheived
without compromising health and welfare, and explores the best method to deliver genomic solutions
for increases in productivity and efficiency in tandem with improvements in animal health.
resulting in waste at the farm and processor levels. This livestock genomics project addresses key issues
in primary livestock production by collecting, analysing, and exploiting state-of-the art genomic and new
phenotypic data from meat sheep on hard to measure (HTM) traits, combining carcass and disease for
sustainable sheep improvement. New visual image assessments (VIA) of post-mortem lamb carcass
quality, and novel, in-line meat hygiene records on individuals will be linked to genome-screening
technology to identify superior bloodlines and genomic regions that are more productive and also more
resistant to economically-important disease traits. This allows greater productivity to be acheived
without compromising health and welfare, and explores the best method to deliver genomic solutions
for increases in productivity and efficiency in tandem with improvements in animal health.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
BRITISH TEXEL SHEEP SOCIETY LIMITED (THE) | £892,421 | £ 397,652 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
SRUC | £277,150 | |
ABP UK | ||
ANGLO BEEF PROCESSORS UK | £384,892 | £ 134,712 |
INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
Edward Smith (Project Manager) |