MLA – AWI Sheep Genomics Program

Abstract

The MLA – AWI Sheep Genomics Program will bring together leading scientists in the fields of genetics, genomics, animal and cell biology and
bioinformatics from major Australian universities and research organisations.

Potential participating research organisations include the University of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, Victorian Department of Primary
Industries, University of Adelaide, South Australian Research and Development Institute, University of Western Australian, University of Western
Sydney and CSIRO.

The Program will harness the new technology, developed largely through the mapping of the human genome, to address problems in the sheep industry.
R&D priorities for the Program include:

• gene markers to identify animals resistant to internal parasites,
• allowing producers to breed healthier sheep and lambs, improve productivity and reduce chemical treatments;
• gene markers that will allow producers to selectively breed sheep and lambs for improved meat and wool quality;
• gene markers to identify more efficient animals, allowing producers to breed sheep and lambs that produce more meat and wool from less
  pasture;
• new products such as vaccines that can improve meat and fibre characteristics and reproductive capability.

The first project underway is the mapping of the sheep genome. This is an essential part of the Program as it will be the platform for all further work.
Projects within the proposed R&D program have been split into key categories.

• Muscle (meat)
• Host resistance to internal parasites
• Wool
• Reproductive success
• Enabling technologies and flock resources

Citation

MLA – AWI Sheep Genomics Program, AWI, 2nd September 2003