PSIII-2 Late-Breaking: Collaboration to Demonstrate the Potential Use and Value of Electronic Identification and DNA Testing in the Sheep Industry

Abstract The dearth of individual performance records derived from an extensively driven production system coupled with the impracticality utilizing reproductive technologies makes commercial genetic improvement challenging in small ruminants. We collaborated five producers throughout California to assess how electronic ID (EID) and testing could inform ram selection. Our objective was determine data collected these augment on ranches. Familiarity use EID tags ranches at start research varied; thus, allowing for a qualitative reflection participant's perceptions usefulness this technology. Ear notch samples were ear placed 2,963 sheep; 305 rams, 2,658 their potential progeny. partnered Superior Farms (Dixon, CA) genotype animals using Flock54 single nucleotide polymorphism panel which contains 956 markers assigning parentage, includes linked quantitative trait loci and/or known gene causative aid disease management. SNP used assign paternity sire prolificacy. A total 524 carcass lambs two processed Farms' plant assessed USDA-approved camera grading (e+v, Oranienburg, Germany) that matches EID’s data. Progeny contemporary group deviations calculated hot weight, yield grade, ovine cutability calculation (OCC) predicts edible product carcass. average number per born each ranch mean OCC progeny compared one-way analysis variance. There significant effect (P < 0.05). lowest ewe ratio (1:10) also has greatest (1:50) most ram. large range (0-135) within ranch. 0.05) group, meaning some sires producing offspring significantly more marketable meat. EIDs combination testing, allowed collection This provided insight into identified prolific superior merit. Producers information select high-performing rams; however, there is unavoidable delay between turnout limits practical utility reinforces value having estimated breeding values available purchase genetically rams.