The Resource Flock is one of the most important research investments supporting the Sheep Genetics evaluation. By creating strong genetic links between flocks, breeds, and environments, the project provides the high-quality data needed to continually improve the accuracy and value of genetic evaluations.
The project involves joining ewes to sires from a range of breeds using artificial insemination and managing their progeny under common environmental conditions. Detailed performance records are collected across a range of commercially important traits, and all progeny are genotyped. This unique combination of phenotype and genotype data provides a valuable resource for genetics research and industry outcomes.
Data generated through the Resource Flock has contributed to:
All Sheep Genetics members benefit from the Resource Flock through improved evaluation accuracy and stronger genetic connectedness. The project is particularly valuable for flocks submitting phenotype and genotype data, helping maximise the benefit of genomic technologies. As every Resource Flock animal is genotyped, the project also underpins the development of industry tools and services such as Flock Profiles and genomic breeding values.
The Genetics team has secured Resource Flock joinings through 2025 and 2026. These joinings are funded through a collaborative MLA Donor Company (MDC) model, where MLA investments are matched by contributions from industry and research partners, including:
The 2025 and 2026 joinings each include 115 sires representing a diverse range of Terminal, Maternal, Merino and shedding sheep breeds, ensuring the project continues to deliver outcomes that are broadly relevant across the Australian sheep industry.
The Resource Flock forms a key component of the national livestock genetics strategy guided by the National Livestock Genetics Consortium (NLGC). The NLGC brings together representatives from producer groups, breed societies, researchers, processors, supply chains, and extension specialists to help identify priorities and investment opportunities that will accelerate genetic gain across Australia's sheep and beef industries.
By providing a platform for research, innovation and industry collaboration, the Resource Flock continues to play a critical role in delivering more accurate genetic evaluations and supporting long-term productivity, profitability and sustainability gains for sheep producers.
The OVIS Consent Project is a major investment within MLA's Livestock Genetics Research and Development portfolio, supporting both the ongoing operation of the Sheep Genetics evaluation and the development of next-generation genetic tools and breeding values.
The project provides the research, data infrastructure and analytical development required to continually improve the Sheep Genetics evaluation and deliver new technologies that support genetic gain across the sheep industry. Through this investment, researchers and industry partners are working to develop improved selection tools, expand the use of genomics, and provide producers with more accurate and practical information for breeding decisions.
Key research areas supported through the OVIS Consent Project include:
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Research area |
Report/further information |
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Shedding sheep |
Investigating the genetic variation in shedding characteristics to support the development of a Shedding Breeding Value and improve selection options for shedding sheep enterprises.
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Genomics |
Developing genomic prediction tools for commercial Merino sheep to improve the accuracy of genetic selection and increase the value of genomic information.
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Flock profile |
Enhancing the accuracy metrics underpinning Flock Profiles and other genomic products to provide producers with greater confidence in the information used for management and purchasing decisions.
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Sustainability |
Expanding the range of traits measured and evaluated, including traits associated with sustainability, resilience and animal welfare outcomes.
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| Flystrike |
Supporting research into flystrike-related traits and technologies that may contribute to future breeding and management solutions.
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| Combined LAMBPLAN |
Delivering the world's first unified multi-breed sheep genetic evaluation, improving connectedness between breeds and increasing the accuracy and comparability of breeding values across the industry.
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The OVIS Consent Project plays an important role in ensuring Sheep Genetics continues to evolve alongside industry needs. By combining research, genomics, advanced analytics and industry data, the project is helping to deliver more accurate evaluations, new breeding tools, and practical innovations that will support productivity, profitability and sustainability outcomes for Australian sheep producers into the future.