Tier Five release - Visuals

Release of Combined LAMBPLAN Tier Five: Visuals

Visual trait breeding values for the Combined LAMBPLAN analysis was released from 1st of October 2026.  There are three key enhancements made for the visual trait module for Combined LAMBPLAN:  
1. New traits to be included in visual module  Seven visual traits will be included as research breeding values (rBVs).  These traits use a 1-5 score and must be submitted as visuals along with a date of measurement and on-farm management group. These traits were prioritised because records are available across flocks, years and breeds, including through the MLA Resource Flock. The rBVs will be monitored as more data is submitted and may transition to ASBVs once they consistently perform as expected. 
 
Trait 

Code 

What is scored 

Dag score 

DAG 

Faecal material around the breech and legs 

Breech cover 

BCOV 

Natural wool cover around the breech 

Shedding 

SHED 

Proportion of the fleece naturally shed 

Birth coat 

BCOAT 

Hairiness or coat expression at birth 

Tail length 

TAIL 

Tail length relative to the hock 

Horn status 

HORN 

Expression of horn development 

Face cover 

FACE 

Degree of wool cover on the face 

2. Genetic parameter updates  Genetic parameters are used within the evaluation to account our understanding of the underlying genetic factors influencing how an animal performs. All visual traits (apart from DAG) are new, which required estimating genetic parameters for all traits in the visual module to reflect the data being used to calculate these traits.     
3. Updates to the genetic group structure Genetic groups are used in the Sheep Genetics evaluations to help describe breed and population structure of animals with missing pedigree. The genetic groups in Combined LAMBPLAN will be at a genomic breed structure level (were previously at a flock level).