The breeding program at Bogo Merinos is aimed at producing long stapled, heavy cutting, soft handling, fine testing wool on a good framed, plain bodied, fast growing fertile animal.
Breeding Objective
Measured Traits
Our breeding objective is weighted toward the traits that have the most influence on profitability. In response to long term market trends and predicted market requirements the most emphasis is placed on reducing micron and increasing fleece weight, staple strength and bodyweight.
We believe fast early growth (weaning to approx 200 days) is becoming increasingly more important to wool/sheep production and several years ago began measuring post weaning bodyweight and generating Growth EBV’s to be used in our selection and breeding program.
Visual Traits
In addition to the measured traits described above emphasis is placed on visually assessed traits that are of vital importance in any breeding program. Structural soundness and a good constitution are essential. We aim to produce a fast growing, long, plain bodied animal which is easy to look after, is a good converter of grass to wool/meat and is very fertile.
Soft, supple skins producing long stapled, soft waxy wools with lustre and good crimp definition are targeted to ensure micron blow out is contained, fleece rot resistance is maximized and dust penetration is minimized.
The Breeding Objective.pdf (128 kb) has more details.
Breeding and Selection Program
The breeding and selection program at Bogo is designed to ensure our breeding objective is achieved and genetic progress is maximised. The system we use is based on the accurate assessment of measured traits and thorough evaluation of important visual traits. One of the real benefits of this system is that it gives the ability to measure and predict performance, not only of individual animals but also of the flock. Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) are used as they give a more accurate prediction of an animals genetic value. EBV’s are calculated from an animals own performance figures and also take into account the performance of an animals relatives and any other information available that could have an effect on performance, eg. Single/twin, age of dam etc.
Download the Breeding and Selection Program.pdf (88 kb) for more detailed information.
Production
Proof that our breeding program is working effectively is evident in the results being achieved in our flock, (stud & commercials). Download the Production.pdf (44 kb) to view actual trait trends for the Bogo wool clip.
Just as importantly similar trends are evident in client flocks as demonstrated by their performance in wether trials and ewe competitions. Go to our Benchmarking page for more details and results.
