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Call to action for Merino breeders
16 Aug 2004
The Australian Sheep Industry Co-operative Research Centre and CSIRO are calling for Merino stud breeders to support a research project designed to reduce costs associated with dark-fibre contamination of the national wool clip. Researchers are developing DNA tests that will allow breeders to accurately remove rams carrying the piebald genes.
Lambs carrying the piebald trait can contaminate wool clips with coloured spots or patches, thereby considerably reducing the value of a wool clip. The project requires a substantial number of skin and blood samples from Merino lambs with the unwanted piebald pattern. The research team will then have the necessary volume of data to confirm the key genes associated with the trait.
Breeders are being asked to contact project leader Dr Belinda Norris, CSIRO Livestock Industries - on 07 3214 2282 or belinda.norris@csiro.au - about two weeks before they begin lamb marking. They will then be provided with kits to photograph and take blood and tissue samples from lambs exhibiting obvious piebald traits.
CSIRO Media Release, 13/8/04.
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