AMSEA Coonong Sire Evaluation Open Day

Coonong sire trial open day 21st February was attended by approx. 50 people including 8 sire entrant owners.
Adult ewe updates to fleece and body were presented as well as final figures on the wether drop, as well as visual scoring and classing results.
Udder and teat traits were collected and presented by Allan Casey. While there were not any huge variations in these scores as maidens, discussion did suggest that more variation would appear in the following years. Reproduction data was collected and reported from the maiden joining with variable results across the four components of reproduction. A second joining of the trial ewes from 30th November 2023 for 5 weeks and with scanning results collected the day before open day. Scanning results were reported as a mob-based result with 123% embryos.
The results of the meat eating quality assessment from the wether drop were presented by Peta Bradley from Sheep Genetics. Discussion was around ongoing data collection creating breeding values and the importance to industry marketing brands and consumer.
Ben Swain provided an insightful report on measured data and visual aspects of each sires ewe group with Q and A from attendees following each team.
Sophie Holt presented a report of studies into sheep dentition from not only the Coonong site, but across several AMSEA sites she is working with.
Tom and Sophie also displayed a range of garments from their Ethical Outback Wool enterprise, with attendees making favourable comments and several orders followed.
Lamb marking will be the next event in this year’s program.
Don Mills – Convenor, ADBA Coonong Sire Evaluation

AMSEA Coonong Sire Evaluation Open Day Presenters; Don Mills (MC), Allan Casey (ADBA Approved Classer), Ben Swain (AMSEA), Sophie Holt (Ethical Outback Wool), Tom Holt (Coonong Station), Jason Southwell (ADBA Approved Classer), Jim Meckiff (JM Livestock) and Peta Bradley (Sheep Genetics).

Presentations

Genetic Evaluations and Eating Quality – Peta Bradley Sheep Genetics – View Presentation

Udder traits give the opportunity for genetic improvement in lamb survival and growth – Allan Casey – View Presentation

Sire Evaluation Overview and Site Report – Ben Swain (AMSEA) – View Presentation