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Benchmarking performance in Targhee sheep in development of a genetic reference flock
Carrie S Wilson1, J Bret Taylor1, David R Notter2
1USDA, ARS, Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research Unit, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, ID.
Translational Animal Science
|January 3, 2025
Summary
Industry sires in the Targhee breed showed superior performance in traits like fleece weight and fiber diameter compared to U.S. Sheep Experiment Station sires. This research benchmarked sire performance for Targhee sheep production, integrating industry genetics into a reference flock.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genetics
- Sheep Production
Background:
- The Targhee sheep breed is crucial for Western U.S. range production.
- Benchmarking sire performance is essential for genetic improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate industry sires into the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) Targhee flock.
- To benchmark the performance of industry sires against USSES sires.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) from the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).
- Compared direct progeny performance for 17 traits (2016-2018 births).
- Analyzed production traits using a univariate animal model and repeated measures model.
Main Results:
- Industry sires had higher Western Range Index scores and differed significantly in Number Born EBV.
- Progeny of industry sires showed greater grease fleece weight and finer side and britch fiber diameter.
- No significant differences were found in genetic group solutions for most traits.
Conclusions:
- Industry sires offer advantages in specific production and wool traits for Targhee sheep.
- The establishment of a Targhee genetic reference flock at USSES is initiated.
- This reference flock will aid in addressing industry-relevant genetic issues.
