MORE than 3100 rams from 47 studs have been listed on the Sheep CRC’s new genetic selection tool, RamSelect, in the six weeks since the web-based app’s release.

RamSelect.com.au allows producers to quickly and simply select rams that match their breeding objectives using Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) generated by Sheep Genetics.

Sheep CRC chief executive James Rowe said the success of the RamSelect app has been dependent on stud producers uploading their sale catalogues for listing to allow commercial ram buyers the opportunity to compare sheep from around the country.

“There are currently 38 stud sale catalogues listed on RamSelect (15 Merino, 15 terminal, 4 Dohne and 4 maternal studs), plus a further nine sales which were listed and have already been completed – so in total 47 studs have used the site so far.

“These studs have provided access to the ASBV data via their on-line Sheep Genetics catalogues for 1272 Merino rams, 1292 terminals, 167 maternals and 435 Dohnes that are for sale this season.”

Professor Rowe said this clearly showed there is strong and growing support from the stud sector for the new tool.

RamSelect.com.au was developed by the Sheep CRC (Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation) with Telstra, San Francisco-based software developer Pivotal Labs and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

The app allows ram buyers to follow a few simple prompts to find a list of rams which meet their individual breeding objectives. The prompts cover: breed and type of rams required; number of rams to be placed in the ranked list; the region and/or stud to search; the type of sale – auction and/or private treaty; and the relative emphasis on traits that drive profit in different production systems.

Professor Rowe said the app takes care of the calculations in close to ‘real time’ as users alter the settings for their specific breeding objectives.

“The user is almost instantly provided with a list of rams ranked for their merit against the criteria they have just set.

“They can then refer to the ranked list when they visually inspect animals on sale day.”

Professor Rowe urged all studs registered with LAMBPLAN, MERINOSELECT and DOHNE to load their sale catalogues with Sheep Genetics as soon as they have their list of rams for sale.

“If you don’t specify which rams are for sale using the Sheep Genetics web site catalogues, you and your clients will not be able to use RamSelect.com.au to select the most suitable rams to purchase,” he said.

CLICK HERE to watch the video on how to use RamSelect to ensure you maximise value when selecting rams that meet your breeding objectives. Make sure that you select a long enough list of rams, enter the correct breed and type of rams, and check that the postcode criteria is right.

More information is available from www.ramselect.com.au

Source: Sheep CRC