A NEW generation of genomic tools, led by the recent commercial release of immune competence (ImmuneDEX) breeding values, will take centre stage at LambEx26 next month in a breakfast session titled “Genomics: Driving Productivity & Profitability.”

The breakfast session will be held on Wednesday 8 July and will bring together key industry voices, including Peta Bradley (Meat & Livestock Australia), Sally Martin (SheepMetriX), and Amy Bell (CSIRO).

Together, they will discuss how genomics is moving beyond research and into practical, profit-driven application for Australian sheep producers. The session will also explore how producers can apply genomics in practical breeding and management decisions to improve productivity, resilience and profitability in sheep systems.

Sponsored by Neogen, the session will highlight how emerging genomic technologies are delivering measurable on-farm outcomes, with a particular focus on resilience, efficiency and informed selection.

Immune competence hits the commercial stage

One of the most anticipated developments to be discussed is the recent release of ImmuneDEX breeding values to the market, marking a major commercial milestone for the sheepmeat industry.

Currently available exclusively through Neogen, ImmuneDEX is delivered through a collaborative project with CSIRO, Sheep Genetics and the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, co-funded through the Meat and Livestock Australia Donor Company, translating immune competence research into a practical on-farm selection tool.

ImmuneDEX provides a measure of an animal’s ability to respond to disease challenge, offering producers a new way to select for healthier, more resilient sheep.

CSIRO’s Amy Bell will share insights into the science behind immune competence and, importantly, what it means in practical terms for commercial flocks.

“There’s a growing focus on resilience as a key driver of productivity,” Ms Bell said. “Immune competence gives producers another layer of information, helping identify animals that are better equipped to perform under variable conditions and disease pressure.”

Early industry interest is strong, with the potential to improve animal health, reduce intervention, and deliver more consistent performance across seasons.

The session will explore how immune competence can be incorporated alongside existing breeding tools to strengthen selection and improve flock outcomes.

Smart Flock Select puts GBVs to work

Building on this, the session will focus heavily on the use of genomic-only breeding values, with Neogen’s Smart Flock Select set to feature prominently.

The tool is designed to bring genomics into everyday decision-making, allowing producers to use GBVs as a standalone selection tool, particularly for young animals where no performance data exists.

By enabling earlier identification of genetic potential, Smart Flock Select helps lift selection accuracy and accelerate genetic gain.

SheepMetriX managing director Sally Martin will highlight key outcomes from the Producer Demonstration Sites project she is managing, giving the audience concrete evidence on how producers are currently utilizing GBVs.

As genomic adoption grows, GBVs are increasingly being used not just as a supplement, but as a primary driver of breeding decisions.

The session will demonstrate how producers can apply this information in practical scenarios, from ram selection to replacement strategies.

LAMBPLAN integration builds consistency

At an industry level, genomics is continuing to be integrated into national evaluation systems.

MLA’s Peta Bradley is expected to outline progress with Combined LambPlan, including the incorporation of genomic data into routine genetic evaluation.

“Genomics is enhancing the tools producers already rely on,” Ms Bradley said. “It’s about improving confidence and driving faster genetic gain.”

The release of combined LambPlan provides a more consistent framework for comparing animals and strengthens the link between genomic data and traditional ASBVs.

New traits strengthen flock profiling

At the flock level, attention will turn to how these tools are applied through profiling.

The session will highlight how new traits are being rolled out within flock profiling, giving producers deeper insight into performance and variation within their flock.

These updates are expected to improve benchmarking, highlight underperforming animals earlier, and better align genetic potential with on-farm performance.

Practical outcomes remain the focus

A consistent theme across the session will be practicality. The session is designed to deliver clear, usable takeaways for producers at different stages of genomic adoption, from those beginning to explore breeding values through to those already using genomic information in selection decisions.

Speakers will focus on real-world examples of genomics delivering value, from improving lamb survival and growth to lifting overall flock resilience.

The technologies discussed during this session are expected to support improved health, reduced production losses, greater selection confidence and stronger long-term profitability, particularly as producers face increasing pressure around input costs and seasonal variability.

The aim is for every producer to leave with at least one clear action they can apply in their own system regardless of flock size or breeding objective.

These may include:

• incorporating immune competence into breeding objectives
• using GBVs through tools like Smart Flock Select for early selection
• interpreting genomic enhanced ASBVs
• using flock profiling insights to refine management decisions

From potential to practice

As the industry continues to push for greater productivity and resilience, genomics is becoming a core component of modern breeding programs.

The release of immune competence breeding values, combined with practical tools like Smart Flock Select, signals a shift from concept to capability.

At LambEx, the message will be clear – genomics is no longer a future opportunity, but a tool producers can use today to drive productivity and profitability.

• Producers wanting to explore these tools further can visit the Neogen trade stand during LambEx.