Wrinkles, Weather, and Wool: The Genetics of Breech Strike in Merinos with Tracie Bird-Gardiner

About this episode

This episode discusses breech strike in Merino sheep and explores genetic selection methods as alternatives to mulesing with guest Tracie Bird-Gardiner.

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Tracie Bird-Gardiner, a Development Officer from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. In this episode, we discuss the significance of breech strike within the Australian Merino sheep industry including the practise of mulesing for controlling this issue. Tracie guides us through some alternative methods to mulesing, focussing on genetic selection and speaks about the tools we currently have available. We also discuss the impact the environment has on the expression of breech strike and various indicator traits for breech strike. Come along to hear Tracie's findings around breech strike resistance research and how we can incorporate various strategies into breeding programs. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply want to know more about Tracie's work, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! Research discussed: Greeff, J. C., et al. (2013). Dogs Can Differentiate Between Odours from Sheep that are Resistant or Susceptible to Breech Strike. 20th Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG)…

People in this episode

Host: Emily Johnston

Guest: Tracie Bird-Gardiner

Topics covered

• breech strike
• genetic selection
• Merino sheep
• mulesing alternatives
• breeding programs
• animal genetics

Keywords

• breech strike
• Merino sheep
• genetic selection
• mulesing
• breeding programs
• animal genetics
• environment impact

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Books & works: Greeff, J. C., et al. (2013). Dogs Can Differentiate Between Odours from Sheep that are Resistant or Susceptible to Breech Strike.

Places: War Memorial Conference Centre, Napier, New Zealand

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