Responses to modern technology within the New Zealand sheep breeding industry

T.G. Harvey, R. Haydon, H.T. Blair, D. Daniell, R. Hilson

Sheep and Beef Cattle Unit, Massey University, Palmerston North

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1990, 50: 423-426

The use of modern technology is having a major effect on the structure of ram-breeding in NZ. The uptake of sire referencing schemes (SRS) and artificial insemination (AI) is having an impact on the whole structure of breeding groups and the industry. The role of traditional group breeding schemes is being questioned by the industry.

The structure of New Zealand dairy breeding underwent a period of change with the introduction of AI and sire proving in the 1950's. Some aspects of these changes are relevant to the sheep industry. The decrease in the size of the national flock, increasing ram ratios and the use of AI will all impact on the industry over the next 5-10 years.

The industry is responding to the new environment with groups like the NZ Romney Development Group and the Perendale Genetic Development Group re-evaluating their objectives and making major changes to their structures. This paper looks at these changes and the likely effect on the sheep breeding industry.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; sheep; sire referencing; recording; breeding structures; artificial insemination; BLUP

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Last Updated 25-01-1997