Sheep Industry News August 2022

GENOMIC PROGRAMS Continued from Page 28

validate economic traits important to our commercial producers based on their feedback.

SG USA: How do you see Flock54 and the 50K test through NSIP working together?

animals they are looking at through those seedstock providers and can fi e-tune genetics that will work for their goals and management program. KARISSA: Th ere are several advantages to Flock54 for your fl ck. We are currently the only genotyping panel certifi d by USDA/APHIS for Scrapie reporting. Flock54 off ers “Flock54 certifi ation” for entire fl cks tested that are not disease carriers for a number of diseases, including all markers for Scrapie, of particular interest is Codon 171 QR or RR Codon. Flock54 uses a database for all animals with genotyping data to provide easier access to parentage information across multiple year and even across producers. Once an animal is genotyped, you will always have access to that data and it can easily be transferred to a new producer if sold. We are working on a producer portal, which will grant users access online to all genotyping they have tested with Flock54. We are very excited to be validating meat quality markers associated with muscle and yield, providing producers carcass merit information before their lambs are on the rail that can be added to the next version of our panel. RUSTY: Th information delivered from the 50K test can be used by anyone wanting to make genetic progress in their fl cks. To really get the ben efi t of all that genomic information on the higher-density chip, that data needs to be combined with production data and EBVs, therefore, the genomic testing is only available to members of NSIP. Commercial producers can still use that genomic information when selecting breeding animals from those producers, but to actually run the test, they need to be generating EBVs. Th higher density panel giving more information does come at a higher price compared to Flock54, and is really geared towards seedstock producers who are trying to make more intense genetic selections for their commercial customers. Th parentage and conditions test is available to all breeds and the genome-enhanced EBVs are currently available for Katahdins with a project currently underway developing the GEBV analysis for Ram bouillet, Polypay and S uff olks that should be completed in the next few years. KARISSA: Flock54 is available to any and all sheep producers. Many of our current producers and breed associations that are utilizing the Flock54 panel are using it for parentage verifi ation, sire performance validation and single marker traits such as Scrapie, spider and dwarf. With the flex bility of our panel, we will continue to research and SG USA: Is genomic testing open to all producers through NSIP and Flock54?

KARISSA & RUSTY: First, both of these tests are great products and they each have ben efi ts to the industry for making genetic improve ments. Since the 50K test has more information – albeit at a higher cost – it is targeted toward those seedstock producers who are gener ating EBVs with NSIP. Ideally, commercial producers could be using the NSIP 50K data and GEBVs when sourcing their rams and then using Flock54 to monitor the results, since it is more aff rdable at larger scale. Th more expensive, the higher-density NSIP 50K test can be used for stud rams and ram lamb prospects who will ben efi t from the greater amount of information to make rapid genetic progress, then Flock54 can be used on their off spring at the ranch for parentage and monitor ing that genetic improvement. Another real key to Flock54 is that the genomic database is also linked to the large database of carcass information through the instru ment grading system. Th is connection will lead to a full-systems approach to genetic improvement by tying the end product all the way back through the production cycle to the breeding animals and that information being available for genetic selection decisions.

SG USA: Where can producers go for more information?

RUSTY: Th NSIP website has tons of information about the ben efi ts and limitations of the 50K SNP chip test and GEBVs at NSIP.org. Under the Resources tab, we have a whole section devoted to genom ics with articles, fact sheets, videos and webinars. You can also contact me at info@nsip.org. KARISSA: Please visit Flock54.com to fi nd out more on our testing service or feel free to contact me directly at karissa.isaacs@superior farms.com.

30 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org