The Nerstane Breeding Objective

The Nerstane Breeding objective is a clear and achievable statement of the direction of the breeding program.

The Breeding Objective is designed to:

• Reduce fibre diameter by 1.7 micron in 10 years
  
  
• Increase fleece weight by 6%, body weight by 0.1kgs and reproduction rate by 0.6% over the same 10 year period
  
  
• Increase worm resistance at 25% of its maximum rate
  
  
• Improve the high standard of wool quality and structural soundness.

The Nerstane Breeding Objective focuses on the important measured traits ie fleece weight and fibre diameter which are the major contributors to returns. Other visually assessed wool quality traits eg style which can be responsible for attracting significant premiums in the market place are also important.

The increasing problem of worm resistance has prompted us to include this trait in our breeding objective. Sheep managers can no longer rely on drenching alone to control worms. Strategies based on a range of control measures such as grazing management, strategic drenching, and worm resistance are now essential. By providing rams selected for worm resistance our clients have the option of developing effective worm controlstrategies. Our involvement in the CSIRO Nemesis Project from its inception has enabled us to efficiently incorporate worm resistance into our breeding program.