Genetic improvement drives the creation of the "sheep of the future"

Researchers from Embrapa Southern Livestock (RS) are working on a project they call the "sheep of the future." The initiative seeks to offer the sheep farming industry more efficient, productive, and profitable animals. Genetic improvement research with the Unit's flock has already resulted in specimens that combine four characteristics: better conformation and carcass yield, spontaneous wool loss, higher prolificacy (ability to produce offspring), and resistance to worm infections. The next step is to validate these genetic improvements with partner producers before making them available to commercial flocks. According to Embrapa Southern Livestock researcher José Carlos Ferrugem, with this assisted selection it is possible to double the productive efficiency in sheep farming, from a new relationship between revenues and expenses, as well as contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the decrease of the unproductive population in the flocks. The selection for ...