| Malleetech history Malleetech started as a co-operative breeding scheme in 1981 as a member of the Australian Merino Society ( Jabuk Ram Breeding Co-operative). In 1988 breeders in S.A. formed a regional group, Merinotech Mid North. In 1998 Malleetech went on its own breeding path using sires through Artificial Insemination from Toland Poll & Seamour Poll Merino Studs. The first AI program was conducted in 1984. Sires used in these programs have created links to the merino industry enabling direct comparison through "Sheep Genetics" & "Merinoselect" -Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV). In 2002 Malleetech became involved in the Merino Validation Project where (besides collecting information on wool fibre diameter, clean fleece weight & body weight): pedigree , eye muscle depth & back fat results were added to the equation. This has all led to increased accuracy of selection in our breeding program. We held our first helmsman auction in 2006 and believe this method of sharing our genetic gains combines the benefits of a private selection with the competition of an auction without the pressure to make a quick decision. 2010 saw 3 rams selected for sheep genomics trials where rams can be selected at young ages linking pedigree information with DNA markers. This is all in early stages of development but has potential to reduce generation intervals and to select for things early in life that cant be measured until the animal is older or in fact dead. Animals can now be selected for eating quality as soon as they are born! Our rams ASBV's are fully comparable across studs & years across Australia! |