Canberra, May 5 -- More Australian sheep producers are turning to genetics to breed flocks that are more resilient, productive, and profitable, particularly in the face of increasing climate challenges, local media reported on Monday.
With around 200,000 animals added annually to the Sheep Genetics database, the use of DNA data in breeding is likely to grow, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
In 2016, just 30 percent of producers used genetic data when selecting rams; by 2024, that figure had nearly doubled to 56 percent, the ABC quoted statistics from Meat and Livestock Australia.
"It's no longer sheep just running around in the back paddock hoping for the best," South Australian producer Alison Henders...