Sheep breeding and genetics
Practical information on topics relevant to sheep breeding and genetics in Queensland.
A successful breeding program leads to increased reproduction rates and selection pressure which contribute to improved enterprise performance and resource management.
Due to the differences between properties and districts certain information may not be applicable to all situations. However, the general principles of good breeding management, genetic gain and flock improvement still apply.
For information on predators of sheep and lambs, including foxes, wild dogs and pigs, visit Natural Resources & Mines pest fact sheets .
Sheep breeding
Desire, ability and stamina of rams
Ewe reproductive tract
General ram management
Infectious diseases of rams
Joining length
Joining maiden ewes
Joining management to increase pregnancy rates
Joining percentages
Lot feeding merino lambs during a drought
Managing blowflies and lice on rams
Managing ovine brucellosis to maximise ram fertility
Net reproduction rate
Oestrus, ovulation, fertilisation and embryo mortality
Pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia
Producing better weaners in north-west Queensland
Ram culling and replacement policy
Ram health and well being
Ram reproductive tract
Sperm production in rams
The economics of getting your ram management right
The ram effect
The ram paddock
The role of genetics and the environment when replacing rams
Time of joining
Unsound udders cause lamb loss
Use of ram sale measurements
Wet and drying
What to do when you get your replacement rams home
Sheep genetics
Breeding for increased resistance to worms
Genetic correlations in merino sheep
Heritabilities for production characters in merino sheep
Repeatability of production characters in merino sheep
Role of objective measurement
Selection of merino sheep resistant to body strike
Which grade of ram to choose?
Which stud to choose?
Last updated 30 March 2004
