Project Number: 5364-31000-007-04
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 21, 2004
End Date: Dec 31, 2008

Objective:
In a range sheep production environment, evaluate different biological types of sheep for reproductive efficiency, rate and efficiency of growth, carcass composition, meat quality, and mature size. Use quantitative genetic methods to identify physical and physiological criteria for enhancing reproductive efficiency and other economically important traits, including meat quality, quantity, and flavor.

Approach:
Reproductive efficiency, rate and efficiency of growth, carcass composition, meat quality, and mature size will be evaluated for different biological types of sheep in a range sheep production environment. New genetic information gained from these evaluations on traits affecting production efficiency, and the relationship of the traits to growth and carcass characteristics, will be used to develop new composite terminal sire lines. These sire lines will be used with appropriate maternal lines to meet target market specifications for commercial lambs and produce more desirable end products that meet consumer demands, without sacrificing reproductive efficiency. Documents SCA with Virginia Poly Inst. & State U.