CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary estimates from industry data are consistent with those in the literature and
reconfirm that assessments made on young animals are good genetic predictors of adult
performance. However, genetic correlations do support the need for breeders to collect at least one
adult assessment. The adult expressions were all very highly correlated and can be treated as the
same trait genetically and support the model currently employed by Sheep Genetics. Additional
data and analyses are required to investigate other lifetime traits such as live weight, fertility and
wool quality traits.