The National Evaluation of Sires for the Production of Quality Cashmere (Sire Reference Scheme) project commenced September 2004. It is a 5 year research project that is funded by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC). The key outcome is to expand the industry by increasing the production of quality Cashmere. Our strategy for meeting the key outcome is to identify superior sires through a central progeny evaluation program and provide estimated progeny differences (EPDs) for industry. The project will also foster a national approach to meeting its goal by communicating the outcomes to industry. EPDs give an estimate of the genetic worth which an animal passes onto its progeny. It is independent of environmental factors (eg, season, nutrition, birth type). Our research will identify EPDs for: - Fleece weight and fibre quality
- Body weight/growth rate
- Resistance to internal parasites (FEC)
- Temperament
The Sire Reference Scheme (SRS) is a collaborative project involving industry, through the Australian Cashmere Growers Assoication, and the University of Western Australia. We’re working together to produce more quality Cashmere for the Cashmere Goat Industry, re-establishing Australia’s position as a supplier of elite cashmere to the world. |