Sire Reference Scheme 2006

Six bucks were selected from nominations for the second year of the Sire Referencing Scheme. Unfortunately there were problems with semen quality from two of the bucks and due to the limited time only one was able to be replaced. However the does that were to be mated to the missing buck were AI’d to semen from two bucks used in 2005 that had low numbers of progeny.

The AI program was conducted over three days in the middle of March. The AI was carried out by Paul Hamilton from Victoria using a non surgical intrauterine insemination. This method appeared far less stressful than the laparoscopic method used in 2005 and hopefully will result in a better conception rate.

The buck from Tony Brown is linked to the UNE worm resistance project.