About Merinotech (WA) LTD

In 1988, a group of WA Merino breeders took the bold initiative in establishing a breeding program to fully exploit the latest developments in genetics and breeding technology. The essence of the strategy was to form elite ram breeding flocks within the environments of their clients, and then apply the very best techniques in animal breeding and selection to ensure rapid and continual genetic improvement. A ram breeding nucleus was established at Kojonup, Western Australia.

The breeding objective was clear: maximum profit in the commercial flocks of ram breeders and their clients. Thus, the strongest selection pressure was for high clean fleece weight with low fibre diameter. Concurrently, sheep were selected for good constitution and easy-care attributes, for high reproductive rates and longevity, and for freedom from body and wool faults.

Our rams are now some of the highest ranking in Australia for traits including fat, eye muscle depth, resistance to worms, ewe rearing ability and weaning rate. Combined with high-value, sound wool, they are easy-care sheep with a market advantage for prime lamb production. Merinotech ceased mulesing in 2023, with this facilitated by the genetic progress achieved in ‘non-mulesing’ traits including reducing worm egg counts, dag and breech wrinkle. We are committed to applying the best techniques in animal breeding and selection to ensure continual genetic improvement whilst having a positive contribution to the sheep industries within Australia and internationally.

High tech breeding system

The complete high tech breeding system comprises four interlocking phases:

  • Setting maximum profit breeding objectives.
  • Employing an integrated measurement and computerised data handling system.
  • Use of full pedigree breeding value estimation.
  • Use of accelerated methods of multiplying desirable genes.

Merinotech uses full pedigree recording in its elite flocks and in as many as possible of the participating ram breeders’ flocks. These best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) make use of all genetic links that have been set up, whether planned or otherwise. Continual improvements have resulted in each of the flocks.

Progeny testing and sire referencing is also prominent in the Merinotech program, because BLUP technology makes use of all genetic links between individual animals and groups of animals. Through the use of common reference sires, the Merinotech mating programs are linked in with major national sire referencing programs. This gives maximum information about the genetic merit of other Merino sources relative to those already included in the Merinotech program.

Merinotech clients also have access to the combined links established with research and development organisations and other industry bodies.

Rob Young, founding director of Merinotech (WA), believes that sheep now need to compete for space on farms against alternative enterprises. To remain profitable sheep enterprises must continuously improve in productivity and customer desirability, and be managed using minimal labour and without compromising on quality.

Managing and maintaining the co-operative attitude to detail is a feature of Merinotech. Monitoring future trends will enable the group to look to the future with confidence.