PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE OF MEASUREMENT IN SELECTION PROGRAMS - A SURVEY OF STUD MERINO BREEDERS IN AUSTRALIA

A total of 329 (25%) stud Merino breeders returned a survey designed t o evaluate their knowledge of, and attitudes to, objective measurement in sheep breeding and performance recording. The data were analysed b y log-linear regression techniques. There was overwhelming agreement t hat performance records were not as valid as traditional methods, but there was general agreement that measurement improves accuracy of sele ction, increases genetic gain, assists ram buyers and breeders, and in creases flock earnings. There is a significant concern regarding the a ccuracy of fleece tests. Most respondents (60%) intend to increase the ir use of measurement, although the common attitude was that measureme nt only gives back-up to visual assessment. Some answers demonstrated a lack of understanding of the principles of applying measurement. The re appears to be a difference between breeders and those more closely involved with technical genetics in interpretation of the term 'breedi ng objective'. Department of Agriculture Officers and Stock Agents rat ed poorly as sources of information. Rural newspapers and magazines ar e confirmed as useful media for awareness. It was concluded that a num ber of barriers to adoption of objective measurement and performance r ecording need to be overcome, including suspicion about the accuracy o f the fleece tests, and the ram age at which testing can be conducted with confidence.