GENETIC-DIFFERENCES AMONG MERINO BLOOD LINES FROM NSW WETHER COMPARISONS (1983-1993)

Information from 54 NSW wether comparisons, conducted in all productio n regions between 1983-1993, have been analysed to provide bloodline d ifferences in production traits (fleece weight, yield, diameter and bo dy weight) and wool quality traits (style, length, colour and tenderne ss). Detailed information is provided on 61 bloodlines which were deem ed to have sufficiently precise estimates. An economic evaluation of b loodline differences has been attempted for a range of past and curren t market scenarios. The results are discussed with reference to the ch oice of a bloodline source by a commercial wool producer.