GEMS Project

Genetic analysis is an increasingly important and common tool in guiding animal breeding. With the use of genomic information, a growing number of desired traits for livestock that boost flock health and producer profitability are being incorporated into breeding programs. Considerable gaps exist in genetic data collection for the sheep industry, however, and a new research project led by a faculty member in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources aims to build a needed inventory of such data.

“Our first pair of audio-presentations as part of our Sheep GEMS outreach program are posted on the Sheep Genetics USA website. They are about half-way along the homepage when you scroll down. I want to particularly thank Kathy Bielek, Jeremy Geske, Russell Kott, and Todd Taylor for participating in the producer roundtable discussion, and Dr Jake Thorne for moderating that discussion. I believe you will find their insights particularly interesting and valuable. If you think there are others who may be interested in listening to these presentations, please feel free to pass along this message.”