Flock Profile Test

The Flock Profile Test results deliver genomic predicted breeding values, scaled to ASBVs, allowing you to compare the flock average to the industry average. This genomic test is available only for the Merino breed.

Sheep Flock Profile Test
Available for Merinos only.

Genotype 20 ewes or rams to provide an estimate of your flock average genetic merit on an ASBV scale.

The Flock Profile tests results deliver genomic predicted breeding values, scaled to ASBVs, allowing you to compare the flock average to the industry average. This will allow you to track the genetic progress of your flock and make better ram buying and selection decisions.

The Flock Profile test has been scientifically validated with industry data, matching Flock Profile data to historical ram team information and measurements of performance taken in a wether trial.

Users have been overwhelmingly positive about the information they receive in progressing their commercial breeding programs.

When selecting your animals to sample there must not be any bias of individual animals for testing.

An easy selection method is to count your entire mob and divide by 20 and select every animal that presents at (mob number/20). For example, if you have 1000 sheep in your drop you would select an animal every 50 sheep (using 1000/20 = 50) and then collect samples from those 20 animals.

In the instance that you choose to only sample wethers or ewes from the drop, please be aware that this must be a representation of the entire drop.

Traits Reported:

  • Yearling Fibre Diameter
  • Yearling Fibre Diameter Coefficient of Variation
  • Yearling Staple Length
  • Yearling Clean Fleece Weight
  • Post Weaning Weight
  • Yearling Weight
  • Yearling Eye Muscle Depth
  • Yearling Fat Depth
  • Early Breech Wrinkle
  • Worm Egg Count
  • Yearling Fibre Curvature
  • Fibre Production Index
  • Merino Production Index
  • Dual Purpose Index

If you’re looking to get started with DNA testing for your flock, Neogen Australasia is here to help make the process easy and accessible for you. Here’s how to get started:

  • Create an account or login to your Neogen SheepDNA account on www.sheepdna.com.au
  • Purchase your collection kits here or alternatively TSU’s can be purchased at any Allflex reseller.
  • Select the animals you want to test and take DNA samples according to the instructions provided in the test information sheet.
  • Complete the sheep submission form with TSU and animal details, including a list of potential sires and dams if parentage is required.
  • Email this form to the SheepDNA office, and send your samples to the lab along with a completed and signed sample ID form.
  • Once we receive your samples, our Quality Assurance staff will check them before sending you a confirmation email for payment.
  • Results will be emailed to you via the nominated email address on the SheepDNA submission form.
  • Remember that if you need additional information or assistance, your local Neogen territory manager or our technical experts are always available to help.

At Neogen, we understand that every farm and breeder is unique, and we’re committed to providing personalized support to help you achieve your breeding goals. So don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help at any step of the process.

Allflex Tissue Sampling Units for Livestock DNA collection

One simple step opens a whole world of insightful predictions. The sheep industry is constantly evolving and advancing, that is why Neogen® has worked closely with Allflex to provide you with an advanced, quicker, and cost-effective way to collect DNA samples from your herd. With Allflex TSU’s, your samples are stored safety and securely and allow efficient processing using Neogen’s automated lab equipment. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Order your Allflex TSU Sampling Kit from Neogen Australasia or contact your local genomics territory manager.
  2. Once you have received your tag applicator and TSUs, you are ready to take your samples.
  3. Read the instructions or watch a TSU collection tutorial below.
  4. Collect your samples, complete your order form and , send in your samples to 14 Hume Drive, Bundamba 4304 QLD, with the completed hard copy of the order form, please ensure a digital copy of your order form is emailed to naa-sheep@neogen.com
  5. Once your samples are mailed, estimate 7-10 business days before samples arrive at the lab. The DNA is processed and DNA results are then read by our data service team and reported to you.
  6. Be sure to allow yourself and our team enough time if you are needing results by a specified date.

Using Allflex TSUs have several benefits including:

  • Quick and easy sample collection at any any.
  • Receive more data from a single sample, which can be stored for future testing or multiple tests.
  • Users must ensure that their RFID equipment is correctly configured for scanning TSU sample codes.

Tips for DNA TSU sampling

  • Be sure that if the animal has been freshly tattooed that all ink is avoided in the sample.
  • If sampling a newborn lamb, be sure to wipe the ear clean so that no DNA is transferred from the dam.
  • Be sure that there is tissue within the TSU before releasing the animal, and that the tissue is submerged in the buffer.
  • TSUs can be stored for up to one year at room temperature.

Remember to note which sample belongs to which animal, and check with your breed association for their specific DNA collection process. Contact your Local Neogen Territory Manager or Customer Service for assistance or questions about Allflex TSUs and genomic testing solutions.

Turnaround Time

The Turnaround Time (TAT) depends on various factors, such as the time it takes for your sample to reach our laboratory in Queensland, sample type(s) whether it is TSU samples or blood samples and whether the test results are reported directly or to your breed society.

Please keep in mind that if we need to re-run your sample. We call this a retest. In that case, the TAT will of course be extended.

Flock Profile Test Information

Customer Order Form – Please ensure a copy of this submission form is emailed to naa-sheep@neogen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What breeds can utilise the Flock Profile Test?

Currently only the Merino breed can utilise the flock profile test. Research is ongoing to add other maternal breeds, but we have no date for when extra breeds will be available.

Which animals should I test?

Generally, we recommend that you test your youngest drop of females to give an indication of your current genetics flowing through your flock. For stud breeders that are not utilising ASBVs, the flock profile test can be helpful to benchmark your nucleus flock.

Who will send me my results?

While Neogen processes the samples and extracts genotypes, these genotypes need to be analysed in the Sheep Genetics MerinoSelect run which happens fortnightly. The results are then feed into the RamSelect website for easy interpretation. A PDF copy of your results will be sent from the UNE team that manage RamSelect. Neogen will notify you when your samples have finished in the lab and the MerinoSelect analysis date so you will know when to expect your results.