While two critical traits the Bonnington’s chasing were staple length and genetic fat, overall, their aim is to breed a balanced sheep with good wool and body traits. To understand how their breeding goals were progressing, they conducted a genomic flock profile via DNA testing carried out on a random selection of 20 ewe lambs from within their flock. “We took a tissue sample from the ear of 20 ewes of our youngest drop, which was not too onerous,” he said. “It is pretty cheap for the information that you get from a genomic flock profile and it helps you to see in simple terms what the strengths and weaknesses of your flock are.” David continued, “We use the genomic flock profile as a tool and will check every few years to see if the rams are doing what they’re supposed to and that it aligns with our breeding objectives.” Fertility is another big focus at “Bonnayr”. The Bonnington’s have consistenty achieved lambing rates of above 100%, even in drought years. “We go hard on fertility; if a ewe doesn’t have a lamb, it is culled out,” David said. They scan for singles and twins to tailor their management program, with the twin-bearing ewes run in smaller mobs of 150 to 200 at lambing. “Scanning is one of the cheapest things you can do to get a result,” he said. “We can identify the best breeders – if they have twins as a maiden ewe, they are more likely to have twins throughout their life.” 2– – 33 – 90 Superfine, Fine and Fine/Medium Aug/Sept 2024 drop unhoused horn and poll Merino rams 120 Fine/Medium and Medium May/June 2024 drop unhoused horn and poll Merino rams 35th ANNUAL ON-PROPERTY RAM SALE Friday 10th October 2025 48th ANNUAL ON-PROPERTY RAM SALE Wednesday 24th September 2025 C.T. MERRIMAN & SON LITTLE RANGE, BOOROWA NSW 2586 | JONO 0427 272 238 | CHARLIE 0467 853 396 | OFFICE 0427 289 018 www.koonwarrastud.com.au | merino@koonwarrastud.com.au | www.merrignee.com.au | merriman@merrignee.com.au FLOCK RAM SALES COMMENCE MID OCTOBER, BY APPOINTMENT · SEMEN AVAILABLE OPEN DAY · FRIDAY 3rd OCTOBER, 10am–4pm OPEN DAY · FRIDAY 19th SEPTEMBER, 10am–4pm
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1