Unique partnership brings breakthrough genomic tool to commercial sheep breeders

Weatherbys Scientific, a world leader in genomics, has announced the launch of a powerful new genomic tool developed exclusively with neXtgen Agri for commercial sheep breeders in Australia and New Zealand to accelerate their flock’s genetic gains.

The release of neXtPredict signals a new partnership for the industry and follows years of research and development, led by Meat & Livestock Australia, to connect genomic breeding values (GBVs) to on-farm breeding programs in commercial flocks.

Breeders are now able to obtain detailed and accurate genomic information on individual commercial animals, as well as obtain the advice they need to interpret the results and to select the right animals to achieve their breeding and business objectives.

The neXtPredict test provides genomic predictions for traits including fibre diameter, fleece weight, and body weight, along with traits important for dual-purpose flocks like weaning rate and condition score.

The test is based on research from Meat & Livestock Australia and validation work conducted in 2024 by the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU) at the University of New England, which involved the analysis of more than 10,000 DNA samples from 19 commercial Merino flocks. After participants provided phenotypic information on their genotyped animals, the validation study confirmed correlations between individual animal performance and the new genomic prediction.

“Overall, participants were excited about the availability of a tool to genomically rank animals,” the report stated.

Weatherbys Scientific Territory Manager, Tamarah Luxton, said the research showed the significant potential that could be unlocked for sheep breeders.

“The findings established two critically important things: that this tool accurately predicts the performance of a commercial animal in key traits based on a simple genetic test, and that it can be done cost-effectively,” Ms Luxton said.

“Weatherbys Scientific is bringing that tool to market as neXtPredict, backed by a new partnership that will offer guidance to breeders no matter where they are on their genetic improvement journey.

“This represents an opportunity to make breeding decisions earlier and accelerate genetic gains through subsequent generations to unlock greater profitability.”

Anew level of support for breeders

In a unique partnership for Australia and New Zealand, Weatherbys Scientific has joined with neXtgen Agri to provide breeders not only with genomic insights into their flock but also the expertise of geneticists and expert breeding consultants.

CEO of neXtgen Agri, Mark Ferguson, said the integrated approach will ensure breeders get the most accurate information, and the level of support to ensure the best outcomes.

“Often breeders are handed a CSV file or Excel spreadsheet of data and are expected to interpret that information,” Mr Ferguson said.

“You can end up having really accurate information but can still feel confused about how to put that information to its best use.”

“That is what is unique about this partnership. We have consultants to help interpret and analyse the information to make it a smooth and confident decision-making process.”

Users of neXtPredict will have three selection tool options to choose from:

• neXtPredict Core. Breeders receive Genomic Breeding Values (GBVs) for 13 traits and in five indexes in a user-friendly platform. Producers can have confidence in the data driving the evaluation, powered by the Sheep Genetics MERINOSELECT database. The GBVs and indexes are presented visually, with filtering tools for easy ranking by single or multiple traits.
• neXtPredict Plus. In addition to Core features, breeders can create their own indexes by weighting traits according to their breeding objectives. Animals are ranked according to these customised settings, helping breeders target specific goals. They will also have correlation matrices that can be used to see how the traits are interacting.
• neXtPredict Pro. Advanced features include the ability to incorporate on-farm measurements (e.g. structural traits and dag scores) into animal rankings, store and track flock data across years, and, receive tailored support and strategic advice from neXtgen Agri consultants.

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“This is a first for our Australian and New Zealand woolgrowers – a partnership which delivers simple, actionable decisions backed by the accuracy of genomics from Weatherbys and the expert knowledge of the neXtgen Agri team,” Ms Luxton said.

To learn more about neXtPredict contact neXtgen Agri at nextpredict@nextgenagri.com or +64 27 313 4265.