This paper introduces a series of papers in the form of a special edition that reports phenotypic analyses done in parallel with genotypic analyses for the Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) using data generated from the information nucleus flock (INF). This has allowed new knowledge to be gained of the genetic, environment and management factors that impact on the carcase and eating quality, visual appeal, odour and health attributes of Australian lamb meat. The research described involved close collaboration with commercial partners across the supply chain in the sire breeding as well as the meat processing industries. This approach has enabled timely delivery and adoption of research results to industry in an unprecedented way and provides a good model for future research.

Changes in the sheep industry over the last 20 years represent a trend that is unlikely to be reversed. The farm gate value of wool production has decreased from over $6 billion to ~$2.5 billion and the value of sheep meat has increased from $0.5 to $2.2 billion. Wool and meat are now on an equal footing in terms of the economic value of each sector of the industry. Future profitability of both wool and sheep meat production depends on achieving a high rate of productivity gain and improving quality attributes valued by consumers. Wool and sheep meat cannot compete on price or volume with synthetics and cotton in the textile market or with chicken and pork in the meat market. Differentiation based on quality and consistency needs to be measurable and clearly understood by consumers. The combination of genetic selection and good management can deliver improved productivity gain. Skills development and training will be essential for the industry to fully utilise available knowledge and new technologies.

As the sheep industry moves from focusing on wool production as its primary economic driver to the current situation where both sheep meat and wool are of similar importance, the challenge to maintain genetic improvement is significantly more complex. Selection for increased wool income only needs to focus on fleece weight and fibre diameter. Both parameters are easily measured and highly heritable. However, balanced 'sheep' production involves selection for increased reproductive efficiency and improved carcase characteristics as well as continued selection for wool traits. The sheep industry also has to breed for resistance to parasite due to the need to stop mulesing and the increasing problem of worm resistance to chemical drenches. This paper focuses on three initiatives that are contributing to transformation of the sheep industry: genomic technologies; data management and skills development. Genomic technologies enable fast and well-balanced genetic gain, particularly when difficult to measure traits such as reproduction, parasite resistance and carcase characteristics are so important. Prediction of breeding values, based on DNA analysis, relies on calibration using large numbers of animals measured for all traits of interest. Cost-effective measurement of phenotypic parameters is therefore essential for genomic technologies. The development of automated and semi-automated measurement of production and carcase characteristics, combined with wireless data transfer and cloud-based computing, provide complimentary technologies to support the development and use of genomics. Efficient data capture and its effective use also underpins improved productivity through better management and value-based supply chain transactions. Targeted training and skills development is the third component required to ensure that the sheep industry exploits the transformative and interlinked technologies of genetics and digital data.

Estimates of dressing percentage are used to predict carcase weight from live weight measurements and are affected by nutritional factors and the breed, weight and fatness of the animal. Data from the Sheep CRC's Information Nucleus Flocks for the 2007 lambing season were used to determine the effect of breed and environment on dressing percentage and aspects of hot carcase weight. Four sire groups, Merino, Border Leicester, Poll Dorset and White Suffolk, were included in the data set. Only progeny from Merino ewes (N = 1270; seven sites) were included in the data set. The dressing percentage of lambs from terminal sires (46%) was similar to that of the progeny of Border Leicester sires (45%) and higher (P < 0.01) than that of the progeny of Merino sires (43%). The live weight and fat depth at the GR site (110 mm lateral to the vertebra of the 12th rib) of the progeny was not closely related to dressing percentage. Eye muscle area explained 56% of the variation in dressing percentage based on progeny group means. Variation in dressing percentage across the seven sites was not strongly associated with feed type (pasture vs grain), GR fat depth or weight. It was concluded that the existing method of estimating carcase weight from live weight, fat score and nutrition is not accurate enough for commercial transactions involving the sale of sheep for slaughter or for breeding programs aimed at improving meat production. The sale of sheep on a hot carcase weight basis and progeny testing based on direct carcase measurements are likely to improve breeding and management strategies aimed at producing high-quality sheep meat.

This paper tells the story of translating a scientific concept to commercial scale use of game changing genomic technology within a period of just 6 years. It has involved close collaboration between researchers and end-users of the technology, facilitated by the resources and cooperative structure of the Sheep CRC. The paper explores some of the challenges encountered and the ways in which these challenges were addressed. Key elements of success were considered to be (i) delivery via existing modes, i.e. using estimated breeding values (EBVs) provided through Sheep Genetics, as breeders were familiar with the terminology and source of information; (ii) the delivery of EBVs for new traits created a huge amount of excitement, especially for terminal breeders (they do not have this in most other places, usually same traits); and (iii) the close engagement of breeders as potential end-users of the new technology.