A major aim of the research program known as SheepGENOMICS was to deliver DNA markers for commercial breeding programs. To that end, a resource flock was established, comprehensively phenotyped and genotyped with DNA markers. The flock of nearly 5000 sheep, born over two consecutive years, was extensively phenotyped, with more than 100 recorded observations being made on most of the animals. This generated more than 460 000 records over 17 months of gathering information on each animal. Here, we describe the experimental design and sample-collection procedures, and provide a summary of the basic measurements taken. Data from this project are being used to identify collections of genome markers for estimating genomic breeding values for new sheep industry traits.

Based on current trends, increased consumers' perception of animal welfare in agricultural production will impact livestock systems, including meat sheep and wool production systems. Sheep breeding programmes target the most profitable type of animal for future production circumstances in three ways: increasing production to increase returns, improving health to decrease cost and considering future production and product requirements such as welfare-related traits, to retain the social licence to operate. To integrate novel traits in existing breeding programmes, methodologies are required to determine the economic value of these traits, which can be challenging, especially if the trait does not have a direct value that can be derived from the current market.