Design and role of an information nucleus in sheep breeding programs

The Australian sheep Cooperative Research Centre has initiated an information nucleus with the aim to estimate genetic parameters for new traits, to undertake a large-scale whole-genome association study and to enhance the breeding values of breeding animals in commercial studs. This paper presents the rationale behind the current design factors to meet the main objectives. It then discusses the potential design of an information nucleus if it were a sustainable part of commercial sheep-breeding programs in the long term. Advantages of such an information nucleus are summarised and quantified where possible.