The Maternal Central Progeny Test (MCPT) is a multi-state project to improve the productivity and profitability of the lamb industry by demonstrating ways to improve prime-lamb dams in general and first-cross ewes in particular. A total of 91 maternal sires from various breeds are being evaluated. The project is evaluating first-cross meat production from wethers and second-cross lamb production from the first-cross ewes. There are clearly large genetic differences between and within breeds in all aspects of lamb productivity. Based on the results so far, the choice of sire of the first-cross ewe used by a specialist lamb producer with 2,000 breeding ewes could result in differences in gross income per year of $80,000. It is clear that a major portion of the genetic variation involved in these differences is within-breed and potentially can be identified by LAMBPLAN estimated breeding values (EBVs). All sectors of the sheep industry need to consider how the genetic information of the animals that they are producing can be incorporated into a better value-based marketing system.

The Maternal sire Central Progeny Test (MCPT) is testing 91 maternal sires from several breeds, such as Border Leicester, Coopworth, Finnsheep and East Friesian. The sires were entered by breeders and mated to Merino ewes at three sites: Cowra, Hamilton, Struan/Rutherglen over three years. Common sires used at each site and year provide genetic links so all sires can be compared. 1stX lamb growth and carcass performance of wethers is being evaluated together with the lamb and wool production of the 1stX ewe progeny over three years. There was a large range in 1stX estimated breeding values of the sires for weight and fat in particular, equivalent to a range of 10kg in post weaning weight and 8mm GR carcass fat in 1stX lamb progeny. Large differences in lambing rate (81 to 167% weaned) and $ returns ($158 to $263 over three years) were found for 1stX ewe groups at Cowra. Opportunities and strategies for breeders and producers at the various levels in the industry to exploit this variation are discussed.