Genetic evaluations for beef and sheep have historically been provided by MLC through their performance recording arm called Signet. As a result of the strategic alliance between Signet, SAC and BASCO these evaluations will now be undertaken in Edinburgh by Edinburgh Genetic Evaluation Services (EGENES) under contract to Signet.
The data for evaluation will be extracted automatically from the BASCO database overnight by EGENES, evaluated and then reposted back onto the BASCO database. The equipment available in Edinburgh is of such high specification because of the activity in dairy genetic evaluations, it is expected that evaluations will be undertaken more frequently and results posted much quicker than in the past. Signet and MDC Breeding + are benefiting from this sharing of resources thereby making genetic evaluations more efficient for both the dairy and beef and sheep sectors.
After the setup phase scheduled to be completed by Spring 2006, routine evaluations will take place in Edinburgh by the summer. Work has already begun on International genetic evaluations for beef.
