One of the most forward thinking seedstock producers in the prime lamb industry is both excited and challenged by the new surrogate ram research revealed on Thursday.
If adopted, he says it could turn the present genetic pyramid of the sheep industry into something more like the dairy industry, where a small number of super-sires dominate an entire industry.
Details were published in a separate story, 'How stem cells will revolutionise ag', on FarmOnline and in the Fairfax Media rural weekly newspapers, on November 13.
Cashmore Park breeder of composites and Coopworths, John Keiller at Portland, Vic, says the exciting stem cell research is simply fast-tracking the present genetic technology.
“Presently, we have studs with genetic variation that is expanded greatly by the commercial side of the industry, like a pyramid.
"But with the wide adoption of this technology, we could have a few highly profitable super sires dominating the commercial industry and seedstock producers having to preserve the genetic diversity for the industry by holding onto animals at the fringes of production.”
Mr Keiller points out that the difference between a good and bad prime lamb ewe is presently about $35 a year and so naturally commercial breeders want those more profitable sires to dominate the genetics of their flock.
“But risk and reward are related and this technology would put great pressure on selecting the right animal for your operation," he says.
"The benefits could be there if you get it right but there may be big downsides as well.
"That is why we would need more robust evaluation systems to make sure the right genetics are being used.
"There could be big ramifications if we don’t get it right.”
Whatever the case, Mr Keiller says genetic diversity will have to be preserved and maintained to help keep a wide suite of genes available to the industry.