Next generation wool harvesting

Using patented scientific technology the project aims to enable producers to scan wool in-shed and detect micron, colour and crimp of the wool, by creating machine learning models accessed by affordable non-connected devices. This project will benefit the producer by providing real time wool test results cheaper and quicker than current laboratory options, allowing more sheep to be tested.

The purpose of this project is to research and develop for adoption alternative technologies for wool follicle removal (lambs 8-12 weeks old) that could apply to mulesing and crutching as well as animal husbandry for the meat industry on older sheep. This project builds on the previous project “Duetto Laser Technology for sheep husbandry” which will validate Laser technology for this application in a controlled lab study.

This project provides strong and robust linkage to all standard sire evaluation sites joining for a 2023, 2024 and 2025 drop. Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA) will oversee the operation of up to 8 sire evaluation sites around Australia. All sites are operated independently and produce results that are specific to each site (Site Reports using within flock raw data, sire adjusted means and flock breeding values). In order for sires entered at different sites to be directly compared (Merino Superior Sires and MERINOSELECT), link sires need to be used across the sites.