Some of Australia's finest will be displaying their "fingerprints" at Dubbo.

Sheep DNA fingerprinting, selecting for fine quality wool and the latest in breeding technology will be the focus of the CSIRO display at the Dubbo Sheep Show and Ram Sale on 27-28 August this year.

"This is an ideal event to talk with Australia's leading wool producers on the latest advances in our wool-related research," says Pat Wilson of CSIRO's Division of Animal Production, "and we will have experts on hand from our Division to answer any questions."

According to Pat Wilson, it will soon be feasible to use DNA fingerprinting to establish pedigrees in ram breeders' flocks. Preliminary work by CSIRO will be on display for producers to keep abreast of new technology for selection and breeding programs.

"Better selection techniques to improve sheep for wool are also central to the fine wool project, and findings on the role of wool band skin characteristics will be detailed by Ian Purvis, our leading expert in this field.

"Breeding of merino sheep for resistance to worms is also high on the agenda, and researcher, Sandra Eady, will be at our Dubbo display to speak on the Nemesis program to develop genetic worm resistance.

"This will be of particular interest to breeders from regions where there is a high level of drench resistance and the continued reliance on anthelmintic drugs for worm control is not sustainable.

"The CSIRO display in the sheep pavilion at the Sheep Show will provide a range of must-see information for sheep breeders," said Pat Wilson.

More information from:
Pat Wilson 02 9840 2741, 02 9428 1134 (a.h.)
Ian Purvis 067 76 1373