Development of the WormSTAR test from a decade of research in New Zealand was outlined at an open day at Wyambeh, south of Roma on February 13.

The test was commercialised by Catapult Genetics which pioneered sheep DNA research in parallel with work on cattle by Brisbane-based Genetic Solutions.

The two companies joined forces under the Catapult name last year and are now part of Pfizer Animal Genetics.

Wyambeh Merino and Poll Merino Stud principle Peter Campbell said the DNA test could be a valuable tool to help reduce parasite burden in the Australian sheep flock.

Mr Campbell, a member of the Leading Sheep Project Advisory Panel, has been breeding for parasite resistance for a number of years using faecal egg count data to identify animals which shed fewer eggs onto pasture.

Guest speaker at the Wyambeh open day, Deborah Collins, said the Worm STAR test was now available to Australian stud breeders using animal DNA extracted from a blood sample.

It identifies animals with the genetic make-up to withstand parasite challenge and shed fewer parasite eggs. Animals are given a star rating with two stars ensuring 100 percent genetic inheritance in progeny – a 7 to 12 percent reduction in faecal egg count.

Tests showed a typical New Zealand flock had 16 percent 2 star animals, 48 percent 1 star and 36 percent zero star.

Ms Collins, a Pfizer Animal Genetics representative based in Toowoomba, said the test would enable breeders to make significant progress when used in combination with faecal egg count data.

WormSTAR is one of a suite of sheep DNA tests developed in New Zealand from work by scientists at AgResearch, the equivalent of Australia’s CSIRO.

Ms Collins said the test had been validated on the performance of more than 100,000 sheep in flocks across New Zealand. Testing on Merinos in Australia was producing similar results.

“It has a double benefit because animals identified as parasite resistant are naturally superior meat and wool producers,” Ms Collins said.

Other DNA tests for meat yield and quality and parentage were already on the market in New Zealand. A feed efficiency test was being developed and also a test to identify animals carrying a poll gene.