The new LAMBPLAN Lamb 2020 index and a revamped Sheep Genetics website were both launched today by Meat & Livestock Australia chairman Don Heatley at the Meat Profit Day in Orange, NSW.

"In response to market feedback, we have replaced the Carcase Plus terminal sire index with the LAMBPLAN Lamb 2020 index," Mr Heatley said.

"In essence the Lamb 2020 index builds on the success of the Carcase Plus index with a broader range of desirable traits including birth weight and improved internal parasite resistance.

"More emphasis on early growth will also mean commercial producers can more successfully turn-off their lambs at 16-20 weeks and meet the current market specifications for muscle and fat.

"And importantly, using rams on the Lamb 2020 index will produce lambs that are up to $18/head more profitable than progeny from an average ram."

The new Lamb 2020 index has:

• 8pc emphasis on birth weight;

• 24pc on weaning weight (WWT);

• 25pc on post-weaning weight (PWT);

• 9pc on leanness (PFAT);

• 22pc on muscle (PEMD); and

• 12pc on Worm Egg Count (WEC);

The Lamb 2020 index is highly suited to producers supplying 20-24 kg carcase weight lambs, especially Merinos but also cross-breds.

Lamb producers interested in the Lamb 2020 index are encouraged to develop their understanding of LAMBPLAN and consult their ram breeders to determine the best sire selection for their individual operation.

Also launched today was the revamped Sheep Genetics website, which can assist sheep producers continue to improve their genetic progress.

Mr Heatley said the new Sheep Genetics website was a great resource for both seedstock breeders and commercial producers to obtain practical information and access to an extensive database of breeders and their stock.

"The website allows producers to customise their search for animals with up to six different breeding values suited to their enterprise and locate the breeders who can supply them."