Kelso is for farmers who seek ongoing performance gains from the carefully planned diversification of the genes of their maternal flock. Diversity and dynamic change are hallmarks of Kelso and result in higher lambing percentages, leading growth rates, high survival rates and resistance to internal parasites.
This is achieved by systematically introducing outside genetics, using the Central Progeny Test results and SIL-ACE to determine the top performing genetics, supported by gene marking and DNA testing across the entire flock. The August 2011 SIL-ACE results, for example, show that for the Trait ‘Growth Dual Purpose’ 20 of the top 25 – including the top 15 – were Kelso.
This is a transparent and objective way of knowing exactly what you’re buying, and for objective comparisons with other breeds. For Kelso it’s also a powerful motivator to constantly advance our Maternal flock’s genetic performance ‘to the next level’.
Another Kelso Maternal difference is the MyoMAX® gene. Discovered by Agresearch in 2006, the gene stems from the Texel and is now identified through gene marking using Pfizer Animal Genetics technology. Around 70 percent of Kelso Maternals have the gene, and gene marking is being used to take this, over time, to our target of 100%.
Agresearch studies show that sheep with one copy of the MyoMAX® gene have up to 5% more muscling in the leg and loin and up to 7% less carcass fat. On a 17kg carcass this equates to 110 gm more loin muscle, 100 gm more shoulder muscle, 240 gm more leg muscle and 322 gm less carcass fat. Animals with two copies of the effect (MyoMAXGOLD®) have up to 10% more muscling and 14% less fat across the carcass.
The yield benefits of MyoMAX® compared with non MyoMAX® in a Kelso trial show:
| Dressing % Increase | Increased $ Value | |
| MyoMAX® (single copy) | 1.60% | $4.30 |
| MyoMAXGOLD® (double copy) | 3.20% | $8.70 |