Visual trait breeding values for the Combined LAMBPLAN analysis was released from 1st of October 2026. There are three key enhancements made for the visual trait module for Combined LAMBPLAN:
Seven visual traits will be included as research breeding values (rBVs). These traits use a 1-5 score and must be submitted as visuals along with a date of measurement and on-farm management group. These traits were prioritised because records are available across flocks, years and breeds, including through the MLA Resource Flock. The rBVs will be monitored as more data is submitted and may transition to ASBVs once they consistently perform as expected.
| Trait | Code | What is scored |
| Dag score | DAG | Faecal material around the breech and legs |
| Breech cover | BCOV | Natural wool cover around the breech |
| Shedding | SHED | Proportion of the fleece naturally shed |
| Birth coat | BCOAT | Hairiness or coat expression at birth |
| Tail length | TAIL | Tail length relative to the hock |
| Horn status | HORN | Expression of horn development |
| Face cover | FACE | Degree of wool cover on the face |
Genetic parameters are used within the evaluation to account our understanding of the underlying genetic factors influencing how an animal performs. All visual traits (apart from DAG) are new, which required estimating genetic parameters for all traits in the visual module to reflect the data being used to calculate these traits.
Genetic groups are used in the Sheep Genetics evaluations to help describe breed and population structure of animals with missing pedigree. The genetic groups in Combined LAMBPLAN will be at a genomic breed structure level (were previously at a flock level).