2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Test the null hypothesis that sex of littermates does not affect lifetime productivity of ewes. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) An appropriate dataset will be extracted from the USDA, ARS, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station genetics database. Various statistical methods and models will be used to determine whether the sex of littermates affects the lifetime productivity of ewes. Students from Wingate University will work with scientists at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station and Dr. Alison Brown, Wingate University, to analyze and interpret the data. Documents NFCA with Wingate U. 3.Progress Report Does sex of littermates affect lifetime productivity of ewes?: Knowing the answer to this question would allow sheep producers to improve various management decisions, such as expectations for growth, selection of breeding stock, and selection of slaughter lambs. To determine whether sex of littermates affects lifetime productivity of ewes, scientists at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station will extract a dataset from the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station genetics database. Then, students and a faculty member from Wingate University, North Carolina, will work with U.S. Sheep Experiment Station scientists to analyze and interpret the data. The first phase of the research has been planned, and the second phase (i.e., extraction and verification of the dataset) will be implemented in 2010. The project will produce meaningful research data, provide a new opportunity for students at Wingate University to participate in research, and stimulate students to consider careers in science. ADODR monitoring statement: Continued correspondence occurs by phone and email.