Genetics in the Paddock with Emily

Join us for another thought-provoking episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, as we dive into one of the longest-running and most influential sources of independent Merino genetics information: wether trials. In this episode, Emily is joined by Phil Graham from Graham Advisory and Dr Sue Hatcher from Makin Outcomes to unpack why this decades-old approach is re-emerging as a powerful decisio...

Join us for another deep-dive episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, as we continue exploring one of the most exciting frontiers in livestock science: the microbiome. In Part 2, Emily is again joined by livestock geneticist Dr. Andrew (Drew) Lakamp to look beyond what the microbiome is and focus on what it can do for breeding decisions. In this episode, we dig into how an animal’s genetics...

Join us for another thought-provoking episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, as we explore one of the most fascinating and fast-moving frontiers in animal science — the microbiome. In this episode, Emily is joined by Drew Lakamp, a livestock geneticist helping unravel how the billions of microbes living in and on our animals influence productivity, health, and even breeding potential. Toge...

Join us for another thought-provoking episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily", as we unpack the science, promise, and challenges of gene editing in livestock—with a special focus on CRISPR technology. In this episode, Emily is joined by Gus McFarlane, a Research Scientist from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, passionate about welfare-driven and climate-adaptiv...

Join us for another insightful episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Linda Cafe, a research scientist from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Brett Littler, Senior Land Services Officer with Local Land Services. In this episode, we dive deep into a remarkable Australian study that ran from 1992 to 2020, exploring muscle scoring in beef ca...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Leo Cummins, a retired scientist from the Victorian Department of Agriculture. In this episode, we discuss the history behind twinning in cattle from the 1980's, through to what is currently undergoing research. Leo discusses some of the twinning research over in Nebraska, USA, as well as some of the pra...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Tracie Bird-Gardiner, a Development Officer from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. In this episode, we discuss the significance of breech strike within the Australian Merino sheep industry including the practise of mulesing for controlling this issue. Tracie guides us through som...

Join us for another very exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Matt Wolcott (Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit) and Catriona Millen (Agricultural Business Research Institute) for a mythbusting episode. We discuss common misconceptions that arise when using the BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation service for beef cattle. Matt and Catriona discuss several topics such as...

Join us for another interesting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Professor Sam Clark in Quantitative Genetics, from the University of New England. In this episode, we discuss the importance and practical use of reference data sets, the value of genomics, breeding programme design and personal insights and reflections. Sam takes us through how he finds the balance betwe...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Dominic Waters, an Associate Professor in Quantitative Genetics at University of New England (UNE), and a recent PhD graduate. In this episode, we discuss the Dom's experience during his PhD, including some of the important work he dedicated his time to. Dom offers the unique insights of a recent PhD stu...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Sue Mortimer, a research scientist from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. In this episode, we discuss how to find the balance between wool production and eating quality traits and some of her research findings in improving carcass traits in Merinos. Sue takes us through the r...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Sally Martin, who is the Managing Director and Senior Consultant at SheepMetriX. In this episode, we discuss the the importance of a balanced approach to genetic improvement. Sally offers her own insights around how to balance data with visual assessment when making important purchases and navigating the use...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. David Hopkins, the Chief Editor of the Meat Science Journal. In this episode, we discuss the various topics around meat science and the impact genetic selection can have on these important traits.. David offers an interesting perspective, taking us back in time to the coordinated effort of improving the...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Professor Julius van der Werf, a Professor in Animal Breeding and Genetics at University of New England (UNE). In this episode, we discuss the various topics around sustainability, particularly what research is happening in this space at the moment and what it'll mean for various industries. Julius offers un...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Peta Bradley, the Manager of SheepGenetics (SG) within Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). In this episode, we discuss the intricacies sheep genetics, with a focus on Peta's insights from the SheepGenetics suite of genetic evaluation services for sheep and goats. Peta discusses her experience working at SG f...

Join us for a fascinating episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Catriona Millen, an Extension and Technical Consultant from the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI)'s BREEDPLAN. In this episode, we discuss the intricacies beef genetics, with a focus on Catriona's learnings from the BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation service for beef cattle. Catriona discusses her exper...

Join us for a fascinating episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Michael Aldridge, a research scientist from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU). In this episode, we discuss the intricate world of genetics and sustainability, focusing on the new and exciting research in around methane. Dr. Aldridge sheds light on the complexity of methane emissions from ruminant...

Welcome back to Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, where we explore topics related to livestock genetics. Last season, we spoke to various guest speakers about the fundamentals of genetics and how we can use these technologies for genetic improvement in our herds and flocks. This season, we're taking it to the next level. From sustainability, to discussing different production systems, to meat sc...

To celebrate Season 1 of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we wrapped up the season with a panel Q&A, with some of our guest speakers from the first season, featuring Dr. David Johnston, Dr. Sam Walkom, Dr. Brad Walmsley and Dr. Tom Granleese. The questions cover a variety of topics including crossbreeding and how long hybrid vigour lasts, new traits we might see pop up in breeding objective...

In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the heart of beef production, exploring the remarkable journey of Renee Rippon, a technical officer for the Southern Multi Breed project (NSW DPIRD), who carved her niche in the industry of beef production. Renee shares her inspiring story and insights into her flourishing career from Queensland, to Northern Territory and finally back to New South Wale...

In this enlightening episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Tom Granleese, a research officer within NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Join us as we unravel the fascinating world of female reproductive technologies and their pivotal role in supercharging genetic progress in extensive livestock operations.  Dr. Gran...

Join us in this enlightening episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily as we sit down with Dr. Sam Walkom, a senior research fellow at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unite (AGBU). Together, we explore the essential task of updating the reference flock to align with industry standards and the dynamic landscape of the sheep genetics realm. In the ever-evolving sheep industry, staying ahead mea...

In this episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we are joined by Dr. Matt Wolcott, a research fellow from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU). Together, we embark on a journey into the intricate world of genetic evaluation tools and how to wield them effectively for making crucial decisions in livestock breeding. Choosing the right sire or making informed breeding decisions can mak...

In this episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we delve into the power of selection indexes in livestock breeding. Join us as we unravel the science behind these powerful tools that drive genetic progress in the livestock industry. Selection indexes are the cornerstone of modern livestock breeding programs, but what exactly are they, and how do they work? Our guest expert, Dr. Brad Walmsle...

In this informative episode on Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, join us as we delve deep into the world of livestock production with the Dr. Kirsty Moore. Dr. Moore is a senior research scientist from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, and she's here to introduce us to a fundamental concept in livestock genetics: breeding values. Breeding values are the secret sauce behind producing healthi...