In this section:
Breeding & Genetics
The Livestock Breeding and Genetics science program area provides a range of specialist capabilities in quantitative and molecular genetics, reproductive biology and wool metrology currently being applied mainly to the extensive livestock industries of sheep and cattle to enhance genetic improvement programs, breeding efficiency and to ensure product quality, but which can also be applied to aquatic species and other livestock species (dairy cattle, pigs, chickens, goats, deer, alpaca, rabbits etc).
There are three research & development platforms, applied genetics, molecular biology and reproductive technology.
Applied genetics focuses on providing basic genetic information to allow breeders to develop optimal improvement programs for maximising genetic progress in production and quality traits.
Molecular biology seeks knowledge of the underlying genetic control of trait performance at a gene/DNA level, with a view to supplementation of the conventional tools available for livestock improvement based on quantitative genetics.
Reproductive technology focuses on enhancing livestock production via use of in vitro embryo culture methodology, embryo manipulation and animal reproductive technologies in both sheep and cattle. Transgenic and cloning techniques are also in-house capabilities.
Key areas of endeavour within the Livestock Breeding and Genetics science program area are in DNA and RNA Analysis aimed at identification of the genetic determinants of important production traits, Analysis of gene expression in Livestock, analysis of Foetal development in Cloned Livestock to support efforts to establish the somatic cell nuclear transfer ('cloning') method for use in livestock transgenesis and the clonal propagation of valuable livestock genetics, and finally in Transgenesis to modify commercially significant production traits.
The personnel in this laboratory have experience with an extensive range of Molecular Biology protocols, including all of the methods of Recombinant DNA technology for DNA, RNA and Protein analysis. Many sheep (wool follicle) and bovine (muscle) genomic and cDNA clones representing expressed genes have been identified and isolated.
The laboratory also has a proven capability in transgenesis for analysis of gene function and to produce new phenotypes.
Since 1987 and in collaboration with SARDI's Reproduction Laboratory at Turretfield Research Centre, the group has undertaken a comprehensive sheep transgenesis program aimed at modification of wool fibre properties and improved wool growth rates. In recent years, this work also attracted support from the federally funded CRC for Premium Quality Wool. Genes cloned in the laboratory have been constructed for expression as transgenes and transferred to both mice and sheep.
For further information contact:
Dr. C. Simon Bawden
Senior Research Scientist
Phone: (08) 8303 7604
Email: simon.bawden@sa.gov.au
