In this section:
Applied Genetics
Research and development focuses on providing basic genetic information to allow breeders to develop optimal improvement programs for maximising genetic progress in production and quality traits. Outcomes/services generally fall into one or more of the following categories:
Genetic parameter estimates – these include heritabilities of traits and correlations between traits, at the observed “phenotypic” level, as well as the genetic level, but also estimates of variances and covariances. This information is vital for the construction of genetic evaluation systems in livestock and farmed aquatic species and thus the conduct of effective genetic improvement programs.
Providing evidence/validation of genetic gain – these are generally in the form of observed genetic trends or deviations from unselected control populations in designed selection experiments or in industry flocks. These give confidence to breeders on the recommendations on use of genetic technology, but also provide feedback on any unintended consequences of selection.
Provide understanding of genetic control of traits – the inheritance of some traits can be complex and may be influenced by a number of factors, such as dominance, epistasis and possibly epigenetics (heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA). This information is required by breeders when attempting to improve these traits.
Provide new/novel approaches for genetic improvement – some traits are difficult and/or expensive to measure commercially. Alternative approaches can be investigated, such as use of indirect selection criteria that may not necessarily be part of the breeding goal in themselves, or new/novel ways of assessing traits.
Wool and animal fibre science outcomes – some characteristics of animal textile fibres are routinely measured and used to assess animal and wool value. Other important traits like dark and medullated fibre, wool colour and photostability of colour and resistance to compression are still under evaluation. Development of wool metrology, assessment of variation present in animal populations and between wool sale lots, the identification of on-farm and animal factors of influence as well as determining processing implications are critical to developing systems that can be used to improve the value and competitiveness of animal textile fibres.
