Genetics in the Paddock with Emily

Emily Johnston
  • 4.7 (3)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Genetics in the Paddock with Emily

Welcome to "Genetics in the Paddock," the podcast where we dive deep into the fascinating world of livestock genetics and its impact on agriculture. Join us as we explore the latest advancements in livestock genetics, bringing you insights from experts in the field. Whether you're a seasoned producer, a curious consumer, or someone with a passion for science, this podcast is your go-to source for understanding how genetics is revolutionizing the way we breed livestock. From discussing cutting-edge breeding techniques to exploring the genetic traits that make livestock more profitable, sustainable and productive, we cover it all. Hosted by Emily Johnston, a Genetics Development Officer with NSW DPIRD, each episode features engaging conversations with scientists, researchers, and industry leaders who share their expertise and stories behind the innovations that are shaping the future of agriculture. Get ready to unravel the genetic mysteries hidden in the paddock and discover how they contribute to sustainable and efficient farming practices. Tune in to "Genetics in the Paddock" and join the conversation in livestock genetics. Whether you're in the field or simply curious about the science behind livestock genetics, this podcast is your gateway to the insightful conversations around all things genetics. For any feedback, comments, questions or recommendations for topics or guest speakers, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

  1. 2 FEB

    Wrinkles, Weather, and Wool: The Genetics of Breech Strike in Merinos with Tracie Bird-Gardiner

    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 some alternative methods to mulesing, focussing on genetic selection and speaks about the tools we currently have available.  We also discuss the impact the environment has on the expression of breech strike and various indicator traits for breech strike. Come along to hear Tracie's findings around breech strike resistance research and how we can incorporate various strategies into breeding programs. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply want to know more about Tracie's work, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! Research discussed: Greeff, J. C., et al. (2013). Dogs Can Differentiate Between Odours from Sheep that are Resistant or Susceptible to Breech Strike. 20th Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG), War Memorial Conference Centre, Napier, New Zealand This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice

    21 min

  2. 06/10/2024

    Breeders are Cheating the System with BREEDPLAN? With Dr. Matt Wolcott and Catriona Millen

    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 low heritability traits, low accuracy, cheating the system, breeding values being the only important factor and more. Join us to hear more about these common misconceptions, and what the explanations behind this proven and powerful technology are. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply want to know more about how we can use genetics to make improvements and selection decisions, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice. BREEDPLAN:  https://breedplan.une.edu.au/

    30 min

  3. 29/09/2024

    From Data to Practice: Practical Applications for Breeding Programs with Professor Sam Clark

    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 between research and teaching.  We also discuss some of the biggest challenges, memorable moments and the importance of collaboration within the research space. Come along to hear Sam's experience, working in Quantitative Genetics across several species, including some of the important projects he's currently working on. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply want to know more about Sam's insightful work, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

    42 min

  4. 22/09/2024

    PhD-NA? A PhD Perspective in Quantitative Genetics with Dr. Dominic Waters

    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 student who has now dived into the world of academia. He discusses his work that encompassed genotype by environment interactions, and why it was important to capture data across multiple environments for his studies. This is an episode of reflection, as well as some useful tips and tricks for those who might be wanting to take the leap into the world of research! Come along to hear Dom's insights on PhD experience and his research findings. Whether you're a producer, already in research, or thinking about genetics as a career option, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

    18 min

  5. 15/09/2024

    The Best of Both Worlds: Eating Quality in Merinos with Dr. Sue Mortimer

    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 research findings from her extensive work done on eating quality in Merinos.  We also discuss overall liking scores, different cuts of meat and some of the genetic relationships discovered when considering a dual purpose Merino. Come along to hear Sue's discoveries on eating quality, how this work is being incorporated into indexes for producers to make selection decisions, and her thoughts on the future projecions. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply want to know more about Sue's fantastic work, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

    28 min

  6. 08/09/2024

    The Importance of a Balanced and Holistic Approach to Genetic Improvement with Sally Martin

    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 of genetic technologies and tools available. This episode also covers some common challenges, as well as how the industry has advanced over time. Come along to hear Sally's perspective sustainability, balanced selection, mulesing, genomics and more!. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply want to hear more about Sally's experience in the sheep industry, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice. Links related to this episode: SheepMetriX: https://www.sheepmetrix.com.au/

    37 min

  7. 01/09/2024

    From Farm to Fork: Enhancing Meat Quality through Science with Dr. David Hopkins

    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 Australian lamb industry. He also explains the importance of tenderness, pH, intramuscular fat and meat colour in relation to eating quality. This episode touches on a range of different topics inside the space of genetics and meat science. Come along to hear David's insights on eating quality, genetic trends, new technologies and his thoughts on what's yet to come in the meat science space. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply curious about meat science and what David has to say, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

    50 min

  8. 25/08/2024

    Will Selecting for Lower Methane Emissions in Livestock Lower Productivity? With Professor Julius Van der Werf

    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 unique international insights in the sustainability space and highlights the importance of several projects in the work that will give producers the option to lower the methane output of their ruminant livestock. He also answers the question of, will selecting for methane lower productivity? This episode also dives into the highlights of Julius's great and extensive career in both research and teaching.  Come along to hear Julius's insights on sustainability, genomics, climate change and other important topics in the livestock space. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply curious about Julius's teachings, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss! This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au. This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice. Links related to this episode: Low Methane Beef project: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/about-us/research-and-development/projects/animals/low-methane-beef-project Low Methane Sheep project: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/about-us/research-and-development/projects/animals/low-methane-sheep-lms

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Genetics in the Paddock," the podcast where we dive deep into the fascinating world of livestock genetics and its impact on agriculture. Join us as we explore the latest advancements in livestock genetics, bringing you insights from experts in the field. Whether you're a seasoned producer, a curious consumer, or someone with a passion for science, this podcast is your go-to source for understanding how genetics is revolutionizing the way we breed livestock. From discussing cutting-edge breeding techniques to exploring the genetic traits that make livestock more profitable, sustainable and productive, we cover it all. Hosted by Emily Johnston, a Genetics Development Officer with NSW DPIRD, each episode features engaging conversations with scientists, researchers, and industry leaders who share their expertise and stories behind the innovations that are shaping the future of agriculture. Get ready to unravel the genetic mysteries hidden in the paddock and discover how they contribute to sustainable and efficient farming practices. Tune in to "Genetics in the Paddock" and join the conversation in livestock genetics. Whether you're in the field or simply curious about the science behind livestock genetics, this podcast is your gateway to the insightful conversations around all things genetics. For any feedback, comments, questions or recommendations for topics or guest speakers, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

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