Genetics

The New Zealand sheep industry has had many discussions over the years about the perfect sheep and how that fits into the diverse range of farming conditions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but a group of farmers and a scientist are working on that idea. By Sarah Horrocks.

Commercial beef farmers Andy and Angie Mason breed quality beef cows that are fast-tracking genetic progress.

Trevor Cook calls for good, reliable science to enhance our farming systems, and says it’s a mistake to misinterpret or ignore scientific outcomes.

Breeding is permanent and cumulative and can result in reduced costs as well as improved animal health and welfare. Sandra Taylor reports.

Geneticist Nicola Dennis scans the world of genetic modification, mostly outside New Zealand.

Results from the Beef + Lamb Genetics’ dairy beef progeny trial (DBPT) builds a compelling case for dairy farmers to use high genetic merit beef bulls across their herds. But how does this benefit finishers?

Sharl Liebergreen goes by the numbers to improve beef genetics.

What genetic change has the New Zealand beef cow herd made and are we improving? Amy Hoogenboom writes.

When selecting bulls, the best way to achieve genetic improvement in offspring is selection based on EBVs or an index, Dorian Garrick writes.

In pursuit of Wiltshire lambs who might have inherited the Myomax lean muscle mass gene, farmer and geneticist Nicola Dennis tells how the family went about the testing process.