$30 million boost to sheep genetics research, wool quality

Researchers at the University of Adelaide's Roseworthy Campus will play a pivotal role in a $30 million national effort to improve the quality of sheep wool and meat for export.

The new $30 million Sheep Genomics Program is a joint initiative between Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation.
The program is designed to increase productivity in the sheep industry and improve meat and wool quality through identifying sheep genes and their functions.

The Livestock Systems Alliance (LSA) - a partnership of the University of Adelaide and SARDI, based at Roseworthy - is the main contributor to the wool component of this program. The Sheep Genomics Program will provide the LSA with at least $2.8 million over the next three years to support wool research.

The wool program is headed by the Director of Roseworthy Campus, Professor Phil Hynd, who has an international reputation for his work in genetic biotechnologies. His research includes improvements to hair follicles in sheep to provide better quality wool to industry and consumers.

"The Sheep Genomics Program is a major research undertaking which is aimed at keeping Australia's sheep industry at the forefront of international success," Professor Hynd said.

"The reputation for wool research at Roseworthy has earned it the distinction of being the national leader into improvements in wool for this program.

"This is yet another example of how the cutting-edge scientific expertise at Roseworthy is being utilised to develop practical outcomes that benefit Australia and the rest of the world. It is also an excellent example of how research organisations can work closely with industry and government," he said.

Professor Hynd said the teaching of Agricultural Science programs at Roseworthy Campus is informed by internationally renowned science, which puts the University of Adelaide at the fore-front of teaching as well as research.

Story by David Ellis