Join us for another thought-provoking episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, as we explore one of the most fascinating and fast-moving frontiers in animal science — the microbiome. In this episode, Emily is joined by Drew Lakamp, a livestock geneticist helping unravel how the billions of microbes living in and on our animals influence productivity, health, and even breeding potential.

Together, they unpack what the microbiome actually is, how it differs from the animal’s own genome, and why producers should care. From feed efficiency and disease resistance to fertility and welfare, we look at how microbial communities could one day be treated as traits in their own right. 

Whether you’re a producer, advisor, or simply curious about the hidden biology shaping animal performance, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the role of microbiomes in modern livestock breeding.

To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics, or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Join us for another thought-provoking episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily", as we unpack the science, promise, and challenges of gene editing in livestock—with a special focus on CRISPR technology. In this episode, Emily is joined by Gus McFarlane, a Research Scientist from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, passionate about welfare-driven and climate-adaptive breeding with the help of gene editing technologies. 

Together, they explore how CRISPR is changing the conversation in cattle and sheep production—from improving thermotolerance and disease resistance to reducing mulesing and adapting European breeds to Australian conditions.

We break down how gene editing works (in practical, paddock-relevant terms), how it differs from GMOs, and why it's attracting renewed global attention. Gus shares current and future examples—from slick-coated cattle to gene-edited salmon—and explains why Australia may see commercial gene-edited livestock within the next five years. 

We also tackle the big questions:
🔬 What are the risks of misuse or misunderstanding?
💡 Will gene editing replace EBVs and selection indexes—or complement them?
⚖️ What regulations and safeguards are in place to ensure welfare and consumer confidence?

Whether you're a producer, advisor, or just curious about where livestock genetics is heading, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the realities and possibilities of gene editing in our extensive (and intensive!) systems. 

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.

This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Join us for another insightful episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Linda Cafe, a research scientist from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Brett Littler, Senior Land Services Officer with Local Land Services. In this episode, we dive deep into a remarkable Australian study that ran from 1992 to 2020, exploring muscle scoring in beef cattle and its impacts on herd productivity and profitability.

Linda and Brett share fascinating insights from almost three decades of research, demonstrating how selecting cows for higher muscle scores significantly increases meat yield and carcass efficiency—without compromising maternal productivity, fertility, or calving ease. We discuss the genetics behind muscle traits, the role of the myostatin gene, and practical strategies producers can use today to enhance herd resilience, efficiency, and profitability.

Whether you're a producer, geneticist, or someone passionate about beef cattle, this episode offers valuable insights that challenge old myths and reveal new opportunities to optimise your herd's performance.

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.

This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Resources:
Cafe LM, McKiernan WA, Robinson DL (2014) Selection for increased muscling improved feed efficiency and carcase characteristics of Angus steers. Animal Production Science 54: 1412-1416. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN14316 

 Cafe LM, McKiernan WA, Robinson DL (2018) Selection for increased muscling is not detrimental to maternal productivity traits in Angus cows. Animal Production Science 58: 185-192. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN13023 

Cafe LM, Polkinghorne R and Robinson DL (2021) Increased muscling and one copy of the 821 del11 myostatin mutation did not reduce meat quality in Angus steers. Animal Production in Australia 33. 2021AAAS_Cafe_Linda (animalscienceconference.com.au) 

Greenwood PL, O’Rourke BA, Brunner J, Johns WH, Arthur PF and Cafe LM (2019) Cellular development in muscle differs between Angus steers from low and high muscle score selection lines. Journal of Animal Science 97: 3199-3212. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz144 

McGilchrist P, Pethick DW, Bonny SPF, Greenwood PL, Gardner GE. (2011) Beef cattle selected for increased muscularity have a reduced muscle response to adrenaline and increased adipose tissue response to adrenaline. Animal 5:875-884. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731110002508 

McKiernan WA, Richardson E, Wilkins JF (2004) Effect of selection for increased muscling on early female reproductive potential. Animal Production in Australia 25:283. https://www.publish.csiro.au/SA/pdf/SA0401128 

McKiernan WA (1995) Growth, carcass value and body measurements from high and low muscled bulls. M.Sc. thesis, University of New South Wales, Australia. Growth...

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Leo Cummins, a retired scientist from the Victorian Department of Agriculture. In this episode, we discuss the history behind twinning in cattle from the 1980's, through to what is currently undergoing research.

Leo discusses some of the twinning research over in Nebraska, USA, as well as some of the practical challenges that go alongside twinning in cattle.  We also discuss sustainability, growth rates of twins and some of the common misconceptions.

Join us to listen to Leo's experience with twinner cattle and whether it might be an option for you. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply want to know more about Leo's work, this episode is packed with knowledge you won't want to miss!

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

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

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/

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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

Join us for another exciting episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Peta Bradley, the Manager of SheepGenetics (SG) within Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). In this episode, we discuss the intricacies sheep genetics, with a focus on Peta's insights from the SheepGenetics suite of genetic evaluation services for sheep and goats.

Peta discusses her experience working at SG for several years. She shares her insights on how trends have changed and how breeding objectives have shifted over time, giving us much to reflect on. This episode also touches on how performance groups have played an integral role in the genetic improvement of Merinos, terminals and maternals over the years.

Come along to hear about how we can use SheepGenetics genetic evaluation services to make more informed breeding decisions, as well as the importance of data driven decisions and recording. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply curious about how SheepGenetics operates, this episode is packed with insider 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:

SheepGenetics: https://www.sheepgenetics.org.au/

Join us for a fascinating episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Catriona Millen, an Extension and Technical Consultant from the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI)'s BREEDPLAN. In this episode, we discuss the intricacies beef genetics, with a focus on Catriona's learnings from the BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation service for beef cattle.

Catriona discusses her experience working with global and diverse markets and production systems. She shares her insights the use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), giving us many helpful tips and tricks to implement. This episode also touches on some potential challenges producers may encounter when using BREEDPLAN and how we can troubleshoot these issues.

Come along to hear about how we can use BREEDPLAN and genetic technologies to make more informed breeding decisions, as well as the importance of data driven decisions and recording.. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply curious about how BREEDPLAN works, this episode is packed with insider 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:

BREEDPLAN: https://breedplan.une.edu.au/

Join us for a fascinating episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Michael Aldridge, a research scientist from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU). In this episode, we discuss the intricate world of genetics and sustainability, focusing on the new and exciting research in around methane.

Dr. Aldridge sheds light on the complexity of methane emissions from ruminant animals and how research to underpin breeding values will provide options for more sustainable livestock productions in the near future. With his extensive research and experiences from the Netherlands and various production systems worldwide, Dr. Aldridge offers invaluable insights and practical solutions for reducing methane emissions through selective breeding.

Discover how genetics can play a pivotal role in creating a greener future for the livestock industry, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. Whether you're a producer, a researcher, or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, this episode is packed with expert 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:
AGBU: http://agbu.une.edu.au/

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

Welcome back to Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, where we explore topics related to livestock genetics. Last season, we spoke to various guest speakers about the fundamentals of genetics and how we can use these technologies for genetic improvement in our herds and flocks.

This season, we're taking it to the next level.

From sustainability, to discussing different production systems, to meat science, mythbusting and more, join us this season to dive into these new and exciting topics. 

Season 2 of 'Genetics in the Paddock with Emily' launches on August 5th. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform.

Hosted and produced by Emily Johnston, Genetics Development Officer, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

To celebrate Season 1 of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we wrapped up the season with a panel Q&A, with some of our guest speakers from the first season, featuring Dr. David Johnston, Dr. Sam Walkom, Dr. Brad Walmsley and Dr. Tom Granleese. The questions cover a variety of topics including crossbreeding and how long hybrid vigour lasts, new traits we might see pop up in breeding objectives, how commercial producers can benchmark their livestock, how the environment plays into the physical expression of an animal and many other topics.

Over the season, we collected questions from YOU to be answered by our various experts. For a chance for your question to feature in season 2's Q&A session, please send them through to emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

We want to thank you for your support and for joining us on the journey through livestock genetics for the first season of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily. 

Stay tuned for the release of Season 2 - for more guest speakers and more genetics content and tips.

The information discussed in this podcast are for informative and educational purposes only and do not constitute advice.

In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the heart of beef production, exploring the remarkable journey of Renee Rippon, a technical officer for the Southern Multi Breed project (NSW DPIRD), who carved her niche in the industry of beef production.

Renee shares her inspiring story and insights into her flourishing career from Queensland, to Northern Territory and finally back to New South Wales.

Join us as Renee takes us on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in beef production. From breaking stereotypes to managing large scale genetics projects, Renee's experiences shed light on her resilience and tenacity as she carved her career path as a woman in agriculture. She also dives into her passion of female fertility and why it is so important to beef producers.

Tune in for an engaging conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring individuals looking to make their mark in this exciting field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about the world of cattle farming, Renee's story will leave you inspired and motivated.

Please share this podcast with your fellow producers and colleagues and feel free to contact us with suggestions or comments via this email address: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au with “Podcast” in the title.

Resources related to the discussion within this podcast:
BREEDPLAN: https://breedplan.une.edu.au/
Southern Multi Breed: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/animals/beef-cattle/breeding/smb-project

The information discussed in this podcast are for informative and educational purposes only and do not constitute advice.

In this enlightening episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Tom Granleese, a research officer within NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Join us as we unravel the fascinating world of female reproductive technologies and their pivotal role in supercharging genetic progress in extensive livestock operations. 

Dr. Granleese takes us on a journey through the cutting-edge techniques and innovations that are transforming the way we can tackle genetic gain in the livestock industry. Female reproductive technologies, often underappreciated, hold immense potential to accelerate the development of desired traits within your herds, however there are a few considerations!

During our conversation, we'll explore how these technologies, ranging from artificial insemination to embryo transfer and beyond, can be harnessed to maximize the impact of your breeding programs. Dr. Granleese shares real-world examples and success stories, shedding light on how savvy breeders are leveraging these tools to achieve remarkable results.

Whether you're a seasoned livestock producer or a curious newcomer, this episode is your gateway to understanding the game-changing potential of female reproductive technologies. Dr. Tom Granleese's insight will assist you to make informed decisions around this exciting technology.

Resources related to the discussion within this podcast:
Sheep Genetics: https://www.sheepgenetics.org.au/
BREEDPLAN: https://breedplan.une.edu.au/

The information discussed in this podcast are for informative and educational purposes only and do not constitute advice.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Genetics in the Paddock with Emily as we sit down with Dr. Sam Walkom, a senior research fellow at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unite (AGBU). Together, we explore the essential task of updating the reference flock to align with industry standards and the dynamic landscape of the sheep genetics realm.

In the ever-evolving sheep industry, staying ahead means continuously expanding our understanding of genetics. Dr. Walkom shares his deep insights into the strategic process of updating the reference flock, ensuring it reflects the latest traits and encompasses the full spectrum of genetic potential available today.

We delve into the importance of this endeavour, discussing the role of cutting-edge technology, data analysis, and collaboration within the industry. Dr. Walkom provides a roadmap for capturing the richness of genetic diversity and incorporating new traits that not only keep your flock competitive but also contribute to the advancement of the entire sheep genetics sector.

Whether you're a seasoned producer or a curious newcomer, this episode offers invaluable insights into the meticulous planning and execution required to ensure the reference flock is a beacon of progress and innovation in the sheep industry.

AGBU is a joint venture between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and University of New England (UNE). 

Please share this podcast with your fellow producers and colleagues and feel free to contact us with suggestions or comments via this email address: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au with “Podcast” in the title.

Resources related to the discussion within this podcast:
Sheep Genetics: https://www.sheepgenetics.org.au/
BREEDPLAN: https://breedplan.une.edu.au/

The information discussed in this podcast are for informative and educational purposes only and do not constitute advice.