Publications

In August 2014, 80 people connected to the Animal Selection, Genetics and Genomics Network met for a satellite meeting attached to the World Conference of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production in Vancouver, Canada. The meeting included: (1) updates of the working groups of the Network, followed by (2) updates on projects related to feed efficiency and methane emissions around the world. After lunch two inspiring scientists were asked to update us on their ground breaking research projects. The meeting ended with a discussion on mitigation versus adaptation. A new working group of the Network was created, and their aim is to write a white paper on adaptation strategies, which will be presented at the next annual meeting in February 2016, attached to the GGAA conference in Melbourne, Australia. To the left is a Download button for a zip folder containing the minutes where the main outcomes of each presentation can be read, and also a pdf of the presentations.

Thank you all for your active contribution to the meeting, and we hope to collaborate further in the future.

The May 2014 Newsletter is available here and can be accessed by clicking the DOWNLOAD link.

Material in the document can be freely cited as Pickering et al (2013) “Consensus methods for breeding low methane emitting animals” a White Paper prepared by the Animal Selection, Genetics and Genomics Network of the Livestock Research Group of Global Research Alliance for reducing greenhouse gases from agriculture. 

DISCLAIMER: This paper has been prepared by the Methane Phenotyping Working Group of the Animal Selection Genetics and Genomics Network (ASGGN) of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. Every effort has been made to ensure this publication is accurate. It is intended only to provide background for technical discussion only. The authors will not be responsible for any error or omission. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is accurate, the Livestock Research Group of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases does not accept any responsibility or liability for error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that may be present, nor for the consequences of any decisions based on this information. Any view or opinion expressed does not necessarily represent the view of the Livestock Research Group of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This document was commissioned by the New Zealand Government to support the goals and objectives of the in support of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, but its contents rely heavily on the contributions from the individual scientists (the authors) in the Alliance member countries. The participation of these scientists and their institutions are gratefully asknowledged and warm thanks are extended for their contribution to this document.  

OCTOBER 28TH AND 29TH 2013, BUNDOORA, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA.

The meeting aimed to facilitate exchange of information, discussion and collaboration between researchers working on Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) and Dry Matter Intake (DMI) traits in production ruminants.

There were a number of short presentations designed to facilitate discussion of various topics surrounding FCE and DMI, which are listed below.

The October 2013 Newsletter is available here and can be accessed by clicking the DOWNLOAD

THIS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE ASGGN MEETING IN DUBLIN ON THURSDAY 27TH JUNE.

Your inputs are welcomed.  If you are unable to attend the Dublin Meeting, please feel free to send us your comments - preferably before June 27th.

The March 2013 Newsletter is available here and can be accessed by clicking either the image or the DOWNLOAD link

The December 2012 Newsletter is available here and can be accessed by clicking either the image or the DOWNLOAD link.

Poster displayed on behalf of the ASGGN at the GRA LRG meeting in Uruguay

Following the May 2011 Workshop in Auckland, New Zealand; a White Paper was prepared for the New Zealand Government, whcih discussed how a network of scientists working in the area of Animal Selection, Genetics and Genomics, might progress the management of enteric methane emissions from grazing livestock..

This ‘white paper’ identified an opportunity for NZ to contribute significantly to reducing methane (CH4) emissions and emissions intensity (per unit product) in both cattle and sheep by capitalising on animal to animal genetic variation.

A workshop, commissioned by the New Zealand Government to support the goals and objectives of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), was held in Auckland in May 2011.  Key international researchers met and discussed “a network on animal breeding approaches to reduce methane emissions”.

A key aspect of any approach to breeding sheep and cattle which produce less CH4 is the estimation of the genetic parameters. The workshop identified considerable synergies in combining data sets due to funding constraints, which potentially limit the of national projects. These include the need to standardise protocols for measurement (or at least have robust calibration and conversion equations), common reporting formats and collecting contemporary rumen and DNA samples. 

Two projects that constitute New Zealand’s contribution to stage 2 of the Network, identified from the outcomes and actions signalled by the workshop, are identified.

This addendum to the 2011 White paper outlines how a network might operate.

 A brief overview and background preface a description of networking up until may 2011.  This is followed by a description of how a network might move forward, and identified teh current research prosition.

Current collaboations are noted, and research gaps identified.

Discussion Document prepared for May 2011 workshop in Auckland, New Zealand.

The September 2012 newsletter is now available and can be accessed by clicking the image or the DOWNLOAD link