David Hopkins talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's New Hot Paper in the field of
Agricultural Science. The author has also sent along
images of their work.
Article Title: Genotype and age effects on sheep
meat production 1. Production and growth
Authors:
Hopkins,
DL;Stanley, DF;Martin, LC;Gilmour, AR
Journal: AUST J EXP AGR
Volume: 47
Issue: 10
Page: 1119-1127
Year: 2007
* Australian Sheep Ind Cooperat Res Ctr, Armidale, NSW
2350, Australia.
* Australian Sheep Ind Cooperat Res Ctr, Armidale, NSW
2350, Australia.
(addresses have been truncated; see full
article)
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
The paper provides the background information and production data for a
large collaborative experiment conducted as part of the Australian Sheep
Industry Cooperative Research Centre involving scientists from six
different R&D organizations. As a result the paper is referenced by
other papers in this special edition of the Australian Journal of
Experimental Agriculture—so at least 13 other papers in the same
journal will have referenced the article.
Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or
synthesis of knowledge?
It provides the background to a large experiment and provides new
information on the development of a range of genotypes in terms of growth,
wool production, and teeth eruption.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper in
layman’s terms?
The paper describes an experiment which was designed to study changes in a
range of fat and muscle characteristics in sheep of varying genetic
backgrounds as they grew from weaning to adulthood. The information
provided a fundamental understanding of the interactions at the muscle
level with an objective of providing sheep meat of a higher quality.
How did you become involved in this research, and were
there any problems along the way?
NSW DPI is the largest provider of science and research services within the
NSW Government. The Sheep Genetics and Improvement Unit researches new
knowledge designed to improve productivity, profitability, and
sustainability of sheep production and quality of products. Large-scale
sheep breeding, grazing, and animal house experiments are conducted
primarily at DPI facilities at Trangie, Orange, Cowra, and Armidale, with
research also done on-farm and in commercial abattoirs.
I led the experiment which bred the animals and supervised the slaughter
and sample collection and oversaw the publication of the Special Edition.
There are always issues when supervising such a large experiment, but
nothing specific that requires mentioning here. In fact, the Special
Edition illustrates the significant benefits from large well-run
collaborative experiments which can draw on the expertise of scientists
with varying skills.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
This work led onto a much larger study currently under way based on the use
of 5,000 ewes at a number of sites across Australia in which 2,000 of the
progeny will be slaughtered yearly for five years and extensive testing
undertaken. This new phase of R&D is part of a new CRC for the sheep
industry in Australia called the "CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation" which
commenced in 2007 and which will run for a period of seven years.
Do you foresee any social or political implications for
your research?
No, the experiment will however help with the objective of improving the
eating quality of Australian lamb and this will underpin the continued
expansion of the market, particularly overseas.
Dr. David Hopkins
Principal Research Scientist (Meat Science)
NSW Department of Primary Industries
Centre for Sheep Meat Development
Cowra, NSW, Australia and the
Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation
Armidale, NSW,
Australia Web