NEW HOT PAPERS

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
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