Boosting livestock industries with new Research Centre

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Boosting animal productivity, animal welfare and product quality will be the aim of a new research centre based at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus.

Launched tonight, the Davies Research Centre aims to help build the sustainability of the red meat industries, building strategic partnerships with industry, government and other research organisations nationally and internationally.

Projects already underway include genome sequencing of Brahman cattle to identify genes for heat stress and tick resistance with the aim of improving cattle productivity under conditions of stress; and investigating measurement of meat quality.

The Davies Research Centre is also working with Livestock SA on boosting the sustainability of sheep production through the South Australian Sheep Industry Blueprint.

“Research in the Davies Research Centre will range from more basic research such as genome sequencing, through using gene-based technologies to explore ways of better selection for breeding values; through to more applied research into animal management and measurement of meat quality,” says Professor John Williams, Director of the Davies Research Centre.

“We aim to create and translate new research knowledge into practical applications for producers and industry in livestock production, animal health and welfare, meat supply and meat quality.

“A key focus of the centre will be in developing strategic partnerships to ensure our research is aligned with industry needs.”

The Davies Research Centre is supported by funds from investment of the JS Davies bequest.

“The Davies Research Centre is the next step in the University’s investment in agriculture and animal science, made possible by the benefaction of JS Davies, whose estate was left to the university to advance animal research, especially beef cattle,” says University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington.

“The Davies Research Centre will be a centre of excellence in ruminant and red meat science and aims to be a recognised research leader in the field.”

Four full-time research staff are currently supported by the bequest with further recruitment planned. The Centre is based in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the Roseworthy campus, but involves more than 50 participants from institutes and centres across all the University’s campuses.

The Centre already has projects established with partners across Australia and overseas.

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