CSIRO PUBLISHING - Animal Production Science

The influence of genetics, animal age and nutrition on lamb production – an integrated research program

D. W. Pethick ^A ^B ^E, R. D. Warner ^A ^C and R. G. Banks ^A ^D

^A Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.
^B Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
^C Department of Primary Industries, 600 Sneydes Road, Werribee, Vic. 3030, Australia.
^D Meat and Livestock Australia, Locked Bag 991, North Sydney, NSW 2059, Australia.
^E Corresponding author. Email: d.pethick@murdoch.edu.au

Abstract

This paper provides an introduction to this Special Issue of the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture. The special issue is dedicated to an integrated research program that was intended to increase the understanding of the effects of breed and genetic selection for live animal traits (growth, muscle and fatness) on carcass and meat attributes. Combined with this are the effects of animal age and nutritional restriction at critical weaning points. The reasons for, and general approach, of the research are outlined.

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(10) 1117–1118 doi:10.1071/EA07230
Published: 19 September 2007