Challenges with investing in genetic improvement for the Australian extensive livestock industries
R. G. BanksMeat and Livestock Australia, c/o Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia. Email: rbanks@mla.com.au
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45(8) 1033-1039 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA05072
Submitted: 9 March 2005 Accepted: 17 June 2005 Published: 26 August 2005
Abstract
Investment in animal genetic improvement in Australia involves a diverse range of stakeholders and tackles complexity in a range of markets and production environments. While an excellent range of tools and knowledge for genetic improvement has been developed, industry-wide rates of genetic progress lag well below what is possible. This constitutes a considerable opportunity cost to the investors and to the wider community. It is proposed that this is partly a problem of coordination of effort across many diverse interests, and that this problem will be exacerbated by increasing availability, but complexity of use of genotypic information. Some approaches aimed at improving coordination and hence efficiency of investment are suggested, with consideration of the role of research and development corporations.
Additional keywords: coordination, investment.
Acknowledgments
I am grateful to Denis Hussey, Reuben Rose, Alex Ball and Rob Woolaston for review and comment, and to Professor Stuart Barker for considerable assistance with producing a meaningful paper out of my struggles with the problems addressed here.
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