Farming is in the DNA of the Moorabool community, and in turn, Moorabool has made its impact on the DNA of livestock through Genetics Australia.
The Bacchus-Bred organisation is offering the chance to learn about the history and future of the artificial breeding industry at an upcoming BaccChat event at the Lerderderg Library on April 6.
Genetics Australia is a co-op formed in 1958 aimed that utilises different and better livestock genetics from different parts of Victoria and the world to help farmers.
Genetics Australia chief executive Anthony Shelly said their work was some of the first of its kind in that area, but when it’s boiled down it’s about producing better cattle.
“The BaccChat event will be about looking at how innovation has evolved and changed,” he said.
“From the early years of prodding and testing bulls to the era we’re in today of using genetic markers and genomics to identify and select the best genetics.”
Genetic selection in livestock can help with a range of outcomes, with organisations like Genetics Australia able to identify genes that will influence traits such as higher milk yield, resistance to mastitis, and longer survivability.
Mr Shelly said looking toward the future Genetics Australia’s breeding strategies are working on helping animals with thermal-tolerance in the face of a changing climate, or having them born to not grow horns, and feeding efficiency.
Mr Shelly said he’s looking forward to sharing his work with his local community.
“I was fortunate enough to start my career when I was only 17… to talk about the legacy that has been created through Victorian Artificial Breeding setting up business here in the late 50s is quite rewarding,” he said.
The free BaccChat event will run from from 10am to noon.
