Kevin ATKINS
Research interests
- Sheep genetics and genetic evaluation
- Breeding objectives for sheep
- Precision sheep production systems
- Animal-activated data capture and decision-making
Background
Kevin Atkins has spent his entire career with NSW Department of Primary Industries, from 1970 to the present. His research has studied the inheritance of lifetime fleece characters, identified the genetic basis of susceptibility to fleece rot and flystrike, analysed the genetic components of reproduction rate and estimated the level of genetic variation in feed intake and relationships with production traits. These studies have helped produce the essential genetic and phenotypic parameters on which sound breeding programs must be based.
As Manager of Program 2 “Improving profitability in the sheep industry” of the Australian Sheep Industry CRC (2001-2008), his research has developed the concept of precision sheep management, identified the benefits associated with different strategies, delivered integrated management systems to allow these strategies to be applied and validated the procedures and benefits under commercial conditions.
Qualifications
- B.Rur.Sc. - University of New England 1970
- M.Rur.Sc. - University of New England 1979
- Ph.D. - University of Edinburgh 1985
Current projects
- National Merino bloodline performance evaluation
- Joint selection for improved fleece weight and reduced fibre diameter in Merino sheep
- Sheep Genetics Australia research
- Evaluating individual animal management strategies and software development for on-farm application
- Development and integration of sheep ID and animal activated measurement equipment
- e-sheep on-farm implementation
Select Publications
Atkins KD, Richards JS and Semple SJ (2006) The application of genetic principles to precision production systems in sheep. Proceedings of 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, August 2006, CD-ROM Communication 05-01. (invited)
Lee GJ, Atkins KD and Swan AA (2002) Pasture intake and digestibility by young and non-breeding adult sheep: The extent of genetic variation and relationships with productivity. Livestock Production Science 73: 185-198.
Atkins KD, Gilmour AR, Thompson R and Coelli KA (1998) Across-flock evaluation and optimisation of pedigree recording for Merino sheep. Proceedings of Sixth World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Armidale, Australia. Vol. 24: 3-10.
Atkins KD (1997) Genetic improvement of wool production. Chapter 17 In "The Genetics of Sheep", Eds. L. Piper and A. Ruvinsky, CAB International, pp 471-504.
Atkins KD (1995) Strategies to reduce the average fibre diameter of the Australian wool clip. Proceedings of Eleventh Conference of Australian Association of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Adelaide 11: 580-586.
Atkins KD (1993) Benefits of genetic improvement to the Merino wool industry. Wool Technology and Sheep Breeding 41: 257-268.
Atkins KD, Murray JI, Gilmour AR, and Luff AL (1991) Genetic variation in liveweight and ultrasonic fat depth in Australian Poll Dorset sheep. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 42: 629 640.
Atkins KD (1990) Incorporating parameters for lifetime productivity into breeding objectives for sheep. Proceedings of Fourth World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Edinburgh. Vol. XV: 17 26.
Atkins KD (1987) Potential responses to selection in Merino sheep given current industry structure and selection practices. In "Merino Improvement Programs in Australia", Ed. B.J. McGuirk, Australian Wool Corporation. pp 299 312.
Fields of Research
- 070201 Animal Breeding
Keyword/phrase list of research interests
- Sheep
- genetic improvement
- precision management
Contact details not available
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