Dr Sam Walkom

Biography

I am a Senior Research Fellow at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU). AGBU is an internationally recognised research centre whose role is to carry out research, development, training and delivery of technology for the genetic improvement of livestock and plants. My research is focussed around maintaining and developing these tools to bring about realised industry change through genetic solutions and implement key findings into the analysis pipeline responsible for disseminating breeding values to breeders, allowing sheep and cattle breeders to take my research and produce real world change within their production systems. This is epitomised by my role to develop a genetic solution to footrot, a foot disease in sheep, estimated annual cost of $32 million to the Australian and $11 million to the New Zealand sheep industries. Current research projects cover a broad range of species including sheep (meat, wool, dairy), beef cattle, goats (meat and dairy) and bees. I am also involved with undergraduate teaching at UNE and supervision of postgraduate students.

Qualifications

2014 Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Adelaide, Australia

2008 First Class Honours, Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) , The University of Adelaide, Australia

2007 Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science) , The University of Adelaide, Australia

Primary Research Area/s

Research Interests

Part of the team that maintains the genetic evaluation of beef cattle within BREEDPLAN,  incorporating routine estimation of genetic parameters and development and inclusion of new traits.

Sam's previous work and PhD studies have been focussed on the genetic variation in ewe body condition across the production cycle. This work also included researching the genetic relationship between adult fat and condition and the reproductive performance of the breeding ewe.

External Profiles

• Google Scholar Profile
• ResearchGate Profile
• ORCid Profile