Graeme Martin

• Nutrition-induced changes in molecular and cellular function of the ram testis
• ‘Maternal efficiency’ as a factor in the environmental footprint of the sheep industry.
• Whole-farm bio-economic modeling of intensive sheep breeding
• Characterisation of socio-sexual interactions that affect reproduction in sheep

• KNDy cells and reproduction in sheep

• Immune-system physiology in sheep that are bred to be resistant to gastro-intestinal worms

1) AGRI4403/5503 Animal Science and Technology
This unit gives students an understanding of the systems that control physiological processes in animals, and the ways these processes can be modified with modern science and technology to implement 'clean, green and ethical' management. The following subjects are covered: the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction and lactation; environmental limitations to animal productivity; neural and endocrine integration; regulation of physiological systems; the impact of reproduction on milk and wool production; reproductive health and disease; new animal industries; impact of animal industries on the environment.
2) ANIM3306 – Clean, Green and Ethical Animal Production
Today’s consumer is increasingly concerned about the processes involved in producing the meat they eat, milk they drink and wool they wear. This heightened sensitivity has led to greater scrutiny of animal production systems and, whether right or wrong, the scrutiny is only likely to increase. In this unit, students learn about a new approach to agriculture through the development of animal production systems that are ‘clean, green and ethical’ (CGE). Specifically, we aim to minimise the use of chemicals and artificial hormones (clean), negative impact on the environment (green) and optimise animal welfare (ethical). We discuss the current landscape of animal production systems in Western Australia in this context and highlight the prospects and pitfalls facing the meat, milk and wool industries.