A publication by three NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researchers has made a list of the world’s 50 most cited scientific articles published in the Journal of Animal Science.

A publication by three NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researchers has made a list of the world’s 50 most cited scientific articles published in the Journal of Animal Science.

DPI Science and Research Executive Director, Renata Brooks, said American based Journal of Animal Science is one of the world’s most prestigious animal science journals.

"This is a remarkable achievement given that more than 400 refereed papers are published in the journal each year," Ms Brooks said.

"Number 23 on the list is a 2001 paper on the genetics of feed efficiency in beef cattle by DPI scientists Dr Paul Arthur, Dr Robert Herd and Dr Peter Parnell.

"The paper was the culmination of long term research that began in 1929 on an Angus herd at Trangie, which ultimately evaluated the effect of selection for increased growth rate on total herd profitability.

"It was the first comprehensive publication on feed efficiency genetics and it is still proving to be extremely valuable to other researchers and academics, in particular those now investigating ways to reduce methane emissions from cattle.

"Methane accounts for 70% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing feed efficiency is the fastest and most effective way to reduce methane emissions from cattle."

Ms Brooks said making the Journal of Animal Science top 50 underlined the high quality of research carried out by DPI scientists.

"International recognition of these scientific papers highlights to the value of research activities carried out by DPI staff every day," she said.

"The Department is a science based organisation, in fact it is the largest provider of science and research services within the NSW Government.

"DPI scientists have been ranked in the top 1% of world research institutions in agricultural science, and plant and animal science.

"At any given time DPI scientists are undertaking more than 900 projects in collaboration with industry, other Government organisations and educational institutions to improve the profitability, sustainability and adaptability of the agricultural sector."

Contact: Brett Fifield 0427 029 511

Phone:

Email: