New Zealand senior scientist Dr Claire Phyn will outline key findings from a long-term research programme investigating novel traits to improve genetic merit for fertility to delegates at the BCBC Conference.

She will be diving into the science and, in particular, looking at the potential to use earlier-in-life phenotypes, such as timing of puberty, as predictor traits to accelerate genetic improvement in fertility. The use of activity monitoring devices to measure traits related to oestrus characteristics and resumption of cycling postpartum will also be discussed.

Based in Hamilton, New Zealand, Claire has worked for Dairy NZ since 2006 and her research topics have ranged from farm systems to molecular biology and animal physiology. Currently, she leads the ‘Pillars of a New Dairy System’ research programme, a large multi-organisation collaboration that aims to identify genetic and management strategies that improve fertility, health and lifetime productivity of New Zealand dairy cows.

Claire has a wealth of experience in research and communication, with numerous journal articles, other publications and conference proceedings to her name. We look forward to welcoming her to the BCBC Conference 2022.