Meta-analysis of productivity data from high / low methane-emitting sheep

Overview The Ag Emissions Centre (AgEC), a business unit of the New Zealand Institute of Bioeconomy Science Limited (BSI), is seeking an experienced individual or small team to conduct a meta-analysis on the full productivity dataset relating to the high and low methane-emitting research flocks held by BSI. About New Zealand has globally leading research demonstrating that methane emissions in sheep are heritable, and that divergent selection can reduce methane emissions with no detrimental impact on productivity. While numerous scientific studies have been conducted on, and published relating to, the high and low methane-emitting research flocks over the past fifteen plus years, a comprehensive meta-analysis has not been completed to date. The core productivity dataset contains data from approximately 260 animals per annum, measured twice per annum for around 30 key traits, since 2011. A wider dataset contains a number of additional trait measurements for the same animals. Additional data may be obtainable from sources other than the BSI core flock, but these will need to be identified, and access negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Any additional datasets are expected to be small. Scope The scope includes: Conducting a meta-analysis of the full productivity dataset relating to the high and low methane-emitting research flocks held by BSI Covering traits including, but not limited to, prolificacy, live weight gain, reproductive performance, parasite and facial eczema resistance, bodyweight, wool growth, carcase weight, and carcase fat % Research Questions The meta-analysis should answer the following research questions: Across the available evidence, what differences in productivity and key traits are observed between high and low methane-emitting sheep? How consistent are any differences across flocks, breeds, cohorts, years and production conditions? What is the strength and uncertainty of the evidence for each outcome? Is there evidence of material adverse, neutral or beneficial associations? What limitations prevent firm conclusions? Enquiries Contact: Tania Brown Phone: +6463518334 Email: fund@ag-emissions.nz