At the University of Tasmania, undergraduate students are trading traditional textbooks for hands-on experience with experimental sheep in a unique approach that blends cutting-edge genetic research with practical agricultural science.
This innovative inquiry-based learning initiative doesn't just teach students about animal science—it immerses them in the entire scientific process, from measuring lambs in the field to analyzing data and presenting findings 3 6 .
While many people might think of university science education as lectures and laboratories, this program takes learning directly to the farm, showing students how sire genetics directly influence growth and conformation traits in crossbred prime lambs 6 .
As agricultural demands evolve and the need for sustainable farming practices grows, educating the next generation of scientists through such practical, research-based methods has never been more important.
Sheep breeding has evolved from traditional methods to sophisticated genetic selection programs. Understanding the genetic factors that influence traits like growth rate, body conformation, and meat yield is crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable livestock operations.
The study of traits controlled by multiple genes forms the foundation of modern breeding approaches. Unlike simple inherited characteristics, traits like body weight and growth rate are influenced by numerous genetic factors interacting with environmental conditions 4 .
Through GWAS, researchers can identify specific genetic markers linked to desirable traits, enabling more precise breeding decisions 4 .
Associated with birth weight and monthly weight gains in Hu sheep 4 .
Influences weaning weight and growth performance 4 .
Plays a role in monthly weight gains and overall growth 4 .
These discoveries don't just advance scientific knowledge—they provide practical tools for improving meat production through marker-assisted selection in breeding programs 4 .
The University of Tasmania's experiment serves as an excellent model of inquiry-based learning in action. The study was designed with two primary objectives: enhancing student learning through hands-on experience, and investigating the effects of sire breed and sex on growth and conformation traits in crossbred prime lambs 6 .
The study utilized sixty first-cross Merino lambs sourced from the University of Tasmania Farm in Cambridge. The lambs were progeny of Merino dams mated to either White Suffolk or Poll Dorset rams, creating a genetically diverse group for comparison 6 .
Over a ten-week period, students collected comprehensive data through regular hands-on sessions:
Body weight and average daily gain
Body condition score
Body length, withers height
Chest girth
Measurements were taken fortnightly, providing multiple data points to track development patterns over time 6 .
Students used the Generalised Linear Model procedure in SAS software, including fixed effects of sire breed, sex, fortnight, and their interactions. They employed Duncan's Multiple Range Test and calculated correlations between traits to determine statistical significance 6 .
The careful measurements and statistical analysis revealed clear patterns in how the lambs developed:
All lambs showed a fortnightly increase in body weight, average daily gain, and body condition score throughout the study period 6 .
This progressive growth indicated good health and development across all groups.
Wethers (castrated males) were heavier and had higher average daily gains than ewes 6 .
This pattern aligns with known physiological differences between sexes in livestock.
Average Daily Gains
Average Daily Gains
A particularly fascinating finding emerged when researchers examined the interaction between breed and sex:
| Group | Body Weight (kg) | Average Daily Gain (g/day) |
|---|---|---|
| White Suffolk Sired Wethers | Highest | Highest |
| White Suffolk Sired Ewes | Moderate | Moderate |
| Dorset Sired Wethers | Moderate | Lower |
| Dorset Sired Ewes | Lowest | Lowest |
Data adapted from Malau-Aduli et al. (2012) 6
The true success of this experiment extended beyond the specific findings about lamb growth. Students gained firsthand experience with the complete research process—from animal handling and data collection to statistical analysis and result interpretation 6 .
This inquiry-based approach transformed students from passive recipients of information into active participants in scientific discovery.
Research on inquiry-based learning has demonstrated that such student-centered education enhances understanding of scientific concepts and excites students about the investigative process 7 .
The sheep experiment provided a perfect platform for this approach, allowing early-stage undergraduates to engage with meaningful research despite being in larger cohorts and potentially lacking advanced background knowledge 7 .
| Tool/Resource | Function in Research |
|---|---|
| Experimental Sheep Flock | Provides live animal models for studying genetic and environmental influences on traits |
| Body Measurement Equipment | Includes scales for weight, measuring tapes for body dimensions, and condition scoring systems |
| Statistical Software (SAS) | Analyzes complex data sets and determines significance of observed differences |
| Electronic Scales | Precisely measures body weights for accurate growth tracking |
| Ovine SNP Chips | Genotypes animals using single nucleotide polymorphisms to identify genetic markers 4 |
The findings from such student research projects have real-world applications in agricultural systems:
Modern sheep genetics research employs sophisticated modeling techniques to understand growth patterns:
| Model Type | Application | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Von Bertalanffy | Fitting growth data from birth to maturity | High fitting degree (R² > 0.977) for sheep growth data 9 |
| Gompertz | Modeling symmetric growth curves | Useful for comparing different genetic groups |
| Logistic | Analyzing growth with distinct inflection points | Helps identify transition points in development |
Studies on Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep have demonstrated the effectiveness of these models, with the von Bertalanffy model showing particularly high fitting degrees for both body weight and chest circumference development 9 .
The University of Tasmania's innovative approach to teaching animal science represents more than just an academic exercise—it's preparing the next generation of agricultural scientists to meet global food challenges. By integrating hands-on experience with experimental sheep into the curriculum, students gain deeper understanding of scientific concepts and develop critical thinking skills essential for their future careers 6 .
As research continues to identify specific genetic markers influencing growth traits 4 8 9 , the tools available to both students and producers will become increasingly sophisticated. This convergence of traditional animal husbandry and cutting-edge genetics promises to enhance both agricultural education and production systems.
The success of such inquiry-based learning initiatives demonstrates that sometimes the most effective classroom has no walls, and the best teachers might just have four legs and a fleece.