Aoife Mahony
Project Title
Genetics of Ewe Survival; Breeding for Longevity
Biography
Aoife is a 1st year Walsh Scholar student based in Teagasc Moorepark in conjunction with Munster Technological University. Her research is part of the SustainSheep project and will focus on conducting genomic analysis to identify regions linked to improved ewe longevity. On average, breeding ewes remain in the flock for 3.5 lambings. The early removal of ewes from the flock increases replacement costs and undermines overall flock efficiency. Extending the productive lifespan of each ewe will not only maximise output per ewe but will also reduce the environmental impact by limiting the need for unproductive replacements.
This research aims to develop a novel ewe survival trait for potential integration into the national sheep genetic evaluation programme.
Teagasc email aoife.mahony@teagasc.ie
University email Aoife.Mahony2@mymtu.ie
Teagasc Research Programme Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme
Teagasc Moorepark – Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre Research Location
University Munster Technological University
Teagasc Supervisor Dr Noirin McHugh & Dr Fiona McGovern
University Supervisor Dr Deirdre Purfield
Funder Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)