06 November 2024 Professor Jon Hickford and Lincoln University's gene marker laboratory

Professor Jon Hickford, in an article published in Hawke's Bay Today, discusses the work of the Lincoln University Gene Marker Laboratory, which has developed gene-marker tests for commercial use.

Jon Hickford is a Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at Lincoln University. He joined as a student in 1983 and with a small break of three years he has been there since.

“In that time I have taught across a huge range of disciplines from genetics and breeding to molecular biology and biochemistry, and then the more practical aspects of agriculture, meat and wool production.

“With research, I have published over 250 refereed scientific articles, working with students and colleagues from across the globe. I have supervised research projects for over 100 postgraduate students, with many of them going to establish their own successful careers across the globe and here in NZ.

“The Lincoln University Gene Marker Laboratory came about in the late 90s courtesy of the research that I was doing with my students. Using DNA analyses, we had revealed that we could differentiate sheep based on their immune response to the organisms that cause footrot, and accordingly select sheep that were less susceptible. This underpinning research is now widely cited, and the test developed from that research used across many different countries. It works irrespective of breed. In the last year, that test remains our biggest earner commercially.”  

Read the full article in Hawke's Bay Today here >>>

Image caption: Professor Jon Hickford with honours student Callum Jamie.