Turretfield leading global livestock competitiveness through advances reproductive research
Delivering world-leading research and boosting livestock competitiveness
South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the principal research body of the South Australian Government, operating under the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), boasts the Turretfield Research Centre which hosts leading research in reproductive biology and technologies for livestock.
International recognition
The program has earned a global reputation for its cutting-edge research in livestock reproduction, particularly in sheep, playing a pivotal role in transforming the reproductive performance of flocks both nationally and internationally. With a focus on fertility, assisted reproductive technologies and gene editing, as well as livestock welfare and industry sustainability, the program has developed solutions to aid in the reproductive performance, welfare and genetic gain of livestock. With outcomes including producing Australia’s first cloned sheep (Matilda), rapid genetic gain through juvenile in vitro embryo transfer (JIVET) technology, non-invasive embryo analysis, understanding nutritional effects on oocyte, sperm and embryo quality, and the refinement of artificial insemination protocols, the program delivers real world benefits for sheep, cattle, dairy and pig producers.
Collaborating to deliver enhanced outcomes with and for industry
As well as hostinginternational training programs and research partnerships that promote South Australia's innovation globally, the Turretfield Research Centre fosters long-term collaborations with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), livestock producers, Australian Universities and industry partners to deliver outcomes to industry.
A benchmark facility for livestock reproductive research
Enabling industry-first protocols, the work delivered at Turretfield Research Centre directly boosts the global competitiveness of Australian livestock industries enabling producers to optimise breeding programs, maximise flock and herd efficiency and increase overall profitability and sustainability.
Looking ahead to greater livestock efficiencies and sustainability
SARDI’s Reproductive Sciences team continues to evolve in line with global demand, market changes and industry needs. Expansion into genomic technologies and precision livestock management are at the forefront of Turretfield’s research integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in fertility prediction and reproductive services. SARDI is also taking a leading role in developing South Australian strategies for methane reduction in the grazing livestock sector, especially sheep production, with emission reduction research directed at net zero deliverables.
The work conducted by SARDI’s Reproductive Sciences group at Turretfield Research Centre is a global model for innovation in livestock reproduction benefitting farmers, advancing research and development and contribute to sustainable food systems in Australia and around the world.