Professor Jennie Pryce, a prominent figure in dairy genetics, will present her insights on the future of dairy at the upcoming Dairy Research Foundation Symposium. Her talk, titled “The Genetic Future of Dairy,” will emphasize the vital role genetics plays in driving innovation and opportunities within the dairy industry.
Recognized globally for her leadership and expertise, Professor Pryce has significantly influenced dairy breeding science. Her work focuses on applying genetic research to enhance animal performance, welfare, and environmental sustainability. Between 2019 and 2022, she was named Australia’s top researcher in animal husbandry by The Australian, demonstrating her deep understanding of livestock producers’ needs and her ability to translate genetic research into practical solutions.
Having grown up in a UK dairy farming family, Professor Pryce’s early experiences shaped her career path. “I grew up on a dairy farm and told my grandmother when I was 11 that I wanted to be a geneticist,” she recalled. “I did not really know what that meant at the time, but I have definitely been true to that.”
Her academic journey began at the University of Edinburgh, where she earned a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours and a PhD. In 2001, she moved to New Zealand to work with the Livestock Improvement Corporation before relocating to Australia in 2008. At Agriculture Victoria, formerly known as the Department of Primary Industries, she collaborated with fellow scientists Ben Hayes and Mike Goddard, pioneering work in genomic selection.
At this year’s symposium, Professor Pryce will delve into how advanced genetic tools can help the dairy industry meet its goals of productivity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Her presentation will explore methods for reducing future methane emissions, improving fertility, enhancing animal health, and ultimately increasing farm profitability.
“Genetics is a powerful and permanent method of change,” she stated. “Every time a farmer breeds a cow and chooses the right bull, they make a small but lasting improvement that compounds over generations.”
Professor Pryce is also engaged in international projects, including the MicroHub initiative, which aims to analyze the microbiomes of cattle globally to better understand methane production and rumen health. “We are part of a global project that will examine more than 20,000 microbiomes from cattle across multiple countries,” she explained. “It is the largest study of its kind and will give us new insights into breeding for a more efficient dairy cow and environmental impact.”
The potential of wearable sensors and artificial intelligence to enhance herd management and animal welfare excites Professor Pryce. She envisions a future where farmers have access to more accurate, data-driven tools. “I think in ten years it will be normal for every calf to be genotyped,” she said. “That will give farmers better information and greater confidence in every breeding decision.”
She highlighted the importance of integrating data that farmers already collect, such as milk records, into future innovations. “The next frontier is wearable sensors; tracking how long cows spend lying down could become a new, objective measure for lameness and welfare,” she noted. “AI will help us make better use of the data farmers already gather, but you still need skilled people working with that data; otherwise, it is like having a Ferrari driven by a kid.”
With her extensive expertise and insights, Professor Pryce is expected to resonate with symposium delegates, offering a forward-looking perspective on how science can foster sustainable growth in the dairy industry. “Genetics offers an extraordinary opportunity to build a more efficient and sustainable future for dairy,” she concluded. “The science is exciting, but it is the impact for farmers that really matters.”
