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Academic Recognition for SAC’s Cattle Breeding Research Leader - Dr Mike Coffey Awarded Readership

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N83
Published: 09 Jul 2011

Dr Michael Coffey, the man who leads SAC’s cattle breeding research programme, has been awarded a “Readership” in Dairy Cattle Breeding. The conferment is in recognition of his outstanding achievements in research, leadership and his commitment to applying science for industry benefit.

According to the citation recognising Dr Coffey’s achievements:

“He has developed SAC’s longstanding work on practical tools allowing breeders to select more efficient, healthy and robust dairy cows. As a result of his team’s efforts UK dairy breeders have some of the most advanced breeding indexes worldwide. Their use is helping to reverse the genetic trend of declining fertility that has concerned the industry for over a decade. It is leading to the breeding of more robust cows. He has also done much to provide similar tools for beef and sheep breeders, working with leading breed societies and levy boards”.

After Nottingham University, “Mike” Coffey worked on a dairy farm before joining the Holstein Friesian Society in 1984. In 1998 he took over the leadership of SAC’s dairy- cattle breeding research, which has grown significantly in scale and impact under his leadership. He has also had a major influence on livestock breeding, nationally and internationally.

In 2005, Dr Coffey established Edinburgh Genetic Evaluation Services - or EGENES - with colleagues in the University of Edinburgh and Roslin Institute.  EGENES provides national genetic evaluation services on behalf of levy boards for dairy cattle, beef cattle and sheep in the UK. These services identify genetically elite animals and underpin multi-million pound benefits to the livestock sector, processors and consumers. Mike and colleagues continue to work on enhancing evaluations - for instance, through the optimal use of molecular genetic information.

Awarded a PhD in 2004 Mike Coffey has published nearly 50 peer-reviewed papers, most in the Journal of Dairy Science - the top international journal in the field. He has led or been a partner in research funding bids worth over £20 million - many involving international partnerships. He has also had a major influence on livestock breeding, nationally and internationally, through leading roles in organisations such as the British Cattle Breeders Club and the European Association for Animal Production.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Dr Mike Coffey
Team Leader, Animal Breeding & Genetics
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush,
Midlothian
EH25 9RG
TelWork 0131 5353241/6519335
Fax 0131 535 3121

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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