New skills, networks and challenges: the changing face of animal production science in Australia

Livestock producers are facing increasing pressure to reduce the environmental and animal-welfare impacts of production, while also managing challenge an increasingly variable climate diminishing resources. This perspective paper highlights role for animal scientists contribute sustainability future livestock systems. We argue need a broader, more inclusive integrated concept science, better connections among scientists, producers, consumers policy makers, support next generation scientists. Animal have important play in providing evidence social licence production inform decisions made by makers regarding consumption products. can assist adapt social, political challenges that affect their livelihoods way they farm. Traditionally, science has focussed on species- discipline-specific areas research such as ruminant nutrition, genetics or reproductive physiology. While this fundamental remains essential understand underlying biology improve efficiency, it needs be into applied at beyond herd flock level. Systems thinkers who apply knowledge across farm, regional national scales information key decision from farmers government. Better engagement with economic sciences how extension services interact constraints well adoption new technology co-develop evidence-based solutions. Underlying this, demographics those study work changing. Australian industries require best brightest minds overcome engaging these students face is step towards sustainable