Research into dwarfism in sheep has not only earned Dunedin scientist Tim Byrne his masters degree, but now a national award.
Mr Byrne, who works for AbacusBio, was awarded a New Zealand Society of Animal Production young members award at a recent combined conference of the New Zealand and Australian societies in Brisbane, for his research and presentation on the subject.
Mr Byrne, originally from Gisborne, said dwarfism was a disease about which little was known but potentially was a major issue for some terminal sire breeds.
He studied genetics at Massey University after which he headed overseas and worked for the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation Society before securing a job with Abacus in February.
In his new role, he was involved in agribusiness and genetics consultancy with farmers, breeders, research organisations and commercial companies, Mr Byrne said.