The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health is delighted to extend a warm welcome to our incoming director Professor Mizeck Chagunda, who will assume his new position in April 2024.
A quantitative animal geneticist by training, Professor Chagunda has extensive expertise in tropical livestock breeding and genetics. He comes to Edinburgh from a position as Chair of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics at the University of Hohenheim, Germany. With a distinguished background in academia spanning institutions such as the University of Malawi, the University of Goettingen in Germany, Aarhus University in Denmark and SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), he has made significant contributions to research and education in the field.
Prof Chagunda’s research focuses on enhancing both biological and economic efficiency in livestock production systems. His work encompasses investigating novel phenotypes, assessing the environmental impact of livestock, and leveraging technologies and data-driven decision-support systems to optimise animal breeding strategies.
He has pioneered research on quantifying greenhouse gases, developing innovative techniques for measuring methane emissions in ruminants, and defining phenotypes related to disease resistance, adaptation and resilience in dairy cattle. His recent work has included developing breeding programmes that help breeds-at-risk return to vibrant and economically viable populations and the sustainable intensification of indigenous genotypes through genetic improvement.
Prof Chagunda’s industry-relevant projects, such as his involvement in the development of embedded software for commercial solutions such as HerdNavigator, highlight his commitment to translating research into tangible outcomes. Further, his dedication to mentoring and supervising students at all levels underscores his role as a leader in academic and research communities.
Mizeck said “It is a great honour to have been asked to lead this outfit of global importance. I am looking forward to driving, facilitating coordinating, and fostering shared commitment towards delivering genetic gains for tropical livestock development for improved livestock-based livelihoods.”