
PhD
+47 413 43 309
gareth.difford@nofima.no
Publications in Cristin
Ås
https://nofima.no/en/employee/gareth-frank-difford/
Scientist
PhD
+47 413 43 309
gareth.difford@nofima.no
Publications in Cristin
Ås
Scientist
My main competency is in the field of phenomics, where the goal is to take measurement methods from technology readiness zero up to industry implementation in selection indices and breeding goals. My primary focus is on screening alternative methods of measurement against more costly gold standard methods by evaluating accuracy, precision, throughput, automation and quantitative genetic value. I have experiences working with bio spectroscopy, microbiomics, metabolomics, proteomics, restricted selection index traits and numerous sensors in time series. I have applied these to feed efficiency, methane emissions, activity, fertility, genotype by environment interactions in livestock and aquaculture species. I am currently involved in applying Raman spectroscopy, NIR, microbiomics, real time non-invasive sensor technologies in Atlantic Salmon.Education: BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Stellenbosch University (2010), MSc Genetics and Animal Breeding, Stellenbosch University (2013). PhD Animal Breeding and Genetics (2018) Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands & Aarhus University, Denmark (2018).
‘Sniffer’ methane measurement systems to determine methane concentrations in air emitted by cows
Jonker, Arjan; Difford, Gareth Frank; Garnsworthy, Philip C.; Negussie, Enyew; Pszczola, Marcin; Roman-Ponce, Sergio I; Waghorn, Garry C.
2020
Multitrait genomic prediction of methane emissions in Danish Holstein cattle
Manzanilla-Pech, Coralia Ines V.; Gordo, D.; Difford, Gareth Frank; Løvendahl, Peter; Lassen, Jan
2020
Review: Genetic and genomic selection as a methane mitigation strategy in dairy cattle
Lassen, Jan; Difford, Gareth Frank
2020
Olijhoek, Dana W.; Difford, Gareth Frank; Lund, Peter; Løvendahl, Peter
2020
Predictive ability of host genetics and rumen microbiome for subclinical ketosis
Gebreyesus, Grum; Difford, Gareth Frank; Buitenhuis, Bart; Lassen, Jan; Noel, Samantha Joan; Højberg, Ole; Plichta, Damian R.; Zhu, Zhigang; Poulsen, Nina A.; Sundekilde, Ulrik K.; Løvendahl, Peter; Sahana, Goutam
2020
Difford, Gareth Frank; Boison, Solomon Antwi ; Khaw, Hooi Ling; Gjerde, Bjarne
2020
1. February 2020 – 31. January 2024
NewTechAqua is a EU-funded project will test and develop new solutions for European aquaculture.
1. May 2017 – 30. April 2021
MedAID (Mediterranean Aquaculture Integrated Development), a four year EU H2020 research project, will address key factors to improve aquaculture production in the Mediterranean.
The project brings together the best aquaculture experts from over 30 organisations from 12 countries.
1. January 2017 – 31. December 2019
The primary objective of FutureFish is to improve the robustness of salmon and lumpfish under a changing climate scenario through investigating the genetics of robustness in salmon to thermal stress and sea-lice and improving the sea-lice eating ability of lumpfish.