Bernard Michael Bindon

F.S.R.B, B.Rur.Sc (UNE, 1962); M.Rur.Sc (UNE, 1966); Ph.D (University of Sydney, 1970); D.Rur.Sc (h.c) (UNE, 2005), F.A.S.A.P, (2000); F.AAABG, (2005); F.S.R.B (2011).

B.M.(Bernie) Bindon had a 43 year career in livestock research with CSIRO Divisions in Brisbane, Sydney and Armidale. Bindon’s early reproduction research dealt with hormonal control of ovarian function in sheep and cattle. Ph.D studies dealt with pituitary and ovarian regulation of implantation in laboratory rodents and sheep. Research at CSIRO Animal Genetics during 1971-1989 concentrated on the physiological basis of genetic differences in prolificacy (fecundity) in the unique “Booroola” strain of Merino sheep. These studies were the basis of Bindon’s James Goding Memorial Lecture to ASRB in 1983. During this period his CSIRO colleague L.R.Piper described a major gene (Fec.B) in the “Booroola” Merino, responsible for the extraordinary ovulation rate in this animal. This led to international interest in major genes affecting reproductive traits in livestock. (The “Booroola” mutation has since been traced to the granulosa cells in the ovary and a DNA test developed for its identification). These studies led to the overseas studies of prolific sheep by Bindon in France, Morocco, Malaysia and the Middle East.