RIRDC Completed Projects in 2000-2001 & Research in Progress as at June 2001

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To New Animal Products  Research in Progress
 

1.2 New Animal Products    Completed Projects
Project No.	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
ADP-1A	Adding value to Emu co-products	Mr Dennis White	(02) 4821 4286	ADP Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
AHR-1A	Breeding and growing snails on a commercial level in Australia	Mr Brendan Murphy	(02) 4474 0218	Australian Heliculture Research Centre
AM-6A	Kangaroo skins trading project	Mr Peter Evans	(07) 3247 7200	AUS-MEAT
AWA-2A	Investigation and demonstration of commercial scale management breeding procedures for high productive dairy sheep (AWASSI)	Mr Tom Grant	(02) 6342 9217	Awassi (Aust) Pty Ltd
BUF-1A	Australian Buffalo market research and industry feasibility study	Mrs Janet Robertson	(02) 6848 5315	Buffalo Producers NSW Inc.
CCH-1A	Sheep Milk Powder from Fresh Milk - Preliminary Study	Mr John Grant	(02) 6342 9217	Cowra Cheese
CSU-2A	Business plan for Freshwater Crayfish as complementary to existing animal products	Dr Laurie Piper	(02) 6776 1349	CSIRO Livestock Industries
DAQ-219A	Nutritional needs of ostriches under farming conditions	Assoc Prof David Farrell	(07) 3824 3081	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAQ-247A	Improved nutrition and management of farmed crocodiles; hatching to harvest	Mr Bernie Davis	(07) 4722 2649	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAV-172A	Feasibility of developing new markets for dairy goat products	Ms Kate Stoney	(03) 5139 0130	Department of Natural Resources and Environment – Vic
DNT-20A	Cograzing of cattle and camels for commercial production	Mr Andrew Phillips	(08) 8951 8140	Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries – NT
PTP-11A	Phase 2 – Improving productivity and specialty cheese production in the Australian dairy goat industry	Mr Arthur Stubbs	(03) 9844 1135	Primary Tasks Pty Ltd
RID-2A	Alpaca enterprise budgeting software	Mr Chris Tuckwell	(08) 8523 3500	Rural Industry Developments Pty Ltd
SAR-20A	Anti-inflammatory properties of emu oil	Professor A Ferrante	(08) 8204 7216	South Australian Research and Development Institute
SAR-22A	A benchmark study of husbandry, transport, lairage and slaughter methods to improve the skin quality of ratites	Dr Phil Glatz	(08) 8303 7786	South Australian Research and Development Institute
UMO-25A	Pharmacological induction of seminal emission and ejaculation in domestic species	Dr Eric Hayes	(03) 9594 7300	Monash University
UNE-57A	Genetic evaluation for Australian ostriches – development of estimated breeding values	Dr Hans Graser Ms Kim Bunter	(02) 6773 3332	University of New England
UQ-76A	Self-selection of diets by growing meat-type ducks	Assoc Prof David Farrell	(07) 3824 3081	University of Queensland


 
 

Project Title:	Adding value to emu co-products
RIRDC Project No.:	ADP-1A
Researcher:	Dennis W. White
Organisation:	ADP Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd 144 Gorman Rd.  GOULBURN NSW 2580
Phone:	(02) 4821.4386
Fax:	(02) 4821.6296
Email:	adp@goulburn.net.au
Objectives	· To analyse emu egg shell taken from various sources in Australia. Specific aims included obtaining information to suggest any beneficial organic or inorganic substances in the shell.
Background	The emu industry is not currently utilising emu egg shell apart from egg carvers and a small quantity of bulk powder sales. However a reasonable quantity of shell would be commercially available both from hatcheries (discarded shell from hatched egg) or whole egg shell (surplus to hatching requirements) with yolk and white removed. Little information is available in published literature on emu egg shell. However, blue and green bird eggs have been used in traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea for many thousands of years as a dietary supplement.
Research	Emu egg shell samples were obtained from emu farmers in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and the University of Western Australia. A commercial blend of shell from South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland was also used for testing.  The shells were firstly washed in boiling water and the membrane removed. The shells were then subjected to boiling for 4 hours then removed and dried in an air aspiring oven at 90 deg.C for 48 hours. The resulting dry egg shell was tested and shown to be bacteria free. Milling was carried out using an air aspiring Alpine high speed pin mill fitted with hardened pins. Wear to this mill was undetectable.
Outcomes	The major inorganic element found was Calcium (Ca) which ranged from (%w/w) 50.2 to 80; Iodine (mg/kg) to Nil 50.3; Zinc (mg/kg) 0.11 to. 2.73; Sulphur below 10mg/kg. Heavy metals detected below 2mg/kg were Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Americium. Titanium was detected at higher levels. Strontium was also detected in all samples. Only low levels are accepted by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and the World Health Organisation. A pilot sample subjected to gamma-irradiation was shown to increase the levels of Strontium in the sample. A range of inorganic compounds were detected, one laboratory being unable to identify the amino acids and cholesterols. Another laboratory identified Alkanamide, Alkanamide Acid, Alkanoic Acid, and Alkanoic Methylesters. These compounds were not quantified and the exact chemical structure not identified.


 

Implications

Our investigations to date has shown a wide variation in the composition of emu egg shell. If shell is to be used as a therapeutic substance large amounts of shell would need to be processed and tested to set a standard for the individual TGA Sponsor (manufacturer).  The same source of raw materials would need to be used for all future mixes to maintain continuity.  Further work needs to be carried out on analyses to identify the Amino in emu egg shell as well as developing a reliable method of identification and quantitation. Emu egg shell from all farms may not be suitable as a therapeutic substance.  Other uses have been investigated, including the use of emu egg shell as an additive in innovative, new neutraceuticals.


 

Project Title:	Breeding and growing snails on a commercial level in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	AHR-1A
Researcher:	Brendan Murphy
Organisation:	Australian Heliculture Research Centre 6 Crest Crescent MORUYA NSW 2537.
Phone:	02 4474 0218
Email:	Brendanmurphy@hotmail.com
Objectives	· To facilitate the evolution and development of Heliculture as a sustainable industry for Australia by providing relevant and precise information detailed within the proposed Pre-feasibility study
Background	For thousands of years edible snails have had a place upon the menu in various European countries but it is France we think of when someone mentions Escargot, where snails are consumed in vast quantities. The introduction of the snail as a food source in France was in a rather haphazard manner. French wine merchants who went to Burgundy each year on buying trips had to stay at the local inns where they were frequently served snails that had been gathered from the surrounding vineyards. About 1850 the trade in Burgundy of snails was greatly increased with the advent of the railroad for they could now be transported greater distances while still fresh. In this way new markets were developed in France, Italy and Spain. Snail farms now exist in almost every country in the world. The common garden snail that we find in abundance through out Australia is the species Helix Aspersa and is known as the Petit-Gris (small grey). It is not a native gastropod of this country but an introduced species of snail that made its way into Australia as some of our other well known agricultural pests did. People bought them here because they wanted to eat them. The snails also arrived via the confines of freight that origniated from the many European countries that valued the snail as a fine food fit for the gourmet. At the present time in Australia the only commercial source of Helix Aspersa available to the chefs of this country comes in a can. There are a few individuals scattered around Australia who are growing snails for the restaurant trade but their stock levels indicate they are operating on the basis of a cottage industry. By all accounts their product is of the highest quality and much sort after but as mentioned in limited supply and the demand for their escargot is far greater than the amount available to the market.
Research	Data and information were collected by reviewing the literature, community with some Australians who had experience in raring snails on a relatively small scale, and visiting producers in France. A market survey of a random sample of restaurants provided information on marketing in Australia.
Outcomes	The information presented in this report has been gathered and collated over a period of some three years and also included a fact finding trip to France were a great deal of the technical and practical information was obtained. Many experts involved in the biological aspects of the snails life cycle were consulted and numerous publications detailing information about snail farming (Heliciculture) were sourced from all around the world so that this report would have the most recent data that are available today. This report provides readers with information that should enable them make informed choices about their desire to embark upon a project that has never been attempted on a large scale before in Australia. Commercial snail farming involves a commitment by the grower that will have to be a full time one as it is with any intensive agricultural industry that uses animals as the primary souse of income. The program(s) outlined within the report give the potential snail farmer the ability to successfully embark on a project that will result in a profitable and sustainable business. It includes a brief description of the biology of the snail and its life cycle as well as its nutrient requirements.  The report details the construction and start up costs involved with the development of a commercial snail farm. The nursery area and the growing out area which are the main capital cost components are described in depth with various options or systems for growing snails. As snails are not readily accepted as a food source in Australia today the need for a comprehensive education and marketing programme will have to be incorporated into any snail farming venture. This aspect of the snail farmers business will be of paramount importance in the ability to succeed financially as most of the market today is dominated by snails imported from various countries overseas. A full time commitment and a positive attitude to succeed where no one else has in Australia will be the prerequisite for future commercial snail farmers that are going to create not only a domestic market for their product but also in time an export one in which they will and Australia itself will benefit socially and economically.
Implications	The marketing and promotional aspects appear to be of the utmost importance to gaining inroads into the existing restaurant and food outlets that now sell Escargot or who will do so in the future and to gain a greater market share of the now import orientated trade in Escargot. Education and a market specific promotion will need to be implemented and pursued vigorously to make the consumer more aware of the health and taste benefits associated with eating Escargot and to include them in their everyday eating habits. The figures presented in the chapter on economic analysis give a clear indication that not a great deal of money will need to be injected into a project that has obvious economic incentives to entice the agricultural entrepreneur to proceed with the establishment of a commercial snail farm. As this type of farming on such a large scale has not been attempted in Australia before there may be some trepidation in taking on such a new and untried alternative agricultural venture and would be completely understandable and an expected reaction to the unknown. It is also necessary that to take a calculated risk and succeed economically as well as technically will boost the confidence and acceptance of introducing new and alternate successful agricultural based industries.


 

Project Title:	Kangaroo skins trading project
RIRDC Project No.:	AM-6A
Researcher:	Mr Peter Evans
Organisation:	AUS-MEAT PO Box 3175 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101.
Phone:	(07) 3247 7200
Fax:	(07) 3247 7222
Objectives	· To establish an advisory group from the Kangaroo Skins processing industry. · Prepare project plans and determine the requirements and the resource required to progress recommendations. · Publish the agreed guidelines/Codes of Practice. · Establish the requirements for research and development to gather the necessary data to determine the benchmark for industry agreements and to progress and document that reflects the findings.
Background	The Kangaroo Industry Advisory Group formed to represent Kangaroo Meat Processors/Pet Food operators and Tanners and working in this capacity through out the project identified three major areas that required research and development: § Guidelines of Good Practice for Kangaroo Skin Handling and Preservation § Most Common faults Caused by poor handling and Preservation § Guidelines for Skinning and Dressing Process for Harvesters
Research	The Advisory Group recommended that research required to develop Guidelines of Good Practice for Kangaroo Skin Handling and Preservation and Most Common Faults Caused by Poor handling and Preservation be sub-contracted to The Leather Research Centre of (CSIRO). The Leather Research Centre representative was briefed by the Advisory Group on the project and was requested to submit a proposal with achievable milestones for delivering, in consultation with the Industry, drafts of the required documents by June 2000. These documents were then developed into informational posters and brochures and approved for printing by the Advisory Group. The Guidelines for Skinning Technique and Dressing Process has been researched with the industries support and agreement and a draft document reflecting these techniques was developed and approved for printing by the Advisory Group. In regard to an aim of the project to assess to what degree a correlation can be achieved between Kangaroo skins sized (graded) in a pickle stage and skins sized (graded) at the green and or salted stage the Advisory Committee resolved that; the recommendation is deferred until other skin projects that are currently being progressed are delivered, established and introduced to the broader industry for endorsement before progressing.
Outcomes	In keeping with the Advisory Committee recommendations, material was developed from the research conducted by CSIRO and AUS-MEAT and colour posters and brochures showing the steps required for Kangaroo Skins Preservation/Handling and Skinning Techniques have been printed and delivered to the Kangaroo Industry. § Guidelines to Good Practice for Kangaroo Skin Handling (1000 posters and 10,000 brochures) § Most Common Faults Caused by Poor Handling and Preservation Damage Caused to Finished Leather (1000 posters and 10,000 brochures) § Guidelines for Skinning Techniques (1000 posters and 1000 field guide booklets in plastic sleeve)
Project Title	Investigation and Demonstration of Commercial Scale Management and Breeding Procedures for Highly Productive Dairy Sheep.
RIRDC Project No.:	AWA-2A
Researcher:	Tom Grant
Organisation:	AWASSI (Aust) Pty Ltd  "Slievenamon" COWRA NSW 2794
Phone:	02 6342 9217
Fax:	02 6342 9269
Objectives	· To have the information, technology and high quality genetics required for an expansion of the sheep dairy industry in Australia by June 2000.
Background	Australia’s largest sheep dairy has been successfully operated by AWASSI (Aust) Pty Ltd at Cowra, NSW for four years. Up to 1,000 ewes, based on the AWASSI sheep breed, are milked twice daily in facilities and management systems that reflect world’s best practice.
Research Outcomes	Key outcomes of the research conducted under this project include: · Fully housed lactating ewes consume approximately 5kg fresh (2kg dry matter) of a diet based on pasture (grass / legume) silage, cereal grain (triticale) and a high protein source (whole lupins, cotton seed meal or soybean meal) in approximate proportions of 68% : 27% : 5% on a dry matter basis. · Increasing the high protein source component of the diet from 5% to 10% (dietary crude protein increased from 16.5% to 17.5%) increased milk yields by about 15% and milk fat content by about 10%. · Average milk quality parameters are : Fat – 4.6% to 5.2%, Protein – 4.7% to 5.0%, Total Solids – 14.9% to 15.8%. · A low cost system of rearing lambs (that are removed from their dams within one day after birth) has been developed, based on multiple suckling of lambs by lower production / late lactation ewes. · In a 84 day lactation monitoring trial, 75% AWASSI ewes peaked at 2.9 litres of milk / day at about day 20 after commencement of lactation, and averaged 2.3 litres / day over the trial period. 50% AWASSI ewes peaked at 2.4 litres / day at about day 20 and averaged 1.9 litres / day over the trial period. Ewes are "dried off" at approximately 0.8 litres / day – lactation lengths have averaged 150 to 175 days. · A trial of contemporary lactating ewes run in either a fully housed and lot fed system or at pasture with supplementary feeding (same ration as housed sheep) produced the following results: - Housed ewes produced approximately 30% more milk. - Unhoused ewes with some access to pasture consumed approximately 15% less of the silage : grain : protein feed mix. - Ewes run out of the shed for part of their lactation had a 60 day shorter "dry" period until the subsequent lactation, than ewes fully housed (in artificial light conditions) during lactation. It is hypothesised that this is a response to shorter day length when removed from the ewe housing, leading to earlier resumption of oestrus cycling during lactation. · An unresolved management problem has been the apparently high susceptibility of AWASSI sheep to feet infections (foot abscess, foot rot) in temperate climates. · A system of computer based recording of ewe genotype, lactation length and lactation yields has been developed.
Implications	The feeding and management of high yielding dairy ewes has been proven in this project. The major challenge to the viability of the sheep dairy industry is in product development and marketing.


 
 
 

Project Title:	Australian Buffalo Market Research and Industry Feasibility Study
RIRDC Project No.:	BUF 1A
Researcher:	Jan Robertson Consultant, Ray Leach
Organisation:	Buffalo Producers NSW Inc
Phone:	0268485315
Fax:	0268485359
Email:	janr@tpg.com.au
Objectives	· To develop a framework for the orderly marketing of buffalo meat products into supermarkets, by differentiating the product from other red meats on the basis of health benefits.
Background	Phase 1 of RIRDC project Buff 1A "Australian Buffalo Market Research and Industry Feasibility Study" identified the lack of an orderly marketing system at an industry level as a major constraint to the long term success of the buffalo industry. Furthermore, limited early research indicated buffalo meat may be low in cholesterol and saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, and validation of this information was seen as central to the differentiation of product in the market place.
Research	An investigation into the supply chain logistics from paddock to retail shelves was undertaken involving abattoir, boning room, processing facilities and distribution networks. Full costings were developed for all phases of the operation. Scientific analyses quantifying the key buffalo meat attributes – fat, cholesterol, Omega-3 fatty acids, iron and zinc plus some shelf life testing was conducted. Information was then compiled to formulate a marketing plan.
Outcomes	A marketing framework has been developed identifying best-bet abattoir, boning room, processing and distribution options. Buffalo products including gourmet and skinless sausages, buff burgers, lean mince and prime cuts were developed including preferred packaging options. Returns to producers in the development phase, are estimated to be $1.13 / kg liveweight delivered abattoir based on indicative retail pricing. An action plan with timeline for commercialization has been developed and costed including promotional budget. Significant health benefits in consuming buffalo meat were identified. Analysis of buffalo products indicated a ‘nutrient dense’ meat being almost the lowest fat domestic animal protein source (1.8 g fat per 100g product) and the lowest cholesterol value (46 mg per 100g product). Buffalo contains significant amounts of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (43 mg per 100g serve) and contains the highest level of iron of any commonly consumed domestic animal protein foods, plus significant amounts of zinc. Testing revealed shelf life performance on gourmet sausages and mince exceeding beef.
Implications	The buffalo industry can now proceed within a framework for the orderly marketing of meat products to the supermarket sector, with the confidence that the product has superior health attributes to other domestic meats.
Publications	Flack I., Smetana P. and Robertson J. (1999) "Australian Buffalo Market Research and Industry Feasibility Study" Project Report, RIRDC


 
 
 

Project Title	Sheep Milk Powder from Fresh Milk – Preliminary Study
RIRDC Project No.:	CCH-1A
Researcher:	John Grant
Organisation:	Cowra Cheese 1100 Mid Western Highway COWRA NSW 2794
Phone:	0407 837 739
Fax:	02 6342 9269
Objectives	· To examine small scale machinery options and their operating limitations for producing sheep milk powder from fresh milk. · Report on scope for Cowra Cheese to use milk drying machinery. · Undertake training in milk drying.
Background	The potential to dry sheep milk to produce milk powder was identified on the following rationale: 1. There was evidence of export market opportunities for sheep milk powder produced in Australia. 2. Drying milk produced at peak seasonal supply would provide an opportunity to deal with milk that is surplus to fresh milk processors’ needs. 3. Sheep milk powder would be another end use for sheep milk, thus establishing a stronger, broader market for the product in Australia.
Research	Preliminary market research for sheep milk powder was conducted. Producers of cow milk powder were contacted to determine machinery capability to dry sheep milk. In conjunction with a milk drying machinery manufacturer, specifications were developed for a sheep milk evaporator and spray dryer.
Outcomes	Preliminary market research indicated some domestic and export demand for sheep milk powder at wholesale prices in the range of $13.80 to $15/kg. No existing commercial milk drying equipment had the capacity to cost effectively produce powder from sheep milk. Specifications were developed for an evaporator / spray dryer which would process approximately 900 litres of sheep milk / hour and produce 150kg of milk powder / hour. A milk evaporation and dairy course was attended at the Gilbert Chandler Institute of Land and Food Resources (University of Melbourne)
Implications	The project identified the technical feasibility of producing milk powder from sheep milk at an approximate cost of $10/kg. No existing infrastructure is suitable for relatively small scale sheep milk powder manufacture and it would cost approximately $350,000 to establish such infrastructure. Prior to investment in such infrastructure it is essential that more substantive market research be conducted to determine the scale and value of potential markets for sheep milk powder.


 
 

Project Title	Business plan for freshwater crayfish as complimentary to existing animal products
RIRDC Project No.:	CSU-2A
Researcher:	Dr Laurie Piper
Organisation:	CSIRO Livestock Industries
Phone:	(02) 67761349
Fax:	(02) 67761333
Email:	l.piper@li.csiro.au
Objectives	· To examine the potential for expansion of the freshwater crayfish industry in Australia.
Background	Declining terms of trade for rural commodities in Australia generates a requirement for  increased productivity and risk spreading strategies such as diversification of income  streams in mixed farming enterprises. The opportunity exists to expand the use of existing or purpose built farm water resources for commercial production of freshwater crayfish, particularly given the recent changes to government regulations in respect of harvesting from farm dams in NSW and Victoria.
Research	The information on which this Report is based was gathered from leading industry personnel in all mainland states of Australia. The methodology employed was to design and utilise a questionnaire covering all aspects of the information being sought and to refine the questionnaire format after consultation with colleagues and a small sample of industry personnel. The final form of the questionnaire was the same for all respondants but the freshwater crayfish species that were relevant varied between the states.
Outcomes	Levels of freshwater crayfish production have been slowly increasing over the past 5-10 years and for the past three years (1996/97 to 1998/99) have averaged 421 tonnes with a value of $4.968 million. Yabby production averages 73 percent of total volume, with over half (58 percent) coming from WA. Reflecting the lower average price for yabbies, their production averages 58 percent total value. Levels of freshwater crayfish production are predicted to show modest increases in 1999/2000 but are predicted to increase around threefold by 2004/2005 to a level of 1589 tonnes with a value of $20.718 million. For the three species of commercially farmed freshwater crayfish, yabby, redclaw and marron, the levels of production are predicted to increase between 1999/2000 and 2004/2005 by 293%, 239% and 381% respectively. For redclaw and marron the predicted increase in production will be based on semi-intensive aquaculture in purpose built ponds. For yabbies, the majority (72%) of the predited increase is estimated to come from increased utilisation of existing farm dams with the remainder coming from purpose built ponds. Despite the magnitude of the predicted increases in production, prices received by farmers for freshwater crayfish are predicted to remain relatively stable.


 

Implications

Yabby aquaculture based on harvesting from farm dams can be profitable and provide an additional source of income from water resources that have already been created for land based agriculture purposes. Crayfish aquaculture in purpose built ponds can also be profitable but economies of scale apply and larger scale operations are more likely to be economically sustainable. Because of higher yields and prices, semi-intensive redclaw and marron operations may be more viable than semi-intensive yabby aquaculture systems. Potential export markets for Australian freshwater crayfish have been reported to be capable of absorbing as much as 2000 tonnes p.a. Existing export markets are in Europe and south east Asia but additional market development activity will also be focussed on Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the USA. Increased funding for R&D and technology transfer is required to support expansion of a more productive, profitable and economically viable freshwater crayfish industry.


 

Project Title:	Nutritional Needs of Ostriches under Farming Conditions
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-219A
Researcher:	Dr D. Farrell
Organisation:	Queensland Poultry Research and Development Centre, Department of Primary Industries
Phone:	3824 3081
Fax:	38244316
Email:	d.farrell@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Objectives	Because of unforeseen circumstances it was necessary to modify some of these original objectives. This was due to a rapid and severe downturn in the ostrich industry and to inclement weather which affected proposed on-farm studies as well as planned grazing studies. The main focus of the research became: · To obtain current information on all aspects of the ostrich industry from producers in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. · To determine the apparent metabolisable energy of roughages in the diets of ostriches, emus and adult cockerels. · To determine the ability of ostriches to select from two diets that varied greatly in their protein and energy content. · To assess the contribution of pasture to the nutritional needs of growing birds. · To design and test low-cost diets for breeding and non-breeding adult birds.
Background	The Australian ostrich industry was initially in an expansion phase with emphasis on breeding and selling stock. During the past few years a commercial industry was established with emphasis on meat production. Product price did not reach expectations because of difficulties in obtaining market share on the export arena, and poor demand on the domestic market particularly as price of traditional meats remained low. Many producers have left the industry; those that remained recognised a need for the formulation of low-cost diets that it would sustain acceptable growth. Feed costs contribute to about 70% of the total production costs. Emphasis is now changing from meat to leather. There is very little information published on the nutrition of ostriches, not only during growth but also for reproduction. Before research commenced, a survey was undertaken in 1997 of the ostrich industry in Queensland and northern New South Wales and particularly as to industry practice.
Research	There were several components to the research program. First an industry survey was undertaken by mailing out a detailed questionnaire to 618 producers. The second component was to determine to what extent ostriches could utilize sources of roughage or fibre, from milled wheat pollard, lucerne meal, Rhodes grass or wheat straw since it was recognised that reliance on lucerne meal was costly. This experiment was also designed to compare results with emus and cockerels. The third component was to investigate the ability of ostriches to select from two diets that were quite different in their make up, specifically in crude protein and energy levels. These results would allow formulation of cost-effective diets by observing how the birds change their choice as they age. It also offered the opportunity to use this approach in practice so that a low-cost and a more expensive diet could be offered simultaneously in separate feeders. Fourth, there was a need to determine to what extent pasture could contribute to the nutrition of growing birds, as this was seen as a low-cost feed. Finally opportunity was seen to develop the concept of "no-frills" feeding of adult birds both for maintenance and reproduction. Construction and testing of equipment was an ongoing process.             The two grazing trials with supplementation of a concentrate feed gave different results. The first was preliminary in nature but the pasture was of high quality and ostriches were able to grow at 280 g/day when given additional feed at only 70% of those fed ad libitum who grew at 299 g/day. Pasture quality in the second experiment was determined and found to be low. Intake was much lower than previously and growth rate was highly variable from 37 kg to about 90 kg liveweight. Those given ad libitum concentrate feed gained at 345-408 g/day; those offered feed at 50% at only 180-212 g/day suggesting that they may not have obtained much nutrition from the poor quality pasture. But ostriches given pasture of reasonable quality would be expected to grow at an acceptable rate when a concentrate feed is offered at an average 1 kg/day. With greater emphasis on leather and less on meat, where slower growth is desirable, grazing is of even greater importance in reducing costs. The final part of this study was the formulation of ‘no frills’ diet for mature birds. This included the formulation of low-cost basic mineral/vitamin premixes for all classes of stock that were much cheaper than those traditionally used in the ostrich industry. Although few results were obtained because of the long-term nature of the experiments to demonstrate the positive aspects of feeding whole grain with a formulated premix and a whole protein seed concentrate for laying hens only, producers were pleased with results obtained thus far. The project also produced portable ostrich shelters that could be constructed on-farm from inexpensive material. A transport cage that could be used to move different numbers of birds depending on age was also constructed and shown to be both useful and practical for ostriches and other livestock.
Outcomes	The results of the survey are of historical interest since there has been rapid change in the industry since 1997. At that time the majority of producers were cautiously optimistic. There were 160 respondents out of 618 producers mailed the questionnaire. The results of the energy experiment showed that ostriches had a much greater capacity to digest roughage based diets than emus or cockerels. Results generally followed fibre content of the roughage. Rhodes grass and wheat straw gave slightly lower values than the other fibre sources but all were high. This was in part due to the birds recycling their faeces, a practice that was not seen in emus or cockerels. The four free-choice experiments were particularly useful. They showed that irrespective of diet, the energy intake of ostriches was very similar, and like other livestock species, they eat to meet their energy requirements. Generally birds favoured diets that were high in both energy and protein and they tended to favour these throughout growth to about 90 kg. In three experiments, the costly amino acid, lysine, was calculated on the basis of g/kg weight gain. This varied greatly and according to choice of diets offered. It was as high as 55 g but could be reduced to 48 without great loss of performance. In another free-choice experiment, this ratio was as low as 24-28 g/kg with good growth rates on these diets. There is opportunity to allow ostriches, in practice, to select from two diets offered, that vary greatly in price and quality. This would lead to birds selecting to meet their needs yet keep the cost down to a minimum. Suitable equipment for sheltering and transporting ostriches was designed and built.
Implications	This is the first comprehensive nutritional study on ostriches undertaken in Australia. The major implications are (1) ostriches can utilize pasture provided the feed is of good quality. (2) Ostriches can choose between diets when offered as a choice of two that vary greatly in nutritional value. This will result in significant cost savings. (3) The ‘No Frills’ approach to feeding adult birds allows breeders to use whole grain with a small amount of a protein concentrate with a special premix. (4) Vitamin and mineral premixes were formulated to meet requirements of growing and adult birds at considerable cost saving.


 

Publications

Barram, K. and Schermer, M. (1999). Multi-Species Stock Shed, DPI Note Agdex 458/24. Farrell, D.J., Kent, P. and Sales, J. (1998). Can ostriches select from a choice of diets, Summerland Ostriches, News and Views, p 2. Summer 1998. Farrell, D.J. (1998). Ostrich research at QPRDC – No Frills feeding of adult birds. Summerland Ostriches, News and Views, p. 6, Winter 1998. Farrell, D.J. (1996/97). Nutrition research, Summerland Ostriches, News and Views, p. 2, Summer 1996/97. Farrell, D.J. (1999). Research findings. Farming Ostriches for Profit. A workshop held at Rich River Golf Club, Moama, NSW, November 20, 21, 1999. Farrell, D.J. (1997). Nutrition research : what we need to know to make more cost-effective diets. Ostrich Industry Seminar Notes. Townsville 22 November, 1997. Farrell, D.J. (1996). Ostriches are different. Ostrich Industry Seminar Notes. Townsville, 7-8 December, 1997. Farrell, D.J. (1997). Nutrition research : what we know to make more cost effective diets. Proceedings Australian Ostrich Convention, paper A12, Perth, WA, 6-10 August 1997. Farrell, D.J. (1998). An update on ostrich research. Ostrich Seminar, Rockhampton March 14, 1998. Farrell, D.J. (1998). Recent findings in ostrich nutrition. Ostrich Producers’ Meeting, Murgon, Qld, May 16, 1998 Farrell, D.J., Sales, J., Perez-Maldonado, R., Kent, P., Shermer, M. and Mannion, P.F. (2000). The apparent metabolisable energy of diets with different sources of fibre when fed to emus, ostriches and cockerels. Proceedings 15th Symposium on Energy Metabolismof Animals (In press). Copenhagen, September 10-16, 2000. Schermer, M. and Kent, P. (2000). Capture, Restraint and Handling of Ostriches, DPI Note Agdex 458/75.


 

Project Title:	Improved Nutrition and Management of Farmed Crocodiles: Hatching to Harvest
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-247A
Researcher:	Mr Bernie Davis
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE Qld 4810
Phone:	07 4722 2649
Fax:	07 4778 2970
Email:	davisb@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To develop a nutritionally balanced food pellet for both hatchling and grower sized crocodiles. · To carry out further research into selected environmental factors and management practices for rearing juveniles, and to undertake more fundamental benchmark research for grower crocodiles. · To encourage farmers to use the recording scheme CROCTEL. · To accurately and quickly extend research results to industry across Australia.
Background	At a meeting of Australian crocodile farmers at an RIRDC convened meeting in Darwin in 1995, production issues were nominated as top priority for research. Farmers currently rely on cheap sources of meat to feed their animals. This is very much a hit-and-miss approach in terms of balanced nutrition, and has long been eliminated in other industries like pig production. The use of road kills and offal may soon be prohibited on health grounds, so farmers will be faced with increasing food costs. A dry food pellet would be ideal, and would offer additional savings in transport, storage and manual feeding costs. The Australian industry is seeing profit margins disappear, and to remain viable it needs to adopt improved technology in its rearing and managing of animals. The research planned for nutrition, environment and management has the potential to deliver cumulative benefits to the farming operations.
Research	DPI has established a specially designed and constructed research facility for hatchling and juvenile crocodiles, and has successfully carried out different types of experiments to demonstrate the benefits of adopting new rearing methods. Another research facility for larger crocodiles (to slaughter size) has been carefully designed and built so that similar research can be carried out with these animals. Juvenile crocodiles are among the most efficient utilisers of food of all animals. They can eat 1kg of dry matter in the form of meat and increase in weight by 1.1 kg. Research on the earlier pellet prototype showed that animals were capable of eating twice as much dry matter in pelleted form as they did with meat (with 83% moisture).
Outcomes	Research into the manufacture of pelleted feeds for crocodiles has proven to be complex and has met with mixed success. Equipment for the on-farm manufacture of pelleted feed has been designed, built and trialed successfully. On a dry-matter basis manufactured pellets offer a 2.4:1 advantage over traditional diets such as chicken heads. This advantage means a reduction in ingredient and transport costs. The nutritional program has shown the crocodiles will eat pelleted feed but the level of acceptability is variable. Chicken heads have been used as control diets and pelleted feed has never matched the control diet for growth performance and in particular for weight gain. However, using weight as the sole criteria for growth may be misleading as animals may largely be laying down fat on chicken head diets. A growth index involving weight, total length and head length may offer a more accurate picture of progress. The issue of predictable feed acceptability for crocodiles on pelleted feed requires further development. Further development means screening a range of ingredients to establish the crocodile’s ingredient preferences. It could also mean that crocodiles as young hatchlings have to be trained to associate pellets with food. Research covering several environmental factors including stocking density, water levels, hide boards for juveniles and water temperature requirements for fifteen month old crocodiles have been researched and results of this research is presented for the reader’s perusal. CROCTEL is primarily associated with captive breeder crocodiles raised by Australian producers. This vision has produced different responses to CROCTEL by producers based in the Northern Territory and Queensland. In the Northern Territory there are fewer captive breeders so Territory producers have not readily endorsed CROCTEL. Queensland producers are primarily dependent on captive breeders for hatchlings and have used CROCTEL to monitor the performance of their breeders. In particular Queensland producers have monitored the reproductive performance of crocodiles fed diets fortified with vitamins and mineral supplements as opposed to animals on traditional non-vitamin fortified diets such as chicken heads. A second performance-monitoring scheme CrocProfit has been developed and released to producers on a national basis. CrocProfit is a spreadsheet-forecasting tool which gauges the impact of change of farming operations. For example, the financial impact of changes in skin prices or a move to manufacture feed can be gauged. Research results have been extended to producers through workshops, seminars based on demonstrations and lectures, the newsletter "Crocodile Capers", technical bulletins and the Crocodile Advisory Group a composite research/industry body. Producers asked that future workshops are topic specific, held more frequently and reduce from a two-day to half-day exercise. This is unlike previous workshops which addressed several topics and covered two days.
Implications	The implications of the crocodile research and development program are that they will reduce costs and in particular feed costs when the crocodile’s nutritional requirements are finally satisfied. The program will also identify and satisfy the husbandry requirements of farmed crocodiles and allow the changes to be monitored through the CROCTEL and CrocProfit programs.
Publications	Crocodile Research Bulletin - Volumes 1 – June 1995 Crocodile Research Bulletin - Volume 2 – June 1997 Crocodile Research & Development Bulletin - Volume 3 (in production) "Crocodile Capers" Newsletter - Biannually


 

Project Title	Feasibility of Developing New Markets for Dairy Goat Products
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-172A
Researcher:	Kate Stoney and Julie Francis
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources and Environment RMB 1145 Chiltern Valley Road RUTHERGLEN VIC. 3685
Phone:	02 6030 4500
Fax:	02 6030 4600
Email:	Kate.Stoney@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· To assist the expansion of specialist dairy goat milk products, by overcoming marketing and processing problems caused by seasonal surpluses in milk supply. · To provide strategic market intelligence on potential new markets for goat milk products in Asia.
Background	The RIRDC funded dairy goat productivity project has assisted the Australian industry to significantly expand goat milk production, and has also begun to address seasonality of supply issues and identify lower cost production techniques. The industry in Victoria is now 3 times larger than in 1990 and goat cheese production has increased from less than 5 tonnes per annum to more than 50 tonnes. However the problem of dealing with seasonal surpluses of milk have become significantly greater.  Industry believes that a major constraint to the continued expansion of the industry is identifying new markets for dairy goat products.
Research	Desktop research was completed to collect and analyse data relating to existing market size, import and export levels, analysis of potential markets including import/ export protocols, quotas and tariffs. This desktop study produced very little useful information, as import/ export statistics for most dairy goat products are not recorded and/or available. The services of Austrade and the Department of Natural Resources & Environment were used to conduct in-market research in five Asian markets, to gather this information and to identify potential importers, agents and processors of Australian dairy goat milk products. An industry survey was conducted, in an attempt to quantify the current production and processing capability of the Australian industry. An industry meeting was also held during this project, to present preliminary results and to provide an opportunity for industry input.  Various members of the Australian Goat Milk Association, as the industry representative body, were consulted throughout the project.
Outcomes	The five Asian markets investigated in this study showed export opportunities for the Australian dairy goat industry. Education of consumers and promotion of the products’ health benefits is required in each of the markets. A considerable number of challenges exist, if these opportunities are to be maximised. The industry needs to build its capability by developing a critical mass, consistency in supply and improve its cost competitiveness. Recommended approach to five Asian Markets: Korea – test market with infant milk powder. Work with local industry. Japan – powdered milk, as a functional/health food. Scientific validation of the health benefits would be required. Niche market for mild flavoured cheeses. Taiwan – marketing price competitive bulk milk powder and/ or develop a special formula for a new brand of Australian canned goat milk powder. Small niche market in food service sector for cheese. Singapore – Various products may be tested in this market. Potential opportunity for UHT milk and small niche market for goat cheese. Malaysia – Goat milk powder, tablets and UHT milk appears to have potential.
Implications	In order to take advantage of these export opportunities, the Australian industry needs to be united in its approach to developing new markets. A market entry strategy would be required, to ensure development of any or all of these markets is strategic, and maximises benefits to the Australian industry.  The Australian industry would need to significantly expand its production and processing capabilities in order to consider approaching these markets, with the exception of the niche markets for cheese.


 
 

Project Title	Cograzing Cattle and Camels
RIRDC Project No.:	DNT-20A
Researcher:	Mr Andrew Phillips, Dr Jurgen Heücke, Dr Birgit Dörges and Greg O’Reilly
Organisation:	Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Arid Zone Research Institute PO Box 8760 Alice Springs NT 0871
Phone:	0889 518 111
Fax:	0889 518 112
Email:	andrew.phillips@nt.gov.au or greg.oreilly@nt.gov.au
Objectives	· To obtain objective animal production data on cograzed cattle and camels compared to grazed cattle only.  · To improve knowledge of the impact of camels on native vegetation in Central Australia.  · To improve knowledge of the impact of camels on woody weed species in Central Australia.  · To obtain objective data on pasture utilisation by cograzing cattle and camels, compared to grazing cattle only.  · To demonstrate potential for cograzing species with different dietary preferences to improve productivity and income stability.
Background	Substantial effort has been devoted in Central Australia to developing camel markets. Live export camel markets have recently emerged. To ensure continuity of supply requires more domesticated camels. Cattle and camels are known to have somewhat different dietary preferences, so camels should be able to be grazed as extra livestock without affecting cattle production. Running camels on pastoral land in Central and many other areas of Australia would mean cograzing them with cattle. This project sought to obtain objective information on productivity and vegetation impact of cograzing cattle and camels.
Research	Cograzing cattle and camels was compared to grazing steers in two paddocks on a cattle station in Central Australia over3 to 4 years. The impact of cograzing on ground storey pasture species and tree and shrub species was assessed. Livestock production was recorded to determine if cograzing affected cattle production.
Outcomes	Cograzing did not increase grass utilisation but increased forb utilisation. This did not transpose into fewer forbs over the project time span, but may in the longer term. Cograzing impacted several tree and shrub species. Cograzing did not appear to make any difference to steer weight gains, although land type differences between paddocks confounded results slightly. Any differences in steer weight gains that may have been attributable to cograzing were very minor and not of economic concern, being in the order of 10 grams per head per day.
Implications	The project demonstrated that camels run as extra livestock had little or no impact on cattle production and increased total livestock production per unit area of land. Under careful management cograzing should not negatively impacting on the pasture resource.
Publications	Three articles on the project were published in the DPIF newsletter "Alice Springs Rural Review", 1997, 1998 and 1999.


 
 
 

Project Title:	Improving Productivity and Specialty Cheese Production in the Australian Dairy Goat Industry – Phase 2
RIRDC Project No.:	PTP-11A
Researcher:	Arthur Stubbs Gaille Abud
Organisation:	Primary Tasks Pty Ltd  Unit 58, Level 2, 395 Flat Rock Road  247-255 Drummond Street HURSTBRIDGE, VIC. 3099 CARLTON, VIC. 3053
Phone:	03 9844 1135 03 9718 2041
Fax:	03 9844 4554 03 9718 2041
Email:	akstubbs@compuserve.com gaille_abud@iprimus.com.au
Objectives	· Definition and demonstration of best practice procedures on-farm in feeding, health and mating management to achieve consistent quantity and quality of supply of goat milk at minimum cost for specialty cheese making.
Background	Phase 1 of this project (PTP-8A) revealed that there was a dearth of information on the effects on dairy goat productivity of various approaches to feeding, goat health, and mating. Also revealed was a lack of reliable market data for the specialty goat cheese sector. There was a need to provide on-farm demonstration and measurement of the effects of management practices. This had to be complemented by extension of the information gained, provision of benchmarks to farmers through the survey technique, and more specific market information to ensure stable and sound growth of the industry.
Research	Components of the project included: Establishment of focus farms to monitor and demonstrate farm management practices; Development of a computerised farm recording system for ease of data collection and analysis; Sourcing and updating technical information; Farm performance surveys to provide industry benchmarks; Market surveys to gather data on production, sales, imports and user opinions; Industry development and co-ordination through liaison and meetings; and an overseas study tour to examine a mature dairy goat industry.
Outcomes	Focus farms and farm surveys have identified effective farm management practices and benchmarks. A specific dairy goat farm computer program has been produced. A technical manual of "Dairy Goat Notes" has been compiled for reference. Market information has provided a picture of the trade and of user preferences. An industry representative organisation has been formed. The overseas study tour has yielded valuable lessons for Australia.
Implications	The results of the project give dairy goat farmers guidelines for efficient production and will potentially benefit the industry through economical and consistent supply of milk for cheese and other products. Other benefits will include: improved milk, cheese and other product quality ensuring satisfaction of market demands for uniformity and reliability of product; improved export and import competitiveness; and co-ordination of stakeholders to assist development of an autonomous and sustainable dairy goat industry.
Publications	"Dairy Goat Farming Practices – for Specialty Cheese & Other Products"


 

Project Title:	Alpaca Enterprise Budgeting Software
RIRDC Project No.:	RID-2A
Researcher:	Chris Tuckwell
Organisation:	Rural Industry Developments PO Box 1105 GAWLER SA 5118
Phone:	(08) 8523 3500
Fax:	(08) 8522 6126
Email:	tuckwell@dove.net.au
Objectives	· To develop stand-alone software that provides: Alpaca farmers with a means of objective assessment of alternative management strategies on enterprise profitability and of the sensitivity of enterprise outcome to changes in production cost and income parameters and; Lending institutions, joint investors and other groups with a tool that will allow objective assessment of likely establishment costs and estimated returns from ostrich enterprises.
Background	It is reasonable to say that the Australian Alpaca industry began as a speculative investment industry in the late 1980's. The industry grew rapidly and attracted investment from people with diverse backgrounds and during the speculative phase of the industry economics of scale mattered little, nor did production costs because of the very high sale price of stock. During the speculation phase of the industry, while income is principally sourced from sale of livestock, small enterprises have remained profitable. As the industry is progressing towards a truly commodity production based industry, small enterprises are less likely to remain profitable. As there was no standard objective method of assessing future profitability of small commercial production based enterprises at the time of investment, the uneconomic nature of small enterprises is only likely to be realised by experience. Decisions on whether to diversify into alpaca production or consider expansion of existing enterprises must include considerations of: Practical issues related to animal production and husbandry; Issues related to processing and product packaging and marketing; and Relative profitability of alpaca enterprises compared with animal production systems in which producers are currently engaged.
Research	The project's principal researcher previously developed a set of complex interactive spreadsheets to undertake economic assessment of ostrich enterprises. The spreadsheets were developed over five years for the preparation of conference papers on the economics of ostrich farming, and for use by the researcher in general consultancy work. A software engineering specialist (Mr Raymond Kennington of Programming Solutions) was contracted to develop a program that incorporates the spreadsheets as a self-executing program that is easy to use and recalculates quickly. Program development included the development of on-line help to assist users to become familiar with the program. The program was designed to allow future development and upgrading as necessary should funding be available. The new program was tested against the spreadsheet model for accuracy and evaluated by selected industry participants
Outcomes	The Alpaca Farm Budgeting System (AFBS) provides the alpaca industry with a farm budgeting tool that exceeds the objectives of this project. The system follows standard Gross Margining Budgeting principles. The program provides two separate production systems, Breeding and Wether enterprises and the flexible nature of the program gives users an ability to easily model their own enterprise and assess the likely influence of production, income and expense parameter changes. The program offers users the ability to examine the sensitivity of major economic parameters to a wide range of input parameters that affect economic performance. Sensitivity reports allow users to quickly assess the influence of small or large changes in important management, production, income or cost parameters. In particular they can be used to assess the range of likely economic outcomes for an enterprise that is dependent on inputs over which a manager has limited control.

Implications

The likely implications of the user of this software by industry include: Objective assessment of the future of current enterprise to allow consideration of appropriate changes that will improve future, commercial enterprise profitability; Encouragement of new investment in the industry based on an objective assessment of likely performance of an enterprise with associated risk assessment; An opportunity to carefully analyse likely economic outcomes from changes in enterprise management practices and ; a standardised method of comparing enterprise performance between different geographical locations.


 

Project Title:	Anti-inflammatory properties of emu oil
RIRDC Project No.:	SAR-20A
Researcher:	Professor Professor A Ferrante
Organisation:	Department of Immunopathology 72 King William Street North Adelaide SA 5006
Phone:	08 82047216
Fax:	08 82037359
Objectives	· Establish whether or not emu oil has anti-inflammatory activity. · Identify biomarkers which are indicative of this activity. · Attempt to devise an approach to improve the efficacy of emu oil.
Research	Twelve different preparations of emu oil were tested to determine their direct effect on various parameters in vitro. Findings were consistent with the hypothesis that the active component requires release by enzymes, which is likely to occur when the oils are administered to animals. In vivo studies of the effects on inflammatory reactions have shown promising results. One of the emu oil preparations was extensively studied for its efficacy in animal models of inflammation in mice. Inflammation was significantly reduced by this oil. Other emu oils were tested and were effective in reducing inflammation although to varying degrees. Work has shown that there is an opportunity to distinguish efficacy of various oils. These results indicate there is potential to use emu oil as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Outcomes	Not for publication
Implications	There is potential to use emu oil as an anti-inflammatory agent in human medicine.