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

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To New Animal Products  Completed Projects
 

1.2 New Animal Products   Research in Progress
Project No.	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
CSA-6A	Technology information to enable the development of earthworm production	Dr Robyn Dynes	(08) 9333 6671	CSIRO Division of Animal Production
CSU-1A	Farmed rabbits for growth in Australian agriculture	Dr Sandra Eady	(02) 6776 1394	CSIRO Division of Animal Production
CWT-1A	Enhancing the unique properties of kangaroo leather	Mrs Catherine Money	(03) 9545 2365	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
DAQ-258A	Market characteristics and opportunities for skin products of emerging animal industries	Ms Brownyn Warfield	(07) 4688 1251	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAQ-272A	Identification and development of export opportunities for game birds	Ms Alison Leech	(07) 3896 9586	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAQ-278A	Distribution of meat products	Ms Jacquie Bodger	(07) 3239 3307	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAV-181A	Shelf-life and microbiological safety of selected new and emerging meats destined for export markets	Ms Joanne Bobbitt	(03) 9217 4334	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
DAV-182A	New value added products of selected new and emerging meats destined for various domestic and export markets	Ms Joanne Bobbitt	(03) 9217 4334	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
LEC-1A	Increasing markets for kangaroo products by improving kangaroo industry image	Mr John Kelly	(03) 6326 8639	Lenah Consultancy
SAR-27A	Husbandry and genetic strategies to improve hide quality of ostriches	Dr Phil Glatz	(08) 8303 7786	South Australian Research and Development Institute
UMO-24A	Increase autumn and winter production of goat milk	Dr Alexander Cameron	(03) 5286 1211	Monash University
UQ-95A	Commercial safari hunting of Australian game - a feasibility study	Dr Gordon Dryden	(07) 5460 1255	The University of Queensland
UQ-96A	Sericulture: Development of a new Community-based Industry in Australia	Dr John Dingle	(07) 5460 1250	The University of Queensland
US-94A	Factors that influence meat quality from kangaroos	Dr Peter Wynn	(02) 9351 1632	The University of Sydney
UWA-44A	Development of marketable dairy products from sheep milk	Dr Roberta Bencini	(08) 9380 2521	University of Western Australia
UWA-52A	Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for the emu and ostrich farming	Assoc Prof Graeme Martin	(08) 9380 2528	University of Western Australia
WHP-2A	Performance benchmarks for selected new animal products	Mr David Michael	(02) 9369 2735	Wondu Holdings Pty Limited


 

Project Title	Technology informatin to enable the development of earthworm production
RIRDC Project No.:	CSA-6A
Start Date:	15/7/98
Finish Date:	30/11/01
Researcher:	Dr R. Dynes
Organisation:	CSIRO Animal Production Private Mail Bag 5 Wembley W.A. 6913
Phone:	(08) 93336671
Fax:	(08) 9387 8991
Email:	r.dynes@ccmar.csiro.au
Objectives	Establishment of diversified and viable enterprises using waste material to produce earthworm meal, oil and casting by delivery of: · Feeding regimes and their management to optimise breeding and production and to manipulate product composition. · Examine and evaluate processing technology for lipid, meal and castings. · Integrate production of value-added products with waste management to minimise feed stock costs and optimise profitability.
Current Progress	A feature of our findings from the major experiment completed last year, were the significant differences in growth (40%), reproduction rates (100%) and body composition (60 vs 75% protein) in worms fed diets with enhanced protein:energy. Laboratory analysis continues on the samples collected from the amino acid supplementation experiment and for amino acid analysis of worm meals. Industry interest in the use of earthworms for disposal of paunch material in abattoirs has been high. A number of meetings were initiated with industry bodies (AMC, AMPC) and with export Abattoirs. An application for industry collaborative research is currently under consideration. Conference presentation made of this work one-major media story published and 1 radio interview. Final experiment in progress, to determine the effect of inclusion of unsaturated fish oil in diets on growth and reproduction of earthworms and on the fatty acid composition of the worm meal. Discussions with ACIAR have also been initiated. A student project (UWA) has commenced; marron will be fed diets with increasing rates of inclusion of worm meal. Growth rates in Marron will be monitored.


 
 
 

Project Title	Farmed rabbits for growth in Australian agriculture
RIRDC Project No.:	CSU-1A
Start Date:	1/08/99
Finish Date:	30/7/02
Researcher:	Dr Sandra Eady
Organisation:	CSIRO Livestock Industries, Armidale
Phone:	02 6776 1394
Fax:	02 6776 1371
Email:	sandra.eady@li.csiro.au
Objectives	· The project objective is to develop a breeding goal designed to maximise economic returns for meat rabbit farmers. The outcome will be a clear definition of those traits that contribute most to economic returns and how these traits can be optimised through selective breeding. Specific deliverables to the industry include computer software to manage data and herd production statistics, implementation of practical and effective systems of rabbit selection in commercial herds and a range of industry publications and field days.
Current Progress	Matings for evaluation of breed means for 3 meat rabbit breeds (NZ White, Flemish Giant and Californian) and their crosses have been completed and an initial analysis undertaken for production traits (litter size, growth rate, carcass yield). Based on the results of the breed evaluation, a structured family breeding program was designed and commenced in May 2001. Rabbit selection is based on an index combining estimated breeding values for number of kittens weaned per litter and average daily growth rate, with independent culling of mature does on kindling interval. An assessment of the merit of introducing European rabbit strains was made and steps have been taken to initiate the development of importation protocols for frozen semen and embryos. There has been extensive software development to allow easy and ready access to rabbit data and to automate many of the queries required for weekly data collection and updating. A simplified system is being evaluated by 4 farmers. The Crusader web page (www.csiro.au/crusader) has been made public and has had approximately 250 hits since December 2000. A number of workshops and activity days have been held with farmers and educational groups.


 

Project Title	Enhancing the unique properties of kangaroo leather
RIRDC Project No.:	CWT-1A
Start Date:	1/08/99
Finish Date:	31/03/02
Researcher:	Mrs Catherine Money
Organisation:	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Leather Research Centre Private Bag 10 CLAYTON SOUTH MDC VIC 3169
Phone:	(03) 9545 2365
Fax:	903) 9545 2363
Objectives	· The aim of the project is to establish processing conditions which maximize the strength and related properties to further enhance the unique properties of kangaroo leather. The R&D objectives will focus on quantitating the influence of tanning and retanning processes on the structure-strength relationships in leather derived from skins of the grey and red kangaroo. Through a detailed study of the factors influencing the chemical and physical properties of the leather, conditions will be determined which optimize its key attributes of high tensile strength, lightweight and flexibility. The conditions for effective water proofing of kangaroo leather whilst maintaining the strength and flexibility will be determined.
Current Progress	The second stage of leather production, from wet blue to crust leather including retanning dyeing and fatliquoring, has been shown to afford significant increases in the tear strength of the leather. Tensile strength is only marginally increased by these processes and appears to be determined in the early processing from raw skins to wet blue. The effect of reagents used in the processing has been studied and it was found that various types of fatliquors used in processing do not cause significant changes in the overall strength of the leather.  Storage of pickled skins at ambient temperatures (10-40ºC) has been shown to result in a decrease in strength after 12 months compared to skins stored at lower temperatures (4ºC).  Mechanical processes used in leather production have been studied to determine their effect on the final strength of kangaroo leather. The drying process used in leather production has been found to affect the strength of leather, with both temperature and length of drying being important. Shaving of wet blue to achieve the desired thickness for the final leather was found to decrease strength. In kangaroo leather the overall strength is directly related to the thickness of the skin. The strength per mm of leather was found not to change during the shaving operation, which is not the case with bovine leather where sections of the leather vary greatly in strength.


 
 
 

Project Title	Market characteristics and opportunities for skin products of emerging animal industries
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-258A
Start Date:	01/10/99
Finish Date:	01/10/01
Researcher:	Ms. Bronwyn Warfield
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350
Phone:	(07) 4688 1251
Fax:	(07) 4688 1808
Email:	warfieldb@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· The project will provide producers, processors and tanners with an understanding of the market requirements and opportunities for skin products of goat, emu, ostrich, crocodile and camel.
Current Progress	The skin’s project has achieved some major steps over the last 12 months including: an in-market visit to Japan; sponsorship of a fashion design student to study in Florence (Italy); economic assessment of the value adding opportunities for goat; and a domestic survey of Australia’s export and supply capabilities. The in-market visit to Japan identified commercial contacts for goat, camel and ostrich. The research in Japan found the factors affecting trading of leather to manufacturers included: · Competition from substitute textiles/material · Technical manufacturing specification/quality · Final and user/consumer preferences · Perceived supply and demand for leather · Innovation · Relationship in existing business networks There was also found to be strong interest in ostrich from the raw to finished product stage. The research found that there is an opportunity to differentiate Australian leather using an environmental approach featuring Australia’s environment. The project has also sent a student to study at Polimoda Fashion Institute in Italy for 6 month. The student is collecting contacts and designing garments and accessories for each of the 5 skins. An economic assessment of goat was undertaken to assess the viability of value adding to goat at different stages from raw to finished leather. The research to date indicates that value adding to the pickled stage is the most viable at this stage with potential for high value niche value added finished leather products. The domestic supply and export capability study has been completed which assesses Australia’s tanning, manufacturing and production capabilities for all 5 skins.


 
 
 

Project Title	Identification and development of export opportunities for game birds
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-272A
Start Date:	1/11/00
Finish Date:	31/11/02
Researcher:	Ms Alison Leech
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Phone:	07-3896 9586
Fax:	07-3896 9677
Email:	leecha@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	The project will provide: · producers, processors, distributors and exporters with a clear understanding  of the export market opportunities for game birds. · an outline of Australia’s export supply capabilities. · assistance to industry to capture these opportunities.
Current Progress	In assessing the ability of Australia’s industry to commercially produce game birds, a supply capability survey has been developed  targeting commercial growers and processors. Production and processing data for eight game bird species will be collated. These  are quail, squab, geese, guinea fowl, pheasant, partridge, duck and turkey. Survey results will assist in concentrating on the products and overseas markets,  which offer the most potential in terms of supply capabilities. A marketing matrix to shortlist potential countries and market segments will be developed which will permit more focused market research.


 

Project Title	Distribution of meat products
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-278A
Start Date:	02-04-01
Finish Date:	01-08-02
Researcher:	Ms Jacquie Bodger
Organisation:	Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Phone:	07-3239 3307
Fax:	07-3221 3896
Email:	bodgerj@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To analyse, present, and recommend strategies for the future distribution of meat products from prospective Australian animal industries (PAAI), specifically rabbits, gamebirds, crocodile, emu, hares and snails within the Australian domestic market. Specific project objectives include: · Description of current methods of distributing PAAI meats from processing works to the customer. · To analyse the methods by a SWOT or similar technique. · To identify and assess present R&D that is aimed at producing innovative methods for the future. · To determine the key strategic implications from the project. · To recommend to RIRDC future R&D.
Current Progress	Desk research has already been undertaken on the above PAAI industries, specifically rabbits, gamebirds, crocodile, emu, hares and snails and contact lists compiled. Work will be undertaken to produce two case studies per enterprise with the exception of gamebirds, which could cover more than eight species of birds. The case studies of gamebirds may cover ducks, pheasants, quail, squab and wild pigeon.  The study will approach the distribution chain from both the demand and supply ends. Retail outlets such as speciality butchers and restaurants will be approached as well as producers and processors. An initial questionnaire is being developed, which will be presented locally and used to firstly identify and qualify the enterprises for face to face interview.


 

Project Title	Shelf-life and microbiological safety of selected new and emerging meats destined for export markets
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-181A
Start Date:	01/10/00
Finish Date:	30/12/01
Researcher:	Ms. Joanne Bobbitt
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Vic) Victorian Institute of Animal Science 475 Mickleham Road ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4334
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	Joanne.bobbitt@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· A literature review of current shelf life status of 2 new and emerging meat species will be written. · Conduct microbiological survey of both pathogenic and spoilage bacteria on the 2 selected species. · Develop generic HACCP plans for the production of the meat destined for export markets from the 2 species selected.
Current Progress	A desktop review of the processing practices for the animal species: ostrich, emu, camel, buffalo, crocodile, rabbit, kangaroo, has been completed. Industry surveys to confirm the findings of the desktop review have also been completed. As a result of these findings the two selected species for which generic HACCP plans will be developed are ostrich and rabbit. A draft of the shelf life review has been completed, into which the findings of the processing practices desktop review have been incorporated to produce a more comprehensive microbiological view of the various meat species outlined above.  This draft will be updated near the completion of the project with information not already captured along with results of the industry surveys to ensure the relevance of the review. A processing plant for each of rabbit and ostrich, both of which are based in Victoria, have been identified as suitable candidates and willing participants in this project.


 

Project Title	New value added products of selected new and emerging meats destined for various domestic and export markets
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-182A
Start Date:	01/04/01
Finish Date:	31/03/02
Researcher:	Ms. Joanne Bobbitt
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Vic) Victorian Institute of Animal Science 475 Mickleham Road ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4334
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	Joanne.bobbitt@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· Develop one new product for each of buffalo, kangaroo, emu, ostrich, crocodile, camel, and rabbit. · Investigate the most appropriate packaging systems for the new and emerging meat industries, eg. Vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, frozen or fresh aerobic storage. · Identify most appropriate cuts for value added products. · Validate safety and shelf life of those products. Assess acceptance of such products into the market place. · Send at least one trial consignment of each product to a potential market for evaluation.
Current Progress	Individual plants, processing each of buffalo, kangaroo, emu, ostrich, crocodile, camel and rabbit, have been offered the opportunity to develop a new value added product as part of this project. This opportunity has been received favourably by the majority of the processors surveyed, particularly in the buffalo industry. A willing participant from the emu industry remains to be identified. Investigation of potential export markets for the products to be developed in this project has commenced. During a recent visit to Singapore, talks with the Agrifood Veterinary Authority confirmed their willingness to allow value added meat products, which meets the microbiological criteria set by the authority, into Singapore. Whilst in Singapore, the opportunity to meet with Mr David Lee, Bluewater Fine Food Pte Ltd, arose and proved fruitful. Mr Lee was interested in importing value added meat products that he would make available to the food service industry and to retail outlets such as Daimaru. For an export market such as Singapore, the ideal packaging system would be one that confers several weeks shelf life, such as vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging. Modified atmosphere packaging allows more flexibility to optimise the retail display imagery and may prove the most suitable packaging for this market, though this needs to be confirmed microbiologically.


 

Project Title	Increasing markets for kangaroo products by improving kangaroo industry image
RIRDC Project No.:	LEC-1A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	31/07/02
Researcher:	Mr. John Kelly
Organisation:	Lenah Consultancy PO Box 294 MOWBRAY TAS 7248
Phone:	(03) 6326 8639
Fax:	(03) 6326 2790
Email:	kiaa@tassie.net.au
Objectives	· An improved public perception of the environmental wisdom, sustainability and responsible controls of the kangaroo harvest, leading to improved kangaroo product sales.
Current Progress	This project has generated considerable positive press coverage for the kangaroo industry both domestically and internationally. The following represents only verified coverage. It's considered a good deal more unverified coverage has also been generated: · international radio 10 interviews · international TV 4 stories · international press 25 articles · domestic radio 17 interviews · domestic TV 1 story · domestic press 29 articles The domestic press includes major articles in the Financial Review and the Bulletin, the international radio includes the BBC World Today program and the international press includes the glossy World Leather (probably the widest circulated leather industry magazine). In addition the project has generated 4 newsletters on industry developments circulated widely through industry and government. Significant alterations to www.kangaroo-industry.asn.au have improved it's role in promoting the environmental wisdom of the kangaroo harvest to the general populace as well as giving an interactive means of finding local kangaroo meat suppliers. Other initiatives coordinated include: · donation of kangaroo pet meat to assist in predator baiting programs necessary to facilitate the release of captive bred bilby's as part of a reintroduction program. · consultation with the Australian Museums FATE Project on kangaroo industry involvement. Both offer the industry a chance to enhance a reputation for environmentally responsibly management.


 
 
 

Project Title	Husbandry and genetic strategies to improve hide quality of ostriches
RIRDC Project No.:	SAR-27A
Start Date:	01/0700
Finish Date:	31/07/02
Researcher:	Dr Phil Glatz
Organisation:	South Australian Research and Development Institute PIRSA/SARDI Research Funds Coordinator LSA Building, PPPI Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371
Phone:	08 83037786
Fax:	08 83037689
Email:	glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au;
Objectives	· To evaluate genetic selection as a tool for improving hide quality through reducing the prevalence of filoplumes and associated pinhole defects. · To assess declawing of ostriches as a husbandry strategy to improve hide quality and examine the effects of declawing on walking ability and general behaviour of ostriches.  · Establish if declawing can be justified as a husbandry practice to prevent its potential abuse. To improve the welfare of farmed ostriches, worker safety and economic returns by declawing ostriches.
Current Progress	The declawing study was undertaken at Hazelwood Ostriches, a commercial ostrich farm in Victoria, Australia during November 2000. Behaviour of day old ostrich chicks declawed soon after hatch were compared to a control group not declawed. There was no significant differences between control and declawed chicks in bouts of walking, eating, drinking, preening, preening others or incidences of being pecked or pecking at other birds. Control chicks engaged in more stepping on other birds and being stepped on by other birds, higher bouts of sitting, standing and incidences of pecking at the environment, kantelling and threatening behaviour compared to declawed chicks. The behavioural evidence in this study with chicks indicates declawing modifies ostrich behaviour and perhaps reduces the potential for skin damage in ostriches by reducing behaviours that might affect skin quality. Further behaviour studies with the same group of birds will be undertaken in November 2001 when birds are 12 months of age. Data on filoplumes and bristle hairs is being collected on farms in Victoria, NSW and Queensland on ostriches at day old, 3 months and prior to slaughter. Extent of pinholes in tanned hides will also be determined by December 2001.

Project Title	Increase autumn and winter production of goat milk
RIRDC Project No.:	UMO-24A
Start Date:	10/05/00
Finish Date:	30/05/03
Researcher:	Dr. Alexander Cameron
Organisation:	Monash University RMB Cameron Rd MEREDITH VIC 3333
Phone:	(03) 5286 1211
Fax:	(03) 5286 1379
Email:	glenspen@netconnect.com.au
Objectives	· To increase the production of goat milk in autumn and winter, when the volume produced is usually less than one quarter of that achieved in the spring. This is to be achieved by increasing the proportion of the goat herd that commence lactation (kid) in autumn.
Current Progress	The objective of this project is to increase the production of goat milk in autumn and winter, when the volume produced is usually less than one quarter of that achieved in spring. This is to be achieved by overcoming the seasonal pattern of reproduction in goats, which dictates that they mate in autumn, and so commence lactation in spring.  An experiment undertaken last year aimed to determine when the natural breeding season of dairy goats ended. Primiparous goats were isolated from bucks until joined on either July 5, September 6 or November 9. Joining was preceded by 2 weeks treatment with progesterone, administered by CIDRs, and half the goats received 400 i.u. PMSG the day CIDRs were withdrawn. Ovaries were examined by laparoscopy, 8 days after joining commenced, and the number of corpora lutea counted. All the goats ovulated in July and September, but in November, 10/11 of those treated with PMSG ovulated, but none of the untreated goats did. This indicates that with natural mating, goats will kid as late as February, but not April. PMSG induced physiologically normal ovulation rates (number of eggs shed per goat ovulating) at all times, although in July in particular the induced cycles often ended prematurely. Further experiments are planned to define more precisely when the breeding season ends, and to increase the pregnancy rate when ovulation is induced with PMSG.


 

Project Title	Commercial safari hunting of Australian game - a feasibility study
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-95A
Start Date:	1/01/01
Finish Date:	31/12/02
Researcher:	Dr. Gordon Dryden
Organisation:	The University of Queensland School of Animal Studies Gatton Campus GATTON QLD 4345
Phone:	07-5460 1255
Fax:	07-54601444
Email:	GMD@sas.uq.edu.au
Objectives	· To improve the viability of the Australian tourism and primary industries by investigating the feasibility of further commercially exploiting Australian feral game animals for ecotourism and recreational hunting, and by supplying case studies, developing principles and guidelines for effective exploitation, and holding a conference by the end of 2002.
Current Progress	A concept plan of the ecotourism/safari industry has been developed. A start has been made to identify and describe case studies of ecotourism and safari hunting, through attendance at the Vth International Wildlife Ranching Symposium in South Africa, and visits to wildlife ranches, game farms and national parks in South Africa. Contacts have been established with southern African ecotourism and safari hunting organisations, including the Centre for Wildlife Management of the University of Pretoria, the Department of Marketing of the P E Technikon, Port Elizabeth, the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, and the Namibian Department of Agriculture.


 

Project Title	Sericulture: Development of a new Community-based Industry in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-96A
Start Date:	01/02/01
Finish Date:	31/08/04
Researcher:	Dr John Dingle
Organisation:	University of Queensland BRISBANE QLD 4072
Phone:	(07) 5460 1250
Fax:	(07) 5460 1444
Email:	jdg@sas.uq.edu.au
Objectives	· The proposal outcomes will be commercially and economically viable for: · Establishing rural-based sericulture industry in Australia for producing raw silk for the Australian textile market with the potential for future exports. · Possible future export opportunities in raw silk and other silk products to Asian, European and American markets. · Providing an avenue for the Australian rural community for a home-based remunerative employment program.
Current Progress	Sericulture:  A PhD student has been appointed to undertake sericulture research. Controlled environment insect rooms have been commissioned. Local stocks of silkworms are being colleted.  Moriculture:  A PhD student has been appointed. Thirty cuttings of a local mulberry variety have been successfully struck in a standard potting mix in a glasshouse. Coordination and Marketing: Research teams have met to share information. Approximately 40 people have submitted expressions of interest in farming silkworms and growing mulberry trees. A stand promoting sericulture farming in Australia was run at the Alternative Farming Expo at Seymour, Victoria. An article on farming silkworms will be published in the next edition of the magazine "Alternate Farmer."


 

Project Title	Factors that influence meat quality from kangaroos
RIRDC Project No.:	US-94A
Start Date:	01/07/00
Finish Date:	30/09/03
Researcher:	Dr. Peter Wynn
Organisation:	The University of Sydney Department of Animal Science PMB 3 PO CAMDEN NSW 2570
Phone:	(02) 9351 1632
Fax:	(02) 4655 6657
Email:	peterw@camden.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	· Conduct of an industry survey of the extent of variability in tenderness, flavour and juiciness by sensory evaluation in commercial meat cuts from the major commercial kangaroo species. · Establishment of the relationship between species, sex and age of the animal at slaughter with the key meat quality parameters of tenderness, flavour and juiciness. · Determination of the effects of post-slaughter carcass handling on meat characteristics such as muscle pH and temperature change and their impact on muscle shortening, drip loss and cooking loss. · Determination of the effect of dietary lipids in vegetation on the glycogen composition in muscle and their impact on flavour, cooking odours and taints. · Establish the difference in meat quality in response to seasonal variables such as changes in ambient temperature, rainfall and vegetation. · Exploration of the commercial use of electrical stimulation and quick chilling as a means of maximising tenderness, while at the same time minimising microbial contamination.
Current Progress	The consumption of kangaroo meat here in Australia and overseas and more particularly in Europe has provided a resource worth over $A200M from the strategic and sustainable harvesting of this native wildlife resource. The project is designed to provide an assessment of the variation in eating quality emanating from this fledgling industry and to understand the factors that contribute to this variation. Our initial observations show that marked differences exist in the tenderness of muscles (assessed as a mechanical shear force) obtained from the same carcass and that the hanging of carcasses from a single leg or through the pelvis results in marked improvements in tenderness of legs left hanging free. In contrast muscles from the suspended legs were tougher for the consumer. Initial observations on the rate of change in carcass acidity or pH suggest that this is related to carcass temperature and that rate of pH decline is similar to that observed in meat from domesticated beef cattle and sheep. A consumer survey is underway to determine the variation in meat quality in carcasses obtained from two different environments from which kangaroos are commonly harvested for this purpose. Comparisons will be made between consumer acceptability in a taste panel with objective measurements made in the laboratory. The reasons for variation in quality between muscle within a carcass relates to the relative proportions of types of muscle fibres which vary in their glycogen content and their ability to convert this to lactate post-slaughter. We have now established methods for the characterization of kangaroo muscle fibre populations based on antibodies generated against specific markers developed to study beef muscles. The next 6 months will yield an important data set for the industry to identify the variation in the product they are marketing so successfully at present in the export market place. Identification of the mechanisms responsible for this variation is our next target.


 

Project Title	Development of marketable dairy products from sheep milk
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-44A
Start Date:	01/07/98
Finish Date:	31/12/01
Researcher:	Dr. Roberta Bencini
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Animal Science Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6009
Phone:	(08) 9380 2521
Fax:	(08) 9380 1040
Email:	rbencini@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	To assist the establishment of a viable sheep milking industry in Australia by: · Producing reliable data on the yield, composition and processing performance of milk from Awassi, East Friecian and crossbred sheep. · Developing new marketable dairy products made with sheep milk and speciality cheeses using both calf and vegetable (cardoon) rennets.
Current Progress	East Friesian x Awassi crosses. In 2000 we assessed the dairy potential of East Friesian x Merino (EFM) and East Friesian x Awassi crosses (EFA). EFM and EFA ewes produced more milk than Merino ewes. Product development  We have developed a mould ripened cheese, camembert style. This has been judged to be extremely palatable by a semi-trained panel. Consumer assessment of this cheese will be conducted later this year.  Effect of feeding triticale on the yield and composition of milk This student's project studied the effect of bypass starch on the yield and composition of milk. Substituting triticale with lupins increased the protein concentration in the milk, but the increase failed to reach significance. Further statistical analyses will be conducted to establish if significance is reached by covariance analysis. Activities conducted at Charles Sturt University (by Dr S Agboola) We found that Cynara cardunculus (cardoon) rennet has a significant potential for cheesemaking as fat losses in the whey from cheese made with cardoon rennet were comparable or lower to those obtained with animal and microbial rennet. No detrimental effects were observed with the use of cardoon rennet in major characteristics of the cheeses such as fat, salt, moisture and pH.


 

Project Title	Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for the emu and ostrich farming
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-52A
Start Date:	15/07/99
Finish Date:	30/6/04
Researcher:	Prof. Graeme Martin
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Faculty of Agriculture (Animal Science) Nedlands WA 6907
Phone:	(08) 93802528
Fax:	(08) 93801040
Email:	gmartin@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	· Development of a sperm-egg interaction assay for assessment of sperm quality in emu and ostrich. · Development of an objective method for diagnosis of reproductive wastage in emu and ostrich flocks. · Development of methods for semen collection from male ostriches. · Optimisation of in vitro sperm storage and sperm cryopreservation protocols for emu and ostrich.
Current Progress	We developed a method for isolating the inner perivitelline membrane from laid emu and ostrich eggs. The separated emu membrane was tested in vitro and it was penetrated by emu sperm. We are now working on assay conditions. The method of isolating the inner membrane is now used to find the holes made by sperm in vivo during the process of fertilization. In the emu, after last mating, spermatozoa were found on the membrane of fertilized eggs for up to 24 days. Fertilized eggs without spermatozoa continued to be laid for up to 30 days. This suggests that sperm are stored in the female oviduct for longer than they are found in eggs and that fertilization can be achieved with very few spermatozoa, but the minimum number remains to be determined. In the ostrich, we completed the first experiment on ostrich egg fertility: 215 fresh ostrich eggs were examined and spermatozoa were counted. From the appearance of the germinal disc, 93% of eggs were fertilized. The mean number of sperm was 253 per mm2 (range 0 to 1330); 7% of eggs that where diagnosed as unfertilized contained spermatozoa. To develop methods for semen collection, we have been raising a group of ostrich chicks. They were brought to the research facility in March when 3 months old and they are growing well.


 
 
 

Project Title	Performance benchmarks for selected new animal products
RIRDC Project No.:	WHP-2A
Start Date:	1/08/99
Finish Date:	1/08/2003
Researcher:	Mr David Michael
Organisation:	Wondu Holdings Pty Limited PO Box 1217 BONDI JUNCTION NSW 1355
Phone:	(02) 9369 2735
Fax:	(02) 9369 2737
Email:	Wonduhdgs@yahoo.co.uk
Objectives	· To improve business management and growth in productivity from new animal product enterprises through the derivation of relevant data and application of information through effective decision making aids and extension networks.
Current Progress	In 2000-2001 the benchmarking study has been extended to cover alpaca and buffalo production, duck processing and rabbit production. This follows the previous years’ surveys of emu and ostrich production and ratite processing. The current survey has been modified to a more qualitative style, reflecting the undeveloped data collection and management information systems that operate in the new animal product industries. There are exceptions, however, and duck processor respondents, for example, from the UK have highly developed information systems. The surveys continue to encounter non-response problems and problems with the quality of data from many of those who do respond. Sampling and non-sampling errors are therefore high. This years results again identify labour productivity as an area for significant improvement. Duck production and processing is a growth industry and could emerge as the most significant industry in the New Animal Products portfolio. It demands, however, significant expertise in feeding and labour management. Many producers appeared to be working with outdated business models that may work well during the initial stock build-up phase of a new animal industry, but which fall short of requirements in the later, more competitive stages when feeding, breeding, marketing and financial management assume much more importance.