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

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2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES - COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT NO
PROJECT TITLE
RESEARCHER
PHONE
ORGANISATION
ACG-2A Assist reprinting of updated ‘Cashmere Goat Notes Mr. Jock Simmonds (02) 4375 1123 Australian Cashmere Growers' Association Ltd
ARI-2A Assess Mohair Blend Worsted Manufacture – stage 3 Mr Robert Pearce (03) 5787 1827 Acacia Ridge Marketing Pty Ltd
DAV-98A Overcoming constraints to the development of high quality specialty fibre/wool blend textiles Mr Bruce McGregor (03) 9217 4200 Department of Natural Resources & Environment
HSI-1A Publication of 'The Potential Toxicity of Australian Weeds to Goats' Book Ms Helen Simmonds O2 4375 1123 Helen Simmonds
MMS-2A To develop and document a business plan for the Australian Mohair Industry Mr Chris Cull (02) 6772 3424 Maroombra Management Services

 
Project Title Assist reprinting of updated ‘Cashmere Goat Notes’
RIRDC Project No.: ACG-2A
Researcher:  Jock Simmonds
Organisation: Australian Cashmere Growers' Association Ltd
31 Jones Road
CALGA NSW 2250
Phone: (02) 4375 1123
Fax: (02) 4375 1123
Objectives · The original objective was to update and produce a new edition of ‘Cashmere Goat Notes’. However as the coverage was broader including implications and information on other fibre goats and meat breeding goats the book titled was changed to ‘Goat Notes’.
Background ‘Cashmere Goat Notes’ last published in 1990’s is out of print and some aspects out of date. The book has been used as a guideline to most aspects of cashmere goat production and used as a reference book by the Australian Cashmere Growers Association. Failure to replenish stocks would severely limit the awareness of new entrants to the goat industry of the availability and importance of a considerable amount of existing material
Research  Previous contributions and additional appropriate personnel were invited to review and where necessary update previously published chapters and add new material. In the latter case some chapters were prepared by Mohair Australia Ltd, the Boar Goat Breeders Association of Australia Ltd and the Dairy Goat Industry Association of Australia.
Outcomes  An authoritative, scientifically based book has been published containing research and extension articles related to goat production, processing and marketing. A cohesive reference book has been produced in a logical format. Eleven subject areas have been covered including all facets of growth, fibre and meat marketing, economic analyses and tanning of skins.
Implications  An updated book, ‘Australian Goat Notes’ has been produced for guidance of many sectors of the goat industry.
Publications ‘Australian Goat Notes’ Edited A J (Jock) Simmonds Published by Australian Cashmere Growers Association, Kellyville, NSW

 
Project Title Assess Mohair Blend Worsted Manufacture - Stage 3
RIRDC Project No.: ARI-2A
Researcher:  Robert Pearce
Organisation: Acacia Ridge Marketing Pty Ltd
RMB 1340
San Mateo Court
CLONBINANE VIC 3658
Phone: 03 5787 1827
Fax: 03 5787 1827
Email:  acacia@ontherun.com.au
Objectives
 · Expand Value Adding and Product Development for mohair in Australia.

· The commercial design, production, and marketing of a mohair product.

· The development of a Forward Contract model for mohair supply.
Background This project is a continuation of Project ARI-1A: Assess Mohair Blend Worsted Manufacture, which provided 100% mohair yarn for manufacture into a sample furnishing fabric, and seeks to implement its recommendations, viz. 1. To continue & supervise the program to commercial production and marketing

2. To investigate the feasibility, operation, & effectiveness of forward contracts for raw mohair supply.
Research  Re. Fabric Production and Marketing.

Half the yarn was woven into weft faced sateen fabric, of which half was dyed and finished and submitted to a selected client in USA. Initial evaluation required a changed finishing specification which was carried out on the remaining half before resubmission.

Re. Feasibility and Operation of Forward Contracts. 

Investigations were undertaken by Chris Cull (CEO Mohair Australia) through discussions with a number of major mohair growers and a mohair Broker. The needs and concerns of the potential customer were determined by the researcher.
Outcomes  Re. Fabric Production and Marketing.

Extensive market evaluation indicated that fabric of this type would not command necessary viable sales volumes in either US or other markets, at this time.

Re. Feasibility and Operation of Forward Contracts.

Using input from the research a model for use in preparing Forward Contracts for
mohair supply has been prepared.
Implications  Re. Fabric Production and Marketing. 

Although the project was unsuccessful, the procedures used and the marketing concerns and challenges have been documented for use as a guide should further market evaluations be carried out in the future. The balance of the yarn is available to Mohair Australia for future investigations.

Re. Feasibility and Operation of Forward Contracts.

A model is available for use to guide mohair supply to a commercial customer who requires a degree of stability in mohair supply.

Additionally, it seems that the mechanics and expertise to manage such an 

operation exist within the industry organisations.
Project Title: Overcoming constraints to the development of high quality speciality fibre/wool blend textiles
RIRDC Project No.: DAV 98A
Researcher:  Bruce McGregor
Organisation: Agriculture Victoria, Victorian Institute of Animal Science
475 Mickleham Rd.
ATTWOOD VIC 3049.
Phone: 03 9217 4200
Fax: 03 9217 4299
Email:  Bruce.mcgregor@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives · To improve the utilisation of short fibre length cashmere in textiles by determining the effect of blend ratio in blends of cashmere with wool or cotton on yarn and knitted fabric quality.

· To determine the effects of using superior handling wool in cashmere/wool blend yarns on the textile properties of yarns and fabrics.

· To identify preferred nutritional management practices for cashmere and mohair goats to optimise the textile properties of raw fibre, yarn and fabrics.

Background An earlier RIRDC project "Review and Interpretation of Existing Research Results on Raw-Fibre-to-End-Product Properties and Performance of Goat Fibres" identified an urgent need for process development and product research into blended textiles using Australian cashmere. The cashmere industry was unsure how to use short cashmere by-products and the quality of Australian cashmere was under threat by moves to change the international definition of cashmere that would put Australia at a serious marketing disadvantage. 
Research  A survey of the quality of cashmere available to international spinners was completed. Australian cashmere and different types of fine Merino wool were purchased and processed into combed tops, yarn and knitted fabrics. Detailed testing of the raw and dehaired cashmere and wool and the textiles was undertaken. Short cashmere by-products were produced, tested and blended with cotton. Experimental yarns were spun and tested. Raw cashmere and mohair samples from previous experiments and other known sources were tested for attributes not previously studied on the samples.
Outcomes  The survey demonstrated that Australian cashmere is the longest and softest dehaired cashmere available. The project demonstrated that cashmere from different origins can be differentiated on the basis of fibre attributes. Cashmere knitted fabric made from the worsted spun yarn had different properties from that obtained from traditional fine wool and from soft low crimp fine wool. Blending cashmere with wool altered the properties of the wool rich fabrics. It is possible to spin short cashmere by-product/cotton blended yarns, but difficulties were encountered when cashmere content was high. The project demonstrated that nutrition did affect cashmere and mohair fibre curvature. 
Implications  The project has provided evidence of Australian cashmere quality that will assist marketing, processing and textile manufacturing. The focus on benchmarking and cashmere length will improve all levels of productivity. Objective measurement of raw fibre and finished textiles has provided producers and manufacturers with valuable data and recommendations. New products and processes were developed and are being taken up by industry. 
Publications McGregor, B.A. 2000. Recent advances in marketing and product development of mohair and cashmere. Proceedings 7th International Conference on Goats: 631–37. (INRA: Nouzilly, France).

McGregor, B.A. 2000. Quality Attributes of Cashmere. Proceedings 10th International Wool Textile Research Conference. (DWI: Aachen, Germany).

McGregor, B.A. 2001. Ph.D. Thesis (in preparation). (UNSW: Sydney).
Project Title The Palatability and Potential Toxicity of Australian Weeds to Goats
RIRDC Project No.: HSI-1A
Researcher:  Helen Simmonds, Peter Holst, Chris Bourke
Organisation: 31 Jones Road
CALGA NSW 2250
Phone: (02) 4375 1123
Fax: (02) 4375 1123
Objectives · To produce a book on the palatability and potential toxicity of Australian Weeds to goats.
Background There is no comprehensive text published on the subject as a reference for goat producers, veterinarians and educators.
Research  Information was collected by the authors with reference to many sources included their own experiences, literature, and various reports.
Outcomes  A book has been published with potential poisonous weeds listed by both common and botanical names, their relative palatability is graded, and the poison compounds that they contained are named. Suggestions on control strategies are given and the health and production problems that may result from the ingestion of each weed are outlined. 

The book which is about 150 pages is divided into two sections, the first covers the weeds known to be highly or moderately toxic to goats and the second covers weeds associated with low toxicity. A brief description of signs or symptoms produced by each toxic weed is provided.
Implications  The book is an excellent reference for the goat industry, livestock owners, veterinarians and educators.
Publications ‘The Palability and Potential Toxicity of Australian Weeds to Goats’ RIRDC Publication No. 00/139.

 
 
 
Project Title A Business Plan for the Australian Mohair Industry
RIRDC Project No.: MMS-2
Researcher:  Mr Chris Cull
Organisation: Maroombra Management Services
PO Box 135
ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone: (02) 6772 3424
Fax: (02) 6772 3424
Objectives · To draw on a number of recent documents that have been produced by RIRDC and others and, with additional input from leading people in all industry sectors to formulate a concise Position Statement and Business Plan for the local mohair industry.
Background The Australian mohair industry does not have a clear set of objectives for growth nor a basis for developing a unified approach to policy development. There is an opportunity to develop a business plan that will serve to give direction to the local industry and to assist in guiding future policy development.

The Consultant and Author, Chris Cull, has previously carried out two projects for RIRDC, a paper titled 'Improved Marketing of Australian Mohair' (1998) and took part in a RIRDC sponsored study tour of South Africa providing a further documented report in 1999. He has recently written a business plan for Mohair Australia.
Research  The project drew on information from previous reports, a variety of other related documents, interviews with producers, industry leaders, buyers, brokers and researchers, and processors.
Outcomes  The report analyses each of seven industry sectors providing a short position statement and SWOT analysis for each then makes a number of recommendations that form the basis of a series of action plans.

The recommendations, in turn, are consolidated into three main areas for action:

1. The need for an organisation such as Mohair Australia to adopt an industry-wide leadership role

2. The need to change the industry's image to that of offering a viable commercial option for fibre production and,

3. The need to set a production objective, probably around one million kilos to restore critical mass and provide efficiencies and market positioning.
Implications  The report, if accepted by the industry as a guide to future action has implications for Mohair Australia in particular as there are no other organisations currently positioned with the capability of overseeing the industry's overall growth and policy making.
Publications The Improved Marketing of Mohair Fibre No 99/179
 
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
PROJECT NO
PROJECT TITLE
RESEARCHER
PHONE
ORGANISATION
GIT-1A Grower adoption of clip preparation standards for Australian alpaca fibre Mr Ian Knox (03) 5227 2358 Gordon Institute of TAFE
KKN-1A Investigation into the basis of down production in cashmere goats and its improvement by genetic means Mr Jim Browne (02) 6653 6876 Project KKN
UCQ-11A Improving the efficiency of reproduction and breeding of alpaca Prof Michael D’Occhio (07) 4930 6900 Central Queensland University
UNE-69A Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats Dr Stephen Walkden-Brown (02) 6773 5152 University of New England
UD-2A Improving the quality and processing performance of Alpaca fibres A/Prof Xungai Wang (03) 5227 2894 Deakin University
Project Title Grower adoption of clip preparation standards for Australian alpaca fibre
RIRDC Project No.: GIT-1A
Start Date: 01/06/99
Finish Date: 21/12/01
Researcher:  Mr. Ian Knox
Organisation: Gordon Institute of TAFE
Gordon Institute Wool Department
Private Bag 1
Mail Centre
GEELONG VIC 3221
Phone: (03) 5227 2358
Fax: (03) 5227 2360
Email: altdir@cbl.com.au
Objectives · Minimum clip preparation standards for alpaca fibre will be developed and introduced nationally. Owner classer training will be piloted and AAA register established.
Current Progress A code of practice of minimum clip preparation standards for alpaca fibre has now been completed and endorsed by the Australian Alpaca Association. A fibre education committee has been formed and it is liaising with the Rural Training Council of Australia to establish training package competencies. It is anticipated that a nationally accredited classing course will now be available early in 2002. 

CSIRO has taken six lots of alpaca top through to yarn. No serious problems were encountered during drawing. Spinning performance was very poor initially but was greatly improved by using a narrower apron roller recess. Comparison with the predicted values (Sirolan Yarnspec) for a wool of similar fibre properties showed that the yarns had good evenness (only slightly worse than predicted). However, the yarn

strength was markedly poorer than predicted. The result can best be explained by the presumed lower fibre/fibre friction of alpaca and particularly Suri (which also had lower fibre strength). A normal knitting twist for wool (alpha=75) had been used,

based on discussions with Elite Fibre, but they normally process wool/alpaca

blends and, a high twist would be recommended in hindsight. 

A trial was conducted in the first half of 2001, to compare the average fibre diameter of a midside samples with fleecescan results. The data from this trial has now been analysed (in association with a PhD student from Deakin University).

A second round of national workshops is planned for the second half of 2001. These workshops will be used to disseminate information on the completed code of practice; to explain progress on achieving an owner classer course; and to present fibre production and testing results.

 
 
 
Project Title Investigation into the basis of down production in cashmere goats and its improvement by genetic means
RIRDC Project No.: KKN-1A
Start Date: 01/07/98
Finish Date: 30/05/01
Researcher:  Mr. Jim Browne
Organisation: Project KKN
14/784 Pacific Highway
COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450
Phone: (02) 6653 6876
Fax: (02) 6653 6876
Email: Rjb@mansfield.net.au
Objectives · The project seeks to identify factors associated with high phenotypic down production in cashmere goats and to develop a hypothesis for a genetic basis.
Current Progress The project is now in the final stages of report preparation. All measurement and investigatory work has been completed. 

The research facility and the management regime for the Project animals was unique in Australia. On completion of the current project, it had been hoped to continue developing this facility. Due to health problems associated with one of the project partners, the research facility was closed on the completion of the third and final year of data collection. The project animals have been kept together and returned to their original home.

Since the inception of this project there have been major developments in molecular genetic technology. Today, it is not only possible, but practical, (albeit expensive), to manipulate the "Capra" genome to achieve productivity increases. The final report of this project is timely.

RIRDC Project KKN 1A is the first genuine attempt to look at high productivity cashmere animals, to attempt to separate the effects of genetics and environment, then break the "genetic whole" into a number of component parts. 

The scope of this task was enormous, the time frame short, and the observed population numbers small. The results are interesting. To draw a parallel – something like a 17th century map of the world, but they are a starting point.

 
 
 
Project Title Improving the efficiency of reproduction and breeding in Alpaca
RIRDC Project No.: UCQ-11A
Start Date: 01/07/98
Finish Date: 15/06/01
Researcher:  Prof. Michael D'Occhio
Organisation: Central Queensland University
Bruce Highway
NORTH ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702
Phone: (07) 4930 6900
Fax: (07) 4930 9209
Email: m.docchio@cqu.edu.au
Objectives · The major outcome of this project will be a practical and effective treatment (Oestadiol Mating Protocol) that will increase fertility and conception rates in female alpacas following natural mating or AI.
Current Progress The project has recently focused on the development of a practical progesterone treatment to synchronise ovarian follicular wave emergence in alpacas. In an initial study, twice daily treatment with progesterone for 21 days induced regression of the prevailing dominant follicle and was associated with synchronous emergence of a new ovarian follicular wave 4 days after cessation of treatment. This effect of progesterone treatment could not be achieved using implants of the synthetic progestagen norgestomet (Crestarâ ). Hence, other progesterone treatments were examined and the most practical treatment developed to date involves s.c. injection of 200 mg progesterone on Days 0, 2 and 4. This treatment is associated with ovarian follicular wave synchronisation and the presence of a newly emerged dominant follicle, potentially capable of ovulating, 12 days after treatment. In one study, oocytes (unfertilised eggs) were obtained 12 days after synchronisation to evaluate their morphological integrity by light and electron microscopy. The 4-day synchronisation protocol is presently undergoing field evaluation in fixed-time mating trials in three commercial alpaca herds.

 
 
 
Project Title Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats
RIRDC Project No.: UNE-69A
Start Date: 01/01/00
Finish Date: 30/12/04
Researcher:  Dr. Stephen Walkden-Brown
Organisation: University of New England
Animal Science
School of Rural Science and Natural Resources
University of New England
ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone: (02) 6773 5152
Objectives · To determine the extent of genetically-based resistance to the major gastro-intestinal helminth parasite in Australian fibre goats.

· To determine the extent to which such resistance is associated positively or negatively with major productive characteristics such as body weight, fibre production and mean fibre diameter.

· Based on 1 and 2 above, to develop alternative methods for controlling gastro-intestinal helminthiasis which can be integrated with existing methods to reduce the reliance on chemical control and slow the development of anthelmintic resistance.

· Based on 3, to improve helminth control in goats leading to increased efficiency and sustainability of fibre production from goats.

Current Progress The first year of the project has been successfully completed, involving 222 mixed sex progeny of 6 Angora sires and 220 female progeny of 9 Cashmere sires. Analysis of faecal egg counts taken at 3 and 5 months of age following natural challenge, predominantly by Haemonchus contortus (Barber’s pole worm) revealed significant effects of sire at 5 months for both breeds with heritability estimates (±SE) for FEC0.33 of 0.25±0.21 and 0.23±0.19 for Angoras and Cashmeres respectively (Olayemi, M.E., Walkden-Brown, S.W., Van der Werf, J. & Le Jambre, L. (2001) Preliminary analysis of sire effects on resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection in Angora and Cashmere goats Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics 14, in press). Analysis of FEC at 28 and 35 days after artificial challenge at 6 months of age with Trichostrongylus colubriformis (black scour worm) also revealed significant sire effects, and is currently being analysed.

Oral vaccination of lambs with irradiated larvae of T. colubriformis at 1 and 2 months of age had no influence on FEC at 3 and 5 months of age but was associated with elevated FEC in Angora goats following artificial challenge with T. colubriformis at 6 months of age. 

Analysis of phenotypic and genetic relationships between parasite resistance and production traits awaits a full complement of production data. First fleeces have been collected from the Angora kids and are currently being tested. First fleeces from the Cashmeres are currently being collected. 
 
Project Title Improving the quality and processing performance of Alpaca fibres
RIRDC Project No.: UD-2A
Start Date: 29/04/00
Finish Date: 30/06/03
Researcher:  A/Prof. Xungai Wang
Organisation: Deakin University
School of Engineering and Technology
GEELONG VIC 3217
Phone: (03) 5227 2894
Fax: (03) 5227 2167
Email: xwang@deakin.edu.au
Objectives The overall objective of the proposed research is to improve the quality of alpaca products, via assessing and improving the fibre processing performance, the softness and properties of yarns and fabrics. More specifically, the outcomes that will be aimed for are: · Alpaca yarns with improved softness, via either reduced twist factor in yarn, yarn engineering, blends with wool ;and synthetic filaments, as well as the possibility of better fibre selection through improved classing practice.

· A comparison of processing performance and yarn quality using the facilities at both Elite Fibre Aust P/L and the international Fibre Centre.

· Understanding of the softness attributes of Alpaca, so that optimum alpaca blends can be engineered to maintain the intrinsic softness of Alpaca in Alpaca blends, while reducing the raw material cost and processing problems.

· Demonstration of the benefit of improved classing practice.

· Alpaca fabrics with improved softness and other attributes.

· Establishment of a preliminary data base for quality attributes of Alpaca yarns, which will facilitate the prediction of yarn properties for consistent yarn quality.

· The bleaching of pigmented alpaca fibres to reduce the current penalty for coloured fibres and improve the availability of white fibres.
Current Progress Since the commencement of this project, regularly project meetings have been held and five progress reports have been submitted to the project advisory group, consisting of representatives from RIRDC, Alpaca Co-op, Elite Fibre Aust P/L and IFC. The following highlights the current progress: 
The quality of locally manufactured alpaca slivers and yarns has been examined and compared with similar products from overseas
Alpaca processing trial has been conducted at a local spinner to assess the fibre processing performance

Progress has been made towards novel engineering of finer and softer yarns

Considerable work has been carried out to examine the physical properties of alpaca fibres and the usefulness of Resistance to Compression to evaluate the softness of alpaca fibres

Progress has also been made in bleaching of coloured alpaca fibres and dyeing of the bleached fibres

Mill visits have been made to assist alpaca processors in problem solving, and testing for benchmarking of top and yarn properties.