| Project Title |
The economic impact of
changing Australian egg production systems |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
ANU-41A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Ray Trewin |
| Organisation: |
Australian National University
C/O A-JRC Building 13 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY ACT 0200 |
| Phone: |
(02) 6125 0134 |
| Fax: |
(02) 6125 0767 |
| Email: |
ray.trewin@anu.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·To assess the socio-economic
implications of banning conventional caged systems on the Australian egg
industry, consumers, and economic welfare. |
|
| Background |
The Australian egg industry
is facing adjustment pressures in the market including from animal welfare
developments. However, consideration has been given to banning conventional
cage production without full appreciation of the economic costs and benefits
of such a regulated change in production systems. There needs to be an
assessment of the economic costs and benefits of changing Australian egg
production systems. |
| Research |
The economic costs and benefits
were assessed in a social cost-benefit analysis framework which gave consideration
to the non-market values of animal welfare benefits from various forms
of egg production. Both Australian and international measures were calculated.
A related social welfare analysis framework applied by the Productivity
Commission and ABARE in the past was also applied to estimate producer
and consumer costs from the introduction of a ban on cage production. New
information supplied by focus group of producers on their responsiveness
to a large change such as a ban was incorporated into this analysis. |
| Outcomes |
The outcomes of the social
cost-benefit analysis were that the market is working in supplying society's
animal welfare needs through the availability of eggs from non-cage production.
The benefits of a ban on cage production do not outweigh the substantial
costs such action would introduce. The focus group discussions showed that
producers responsiveness to large change such as introduced by a ban would
be much larger than current responsiveness measures suggest. Such responsiveness
means producers would bear a substantial share of the significant costs
to society that such a ban would introduce. Producer costs are much larger
when the assumption that there is no trade in egg or egg products is removed. |
| Implications |
A number of implications
flow from these outcomes such as a ban not being necessary to meet society's
animal welfare needs that should be disseminated widely to industry and
policy makers. Although the market is meeting society's needs in respect
of animal welfare, it could be improved in this regard through better information
on the animal welfare aspects of various production systems. There would
also be benefits from continuing to develop new systems that improve animal
welfare aspects as well as productivity. Finally, industry would have a
case for compensation if a ban was introduced given the large costs this
would impose in terms of lost production opportunities and prematurely
retired investment. |
| Publications |
Trewin, R. (2000), 'Potential
and costs of alternative egg production and labelling systems', Issues
paper prepared for RIRDC Project ANU-41A Management Committee workshop,
ANU, 8 November. Trewin, R. (2001), 'The economics of regulated changes
to the Australian egg industry', contributed paper presented to the 44th
Annual Conference of the Australian Agricultural and Resources Economics
Society, Adelaide, 22-25 January. Trewin, R. (2001), 'Impact of bird welfare
and the feeding of the Third World', invited presentation to the AVPA Scientific
Meeting, Christchurch, NZ, 6-7 September. |
| Project Title |
An evaluation of the
higher value-added opportunities from the chicken egg |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
DAQ-275A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Craig Davis |
| Organisation: |
Centre for Food Technology
19 Hercules Street HAMILTON QLD 4007 |
| Phone: |
(07) 3406 8611 |
| Fax: |
(07) 3406 8677 |
| Email: |
craig.davis@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·To conduct a comprehensive
desktop investigation to determine the current and potential uses of extracts
and by-products produced during egg processing. |
|
| Background |
Eggs were one of the first
multifunctional ingredients. They are well known for their whipping, gelling
and emulsification properties. Eggs have excellent nutritional value. They
contain protein which is needed for building and repairing the cells in
muscles and other body tissues. Eggs also provide an inexpensive and low
calorie source of high quality protein and several important nutrients
including folic acid, choline, iron, selenium and Vitamins A, B, D, E and
K. Eggs are also a good source of the antioxidant carotenoids, lutein and
zeaxanthin. This review provides a comprehensive biochemical profile of
the constituents of chicken egg. This desktop investigation determined
the current and potential uses of extracts and by-products produced during
egg processing and identified all of the potential extracts from the various
discrete parts of the egg (ie the shell, the egg white and the egg yolk).
The most appropriate extraction methodologies were summarised and evaluated
for further discussion and consideration by the egg industry. |
| Research: |
This review documents the
opportunities to value add to the chicken egg. The easiest and least expensive
way to improve the value of the chicken egg is to improve the composition
of the whole egg through feed supplementation. Such "designer eggs" have
been produced with enhanced levels of various beneficial agents including
omega fatty acids, folic acid, Vitamin E and selenium. As with free-range
and organic eggs, "designer eggs" command premium prices when the consumer
can identify with the product. Many Australian companies use whole egg
(white and yolk) and a few undertake some basic fractionation of the egg
into its yolk and white, both with a resultant waste stream of eggshell.
The extraction of pure components from the white or yolk (or shell) has
not been undertaken in Australia to date. The opportunity exists to use
the egg white as a source of several valuable proteins, the yolk as a source
of proteins and lipids, and the shell as a source of calcium and collagen. |
| Outcomes: |
The target beneficiary is
the Australian egg industry. An increased knowledge of the chemistry and
biochemistry of the egg and its constituents will be of use at all levels
of the industry from farmer to consumer. This investigation will give the
industry direction on ways to better promote and identify opportunities
for value-added products. The shell of the egg is a significant waste stream
of the egg processing industry and it has a number of potential uses (shell
and egg membrane). The most abundant protein in the egg white, ovalbumin
(> 50% of the total protein in egg white), is used as a stabiliser, binding
protein, transport protein and growth media supplement. A less abundant
protein in egg white, ovotransferrin (about 13% of the total protein in
egg white) has therapeutic use as an additive to milk to reduce the risk
of infection. Egg white also contains small quantities of avidin and lysozyme
(0.3% of the total protein in egg white) which has significant antimicrobial
applications for food processing. |
| Project Title |
Risk assessment and cost/benefit
analysis of Salmonella enteritidis monitoring and control programs
for the Australian egg industry |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
AUV-1A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Chris Baldock x |
| Organisation: |
AusVet Animal Health Services
19 Brereton Street PO Box 3180 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101 |
| Phone: |
(07) 3255 1712 |
| Fax: |
(07) 3511 6032x |
| Email: |
chris@ausvet.com.au |
| Internet: |
www.ausvet.com.au |
| Objectives |
·To undertake a risk
assessment and cost/benefit analysis of the various monitoring and control
options available, in order to assist the Australian industry to make an
informed choice of the level of monitoring and control to be undertaken,
both in the current situation and the situation resulting should SE infect
Australian egg laying flocks. |
|
| Background |
The Australian egg industry
is currently considered to be free of Salmonella enteritidis
(SE), a significant cause of human food poisoning in many countries. However,
the potential cost to the community and to the egg industry, should it
become established in Australia, is very high. This project was undertaken
to assist the egg industry to develop a national policy on SE, including
options for surveillance to ensure early detection and recommendations
on the appropriate response to contain and eradicate infections should
they occur. |
| Research |
A proposed standard for
SE surveillance in Australia was developed and a cost-effective surveillance
program proposed that would provide a high level of confidence of early
detection of infected flocks. Options for containment and eradication in
infected flocks were also considered, and the development of a national
response plan based on these options was proposed. |
| Outcomes |
The Net Present Value to
Australia of keeping the Australian egg industry free from SE was estimated
to be a total of $965 million or an average of $48m over 20 years, including
a direct industry benefit of up to $32m per year to the egg industry. There
is therefore a strong incentive for the Australian egg industry and Governments
to implement an effective national surveillance and response program for
SE. |
| Implications |
Full implementation of the
recommendations in this report will depend on extensive consultation between
the AEIA, layer-breeder companies, egg producer representatives, Animal
Health Australia and Governments to develop a truly national approach to
SE preparedness and response in Australia. |
| Project Title |
Trialing emergency animal
disease arrangements in the Australian egg industry (EIDF) |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
AEI-10A |
| Researcher: |
Mr. Malcolm Peacock |
| Organisation: |
Australian Egg Industry
Association (AEIA) PO Box 569 HURSTVILLE NSW 1481 |
| Phone: |
(02) 9570 9222 |
| Fax: |
(02) 9570 9763 |
| Email: |
enquiries@aeia.org |
| Objectives |
To complete a trial of new
emergency animal disease arrangements. To evaluate the role and effectiveness
of AEIA in the management and operation of an emergency animal disease
response. To facilitate an earlier return of Australia's poultry health
status to one which is recognised internationally as being free of virulent
Newcastle disease virus. |
| Background |
At the time the project
commenced, virulent Newcastle disease virus had been found on five commercial
layer farms in NSW since the eradication programs undertaken on Mangrove
Mountain and in Sydney in 1999. One farm was located in Tamworth and four
in western Sydney. Government cost sharing arrangements used to fund eradication
in 1999 were not activated in 2000 and consequently these farms remained
infected. New cost sharing arrangements involving industry and the Commonwealth,
State and Territories Governments were under negotiation. The project was
designed to use the current situation to trial the proposed new cost sharing
arrangements and to evaluate the roles of industry and government under
these arrangements. One additional infected farm was found during the project
and a suspect farm and a farm in close proximity to an infected farm where
also included in the exercise. |
| Research |
The approach taken in this
trial reflected the future financial arrangements under the new cost-sharing
agreement but did not necessarily reflect the operational management that
would be undertaken with future outbreaks. There were five main components
of the response: Gazettal of the designated risk areas by NSW Agriculture
to provide necessary legal underpinning Voluntary depopulation and clean
up of known infected premises, which was organised by industry Adoption
of agreed quarantine, movement controls and surveillance measures by implementing
standard operating procedures Third party audit of the implementation of
the standard operating procedures Financial management The response was
followed by an evaluation and reporting exercise undertaken by an independent
consultant. |
| Outcomes |
Depopulation and clean-up
of the infected properties was completed rapidly and effectively. Strengths
identified from industry involvement with management of the event included:
The sense of leadership, authority and purpose this involvement gave to
the eradication campaign The opportunity it provided for a staged response
that allowed options to evolve to minimise the economic impact on the affected
farmers Novel approaches such as valuations supported by statutory declarations
and producer-managed operations such as cleaning and disinfection under
an audit program were trialed and found to be practical and cost-effective
The major weakness identified was that it was likely that the campaign
would have benefited from stronger, pre-determined links between the coordination/management
team and the technical experts employed within responsible government agencies. |
| Implications |
The experience from this
case study suggests that it should be used for developing a detailed procedures
manual based on the standard operating procedures that have already been
developed. This manual would address the problems that were identified
during the case study and would be available, if required, to assist the
management of future events. |
| Publications |
RIRDC Short Report 02/114 |
| Project Title |
Detection of virulent
strains of Newcastle disease virus in chickens previously infected with
Australian strains of the virus |
| RIRDC Project No: |
CSA-1J |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Harvey Westbury |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO Livestock Industries
PO Bag 24 GEELONG VIC 3220 |
| Phone: |
(03) 5227 5115 |
| Fax: |
(03) 5227 5555 |
| Email: |
Harvey.Westbury@csiro.au |
| Objectives |
·To develop diagnostic
tests able to be used to more easily detect virulent strains of Newcastle
disease virus in chickens that have been immunised against the disease. |
|
| Background |
Benign Newcastle disease
virus (NDV) strains that naturally circulate in poultry in Australia can
confer short-term immunity against virulent strains of the virus able to
cause disease. This is good and bad. It is bad because it masks the presence
of virulent viruses in a flock. This can be a problem for disease control
agencies because flocks infected in this way actually multiply the virulent
virus, allowing it to persist in the poultry population and providing a
source from which it can potentially spread to other flocks. More efficient
ways of detecting these covertly infected flocks need to be developed. |
| Research |
The research project was
aimed a developing a relatively simple method of detecting the presence
of virulent virus in flocks already immune to the development of overt
disease. Research concentrated on the development and assessment of an
ELISA test, as this type of approach has worked well with other animal
diseases. The performance of this ELISA was assessed against the gold standard
method of detecting infection (virus isolation) and a more recent technology
– the PCR test. |
| Outcomes |
An ELISA test able to specifically
detect NDV in the tissues of chickens immune and not immune to virulent
strains of the virus was successfully developed. The bone marrow and spleen
of the infected chickens were the best target tissues for detection of
the virus. However the test was found to be significantly less sensitive
than both virus isolation and a PCR test in detecting virus in these tissues. |
| Implications |
The lack of sensitivity
of the test reduced the usefulness of the test for both diagnosis and for
surveillance purposes, as some infected chickens would not be detected.
The test also failed to provide very important information about the virus
detected. Disease control authorities now require information about the
disease-causing potential of a NDV, not just that a virus is present in
a bird or flock. This is because Australia currently has a very complex
picture with regard to the virus. There a benign NDVs as well as NDVs able
to cause less severe and more severe disease naturally present and circulating
in the Australian poultry industry. Authorities only act when virulent
strains are detected, hence the need to differentiate these severe strains
from all the others. Likewise the authorities need to know where the other,
not necessarily virulent, strains are, as some of these have the potential
to mutate and cause severe Newcastle disease. The ELISA test that was developed
in the course of this project cannot provide this information. Its role
in diagnosis and virus surveillance these days is therefore very limited.
Other technologies must be used to provide this information. |
| Project Title |
Studies of cloacal haemorrhage,
egg peritonitis, vent trauma and beak trimming in the laying hen |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
DAV-170A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Greg Parkinson |
| Organisation: |
Victorian Institute of Animal
Science |
| Phone: |
(03) 9217 4200 |
| Fax: |
(03) 9217 4299 |
| Email: |
greg.parkinson@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· |
| Background |
Experimentation undertaken
at the Victorian Institute of Animal Science (VIAS), Attwood, indicated
that cloacal prolapse and vent trauma/picking can be significant causes
of mortality in the commercial laying hen. Combining these studies with
additional epidemiological evidence, it is conceivable that national flock
mortalities of 2-5% could be attributed to prolapse, oviduct infection,
and vent trauma, despite the widespread use of beak trimming. The severe
nature of these traumatic injuries created by prolapse or vent trauma is
very controversial and is the source of considerable scientific and public
debate. Clearly these prolapse and picking problems have a low heritability
and there must be large environmental/management factors which exacerbate
the problems in commercial flocks. A research program was therefore designed
to study management practices in relationship to cloacal haemorrhage/prolapse
incidence and imprinting of eversion behaviours in both pullets and layers. |
| Research |
This research program has
several approaches; firstly to undertake research on commercial farms to
clarify some of the patterns of blood stained eggs and loss through egg
peritonitis and picking and secondly, to undertake research in small experimental
flocks that examines the association between body weight, production and
the incidence of picking and cloacal haemorrhage. Studies of barn egg production
flocks were also undertaken to evaluate both productivity and mortality
patterns, and this information was able to be bench marked against cage
production systems. The final phase of this project was to use the knowledge
accumulated in these studies to develop practical managerial approaches
that will reduce the incidence of cloacal haemorrhage and cannibalism in
both commercial cage and barn flocks. |
| Outcomes |
1.Three strategies have
been identified to moderate the incidence of cloacal haemorrhage, prolapse
and picking behaviours in the laying hen. These are, i. better understanding
of the importance of body weight management in early lay, ii. the use of
low light intensity rearing to moderate bird behaviour, and iii. the ability
to achieve a more moderate and uniform light intensity in poultry houses.
2.Producers achieving appropriate
growth rates of flocks in early egg production have recorded reductions
in annual flock mortalities of 2-3%.
3.Producers are now experimenting
with more moderate beak trimming practice |
| Implications |
Farms with elite pullets,
high egg production performance and light controlled sheds should be encouraged
to test the use of intact beaks in controlled studies against beak trimmed
flocks. More controlled research may be required to study management interactions
in the farming of flocks with intact beaks in controlled environment sheds
to determine clear causal relationships. Barn egg production farms with
appropriate body weights and moderate egg production should be studied
for beak trimming practice and mortality. During the course of this research
it became clear that significant mortality in layers was also occurring
as a result of oviduct infection (egg peritonitis/salpingitis). A high
incidence of egg peritonitis/salpingitis has been recorded in under weight
flocks and there may be an association with cloacal haemorrhage. Studies
should be established using single bird-cages and pullets of lower quality
in attempts to reproduce severe cloacal haemorrhage and prolapse, and to
investigate any relationships that can be found with egg peritonitis/salpingitis |
| Publications |
Studies of cloacal haemorrhage,
vent trauma and beak trimming in the laying hen, RIRDC Publication No 02/012 |
| Project Title |
Investigating sanitation
of surface water for poultry using chlorine-IBDV models |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
UM-51A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Trevor Bagust |
| Organisation: |
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Pre-Clinical Centre, Cnr Park Drive and Flemington Rd Parkville, Victoria
3010 |
| Phone: |
(03) 8344 9676 |
| Fax: |
(03) 8344 9675 |
| Email: |
trevorjb@unimelb.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·To develop a laboratory-based
assay to enable quantification of inactivation (“killing”) of infectious
bursal disease virus (IBDV) by chlorine treatment of drinking-quality water
and apply this assay to assessing the likely effectiveness of treatments
using 1 – 10ppm (parts per million). |
|
| Background |
Some half of the commercial
poultry production sites in Australia draw on surface waters (dams, creeks,
rivers) as their major source of drinking water. In some cases this is
used untreated save for settling procedures and crude filtration, and in
the majority of others, simple addition of chlorine is the only treatment.
While a relatively economical treatment process, no data (worldwide) is
available as to the likely efficiency of chlorine for the removal of infectivity
(= inactivation or “killing”) of poultry viruses. At the request of the
RIRDC Egg Program, sighter studies utilising IBDV, a viral pathogen (cause
of disease) of major concern, was tested for sensitivity to inactivation
by simple chlorine treatment of water. |
| Research |
IBDV strain GT 101 propagated
in freshly prepared chicken embryo fibroblast cell cultures was used to
produce virus stocks of sufficiently high virus concentration. Dilutions
of this virus in distilled water and in untreated surface waters (dam source)
were tested against 1, 3, 5 & 10ppm of free chlorine. Chlorine dioxide,
a more complex compound, was also tested. The inactivation of Newcastle
Disease virus was also tested. |
| Outcomes |
IBDV is susceptible to the
inactivating effects of simple chlorine treatment, and it appears that
levels of free chlorine in the order of 3 ppm if maintained in clean water
for at least 1 hour, can achieve a > 90% reduction in infectivity.
Higher Cl concentrations reduce infectivity further. It is extremely unlikely
that reliable levels of chlorine treatment of water can be achieved however
other than with systems for automatic monitoring and re-injection. (These
systems are available commercially, To ensure effective treatment will
also require that water be held and treated in batches, rather than being
continually run off into sheds as is sometimes the case at present. Chlorine
dioxide (ClO2) proved considerably more effective at inactivating
IBDV than using simple chlorine treatments. In this investigation, 0.7
ppm of ClO2 in a clean water substrate was sufficient to inactivate IBDV
to below the threshold detection levels of this test system i.e. > 97%.
NDV was much more susceptible to inactivation in clean water than IBDV.
Untreated dam-source water proved highly unsuitable as a substrate for
chlorine inactivation of avian viruses. Industry interest in the project
is high with many requests for information and two contract research projects
are currently under negotiation. |
| Implications |
While IBDV and NDV each
appear sensitive to inactivation by simple chlorine treatments at 5 ppm
in clean water, a minimum requirement is for pre-treatment by adequate
(e.g. sand) filtration of surface water supplies. It will therefore
likely also prove necessary to be able to specify the maximum limits for
pH, protein content and total suspended solids (TSS) required to be produced
before treating surface water using simple chlorine treatment. |
| Publications |
T.J. Bagust, 2000. Assuring
effective water sanitation. Proceedings, Poultry Information Exchange.
Surfers Paradise, 9-11 April 2000 pp23-35 |
| Project Title |
Control of intestinal
spirochaete infections in chickens |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
UMU-23J |
| Researcher: |
Prof. David Hampson and
Ms. Carol Stephens |
| Organisation: |
Murdoch University Division
of Veterinary and Biomedical Science MURDOCH WA 6150 |
| Phone: |
(08) 9360 2287 |
| Fax: |
(08) 9310 4144 |
| Email: |
hampson@numbat.murdoch.edu.au
and stephec@prose.dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·To identify new
and appropriate means to control infections by the intestinal spirochaetes
Brachyspira
intermedia and B. pilosicoli – recently recognised and common
pathogens causing significant economic loss in Australian layer and broiler
breeder flocks. |
|
| Background |
An earlier RIRDC project
(UMU-21A) demonstrated that infections with intestinal spirochaetes are
widespread in layer and broiler breeder flocks in Australia, and are causing
loss of production. Unfortunately, means to control the infections have
not been developed. |
| Research |
This study had several components.
These included provision of specialist diagnostic services to the two poultry
industries, and the development of new molecular techniques to identify
and type the micro-organisms involved. The susceptibility of the bacteria
to seven antimicrobial drugs was tested. Antimicrobials and a xylanase
enzyme were then evaluated for efficacy in experimentally infected layers
and broiler breeders. |
| Outcomes |
New molecular tests for
identification and typing of B. intermedia were developed, and were
shown to work well. These were used to support diagnostic investigations
of the infections. Generally, the Australian isolates were shown to be
susceptible to most of the antimicrobials tested, although there were some
differences in susceptibility amongst the different spirochaete species.
In experimental infections the growth promoter zinc bacitracin increased
the susceptibility of birds to B. pilosicoli, but reduced it to
B.
intermedia. Both tiamulin and lincomycin were able to clear infections
with both species of intestinal spirochaete, but birds became recolonised
in the absence of prolonged treatment. Addition of a xylanase enzyme to
the diet reduced colonisation with B. intermedia. |
| Implications |
This project has improved
the Australian capacity to rapidly identify and type intestinal spirochaetes
from chickens. It has demonstrated that strains of the various spirochaete
species vary in their susceptibility to antimicrobials, but in general
there is little antimicrobial resistance present. Care should be taken
with the use of zinc bacitracin, as it may predispose chickens to infections
with B. pilosicoli. Both tiamulin and lincomycin are effective in
treating intestinal spirochaete infections, but addition of dietary enzyme
with xylanase activity also can reduce colonisation with B. intermedia. |
| Publications |
Stephens, C.P. and Hampson,
D.J. (2000) Effects of intestinal spirochaete infection on egg production
in meat breeders. Proceedings of the 12th Australian Poultry
Science Symposium 12: 182-185. Hampson, D.J., Oxberry, S.L. and
Stephens, C.P. (2001) Influence of tiamulin and zinc bacitracin on avian
intestinal spirochaete infections. Proceedings of the 13th Australian Poultry
Science Symposium 13: 144-147. |
| Project Title |
Enhanced mucosal immunity
in chickens by novel in-ovo and postnatal vaccination techniques |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
US-72J |
| Researcher: |
Prof. Alan Husband and Dr.
Wendy Muir |
| Organisation: |
University of Sydney Faculty
of Veterinary Science UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY NSW 2006 |
| Phone: |
(02) 9351 3127 |
| Fax: |
(02) 9351 7349 |
| Email: |
a.husband@vetp.usyd.edu.au
and wmuir@camden.usyd.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·To induce long-term
immunoenhancement in chickens following early priming of the avian immune
system via novel
in-ovo and postnatal vaccination techniques. |
|
| Background |
Diseases of the mucosal
surfaces are detrimental to the chicken and egg industries in that they
can result in production losses and loss of consumer confidence due to
the possibility of human contamination. Techniques which can enhance IgA
antibody production at these sites will strengthen the first line of IgA-based
immune defence An earlier RIRDC project had highlighted the potential for
in-ovo
delivery of antigen and an immunomodulator to increase the mucosal immune
status of newly hatched chicks. Identification of in-ovo and postnatal
immunisation techniques, which will enhance IgA antibody production at
the intestinal surface, will potentially result in reduced usage of antibiotic
medication for control of intestinal disease. |
| Research |
The effects of known mammalian
immunomodulators and cytokines (molecules which regulate the immune system
in
vivo), following their in-ovo and postnatal delivery, were evaluated. |
| Outcomes |
Broiler birds fed a basal
diet (containing 50 mg/kg vitamin E) supplemented with a further 250 mg/kg
vitamin E for the complete growout period demonstrated a significant increase
in anti-antigen IgA antibody production at the intestinal site. Further,
feeding the vitamin E supplemented diet for the three weeks prior to the
first immunisation with a model antigen generated similar increases. However,
feeding the vitamin E supplemented diet only from the time of first immunisation
reduced IgA antibody production. Continual feeding of diets supplemented
with VE, at levels above those required for nutritional maintenance, was
therefore shown to enhance total and antigen-specific IgA antibody production
following immunisation. A strong immunoregulatory relationship was identified
between the time of feeding the VE supplemented diet and the time of vaccination.
Repeated oral delivery of IL-6 immediately after vaccination significantly
increased IgA antibody production. This was observed in birds immunised
with both tetanus toxoid and whole killed S. typhimurium.. Birds
vaccinated with killed S. typhimurium in the presence of IL-6 and
then challenged with the live pathogen, were more able to resist the challenge.
This coincided with enhanced IgA antibody production in the first week
after challenge. |
| Implications |
Studies undertaken within
this project identified the potential for some doses of in-ovo and
postnatally delivered vitamin E to increase the immune response to an antigen,
although not all of these results were significant. The cytokine interleukin-6
(IL-6) was also shown to enhance IgA antibody production to an antigen
when both were delivered in-ovo and/or early in life (again,
not all of these results were statistically significant). IL-6 demonstrated
the greatest potential to enhance IgA antibody production when administered
immediately after vaccination. This project has therefore demonstrated
the enhanced production of protective IgA antibody at the intestinal site
by vitamin E and IL-6. Further studies are needed to allow these findings
to be developed into practical strategies that can be implemented with
benefit by industry. Further studies are required to clarify whether it
is possible to decrease the interval of feeding a vitamin E supplemented
diet, without compromising the immune response. A significant effect of
IL-6 on increasing IgA antibody production has been established during
this project. To benefit the industry IL-6 must be delivered at day of
hatch in conjunction with current immunisation strategies. This requires
delineation through further research. |
| Publications |
Muir, W.I., Bryden, W.L.
and Husband, A.J. (2000) Immunity, vaccination and the avian intestinal
tract. Developmental and Comparative Immunology 24: 325-342.
Muir, W.I., Husband, A.J. and Bryden, W.L. (2002) Dietary supplementation
with vitamin E modulates avian intestinal immunity. British Journal
of Nutrition 87: 579-585. Muir, W.I., Husband, A.J. and Bryden,
W.L. (2000) The impact of dietary vitamin E on immunity. Proceedings
of the 6th Avian Immunology Research Group pp. 45-49. Muir,
W.I., Husband, A.J. and Bryden, W.L. (2001) Dietary vitamin E modulates
intestinal immunity. Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium
11:
236. Muir, W.I., Husband, A.J. and Bryden, W.L. (2001) Dietary vitamin
E modulates immune responses to Salmonella typhimurium in chickens. Asia
Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 10: S61. |
| Project Title |
Inclusion of data for
additional livestock species in the Australasian Livestock Feed Ingredient
(ALFI) database |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
GRD-2J |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Robert van Barneveld |
| Organisation: |
Grains Research and Development
Corporation Contact address: South Australian Research and Development
Institute Pig and Poultry Production Institute Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY
SA 5371 |
| Phone: |
(07) 5547 8611 |
| Fax: |
(07) 5547 8624 |
| Email: |
rob@barneveld.com.au |
| Objective |
·To improve knowledge
of the nutritional value of feed grains and the efficiency of use of these
grains by the egg and chicken meat industries through development of a
commercial version of the Australian Livestock Feed Ingredient (ALFI) database
containing data for pigs, poultry (layers and broilers) and aquaculture
species. |
|
| Background |
Feed grains for use in livestock
diets represent the greatest single production cost, especially for intensively
housed livestock. Based on current estimates, the supply of domestic feed
grains will be insufficient to meet these grain demands by the livestock
sectors. Unless domestic feed grain supplies can be improved through an
increase in availability and/or an improvement in the efficiency of use,
livestock producers face the prospect of importing grains to meet their
needs. To improve the nutrient utilisation efficiency of livestock, the
animal producers, stockfeed manufacturers and grains producers need a large
amount of information on the chemical composition and nutritional quality
of feed grains. To meet these requirements, development of an interactive,
computer-based database on chemical composition and nutritional quality
of feed ingredients is essential. There are a number of databases available
in Australia and overseas on the nutritional quality of feed ingredients.
However, these databases are not interactive, are hard to access, lack
consistency in the information supplied and the format of supply. There
is a large variation in the data within existing databases due to lack
of information on source and range of the raw ingredients, methods used
for obtaining the data, and the storage and processing methods of the ingredients. |
| Research |
To overcome the disadvantages
of the existing databases and to deliver information on the nutritional
quality of feed ingredients to the grains and livestock industries, the
Pig Research and Development Corporation and the Grains Research and Development
Corporation funded the development of an interactive, computer-based database
on nutritional quality of grains for livestock, the Australasian Livestock
Feed Ingredient (ALFI) Database. This database supplies detailed information
on the growing environment of the ingredients, how the ingredients are
stored and processed, physical features of the ingredients and the methodology
employed for chemical analysis and nutritional evaluation, chemical composition
(proximate, amino acid profile, starch, non-starch polysaccharides, fatty
acids, soluble and insoluble sugars, vitamins, minerals, anti-nutritional
factors and toxins) and nutritive value (nutrient digestibility and availability)
of feed ingredients. The ALFI database offers the facilities for users
to compare species or varieties within a location or between locations,
to search data for a particular region, to retrieve data collected from
a particular laboratory or contributed by a particular researcher, and
to communicate with researchers. All these features ensure that users will
get information relevant to their livestock feeding situation, which will
result in an improvement in feeding efficiency and reduced livestock feed
costs. This project expanded the ALFI database to include data on the nutritional
quality of feed grains for other livestock species (broilers, layers and
aquaculture species) and enhanced existing data for pigs. |
| Outcomes |
Data for pigs, poultry and
aquaculture species has been entered into the ALFI database, which now
contains more than 22807 sample entires. The ALFI database also incorporates
all information contained within the GRDC GRAILE database. The initial
beta version has also been reprogrammed so that it is now more user friendly,
and run time versions have been prepared for distribution via CD-ROM. A
web site (www.alfidbase.com) has also been established and a domain name
registered to facilitate email submissions for ALFI information, and to
promote the benefits of the database. Promotional brochures and presentation
formats for the software have been suggested. |
| Implications |
A preliminary business plan
was prepared outlining some potential paths for the commercialisation of
the ALFI database. However, subsequent meetings with stakeholders indicated
that the commercialisation process falls outside of the scope of this project
and will be developed further via GRDC in consultation with the other stakeholders. |
| Publications |
Ru, Y.J., Bray, H.J. and
van Barneveld, R.J. (1999) Development of the Australasian Livestock Feed
Ingredient (ALFI) Database. Proceedings of South Australian Pig and
Poultry Fair. van Barneveld, R.J., Miao, Z.H. and Ru, Y.J. (2000) Development
of the Australasian Livestock Feed Ingredient (ALFI) Database. Proceedings
of South Australian Pig and Poultry Fair. van Barneveld, R.J., Ru,
Y.J. and Zhihong, M. (2001) Australasian Livestock Feed Ingredient (ALFI)
Database. Grains Research and Development Corporation: Canberra. van Barneveld,
R.J., Ru, Y.J. and Zhihong, M. (2001) Australasian Livestock Feed Ingredient
(ALFI) Database Users Manual. Grains Research and Development Corporation:
Canberra. |
| Project Title |
Hind gut function in
laying hens |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
UNC-12A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Robert Taylor |
| Organisation: |
University of Newcastle
Callaghan NSW 2308 |
| Phone: |
02 4921 5638 |
| Fax: |
02 4921 6984 |
| Email: |
ndrdt@alinga.newcastle.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·To provide evidence
of hindgut acidosis in laying birds and to determine strategies to reduce
or eliminate this condition. |
|
| Background |
Acidosis due to fermentation
of carbohydrate in the hindgut of many species causes many acute and chronic
conditions which lead to disease in the animal, with subsequent reduction
of productivity, and environmental effects from water, gas and nutrient
loss. Little research has been devoted to assessing whether any such condition
could be caused in poultry. Given the contribution of cereal to standard
diets, the substrates that provide for a potential fermentation problem
could lead to similar difficulties in birds. |
| Research |
Layer birds at different
phases of the rearing and laying cycle were fed commercially practical
diets but with inclusion of single cereals at maximal levels. Grain processing
and alternative feeding methods were investigated as was feed enzyme inclusion.
Responses of the digestive process were monitored to determine fermentation
conditions and changes in digesta and blood pH. Additional broiler trials
were undertaken to support this work and to provide any evidence of fermentation
effects caused by alternative methods of grain processing. |
| Outcomes |
Evidence was presented to
show that fermentation can lead to accumulation of lactic acid in the digesta
when birds are suddenly presented with different cereals. There was little
evidence that, in the short term, a metabolic acidosis is incurred with
such changes. A different wheat used in a second group of birds produced
substantial increases in both SCFA and lactic acid accumulation in the
ileal and caecal digesta of birds. Although the method of presenting the
feed had little influence on acid conditions, application of an exogenous
enzyme ameliorated the effects of lactic acid accumulation. In general,
plasma pH consistently decreased over the 48 h trial periods which may
suggest that the buffering capacity of the blood was being steadily reduced
with an acid load. The broiler trials indicated that inclusion of some
whole grain in pelleted diets may obviate the need for at least some feed
enzyme inclusion. More importantly, the number of birds displaying proventricular
dilatation was greatly reduced and the risk of death due to ascites was
lower with whole grain inclusion in the feed. |
| Implications |
The effects of sudden cereal
change should be considered to have the potential to cause chronic effects
of an acidosis in poultry. These effects may be very different to those
that are addressed by feed enzyme application and may require further consideration
of the need for growth promoters including available antibiotics. The processing
of feed ingredients can have direct production effects that may involve
fermentative and acidotic responses that require consideration at the time
of feed formulation. |
| Publications |
Taylor, R.D. and Jones,
G.P.D. (2000). Production and physiological responses of broilers to the
inclusion of whole grain into pelleted diets. Proc. Nutrition Society of
Aust. Vol. 24. pp. 82-85. Taylor, R.D. and Jones, G.P.D. (2001). The effect
of whole wheat, ground wheat and dietary enzymes on performance and gastro-intestinal
morphology of broilers. Proc. Aust. Poult. Sci. Sym. Vol. 13. pp. 187-190.
Jones, G.P.D. and Taylor, R.D. (2001). The incorporation of whole grain
into pelleted broiler chicken diets. I. Production and physiological responses.
British Poultry Science. 42: 477-783. |
| Project Title |
Evaluation of Lathyrus
cicera as a feed ingredient for layers |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
UWA-61A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Colin Hanbury and Mr.
Bob Hughes |
| Organisation: |
University of Western Australia
Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture 35 Stirling Hwy CRAWLEY
WA 6009 |
| Phone: |
(08) 9380 1982 |
| Fax: |
(08) 9380 1140 |
| Email: |
chanbury@cyllene.uwa.edu.au;
hughes.bob@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·To establish Lathyrus
cicera cv Chalus as a low cost grain legume of sufficient quality to
be included in layer hen rations. To be achieved by evaluation of layer
performance, visual observations, egg quality and incidence of soiled eggs
at inclusion rates up to 30% Chalus. |
|
| Background |
Lathyrus species
are new crop legumes to Australia. They are seen as a low cost, low maintenance
crop for dry areas. In order to establish them in farming systems animal
feed markets are being developed, such as the egg industry. Historically
Lathyrus
spp have had problems with a neurotoxin known as ODAP. New cultivars have
been developed such as L. cicera cv Chalus which have low ODAP levels.
The safety and effectiveness of these cultivars for animal feed have not
been adequately demonstrated. Quality in vitro seems very good but
the experimental results are needed to verify this. Chalus is the first
cultivar released by CLIMA, but better agronomically suited cultivars are
expected in the near future. |
| Research |
There are two possible problems
with ODAP for laying hens, that neurotoxicity will affect the hens or that
consumers of the eggs or hens will be affected by ODAP. This possibility
was investigated in a 32 week feeding study with up to 30% Chalus. Eggs,
breast meat, liver and brain were examined for ODAP. An 8 week intense
egg production study was carried out to see if Chalus was capable of supporting
industry expected production levels and egg quality characteristics. |
| Outcomes |
Production of eggs and quality
were equal or marginally better using Chalus in comparison to field peas.
Yolk colour was significantly improved by using Chalus. Feed conversion
efficiency was marginally better for Chalus in comparison to field pea.
ODAP showed only traces as a residue in egg yolk, breast meat, liver and
brains after 32 weeks of feeding Chalus at up to 30% of the diet. No neurotoxicity
was observed in hens. The traces of ODAP were extremely low and would not
present any problems for consumers (human or other animal) of eggs or bird
tissue. |
| Implications |
The safety and efficacy
of Chalus was demonstrated. Industry should now find that there is access
to a safe, effective and cheap plant protein source. The quality of Chalus
is as good as field peas but with slightly higher protein levels and anticipated
much lower price. This should enable egg producers to lower production
costs without compromising production or quality of produce. New cultivars
that improve on Chalus in farming systems should be readily acceptable
for feed for the egg industry as they will have ODAP levels as low, or
lower, than Chalus. These new cultivars should lower costs for grain growers
and hence lower prices for feed for egg producers. |
| Publications |
R.J. Hughes and C.D. Hanbury
(2002). Nutritive value of dwarf chickling Lathyrus cicera cv Chalus
for laying hens. Proc. Aust. Poult. Sci. Symp. 2002, 14. |
| Project Title |
Beak trimming accreditation |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
SAR-35A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Phil Glatz |
| Organisation: |
South Australian Research
and Development Institute |
| Phone: |
(08) 8303 7786 |
| Fax: |
(08) 8303 7689 |
| Email: |
glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To develop a beak trimming
training manual. To develop a trainer's guidelines for beak trimming. |
| Background |
In March 2000, ARMCANZ passed
a resolution that required the egg industry to develop a national accreditation
program for beak trimming. Beak trimming at the required standard is a
component of the national generic quality assurance program being developed
by RIRDC. The national generic quality assurance program helps to ensure
that standards are achieved in bird welfare and egg quality. This program
requires commercial birds to be beak trimmed by an accredited beak trimmer
or a trainee working under the direct supervision of an accredited trimmer.
Correct beak trimming minimises risks to welfare caused by aggressive pecking.
Beak trimmers, therefore, have a vital role to play in the welfare and
production outcomes achieved by the egg industry. |
| Research |
A beak trimming management
committee was formed comprised of researchers, RIRDC, beak trimmers, egg
producers and welfare groups who were invited to join the committee either
as sitting members or as corresponding members. Terms of reference for
the committee were distributed at the time of issuing the invitation. The
approach used was for the researchers to initially prepare HACCP documentation
on the beak trimming process and circulate to all members of the committee.
Two workshops were held to discuss the documentation, in particular the
required accuracy standards and approaches needed to train beak trimmers.
Two manuals were prepared as a result of recommendations from the committee.
One was the beak trim training manual; the other the trainer's guidelines. |
| Outcomes |
This project met its objective
of providing documentation for workplace training and accrediting of beak
trimmers. However, for the outcomes to be realised, it requires industry
to develop the necessary infrastructure to ensure that only currently accredited
beak trimmers are allowed to practice in industry. |
| Implications |
Use of the training manual
and trainer's guidelines for accrediting beak trimmers is likely to lead
to improved standards of beak trimming and bird welfare in the Australian
egg industry. The accreditation process will ensure that minimum standards
are achieved and best practice is promoted. |
| Publications |
Glatz, P.C., Bourke, M.,
Barnett, J.L. and Critchley, K.L. (2001). Developing an accreditation system
for beak trimming in Australia. Proceedings of the 6th European
Symposium on Poultry Welfare, Zollikofen, pp 232-237 Glatz, P.C., Bourke,
M.J., Barnett, J.L. and K.L. Critchley (2002). Accrediting beak trimmers.
Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium (Ed. R.A.E. Pym)
14;
102. Glatz, P.C., Bourke, M.J., Barnett, J.L. and K.L. Critchley (2002).
Standards and training guidelines for accrediting beak trimmers in Australia.
Proceeding of the 2002 Poultry Information Exhange, Gold Coast, Queensland.
Poster Paper Section, pp. 11-16 |
| Project Title |
Pilot study on the use
of time-lapse video to study the behaviour of laying hens in conventional
and modified cages |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
UQ-97A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Clare Rudkin and Mr.
Geoff Stewart |
| Organisation: |
University of Queensland
School of Animal Studies GATTON QLD 4343 |
| Phone: |
(07) 3294 7180, (07) 5460
1417 |
| Fax: |
(07) 5460 1444 |
| Email: |
clare@mailbox.uq.edu.au;
gds@sas.uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·To develop techniques
for assessing relative behavioural welfare in conventional and modified
cages by using behavioural data from time-lapse videos. |
|
| Background |
Conventional cages are regarded
as having poor welfare because hens cannot perform many behaviours. Modified
cages have been developed to allow the performance of a greater repertoire
of behaviours by hens by adding a litter box for scratching and dust bathing,
a nest for laying, and a perch. |
| Research |
The behaviours of hens in
modified Edinburgh cages and in conventional Harrison cages were viewed
from time-lapse videos and compared. Use of cage facilities and how they
altered behaviour was measured. Behaviours such as the amount of movement,
effects on individual hens, comfort movements, and aggression were measured
to assess the impact of cage size and design in both cage types. Behaviours
such as feeding, standing, feather pecking and stereotypies were measured
to assess the impact of the enrichment. |
| Outcomes |
Hens showed much less restlessness
or aggression before laying in Edinburgh cages than in Harrison cages.
They did not use the litter box a great deal, and their use of the perch
over much of the day could be regarded as inappropriate. Hens were more
aggressive in the Edinburgh cages. Behaviours that may differ because of
increased space per bird did not appear to change, and behaviours that
might be expected to differ because of the greater repertoire of behaviours
able to be performed in Edinburgh cages did not differ. |
| Implications |
If changes to housing design
are based on emotive perceptions of welfare, rather than on any real welfare
status, the industry could be put to great expense for very little change
in the welfare status of the birds in their care. This may be beneficial
for improved public perceptions, but little benefit to the hens or the
farmer. The Poultry Industry could be put to great expense for very little
benefits for the hens. Studies such as this could save the industry from
a great deal of unnecessary expense. |
| Publications |
Rudkin, C., and Stewart,
G., 2002. Behaviours of hens in furnished and conventional cage systems.
Australian Poultry Science Symposium, 14: 158-161. |
| Project Title |
National Egg Industry
Newsletter |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
DAN-138A |
| Researcher: |
Mr. Gerry Bolla |
| Organisation: |
NSW Agriculture Locked Bag
26 GOSFORD NSW 2250. |
| Phone: |
(02) 4348 1917 |
| Fax: |
(02) 4348 1910 |
| Email: |
gerry.bolla@agric.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·To maintain production
of the national egg industry newsletter “In An Eggshell” by producing two
issues per year over a five-year period. The newsletter focussed on the
dissemination of latest research findings from around Australia with a
special emphasis on improving the standard of layer housing and environmental
management, bird welfare and the adoption of world's best practice in these
and other areas. |
|
| Background |
A need had earlier been
identified for a newsletter to disseminate technical information and research
results to the egg industry, particularly egg producers. State egg boards
and departments of agriculture had previously conducted this function.
The deregulation of state egg industries and consolidation of state departments
of agriculture has seen a drastic reduction in industry-based publications
and technology transfer traditionally carried out by those organisations. |
| Research |
This project required the
production and circulation of ten issues of a national egg industry newsletter
over the five-year duration of the project. The biannual newsletter called
“In An Eggshell” was aimed at providing technical information including
the latest research results to the egg industry, focussing particularly
on RIRDC-funded research. The purpose of the newsletter was to facilitate
the transfer of technical information for adoption by the egg industry. |
| Outcomes |
A total of ten issues of
the newsletter was successfully produced and circulated biannually to 1,400
egg producers and personnel directly or indirectly involved in egg production.
Information presented was predominantly derived from RIRDC research progress
reports and final reports in consultation with the Egg Program Manager.
A producer survey was conducted by the Egg Program Manager in 1998 in order
to evaluate the current content and format of the newsletter. This resulted
in certain improvements in the presentation and format of the newsletter
along with the inclusion of an index of previously published articles. |
| Implications |
Feedback from industry indicates
that the newsletter is widely read by industry and seen as a respected,
concise and relatively easy-to-read reference. It also provides a cost-effective
means of transferring the latest research results and technology to industry,
particularly to producers who are at the forefront of the egg production
process. There is a perceived need for the continuation of such a newsletter
to fulfil the needs of the industry. |
| Publications |
A total of twelve “In An
Eggshell” newsletters have been produced up to December, 2001 including
the ten issues (Nos. 3-12) produced during the course of this project.
Backcopies are available from the researcher upon request. |
| Project Title |
Vaccination training
manual |
| RIRDC Project No.: |
SAR-36A |
| Researcher: |
Dr. Phil Glatz |
| Organisation: |
South Australian Research
and Development Institute Davies Building Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY
SA 5371 |
| Phone: |
(08) 8303 7786 |
| Fax: |
(08) 8303 7689 |
| Email: |
Glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To develop a vaccination
training manual. |
| Background |
In March 2000, ARMCANZ passed
a resolution that required the egg industry to develop a national QA system.
The QA program will assist the industry to achieve standards in bird welfare,
food safety, biosecurity and product labelling. The QA program provides
templates for farmers to develop their own QA procedures and also training
materials to support on-farm training of new staff. Development of a training
manual for vaccination was seen as an important component of the QA program.
Vaccination is an animal health preventative practice commonly carried
out to introduce a vaccine into an animal, to minimise infectious diseases.
This is essential on a poultry farm where infectious diseases can spread
rapidly due to the large number of birds close to one another. Correct
vaccination therefore has a vital role to play in the health welfare and
production outcomes achieved by the egg industry. |
| Research |
A vaccination corresponding
committee was formed comprised of researchers, RIRDC, vaccinators and egg
producers. A training manual was prepared by the researchers using the
approach used for the beak trim training manual. Industry expressed the
need for a training manual, which was easy to read, provided basic operational
procedures for each of the vaccination techniques, but kept technical information
to a minimum. The recommendations were to present the vaccination manual
in small-sized (A5) booklet with background information on each task on
the left-hand side of the page and key tasks presented as brief dot points
in large type on the right side of the page. |
| Outcomes |
This project met its objective
of providing documentation for workplace training of vaccinators. However,
for the outcomes to be realised, it requires industry to develop the necessary
infrastructure to ensure that only trained vaccinators are allowed to vaccinate
poultry. |
| Implications |
Use of the manual for training
vaccinators is likely to lead to improved standards of vaccination and
bird health, welfare and production in the Australian egg industry. The
training process will ensure that minimum standards are achieved and best
practice is promoted. |
| Publications |
Glatz, P.C., Bourke, M.,
Barnett, J.L. and Critchley, K.L. (2002). Vaccination training manual.
Proceedings
of the SA Pig and Poultry Fair Seminar, Murray Bridge, SA p. 62 |
| TA012-33 |
5th International Symposium
on Avian Influenza, University of Georgia, USA, April 2002 - Mr Paul Selleck |
| TA012-01 |
Recent Advances in Animal
Nutrition Conference, Armidale, July 2001 - Mr Bob Hughes |
| MS012-24 |
Ian Farran - travel to and
participation in Environmental Managements System Conference, Ballina,
5-8 Nov 2001 |
| TA012-23 |
7th World Congress on Genetics
Applied to Livestock Production, France and 11th European Poultry Conference,
Germany, August 2002 - Dr Robert Pym |
| TA012-27 |
2002 Australian Poultry
Science Symposium, Sydney, February 2002 - funding for two invited speakers |
| TA012-53 |
Poultry Information Exchange
(PIX) 2002, Gold Coast, April 2002 - various speakers |
| WS001-07 |
Support for the 12th Australian
Poultry and Feed Convention/7th WPSA Asian Pacific Federation Conference,
Gold Coast, October 2002 |
| TA012-07 |
International Egg Commission
Conference, Norway, August 2001 - Mr Malcolm Peacock |
| TA012-08 |
IXth European Symposium
on the Quality of Eggs and Egg Products, Turkey, September 2001 - A/Prof
Juliet Roberts |
| MS012-26 |
Presentation by Dr Gibson
at World Egg Day |
| TA012-54 |
International Union of Microbiological
Societies Conferences, France, July 2002 - Dr Jason Wan |
| TA012-64 |
International Society for
the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids meeting, Canada, May 2002 - Dr Robert
Gibson |
| WS012-03 |
Enhanced welfare cage workshop |
| TA012-24 |
2002 Australian Poultry
Science Symposium, Sydney, February 2002 - Dr Phil Glatz |
| MS012-19 |
Costs for guest speakers
to attend WPSA State meetings |
