RIRDC Completed Projects in 2001-2002 & Research in Progress as at June 2002

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2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT NO	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
GIT-1A	Grower adoption of clip preparation standards for Australian alpaca fibre	Mr Ian Knox and  Dr Peter Lamb	(03) 5227 2358	University of Ballarat
UCQ-11A	Improving the efficiency of reproduction and breeding in alpacas	Dr Jane Vaughan	(07) 4930 9288	Central Queensland University


 

Project Title:	Grower adoption of clip preparation standards for Australian alpaca fibre
RIRDC Project No.:	GIT – 1A
Researcher:	Ian Knox and Dr Peter Lamb
Organisation:	Gordon Institute of Tafe and C.S.I.R.O.
Phone:	(03) 52272358
Email:	iknox@gordontafe.edu.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.
Background	Alpaca production is moving from an animal based industry to a fibre based industry. While alpaca has some similarities to wool, many of its characteristics are unique. At the present time all fibre is bulk classed. The development of standards that can be implemented by producers at the time of shearing will have a major positive effect on gross margins and will allow Australian processors to produce top that is more highly specified and superior to Peruvian product with which it competes.
Research	Clip preparation standards were developed, trailed and modified as the result of processing validation trials at CSIRO Division of Textile and Fibre Technology, input from grower workshops and liaison with processors. Wool harvesting competencies were customised for alpaca fibre and submitted to Rural Training Council of Australia (RTCA).
Outcomes	An industry code of practice for minimum clip preparation standards was produced and endorsed by the Australian Alpaca Association. Fibre workshops were conducted throughout Australia and were well attended. CSIRO trials showed classed lines all processed satisfactorily. Industry training will be introduced nationally, following input from this project in conjunction with the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) education sub-committee.
Implications	This project has shown hundreds of alpaca producers the importance of good clip preparation. It has helped to focus industry attention on the critical issue of reducing fibre diameter. A range of national training programs will be introduced following initial representations to RTCA during the course of the project.
Publications	Knox I., and Lamb P. 2001 Alpaca Clip Preparation in Australia. Proceedings The Llama and Alpaca Association of New Zealand 2001 Conference. June 2001. Lincoln University Christchurch, New Zealand. Knox I. 2000 Getting a ‘Handle’ on Clip Preparation. Proceedings The Australian Alpaca Industry National Conference. August 2000. Canberra. Knox I. 1999 Getting well fleeced. The Australian Alpaca Industry National Conference. July 1999. Adelaide.

Project Title:	Improving the efficiency of reproduction and breeding in alpacas
RIRDC Project No.:	UCQ-11A
Researcher:	Jane Vaughan BVSc MACVSc
Organisation:	Central Queensland University Bruce Highway NORTH ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702
Phone:	(07) 4930 9288
Fax:	(07) 4936 1361
Email:	vaughan@ava.com.au
Objectives	To develop a practical protocol that would allow fixed-time mating of alpacas at a known stage of ovarian follicular development, in association with improved pregnancy rates following mating. A successful protocol would allow more efficient dissemination of selected genotypes throughout the national alpaca herd. Follicular growth characteristics in unmated alpacas were not well described in the literature, but this knowledge is essential to developing any exogenous hormone treatment and needed to be described more clearly. Time of mating is currently determined without knowledge of stage of ovarian follicular development so this present study also provided an opportunity to study behavioural characteristics of the female alpaca that may assist in determining optimum time of breeding in untreated females.
Background	The reproductive physiology of alpacas differs to that of other domestic animals and remains poorly understood. Females exhibit growth of successive large follicles and are induced ovulators. Unmated, non-ovulatory females are sexually receptive most of the time, apparently regardless of the stage of ovarian follicular development. Males mate in sternal recumbency for approximately 20 minutes and ejaculate many times during this period. Each ejaculate consists of low volume, high viscosity semen containing a low sperm concentration. To achieve maximum conception rates, females should be mated when they have a follicle capable of ovulation on either ovary. Gestation length is about 11.5 months, twins are rare and males reach puberty from 1 to 3 years of age. Generation intervals are relatively long because males are slow to sexually mature and females exhibit an extended gestation, so conventional breeding results in slower genetic gain in comparison to other fibre-producing domestic species such as sheep and goats.
Research	Initial studies involved an observational study in a commercial alpaca herd on reproductive behaviour, ovarian follicular state and mating success following random matings and characterisation of ovarian follicular waves in unmated alpacas. The baseline data was collected for comparison with subsequent experimental findings. Effects of various doses and combinations of 17b -oestradiol, oestradiol benzoate and progesterone on follicular regression and new wave emergence were investigated to develop a practical method of fixed-time mating. A newly developed progesterone protocol to synchronise ovarian follicular waves was then used in a fixed-time mating trial and a preliminary investigation into oocyte morphology to identify whether the newly emerged follicle contained an oocyte capable of fertilisation.
Outcomes	This report presents new information on ovarian follicular wave characteristics in non-pregnant female alpacas and introduces a practical protocol based on progesterone to control ovarian follicular growth. The protocol allows for fixed-time mating. The Australian alpaca industry will benefit from more efficient utilisation of genetically superior males and females and faster dissemination of improved genotypes throughout the national herd.

Implications

The increased understanding of follicular growth characteristics and the ability to control new wave emergence will assist with developing artificial breeding technology in alpacas such as optimum timing of gonadotrophin treatment during multiple ovulation and embryo transfer programs. This will benefit the Australian alpaca industry with more efficient utilisation of genetically superior alpacas.

Publications

Vaughan JL, Macmillan KL, Anderson GA, D’Occhio MJ. Effects of mating behaviour and the ovarian follicular state of female alpacas on pregnancy. Australian Veterinary Journal. In press June 2002. Vaughan JL. Control of follicular waves in alpacas. Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru, XXIV Reunion Cientifica Annual Peruana de Produccion Animal 2001; 1:112-114. Vaughan JL, D’Occhio MJ, Macmillan KL. Ovarian follicular inter-wave intervals in alpacas. Proceedings of the 14th International Congress on Animal Reproduction 2000; 1:53.

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2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
PROJECT NO	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DAV-191A	Developing a model for progeny testing mohair sires	Mr. Mark Ferguson	(03) 5573 0958	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
DAV-192A	Optimising mohair harvesting strategies	Dr. Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4364	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
UD-2A	Improving the quality and processing performance of Alpaca fibres	A/Prof. Xungai Wang	(03) 5227 2894	Deakin University
UNE-69A	Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats	Dr. Stephen Walkden-Brown	(02) 6773 5152	University of New England


 
 

Project Title	Developing a model for progeny testing mohair sires
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-191A
Start Date:	01/10/01
Finish Date:	01/10/04
Researcher:	Mr. Mark Ferguson
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) Agriculture Victoria Pastoral and Veterinary Institute Mt Napier Road HAMILTON VIC 3300
Phone:	(03) 5573 0958
Fax:	(03) 5571 1523
Email:	Mark.Ferguson@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· Provide RIRDC and the mohair industry with a model for applying central progeny testing to goats. · Comprehensively evaluate Angora sires, including a demonstration of their economic merit and performance characteristics using MOPLAN. · Demonstrate the potential impact on profitability of tested sires of superior genetic merit. · Provide training to the mohair industry in the conduct and operation of progeny testing.
Current Progress	The focus of this project is to develop a process that the mohair industry can follow to accurately progeny test Angora sires. The importance of objective measurement and genetic evaluation to mohair producers will be demonstrated. Participants in the project will also learn about the on-farm objective measurement of mohair using the OFDA2000.  The project began in October 2001 and received immediate support from mohair producers. An industry committee with representatives from all mohair growing states was established to advise on the conduct of the project. A total of 16 sires were nominated for inclusion in the project, with 11 of these being selected. These sires represent the range of genotypes currently available in Australia and originate from NSW, WA, Qld and Vic. Semen was collected from these sires. In association with an industry collaborator, 500 does were then synchronised and were mated via artificial insemination in April 2002.  Presentations have been made at the National and Victorian AGMs of Mohair Australia with strong support from those in attendance. Project displays have been made at Seymour, Victoria and Mt Pleasant, South Australia. The project has received coverage in rural newspapers and on ABC radio.


 
 
 

Project Title	Optimising mohair harvesting strategies
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-192A
Start Date:	01/07/01
Finish Date:	30/05/02
Researcher:	Mr. Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) Victorian Institute of Animal Science 475 Mickleham Road ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4364
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	bruce.mcgreggor@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· This project aims to better identify the issues related to short and cotted mohair production in terms of impact, geographical spread, potential causes and potential solutions. The project will provide a report into these problems and propose a course of action to address the issues raised.
Current Progress	Market information for Australian mohair was collected. A survey seeking the views and experience of the problems was conducted with Australian mohair producers and brokers. Selected producers were interviewed and case study examples were documented. Scientific literature was reviewed. This work demonstrated that production of short and cotted mohair affected 20% of Australian mohair and has reduced industry income by 10%. Short C length mohair sold at a 45% discount to B length mohair. Cotted mohair was discounted 37 to 91%. Short mohair production was regarded as a moderate to serious problem by a majority of producers and brokers. A hidden cost to the industry is the cost of reclassifying short mohair. Some growers lost 20% of their potential income. Problems were reported Australia wide and more frequently in colder wetter districts. Some genotypes were more associated with short winter mohair production. Many growers were unaware of the available options for reducing these problems. A range of practical and theoretical management options were identified. Management procedures must be developed and applied that enable continuous mohair fibre growth during winter. The report identifies priorities for managers and for further industry action.


 

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 last progress report, regularly project meetings have been held and four additional 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 knitting performance of selected worsted alpaca and alpaca/wool blend yarns has been examined.  The feasibility of alpaca fibre dehairing has been analyzed. Dehairing alpaca fibre can produce finer alpaca fibre. However, the dehairing process can be costly and further research is required before investing in the dehairing machinery or developing dehairing technology for alpaca fibres. Alpaca fibre scouring trials were conducted at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology, CSIRO to optimize scouring conditions for alpaca fibres and hopefully to reduce the scouring cost. Processing trail of the scoured fibres will be conducted also. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was employed to study surface features and contamination of alpaca fibres. Benchmarking of alpaca yarn quality work is still continuing. Work is on-going on using a different approach to objectively assess the softness of alpaca fibres.


 

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 ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	(02) 6773 5152
Fax:	(02) 6773 3543
Email:	swalkden@metz.une.edu.au
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 project is progressing well. Production data continue to be collected from the 2000 drop of kids. All the parasitological data from the 2001 drop of kids has been collected, with production data still coming in. The 2001 kid drop comprised 242 mixed sex progeny of 6 Angora sires and 281 female progeny of 9 Cashmere sires. Link sires on each property link the 2000 and 2001 drops. In late March 2002, joining for the 2002 kid drop occurred with the same number of sires for each breed. On the Angora side, this project is now linked with Project DAV-191A through two link sires. Sixty Angora does at Barraba, NSW were inseminated with semen from each of these sires on April 8, 2002.  Preliminary genetic analysis of data from the 2001 drop are included in the following paper which will be presented in Montpellier, France in August 2002: Olayemi, M.E., Walkden-Brown, S.W., Van der Werf, J. & Le Jambre, L. (2002) Genetic variability of resistance indicators for gastrointestinal nematode infection in Angora and Cashmere goats Proceedings of 7th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Production Livestock 7, (in press). During 2001/2002 we have developed a new fully quantitative caprine ELISA to measure antibody (IgG) responses to gastro-intestinal nematode infection. We also assisted CSIRO in the development of a DNA test for parentage and we currently have 120 DNA samples at CSIRO being paternity tested to determine our error rate in recording sire within the project.