RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

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To New Animal Products completed projects

1.2 New Animal Products - Research in Progress
Project No.	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
ABA-17A	The value of Australia’s emerging agricultural industries	Perry Smith	(02) 6272 2024	Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics (ABARE)
CSA-17A	Developing a genetically improved yabby to facilitate farm enterprise diversification	Dr Dean Jerry	(02) 6776 1322	CSIRO Livestock Industries
CSA-23A	Crusader – a production system for Australian farmed rabbits	Dr Sandra Eady	(02) 6776 1394	CSIRO Livestock Industries
CWT-3A	Improved preservation and early stage processing of Australian crocodile skins	Dr Stephen Hawkins	(03) 9545 2397	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
DAQ-287A	Crocodile farming research: hatching to harvest	Steve Peucker	(07) 4722 2649	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAQ-300A	On-farm research and pelleted feed for crocodiles	Steve Peucker	(07) 4722 2608	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
LEC-2A	Assisting ongoing kangaroo market growth by facilitating public industry acceptance	John Kelly	(03) 6326 8639	Lenah Consultancy
SAR-37A	On farm nutritional strategies to improve the profitability of ostrich farming	Dr Phil Glatz	(08) 8303 7786	South Australian Research and Development Institute
UF-9A	Investigation of the effects of different tannages on tissue structure and physical correlates in ostrich skin	Dr Christine Lunam	(08) 8204 4704	Flinders University of South Australia
UQ-96A	Sericulture: Development of a new Community-based Industry in Australia	Dr John Dingle	(07) 5460 1250	The University of Queensland
US-94A	Factors that influence meat quality from kangaroos	Dr Peter Wynn	(02) 9351 1632	The University of Sydney
US-109A	A genetic improvement program for farmed saltwater crocodiles	A/Prof Chris Moran	(02) 9351 3553	The University of Sydney
UWA-66A	Dairy products and farming techniques for the sheep milking industry	Dr Roberta Bencini	(08) 9380 2521	University of Western Australia
UWA-71A	Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for the emu and ostrich farming (Continuing project UWA-52A)	A/Prof Graeme Martin	(08) 9380 2528	University of Western Australia
WHP-6A	Adding value along the new animal products supply chain	David Michael	(02) 9369 2735	Wondu Holdings Pty Limited
WMI-2A	Production implications of trace element concentrations in crocodile eggs and tissues	Prof Grahame Webb	(08) 8922 4500	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd
WMI-3A	Captive breeding and marketing of turtles	Prof Grahame Webb	(08) 8922 4500	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd


 

Project Title	The value of Australia's emerging agricultural industries
RIRDC Project No.:	ABA-17A
Start Date:	8-Jan-02
Finish Date:	8-Jan-05
Researcher:	Perry Smith
Organisation:	Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) GPO Box 1563 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone:	(02) 6272 2024
Fax:	(02) 6272 2342
Email:	psmith@abare.gov.au
Objectives	· The objective of this project is to generate a consistent set of statistics about the production, utilisation and value of those agricultural industries in Australia that are defined as 'emerging' by RIRDC (excluding the organic industry).  · The deliverable will be a compendium of statistics that meets a need for basic information about emerging agricultural industries in Australia, an area that is not currently serviced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Current Progress	A draft report covering production, utilisation and trade is currently in preparation and will provide a robust base for discussions with industry to finalise the statistics. The report covers a range of plant and animal industries. The animal industries include alpacas, crocodiles, emu, deer, goats, kangaroo, ostrich and farmed rabbit. The plant industries covered include various Asian vegetables, native foods essential oils, olives, sesame and exotic tropical fruits. The report will be finalised on completion of the industry contact phase whereby key industry personnel will be contacted in relation to production and farm gate value. The report will be updated and expanded to cover other industries following discussions with RIRDC on completion of the first report.

Project Title	Developing a genetically improved yabby to facilitate farm enterprise diversification
RIRDC Project No.:	CSA-17A
Start Date:	9-Jan-01
Finish Date:	9-Jan-04
Researcher:	Dr Dean Jerry
Organisation:	CSIRO Livestock Industries Locked Bag 1 Delivery Centre ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone:	(02) 6776 1322
Fax:	(02) 6776 1333
Email:	dean.jerry@li.csiro.au
Objectives	The outcome of this research will be a genetically improved strain of yabby which can be used to improve productivity, product quality and sustainability in commercial yabby production enterprises.
Current Progress	The yabby genetic improvement program is now in its third generation of selection. Superior performing broodstock animals from populations identified by a strain comparison trial were combined to create a new "commercial" strain with growth rate being the primary selection objective. The program was initiated from the evaluation of 100 full-sibs from each of 30 families. However, poor survival of three families has reduced the total family number in the program to 27. A control line consisting of randomly bred individuals from the 30 families has also been maintained to allow assessment of genetic gain. Following two generations of selection, significant differences in mean live weight at harvest were observed between the select and control lines (Males – Selected line 83.9 g ± 9.1, Control line 61.3 g ± 4.9; Females – Selected line 61.2 g ± 4.8, Control line 50.7 g ± 2.5). These differences represent an average response to selection in both sexes of an impressive 12% per generation and a realized heritability for growth rate of 30%. An industry advisory panel continues to have strong input into the conduct of the program and a business plan for the commercialisation of the strain is currently being undertaken.

Project Title	Crusader - a production system for Australian farmed rabbits
RIRDC Project No.:	CSA-23A
Start Date:	8-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Jul-07
Researcher:	Dr Sandra Eady
Organisation:	CSIRO Livestock Industries Private Mail Bag 1 ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone:	(02) 6776 1394
Fax:	(02) 6776 1371
Email:	sandra.eady@csiro.au
Objectives	Provide R&D operations that will support profitable and sustainable Australian meat rabbit production. The focus of the project will be on identifying and implementing methods to improve key profit drivers. Individual areas of work that have been identified by industry as high priority are management of disease, improved survival of kittens and growers, providing optimum nutrition and benchmarking performance. The project will deliver information systems, feed formulations and improved genotypes to optimise productivity and profit.
Current Progress	The Crusader selection program has made significant progress over the last 12 months with the average genetic merit of rabbits rising by $30 (per doe per annum) through selection for improvement in number of kittens weaned and average daily growth rate. Level of disease incidence and mortality rate have also been identified as contributing to significantly to profit. A disease trait for grower rabbits has been defined and included in the selection objective. The heritability of this trait (incidence of infection with Pasteurella/Staphylococcus) is estimated to be approximately 0.10, a low but useful level of genetic variation. A relative economic value has been estimated for this trait and it was incorporated into the Crusader Index in April 2003. The traits is favourably correlated with other traits in the index which will aid in accelerating over all productivity improvements with selection. Industry is continuing to access advances made in the Crusader rabbits with 25% of breeders in the industry now purchasing stock. An Enterprise Model to estimate gross margin has been developed and will be available for industry use in the next 3 months. It has been used to investigate the most important factors determining profit and to refine the research areas currently under investigation (kitten survival, doe productivity, grower performance). The Crusader web page (www.csiro.au/crusader) has been updated with project outcomes and continues to attract a high number of users (400/month). A number of workshops and activity days have been held with farmers and educational groups presenting results in the area of housing, nutrition, disease control, data management, breed evaluation and design of breeding programs.

Project Title	Improved preservation and early stage processing of Australian crocodile skins
RIRDC Project No.:	CWT-3A
Start Date:	9-Jan-02
Finish Date:	9-Jan-04
Researcher:	Dr Stephen Hawkins
Organisation:	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Leather Research Centre Locked Bag 10 CLAYTON SOUTH MDC VIC 3169
Phone:	(03) 9545 2397
Fax:	(03) 9545 2363
Email:	stephen.hawkins@csiro.au
Objectives	This project aims to improve the quality and reduce the processing costs of Australian Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skins by developing and implementing processes for fleshing and preservation.
Current Progress	The initial project focus was on gathering data, clarifying issues and making interim recommendations. A visit was made to the industry partner (October 2002) and produced a number of recommendations eg: · Abattoir operations be optimised to minimise butcher damage to skins. · The short term preservative, sodium chlorite, be replaced because of the propensity for causing scale damage and slippage. · A new interim long-term preservation procedure be implemented using salt with sodium fluoride and boric acid additives. The usage rates, purging times and handling were described. · The fleshing operation be reviewed to clearly quantify benefits and costs. Laboratory studies of long term preservation and packing methods have been conducted and were field tested in May 2003. Additional recommendations on these and pre- and post-slaughter skin preparation will be made in the May visit report.  A visit will be made to Japan in July when the skins from the May trial, and fresh skins, will be assessed with a tanner and our industry partner. This is expected to provide an invaluable insight into the perceptions of and problems faced by tanners receiving Australian crocodile skins. It will inform the final recommendation and implementation of preparation (skin handling, packing, husbandry etc) and preservation techniques.

Project Title	Crocodile farming research: hatching to harvest
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-287A
Start Date:	11-Nov-01
Finish Date:	11-Nov-05
Researcher:	Steve Peucker
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810
Phone:	(07) 4722 2608
Fax:	(07) 4778 2970
Email:	steve.peucker@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To further develop a nutritionally balanced pelleted feed which enhances growth rates and is cost/benefit efficient · To conduct environmental research which produces outcomes which meet DPI's crocodile environmental obligations and is beneficial to industry · To develop housing standards which are commercially beneficial to industry · To implement the genetic program BLUP to improve the breeding performance of captured crocodiles · To continue using the recording scheme CROCTEL to collate industry production and identify problem areas for research · To implement on-farm grower performance recording through CROCTEL · To communicate effectively with industry through industry seminars, workshops, farm visits and written communications (Crocodile Capers and Crocodile Research Bulletin) · To enhance our working relationship with industry and fellow researchers
Current Progress	Nutrition – Work continues on the development of manufactured feed for crocodiles. Crocodiles at the research facility have been on pelleted feed for seventeen months and continue to achieve acceptable growth rates. Recent trials show that better growth rates were obtained by crocodiles from diets containing 5% fat than those at 10 & 15% fat levels. Other trial work carried out looked at the effects of Kaolin and Sodium Bentonite on nutrient utilisation. No positive effect was evident from the results obtained. Housing and Environmental Management – Project Services Qld were commissioned to examine options for the treatment of wastewater and disposal/reuse of effluent from research facilities. Report outlines theories and design principles, which can be utilised by existing and future crocodile farms. CROCTEL – The nesting data recording scheme continues to be used by industry. A review of other sections of the program is to commence in the near future. BLUP - genetic program is unlikely to commence at this stage due to the transfer of the business group’s geneticist and the commencement of another RIRDC funded project (US109A) looking at genetic improvement of farmed saltwater crocodiles. Communication – Issue No 8th of the industry newsletter Crocodile Capers is in print and due for release in late May. The work relationship between producers, other crocodile researchers and DPI has improved substantially over the past 12 months. A workshop was held at Cairns in May, specifically for the Bynoe Indigenous Community Co-op Group. The community is looking at establishing a breeder operation along with some small-scale tourism.

Project Title	On-farm research of pelleted feed for crocodiles
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-300A
Start Date:	1-Dec-02
Finish Date:	1-Nov-05
Researcher:	Steve Peucker
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810
Phone:	(07) 4722 2608
Fax:	(07) 4778 2970
Email:	steve.peucker@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· Initiate on-farm feeding trials using the most successful pellet diets from the research program. · Implement use of an environmentally friendly and consumer acceptable crocodile feed on farms. · Establish the feeding and growth response for farmed crocodiles on trial (pelleted) diets - the trials will cover hatchlings, juveniles and growers >2 years old. · Purchase of a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) machine or similar equipment so that growth response measurements will be standardised across farms. · Promote growth of lean crocodiles to meet market demand. · Compare on-farm pellet feed costs with traditional diets of chicken heads and kangaroo meat.
Current Progress	On farm Feeding Trials Pellets have been distributed to the following five crocodile farms; Melaleuca Crocodile Farm, Mareeba, north Queensland; Crocodylus Park, CrocFarms NT and Lagoon Crocodile Farm in the Northern Territory. Koorana Crocodile Farm based at Rockhampton is also manufacturing its own pellets. Farms have reported mixed results to date. Three of the five farms say results are encouraging with animals eating the pellets. Two farms, Crocfarms NT and Lagoon Crocodile Farm have reported no success with feeding pellets; animals would pick up the pellets but then discard them. Trials are continuing. Calibration of Bioimpedience Analyser This trial was conducted at Peter Fisher’s Melaleuca Crocodile Farm in March. Carcass and blood samples are currently being analysed at the DPI’s animal research facility at Yeerongpilly. Once this has been done a formula will be developed from the measurements taken and the equipment will be returned to the manufacturer for reprogramming. Feed Costs Some of the ingredients have increased in price recently probably due to the drought. Manufacturing costs range between $1-1.10 per kg. Raw meat has also increased, with kangaroo meat costing $1.84 per kg and chicken heads at $1.55 per kg due to rain and the increase demand in kangaroo meat for human consumption. On a dry matter basis 1kg of pellets equals 2.3 kg of chicken heads. Considerable savings are still being made with manufactured feed despite recent increases in price of some ingredients.


 

Project Title	Assisting ongoing kangaroo market growth by facilitating public industry acceptance
RIRDC Project No.:	LEC-2A
Start Date:	30-Apr-02
Finish Date:	8-Jan-03
Researcher:	John Kelly
Organisation:	Lenah Consultancy PO Box 294 MOWBRAY TAS 7248
Phone:	(03) 6326 8639
Fax:	(03) 6326 2790
Email:	kiaa@tassie.net.au
Objectives	An improved public perception of the environmental wisdom, sustainability and responsible controls of the kangaroo harvest, leading to improved kangaroo product sales. A professional 10 min video on the industry as well as suitable footage for use in TV programs broadly.
Current Progress	Three editions of the kangaroo industry newsletter NEWR have been produced and distributed widely both in hard copy and electronically. The project has been active in responding to press inquiry, largely internationally, concerning the campaign targeting Adidas for the use of kangaroo leather. In addition the project has fielded considerable media inquiry concerning the drought and its effects on the kangaroo industry. The industry video is well progress with a production house appointed, a rough script settled and initial filming done. Dr. Tim Flannery, the Director of the South Australian Museum, has agreed to host the video with the bulk of footage to be obtained during February.


 

Project Title	On farm nutritional strategies to improve the profitability of ostrich farming
RIRDC Project No.:	SAR-37A
Start Date:	1-Jan-02
Finish Date:	1-Jan-05
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	· Reduce feed costs for ostriches in the finisher stage by utilising least cost high fibre diets · Establish the use of an innovative pasture, crop and ostrich rotation system to reduce cost of feeding ostriches · Establish suitable dryland pastures as alternative to lucerne for ostrich grazing · Improve feeding management techniques to improve skin quality and meat quality of ostriches · Improve the feed conversion ratio of ostriches by demonstrating value of supplementing diets with fibre digesting enzymes · Establish a sustainable farming system for grazing ostriches
Current Progress	Most ostrich farmers are still growing birds to processing age under feedlot conditions in Australia. Feed costs using this system are high and do not utilize the capacity of birds to utilise high fibre feeds such as pastures and hay sources. To investigate the role of high fibre sources as a feed in an extensive ostrich grazing system, an experiment compared growth of ostriches (6 months-of-age) fed pea straw diets (24% and 40% inclusion rates) with a lucerne diet and a commercial grower diet. Birds consuming the pea straw diets did not grow as well adapted to consuming the volume of pea straw required for growth. To develop an ostrich production system, which makes optimal use of cropping land, work is in progress in establishing the fencing of four paddocks on a commercial property. Ostriches will be able to forage on paddocks sown with the balansia clover and rye grass in the spring and in the following season on grain stubble. To assist the Industry develop diets using high fibre sources a spread sheet of the nutritional value of rice hulls, lucerne, wheat, barley, oaten and pea hays including grass, corn, corn and barley silage has been developed. A review conducted on nutrient requirements and foraging behaviour of ostriches was published in the literature.


 

Project Title	Investigation of the effects of different tannages on tissue structure and physical correlates in ostrich skin
RIRDC Project No.:	UF-9A
Start Date:	1-Jan-02
Finish Date:	1-Jan-04
Researcher:	Dr Christine Lunam
Organisation:	Flinders University of South Australia Dept of Anatomy and Histology GPO Box 2100 ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone:	(08) 8204 4704
Fax:	(08) 8277 0085
Email:	chris.lunam@flinders.edu.au
Objectives	· To promote the sustainability of the Ostrich Industry and improve economic returns to ostrich farmers · To optimise storage conditions for ostrich skins · To improve tanning techniques for ostrich skins · To identify the structure of filoplumes · To disseminate information arising from this study to the Ostrich Industry
Current Progress	To assess the effects of temperature and bactericide treatment during four weeks of storage on salted green ostrich skins, thickness measurements were made on histological sections of the skins before and after storage. Skins not treated with bactericide prior to storage at 22° C were significantly thicker compared to those with bactericide treatment (P=0.027). Bactericide had no effect on skins stored at 4° C (P=0.073). The data indicate that bactericide treatment is essential to prevent the alteration in the thickness of the ostrich skins stored for 4 weeks at room temperature. Denaturation of the collagen fibres would likely result in a thicker connective tissue layer comprised of a decreased density of collagen bundles. As this change is prevented with bactericide treatment it is suggested that denaturation of the collagen is likely to be caused by bacterial infection rather than lysosomal autolysis. Tear strength data of the tanned skins has recently been received from the industry partner and is being analysed to determine whether the increased thickness after storage is associated with decreased skin strength.  Filoplumes have been identified in some ostrich skins and their macroscopic and microscopic features recorded.


 

Project Title	Sericulture: Development of a new Community-based Industry in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-96A
Start Date:	2-Jan-01
Finish Date:	31-Aug-04
Researcher:	Dr John Dingle
Organisation:	The University of Queensland School of Animal Studies GATTON QLD 4345
Phone:	(07) 5460 1250
Fax:	(07) 5460 1444
Email:	jdg@sas.uq.edu.au
Objectives	· The proposal outcomes will be commercially and economically viable for: · Establishing rural-based sericulture industry in Australia for producing raw silk for the Australian textile market with the potential for future exports. · Possible future export opportunities in raw silk and other silk products to Asian, European and American markets. · Providing an avenue for the Australian rural community for a home-based remunerative employment program.
Current Progress	Moriculture: Quantitative (plant height, number of branches, stem diameter, growth rate, leaf moisture content, fresh and dry leaf yields) as well as qualitative data (protein and carbohydrate) has been collected and analysed for local mulberry varieties. Imported mulberry varieties from Indonesia have been established in the field. Work on the design of a mulberry leaf harvester is in progress. Sericulture: Two populations of silkworms are being kept; one susceptible and the other resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis. A DNA extraction technique has been developed and a PCR protocol is under development to establish a method of differentiating between the disease-susceptible and the disease-resistant populations at the molecular level. Artificial diets are being trialled for rearing silkworms. In Victoria, a silkworm rearing facility has been established and trials on silkworms and local mulberry varieties from a number of sources in Australia are being conducted. A number of practical problems relevant to new farmers have been documented.  Extension: The cooperation of farmers with the project has commenced and will be expanded in the coming year. The school silkworm rearing project is continuing. Negotiations for the importation of a silk reeling machine are proceeding.


 
 

Project Title	Factors that influence meat quality from kangaroos
RIRDC Project No.:	US-94A
Start Date:	7-Jan-00
Finish Date:	30-Sep-03
Researcher:	Dr Peter Wynn
Organisation:	The University of Sydney Department of Animal Science PMB 3 PO CAMDEN NSW 2570
Phone:	(02) 9351 1632
Fax:	(02) 4655 6657
Email:	peterw@camden.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	· Conduct of an industry survey of the extent of variability in tenderness, flavour and juiciness by sensory evaluation in commercial meat cuts from the major commercial kangaroo species. · Establishment of the relationship between species, sex and age of the animal at slaughter with the key meat quality parameters of tenderness, flavour and juiciness. · Determination of the effects of post-slaughter carcass handling on meat characteristics such as muscle pH and temperature change and their impact on muscle shortening, drip loss and cooking loss. · Determination of the effect of dietary lipids in vegetation on the glycogen composition in muscle and their impact on flavour, cooking odours and taints. · Establish the difference in meat quality in response to seasonal variables such as changes in ambient temperature, rainfall and vegetation. · Exploration of the commercial use of electrical stimulation and quick chilling as a means of maximising tenderness, while at the same
Current Progress	Our major sensory evaluation study of variation in kangaroo meat quality highlighted the importance of overall acceptability of product for the consumer. One conclusion from this study showed that tenderness was negatively correlated with size (age) of animals. This relationship was more apparent in leg muscles which were tougher than back muscles and that this most likely is related to the unique bi/tri-pedal locomotory process of kangaroos (i.e. ‘hopping’). We are currently determining the role of collagen cross linking and content on the variation in muscle toughness. Variation in muscle quality also relates closely to the ultimate pH, which is in turn related to the glycogen content of muscles at the point of slaughter. The variation in ultimate pH between muscles and between animals is related to the quantity of glycogen present at slaughter and the mechanisms of glycolysis post-slaughter. For example in some muscles a significant proportion of total glycogen may remain protected from glycolytic enzymes, thus preventing the potential ultimate pH being achieved during meat storage. Total glycogen is related to liveweight of animals, suggesting that larger animals store energy substrate more successfully than smaller growing animals. These studies are being finalised and will provide the industry with information on the relative quality of different commercial cuts of kangaroo meat and the reasons for any variation.

roject Title	A genetic improvement program for farmed saltwater crocodiles
RIRDC Project No.:	US-109A
Start Date:	7-Jan-01
Finish Date:	30-Apr-04
Researcher:	A/Prof Chris Moran
Organisation:	The University of Sydney Centre for Advanced Technologies in Animal Genetics and Reproduction (Reprogen) Faculty of Veterinary Science SYDNEY NSW 2006
Phone:	(02) 9351 3553
Fax:	(02) 9351 2114
Email:	Chris.Moran@vetsci.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	The major objective is to create a practical genetic improvement program at a commercial crocodile farm (Janamba Croc Farm), thereby establishing the kernel of an industry-wide genetic improvement program to be called CROCPLAN
Current Progress	Modelling juvenile saltwater crocodile growth using accumulated degree-days has shown that accumulated temperature exposure above 23oC accounted for greater variation than chronological age. A second year’s data awaits analysis. Thus degree days may be better than chronological age for adjusting growth records when estimating breeding values in improvement programs. A parentage determination kit has now been assembled, consisting of eleven markers with an exclusion probability (chance of recognising an incorrect parentage record) of greater than 99.80%. Evaluation of this kit on real family data detected 5.6% errors. Although a pedigree error rate of 10% is considered the norm in livestock, molecular detection of pedigree errors will result in increased genetic improvement due to more accurate estimation of breeding values. This kit will provide the key to assuring more accurate selection of future breeders. An industry questionnaire asked participants to rank proposed breeding objectives and comment on whether adoption of such a program would be beneficial. Participants welcomed such an initiative and provided useful data for designing a breeding program. A report is currently under review. Estimation of economic weightings for the identified breeding objectives is currently underway in conjunction with economists from the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.


 
 

Project Title	Dairy products and farming techniques for the sheep milking industry
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-66A
Start Date:	1-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Jul-04
Researcher:	Dr Roberta Bencini
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Animal Science Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6009
Phone:	(08) 9380 2521
Fax:	(08) 9380 1040
Email:	rbencini@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	· This project will aid the development of an Australian sheep milking industry by: · Increasing the productivity of dairy sheep by investigating new genotypes (GH transgenic sheep and crosses with local and imported breeds) and nutrition strategies (use of industry by-products and bypass starch) · Developing new sheep milk products suitable for the local and export markets · Developing alliances with industry partners that are currently entering the industry to increase market access and export volume.
Current Progress	We have continued to collect data on the lactation performance of East Friesian sheep crossed with either Awassi or local sheep. The East Friesian x Awassi cross has the greatest dairy potential has it has long lactations and high yields of milk. In collaboration with Dr Norm Adams from CSIRO we milked 5 transgenic GH ewes and 6 control ewes. The GH ewes produced twice as much as the control ewes, 2.0±0.14 kg/day versus 1.1±0.07 kg/day. Clearly, the GH transgenic sheep have a tremendous potential as dairy animals and are also an extraordinary model to study the physiology of lactation. However CSIRO had to dispose of their transgenic sheep but has now agreed to sell us semen from the rams. Work on these sheep will resume once we get the funds to support the transgenic sheep. Two honours students, Mr D Peake and Mr P Hutton, have been working on the content of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) of our sheep and methods to increase it by using oil enriched diets.  Our industry partners (YYH Holdings) have established a sheep milking venture with our help. The milk has been transformed into cheeses and exported monthly to the Middle East.


 

Project Title	Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for emu and ostrich farming (Continuing project UWA-52A)
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-71A
Start Date:	7-Jan-02
Finish Date:	31-Mar-05
Researcher:	Prof Graeme Martin
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Faculty of Agriculture (Animal Science) NEDLANDS WA 6907
Phone:	(08) 9380 2528
Fax:	(08) 9380 1040
Email:	gmartin@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	· Development of a sperm-egg interaction assay for assessment of sperm quality in emu and ostrich · Development of an objective method for diagnosis of reproductive wastage in emu and ostrich flocks  · Development of methods for semen collection from male ostriches · Optimisation of in vitro sperm storage and sperm cryopreservation protocols for emu and ostrich · Determine the requirements of the ostrich blastoderm for successful embro development
Current Progress	For the emu, we have developed techniques to assess in vivo the ability of sperm to reach the site of fertilization and to penetrate the ovum membrane. Our in vitro assay to assess sperm quality now has a range of tests with which we can determine the effect of short and indefinite storage on sperm viability, membrane integrity and fertilizing ability. These tests can be transferred to the ostrich. We determined that the optimum time for inseminating emu females is the first day of the egg cycle as it gives the longest duration of the fertile period. We have advanced our work on development of semen collection from the ostrich and have males responding to a dummy which they mount, while other males are mating with their females when allowed access. Duration of the fertile period in the ostrich was studied in collaboration with South Africa. We found that female ostriches appear to lose sperm at a faster rate than female emus so their fertile period would last for only about 12 days; however, since ostriches lay eggs every second day we are likely to produce the same number of fertilized eggs from one insemination as from the emu.


 
 

Project Title	Adding value along the new animal product supply chain
RIRDC Project No.:	WHP-6A
Start Date:	1-Jan-03
Finish Date:	9-Jan-04
Researcher:	David Michael
Organisation:	Wondu Holdings Pty Limited PO Box 1217 BONDI JUNCTION NSW 1355
Phone:	(02) 9369 2735
Fax:	(02) 9369 2737
Email:	dmichael@wondu.com
Objectives	· Increased knowledge by industry stakeholders of how value is added by collaboration and various levels and combinations of labour and capital along the supply chains · Improved awareness of relative strengths and weaknesses along the supply chains as well as the overall supply chain. · Improved information for quality management systems. · Outcomes that would eventuate from the study would be greater attention to dealing with the underlying sources of cost weaknesses such as small size and utilization of available capacity for small processors and lack of access to raw materials. In addition, raw material suppliers, including livestock producers, would have a better understanding of how and why prices change and value is added along their various supply chains. The output should also enhance R&D decision making by identifying those areas along the chain where most value is created and, in some cases, destroyed.
Current Progress	The project commenced in January 2003. A review of supply chain literature is taking place. Main finding of this review to date is that supply chain management is being transformed rapidly into network development and management, enabled by the Internet and growing access to high-speed cables, wireless and satellite. A major implication of this development is that members of Internet enabled supply chain networks are likely to emerge with a major source of competitive advantage, especially where quality and reliability are key attributes. The converse applies to enterprises that are not members of these networks are likely to face new barriers and reduced market access. To improve understanding about current trends the author attended on 22 February in Brisbane the Value Chain Management program of the Supply Chain Consultants Group within the Institute of Management Consultants. A range of supply chain methodologies and systems were presented. Mincom is a major supply chain system provider in Australia, but mainly for the resource industries. Other supply chain system providers are being examined, ranging from the basic (Excel), to the intermediate (Integrated Strategies) to the elaborate (e.g. SAS). In anticipation of severe data constraints we are examining simplified models. Current plans are to hold a supply chain workshop in 2003-04 with selected businesses covering the estimated 7 new animal product industries being examined. These are ostrich, crocodile, yabby, duck, buffalo, camel and squab.


 
 

Project Title	Production implications of trace element concentrations in crocodile eggs and tissues
RIRDC Project No.:	WMI-2A
Start Date:	3-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Apr-05
Researcher:	Prof Grahame Webb
Organisation:	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd PO Box 530 SANDERSON NT 0812
Phone:	(08) 8922 4500
Fax:	(08) 8947 0678
Email:	gwebb@wmi.com.au
Objectives	The quantification of trace element concentration in captive crocodiles will lead to improved understanding of the factors affecting hatchability of captive-laid eggs and hatchling raising on farms, and improved capacity to provide crocodile meat to satisfy relevant health standards with regard to trace elements (including heavy metals).
Current Progress	Preliminary data on trace element concentrations in captive and wild Saltwater Crocodile eggs indicate some differences between wild and captive-laid eggs. Relatively high lead levels have been recorded in some clutches, presumably caused by ingestion of prey containing lead shot, by females. No significant relationships between egg hatchability and trace element concentrations were identified in the 2001/2002 nesting season, and additional data from other farms in the 2002/2003 season are now being analysed. Rearing of hatchlings from wild and captive parentage has been initiated. Mineral supplements are being prepared for feeding to a selected group of captive female Saltwater Crocodiles held in unitised breeding pens at Crocodylus Park. Meat samples from two farms indicated significant differences in nine elements, including calcium, selenium, iron and magnesium. Samples of meat from other crocodile farms are now being analysed.


 
 

Project Title	Captive breeding and marketing of turtles
RIRDC Project No.:	WMI-3A
Start Date:	10-Jan-02
Finish Date:	3-Jan-05
Researcher:	Prof Grahame Webb
Organisation:	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd PO Box 530 SANDERSON NT 0812
Phone:	(08) 8922 4500
Fax:	(08) 8947 0678
Email:	gwebb@wmi.com.au
Objectives	To investigate the captive breeding of Hawksbill Turtles and their successful production as a source of stock for commercial raising, and to quantify international market opportunities for freshwater and marine turtle products.
Current Progress	The project to date has been limited to the design and construction of a breeding enclosure, with conditions conducive for breeding. Hawksbill Turtles introduced into the pen were produced from wild eggs collected in 1996. The mean size of turtle at 7 years of age is 66.6 cm straight carapace length for females (range 58.9-74.6 cm), and 65.5 cm SCL for males (range 60.5-68.7 cm). Growth rates attained in captivity have been considerably higher than those recorded in the wild (eg southern Queensland, US Virgin Islands, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Chagos Islands, Dominican Republic). Hawksbill Turtles clearly have the potential for fast growth rates if given optimal conditions, particularly water temperature, which has a profound effect on growth rate. Some of the captive-bred males attained maturity by two years of age, and all are now considered to be mature (secondary sexual characteristics). Participation by WMI researchers at the 23rd International Sea Turtle Symposium, held in Kuala Lumpur in March 2003, allowed some gathering of information on trade in freshwater turtles.