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

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To Rare Natural Animal Fibres  Research in Progress

2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES - COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT NO	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
AAI-1A	The development of artificial insemination technology in alpacas (Lama pacos)	Dr Jane Vaughan Dr David Hopkins Prof David Galloway	(03) 5254 3365	Alpaca Artificial Insemination Group
DAV-192A	Optimising mohair harvesting strategies	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
DAV-202A	Nutrition of goats during drought – Phase 1: Objective drought feeding guidelines for caprines	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
KKN-1A	Investigation into the Basis of Down Production in Cashmere Goats and its Improvement by Genetic Means	Jim Browne Robert Pearce	(02) 6653 6876	Karakan Cashmere


 
 

Project Title:	The development of artificial insemination technology in alpacas (Lama pacos)
RIRDC Project No.:	AAI-1A
Researchers:	Dr Jane Vaughan, Dr David Hopkins and Prof David Galloway
Organisation:	Alpaca Artificial Insemination Group PO Box 406 OCEAN GROVE VIC 3226
Phone:	(03) 5254 3365
Fax:	(03) 5254 3365
Email:	vaughan@ava.com.au
Objectives	The primary aim of the studies in this report was to develop the technology for artificial insemination in alpacas in association with acceptable pregnancy rates following AI.
Background	The reproductive physiology of alpacas differs to that of other domestic animals and remains poorly understood. 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. The fertility of alpaca males declines with increasing numbers of consecutive matings. 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	The project was broken down into 5 steps: Consistent and reliable collection of semen, characterisation of semen to allow selection of suitable ejaculates for preservation, chilling of alpaca semen, freezing of alpaca semen and artificial insemination of females.
Outcomes	Consistent and reliable collection of alpaca semen was possible using a wooden mannequin covered with a tanned alpaca hide and fitted with an artificial vagina. It was possible to train both virgin and experienced alpaca males to mate with the mannequin. Components of mating behaviour were defined during the training of males and during semen collection and characteristics of semen that define an ejaculate were established. One of the most important observations made during the study was that semen quality varied considerably within and between males. Numerous diluents were mixed with semen in an attempt to prolong the life and maintain the health of sperm following collection in the artificial vagina. Extenders containing egg yolk and glycerol, and in particular Triladyl® (Minitub, Germany), proved the most effective extenders for chilled semen up to 48 hours. Immediate post-thaw activity of sperm was approximately 20 to 40 % when either the Green/Clear camel buffer (IMV International Corporation, USA) or Biladyl A/B (Minitub, Germany) was used as extender for freezing semen. Transcervical deposition of semen into the tip of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the ovary bearing the dominant follicle proved to be a simple and efficient technique for artificial insemination. No pregnancies were achieved using transcervical, intrauterine AI of chilled or frozen-thawed semen.
Implications	Data collected during the project will assist breeders and veterinarians in the Australian alpaca industry to select sound sires through evaluation of breeding behaviour and semen characteristics. It is anticipated that this same information will assist with the selection of males with semen that is suitable for chilling and/or freezing. Semen characteristics need to be further defined in relation to age, season and nutritional status and testicular size. The knowledge gained about collection, characterisation, preservation and insemination of alpaca semen will hasten the availability of artificial insemination services in alpacas. This will benefit the Australian alpaca industry with more efficient utilisation of genetically superior males and faster dissemination of improved genotypes throughout the national herd.
Publications	Vaughan JL, Hopkins DA, Galloway DB. RIRDC alpaca artificial insemination project. Proceedings of the Australian Camelid Veterinary Association Conference 2002; 55-61. Vaughan JL, Galloway DB, Hopkins DA. RIRDC alpaca artificial insemination project – the story so far. Proceedings of the Australian Alpaca Industry National Conference 2002; 9-16


 
 

Project Title:	Optimising mohair harvesting strategies
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV 192A
Researcher:	Dr Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic) 475 Mickleham Rd., Attwood, Victoria, 3049.
Phone:	(03) 9217 4200
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	Bruce.mcgregor@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· To identify the extent and impact of the short and cotted mohair problem in Australia; and · To identify issues related to causing the short and cotted mohair problem in Australia.
Background	Mohair fibre length has important effects on the processing and quality of textiles. Historic data from South African and Australian mohair markets indicate that the price difference between short and long mohair can be 20 to 80%. It is in the interests of mohair producers, selling brokers and processors to maximise the financial returns from mohair production. This subject was an identified research priority of the mohair industry.
Research	Market information for Australian mohair was collected from mohair selling brokers. A survey was conducted, via industry newsletters, of Australian mohair producers seeking their views and experience of the problems. Selected mohair producers were interviewed and case study examples were documented. Three mohair selling brokers were interviewed and their views and experience documented. Scientific and textile literature was reviewed and interpreted.
Outcomes	Production of short and cotted mohair has reduced industry income by 10% or over $1 million over the past four years. By weight, short mohair was 13.5% and cotted mohair an additional 7% of production. Short C length mohair sold at a 45% discount to B length mohair and 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 to brokers 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 reported to be more associated with short winter mohair production. Not all growers were aware of the options for reducing the problems associated with short and cotted mohair. The literature review highlighted a range of practical and theoretical management options for reducing the production of short and cotted mohair.
Implications	Inaction will result in 20% of Australian mohair being sold at severe discounts. Management procedures must be developed and applied that enable continuous mohair fibre growth during winter. Large environmental effects on mohair growth must be properly managed. Options include improved energy nutrition, altered shearing practices, changes in genetics and improved provision of shelter. The priority for managers is young goats up to two years of age who grow the finest mohair. Breeders also need more objective information about staple length characteristic of new genotypes and the preparation and classification of short mohair prior to sale. There is an important role to play for mohair discussion groups.
Publications	McGregor, B.A., 2002. Extent and source of short and cotted mohair. A report to RIRDC. Research Paper Series No. in press pp.59 + xi. (RIRDC: Barton, ACT).


 
 

Project Title:	Nutrition of goats during drought – Phase 1: Objective drought feeding guidelines for caprines
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV 202A
Researcher:	Dr Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Institute of Animal Science, 475 Mickleham Rd., Attwood, Victoria, 3049.
Phone:	(03) 9217 4200
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	Bruce.mcgregor@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	The project was divided into three stages. The outcomes for this stage provided: 1. A technical review of nutritional research relevant to the drought feeding of Australian non-milch goats; and  2. A concise summary suitable for goat producers.
Background	International scientific literature on goat nutrition rarely mentions drought feeding requirements for goats The recently revised Australian Goat Notes, provides a wealth of information for goat managers but the advice it contains on drought feeding goats is based on an article published two decades earlier. This contrasts with textbooks on the Australian pastoral industries that mention drought usually in the first chapter. Many current goat managers were not in the industry during the last long-term drought of 1981to 1983. Since 1981 there has been considerable progress in understanding the nutritional requirements of Australian goats. It is appropriate that the application of new knowledge be directed to providing the best drought strategies to reduce the impact of the drought on the welfare of goats and the financial and social stress on families.
Research	This project was a review and evaluation of scientific data relevant to the energy and water needs, appropriate feeding systems, ration formulation and welfare of Australian goats in relation to drought management. International and Australian research databases were searched. The review includes data available from previous research from RIRDC funded projects. Relevant information on sheep drought management from Government Departments of Agriculture and data from some unpublished goat experiments has been included.
Outcomes	The review has identified and developed information for the best practice of goats during drought. Where relevant data were available for goats, the recommendations provided often differ to those provided for sheep. Where relevant data for goats is not available, the work relies on research undertaken with sheep. The review has: provided the first interim determination of critical live weights for goats; updated and revised the energy requirements for goats for maintenance and growth; identified a number of useful practices for improving the nutritional management and welfare of goats during drought; identified the impacts of cold and heat stress on the energy and management requirements of goats; summarised the water requirements of goats; tabulated the welfare requirements for goats during drought. From the technical report a farmer bulletin was produced. This bulletin included cartoons highlighting important management issues. The bulletin was circulated to over 600 goat producers.
Implications	There are a number of significant gaps in our knowledge of drought management and welfare of goats that should be rectified. The review should be revised when the current long-term drought is broken. Unpublished information referred to in the report should be validated.
Publications	McGregor, B.A. (2003). A guide to drought feeding of goats. Agriculture Note AG1088, 6 pp. (Department of Primary Industries: Melbourne). McGregor, B.A. (2003). Nutrition of goats during drought. RIRDC Research Report No 03/016. pp.63 + vii. (RIRDC: Barton, ACT).

Project Title:	Investigation into the Basis of Down Production in Cashmere Goats and its Improvement by Genetic Means
RIRDC Project No.:	KKN-1A
Researchers:	Jim Browne and Robert Pearce
Organisation:	Karakan Cashmeres
Phone:	(02) 6653 6876
Fax:	(02) 6653 6876
Email:	rjb@mansfield.net.au
Objectives	· To establish an understanding of the fleece growth patterns of individual Cashmere animals with high annual down production. · To determine, if possible, the genetic basis of some, or all of the components that contribute to inherited down production in Cashmere goats.
Background	Low annual cashmere down production (per head) is a major constraint to industry profitability. While the production average is similar to that of other countries, some very high production animals do exist in the Australian herd. Analysis of data in the Karakan herd has identified a number of very high performing phenotypes (VHPP) for fleece production. Further analysis suggested there may be two or more distinct production patterns in high producing animals, and that a number of individually inherited components contribute to overall performance. Project KKN was originally established to develop the technology to produce Cashmere under housed conditions similar to Sharlea sheep; and to select ands multiply suitable animals for housed Cashmere production. The opportunity to combine the selection of superior animals with a controlled environment led to the formulation of this project.
Research	A group of around 100 females and 6 males that exhibit VHPP characteristics were selected and the females introduced into controlled environment conditions in Sept. 1997. These animals were made available for this project, which commenced in 1988 and ran for three years.
Outcomes	Some new techniques to examine the contributing components to fleece production in the subject animals were developed and are described. A range of characteristics which appear to be discrete and repeatable between animals were identified. The genetic and production implications of these findings are discussed. While the primary objectives of the project have been achieved a full understanding of the bio-mechanisms involved provides a challenge for the future. The report suggests some possible future areas of exploration.
Implications	An understanding of the detailed basis of inherited down production would provide a catalyst for the economic development of the primitive, relatively unselected, Cashmere gene pool in Australia. The findings of this project are just a ‘beginning’, something parallel to exploring the world using a 17th Century map. The report highlights some areas in which practical breeders may choose to make a start. Some of the techniques developed could be incorporated in on-farm breeding programs. The report might suggest to breeders alternative ways to look at their selection priorities.  From an industry perspective, a framework now exists which may be useful in establishing future research priorities.

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	Mark Ferguson	(03) 5573 0958	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
DAV-200A	Developing processing and production benchmarks for cashmere	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
DAV-2002A	Nutrition of goats during drought – Phase 2: To provide clearer objective guideline to the acceptable quality of water for goats	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (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:	10-Jan-01
Finish Date:	10-Jan-04
Researcher:	Mark Ferguson
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (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 project is progressing well despite the drought that is affecting much of Australia. Kidding was completed in September and all kids were weighed and tagged at birth. Kidding percentages were much lower than anticipated which in part is due to drought conditions; however there are sufficient numbers to accurately assess entered sires. The kids were weaned in January, and the first shearing was held on March 1st 2003. In conjunction with the first shearing a small field day was held. Progeny were penned in their sire groups providing an excellent display for the 25 people in attendance. The results from the first shearing were released in May and are available on the Mohair Australia website. Work is continuing on developing a suitable selection index to assist mohair producers to use the Estimated Breeding Values being generated. Project displays have been conducted at Seymour, Victoria and Goulburn, NSW. These displays have enabled mohair producers to gain a better understanding of objective measurement and the benefits of this project. The project continues to receive strong interest and support from the Australian mohair industry. The second shearing and field day will be held on August 30.


 
 

Project Title	Developing processing and production benchmarks for cashmere
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-200A
Start Date:	9-Jan-02
Finish Date:	9-Jan-04
Researcher:	Dr Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic) 475 Mickleham Road Agriculture Victoria ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4364
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	bruce.mcgreggor@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· This project will facilitate the sustainable economic development of the cashmere industry, by developing new preparation and processing procedures based on objective benchmarks, determining and verifying current production levels of flocks of cashmere goats and determining the current economic potential for harvesting flocks of crossbred Australian cashmere flocks.
Current Progress	An Advisory Committee was established to oversee the establishment and running of this project. Following the advertising of this project, 17 cashmere producers indicated interest and 12 committed to begin work. Producers have been measuring the live weight of yearling and other goats from December 2002 until shearing in mid 2003. The extensive drought has impacted on the operations of most cashmere producers with many animals being culled and some weighings being delayed or missed. Producer State of origins are NSW, Vic, WA and Qld. A progress report was circulated to participants with a graph of live weight changes determined for each property. The first shearing data will be collected on June 2. Work on processing benchmarks has been delayed due to the establishment of a new dehairing company in Australia. The new company has indicated a strong desire to be involved. Samples of processed cashmere are being collected as benchmark samples prior to more controlled studies later in 2003.

Project Title	Nutrition of goats during drought - Phase 2: To provide clearer objective guideline to the acceptable quality of water for goats
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-202A
Start Date:	22-Nov-02
Finish Date:	03-Dec-03
Researcher:	Dr Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic) 475 Mickleham Road Agriculture Victoria ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4364
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	bruce.mcgreggor@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	Phase 2. To provide clearer objective guideline to the acceptable quality of water for goats.
Current Progress	Phase 1 of this project reviewed and evaluated scientific data relevant to the energy and water needs, appropriate feeding systems, ration formulation and welfare of Australian goats in relation to drought management. Among the subjects reviewed in that report, the impact of reduced water quality on the welfare, survival and production of goats during drought was very poorly understood. The current drought combined with the increasing salinisation of grazing lands in Australia is leading to a critical situation in many water supplies. Reports have been received on the impact of drought on salt levels in drinking water and of stock mortality (cattle and goats) related to high salinity levels. Some farmers are carting water to shandy with their supplies of saline water, a process expensive in terms of time and transport but perhaps unnecessary. To gain a better understanding of the range of water quality provided to and acceptable by Australian goats, a survey of larger goat management enterprises is being undertaken. Water samples are being collected and analysed at a NATA accredited laboratory. Further literature searches are also being undertaken.

Project Title	Improving the quality and processing performance of Alpaca fibres
RIRDC Project No.:	UD-2A
Start Date:	29-Apr-00
Finish Date:	30-Jun-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	Submitted a progress report to and Alpaca Co-op representatives and discussed the report with them at Deakin University. A research paper entitled "The Resistance to Compression Behavior of Alpaca and Wool" has been accepted for publication by the prestigious Textile Research Journal, US. A second paper on alpaca fibre research has been prepared for publication. Assessed the quality of a suri/alpaca top. Produced alpaca/wool blend slivers, yarns and fabrics. Manufactured filament reinforced (Sirofill) yarns that contain alpaca fibre component. Analyzed the role of wool fibre crimp in alpaca/wool blend processing and end product quality. Studied the tensile properties of alpaca and wool fibres.
Project Title	Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-69A
Start Date:	1-Jan-00
Finish Date:	30-Dec-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	Collection of parasitology data from the first 3 kid drops (2000, 2001, 2002) has now been completed and collection of production data from the first 2 kid drops is now completed. Much of this data has been analysed for the PhD thesis of Muyiwa Olayemi and has been the subject of 3 refereed papers at international conferences. Findings will be now publicised in the industry press. In 2002 we had 178 Angora kids born to 4 new sires, and 100 female Cashmere kids born to 8 new sires. Kidding was depressed at both sites due to the severe drought during 2002. Two of the Angora sires, Vermont African Lancelot (34 kids) and Capricorn 655 (26 kids) were link sires with the Victorian DRE project RIRDC DAV-191A. Unfortunately natural faecal egg counts in the 2002 kids on the two projects were extremely low due to the drought precluding identification of resistant animals. The project was reviewed in December 2002 and the continuation of the project is likely to involve two more drops of Cashmere kids only with a significant molecular genetic component to clarify past and current pedigrees on the basis of DNA tests, and to have a preliminary look for markers for production or parasite resistance traits. In April 2003 7 cashmere bucks were joined to 323 does.