| Project
Title: |
The
effect of Newcastle disease vaccination with strain V4 on the course of
infection with the Peats Ridge strain on Newcastle disease virus |
| RIRDC
Project No |
CSA-18J |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Paul Selleck, Dr. Hans Heine, Dr. John Bingham, Dr. David Boyle and Dr.
Peter Daniels |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Australian Animal Health Laboratory
Private Bag 24
GEELONG VIC 3220 |
| Phone: |
(03)
5227 5000 |
| Fax: |
(03)
5227 5555 |
| Email: |
peter.daniels@csiro.au |
| Objectives |
· To determine whether
prior vaccination with V4 vaccine can reduce subsequent infection with
Peats Ridge strain and/or reduce the amount and duration of shedding of
Peats Ridge strain Newcastle disease virus.
· To determine whether
V4 vaccination during a Peats Ridge infection can modify the course of
the Peats Ridge infection.
· To determine the
serological response to the Peats Ridge strain alone and to Peats Ridge
infection following prior vaccination with V4 vaccine.
|
| Background |
Newcastle
disease may cause extensive losses in the poultry industry, through illness
and death of infected birds and through slaughter-out control policies.
In Australia, virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) may evolve from avirulent,
endemic forms of the virus. Control of virulent and avirulent NDV outbreaks
can be carried out through vaccination of flocks, using a live virus vaccine,
V4. Vaccination of flocks prior to an NDV outbreak provides substantial
immunity. However, it is not known to what extent prior vaccination with
V4 reduces the extent of shedding of a subsequently acquired wild NDV virus,
or if vaccination of flocks in the face of an outbreak is effective at
curtailing the progression of the outbreak. |
| Research |
Two
separate trial protocols were conducted, using V4 vaccine and Peats Ridge
(avirulent) strain challenge. The first trial was a vaccinate-challenge
trial, with 21 days between vaccine and challenge virus administration.
The second was a challenge-vaccinate trial, with two days between challenge
and vaccine administration. Oral-tracheal swabs and cloacal swabs were
taken from each bird and tested for the presence of virus by egg inoculation.
A selection of virus isolates and original positive swabs were tested by
TaqMan PCR technology to determine which of the two virus types – V4, Peats
Ridge strain or both – was present in the sample. Serum samples were taken
at intervals after challenge and tested for antibody titres. |
| Outcomes |
In
birds that had received prior immunisation with V4, shedding was almost
exclusively confined to the oral-tracheal route and this was in a much
lower percentage of the birds compared to unvaccinated control groups.
There were no major differences in shedding patterns between unvaccinated
controls and birds that were vaccinated two days after Peats Ridge strain
challenge. Serology studies indicate that there was 100% seroconversion
to Peats Ridge strain challenge and seroconversion was rapid with over
90% of birds showing seroconversion by day 7. |
| Implications |
The
implications of this study are (a) prior vaccination with V4 vaccine is
effective at significantly reducing the shedding of virus during subsequent
Peats Ridge strain infection; (b) post-challenge vaccination with V4 vaccine
during active Peats Ridge strain infection does not appear to significantly
affect the number of birds that shed Peats Ridge strain, nor does it shorten
the duration of shedding; and (c) Peats Ridge strain infection induces
a significant frequency of rapid seroconversion. |
| Project
Title: |
The
development of vaccination strategies to control necrotic enteritis in
poultry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
RMI-11A |
| Researcher: |
Prof.
Peter Coloe |
| Organisation: |
RMIT
University
Plenty Road
BUNDOORA VIC 3083 |
| Phone: |
(03)
9925 7104 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9925 7110 |
| Email: |
pcoloe@rmit.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· To lay a foundation
for understanding and controlling necrotic enteritis by developing a model
for the reproduction of necrotic enteritis in chickens.
·
To
develop and evaluate a vaccine, based on toxoid, for the control of necrotic
enteritis that can be delivered orally, that is cost effective to manufacture
and that can be delivered within established farming practices.
|
| Background |
A
major aim of the poultry industry is to produce high quality product without
the need for supplementation with antimicrobial agents. To achieve this
objective, over recent years there has been a strong move towards the use
of vaccination strategies to replace long term chemical use for the control
of diseases. Effective vaccination of poultry against necrotic enteritis
will not only illustrate the industry’s proactive stance with respect to
replacing chemical control measures for disease, but should enhance the
productivity of flocks. Since an outbreak of necrotic enteritis (which
is caused by the pathogen, Clostridium perfringens) can result in
between 2% to 10% mortality, as well as causing significant losses in flock
productivity, effective vaccination will have a major cost benefit outcome
for the industry. Effective vaccination to control C. perfringens
alpha toxin will also ensure the development of a healthy, effective gut
microflora. This microflora will limit the possibility of other undesirable
organisms colonising the chicken and posing a threat to human
health after processing. |
| Research |
The
approach taken in this project was to establish a reproducible model for
NE, to produce and test a killed vaccine based on toxoid and, if this proved
successful, to clone and deliver a live modified vaccine.
A variety of attempts were
undertaken to reproduce necrotic enteritis in poultry. These ranged from
varying the challenge strain, varying the diet of the birds and varying
the dates of challenge as well as co-infecting birds with Eimeria
spp and C. perfringens. In addition, birds were also pre-treated
with antibiotics to reduce the microbial flora prior to challenge.
The C perfringens toxin
was cloned in E. coli and purified toxin was used in mouse proof
of concept studies to show the toxin was antigenic. A range of truncates
of the toxin were also prepared and tested in mice. |
| Outcomes |
Unfortunately,
a reproducible model for the reproduction of necrotic enteritis in chickens
was not successfully established. Necrotic enteritis was achieved at a
low level using a variety of approaches, but the incidence of disease was
inconsistent and not reproducible enough to be used as a model for vaccine
evaluation. Nevertheless, the C. perfringens alpha toxin was cloned
into E. coli and a variety of truncates prepared. The purified toxin,
when used as a toxoided vaccine in mice, was shown to protect against an
intra-muscular challenge of C. perfringens. Truncates of the C.perfringens
toxin were less effective than the whole toxin.
However, without an effective
chicken model to test the purified toxin in this work did not proceed further.
The availability of cloned alpha toxin will enable evaluation of this as
a protective antigen when a model of necrotic enteritis in chickens becomes
available. |
| Implications |
The
development of an efficacious vaccine for necrotic enteritis would be a
significant step forward for the chicken industry. A vaccine that is cost
effective and can be delivered orally would enhance the productivity of
the industry and also enhance disease control and flock welfare.
However, it is necessary
for an effective disease model to be developed in order that the efficacy
of any vaccine or new treatment method can be properly evaluated. Such
a model will require a much higher incidence of disease and reproducibility
than was achieved in this project, before it can be used to evaluate efficacy
against necrotic enteritis.
Know-how on production and
purification of toxin gained in the course of this project will facilitate
future progress towards a toxoid vaccine approach and provide material
for alternative vaccine approaches. However, additional work is required
on a disease model so that vaccine approaches can be effectively evaluated. |
| Project
Title: |
Mareks
disease research in Australia – a review |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
RMI-15J |
| Researcher: |
Prof.
Greg Tannock |
| Organisation: |
RMIT
University
Department of Biotechnology
and Environmental Biology
Bundoora West Campus
PO Box 71
BUNDOORA VIC 3083 |
| Phone: |
(03)
9925 7142 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9925 7110 |
| Email: |
gtan@rmit.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·
To
undertake and publish a comprehensive review of all relevant background
to and Australian research undertaken on Marek’s disease in response to
the problems that were experienced in the field in Australia with Marek’s
breaks in the mid 1990s.
|
| Background |
Marek’s
disease (MD) continues to cause major economic losses in all poultry producing
countries of the world. In Australia, control of MD has been achieved with
locally produced vaccines, namely HVT (herpes virus of turkeys; serotype
3) and Maravac (serotype 2). However, during the early 1990s, the need
for a serotype 1 MD vaccine was apparent due to the frequent isolation
of increasingly virulent strains of Marek’s disease virus (MDV). Poultry
farms were experiencing excessive losses due to MD, despite vaccination
with the serotype 2 and 3 vaccines available at that time. A similar situation
in the USA resulted in the introduction of the serotype 1, Rispens CVI988
strain vaccine. The use of a serotype 1 vaccine in the USA appeared to
be the solution to many of the problems being experienced there with the
newly emerged virulent strains. In Australia, however, the likelihood of
importing the Rispens vaccine appeared at the time remote. Consequently,
a series of contract trials were funded by the RIRDC to evaluate, under
controlled conditions, the efficacy of local, commercially available vaccines
against a more recent field strain of MDV. These would evaluate if the
problems that were experienced at the time were due to the evolution of
new viruses for which current vaccines failed to provide adequate protection
or due to problems with vaccine application. The industry also encouraged
the development of a serotype 1 vaccine from an Australian MDV strain in
the event that the currently available vaccines were not protecting against
circulating viruses. The effectiveness of Rispens vaccine was also evaluated
in later challenge trials as it became apparent that available local vaccine
strains were not going to be sufficient to control MD in Australia, and
hence importation of this vaccine was countenanced.
Laboratory research associated
with MDV can provide new and improved methods for combating the MD problem
in Australia. Because of limitations associated with the detection techniques
available at the time for MDV serotype 1 virus, it was considered that
a MDV1 specific probe that could be used in a rapid identification assay,
which is less expensive and more specific than those currently available,
would aid field diagnosis and prove important in vaccine evaluation. Rapid
tests for the detection of MDV ensure that chicken flocks are protected
by vaccination and assists in containment measures to prevent the spread
of infection.
Adjuvants that are used to
improve the immunogenicity of a vaccine without increasing the amount of
infectious virus in the vaccine have the potential to add value to the
cheap and readily available existing HVT vaccine, and could minimise the
need for newer vaccines.
The adaptation of MDVs to
growth in a continuous cell line could be useful for vaccine production,
compared with the labour and reagent intensive CEF cultures that are currently
used.
The availability of new vaccines
in Australia increases the need for a reliable assay system to evaluate
their effectiveness. Previously, vaccine assays were carried out by individual
manufacturers without access to standard reference preparations.
Finally, a review of this
scope was deemed necessary to place together all the disparate bits of
work and to record them in one document why and how they were done. |
| Research |
This
review begins by describing the development of a live attenuated serotype
1 MDV vaccine from a highly virulent Australian strain, the Woodlands No.
1 strain. Clones of the virus were developed and tested at various passages
for attenuation and loss of pathogenicity.
In further work described
in the review, a potential vaccine candidate, the Woodlands clone and existing
MD vaccines, were subjected to a series of challenge trials to evaluate
their effectiveness. The trials included the newly imported CR6 vaccine
and used SPF and commercial birds (presumably hosting maternal antibodies
to other vaccines). Bi- and trivalent vaccine combinations were also evaluated.
Two cell culture-prepared MDV challenge viruses, produced from the Woodlands
No. 1 and MPF 57 strains were used as challenge strains in the trials.
Additional research on MD
included many laboratory studies and each was discussed in full throughout
the review. These began with the development of a probe labelled with digoxigenin
(DIG) for the detection of MDV type 1 by dot-blot hybridisation. The sensitivity
and specificity of this procedure was then compared with virus isolation
in cell culture and with PCR, which was used as the reference procedure.
In order to achieve a representative
collection of MDV strains, approximately 300 blood samples were collected
from flocks in different parts of the country that had been experiencing
losses due to MD. These blood samples were processed so they could be screened
for the presence of serotype 1 MDV.
HVT and MDV 1 were adapted
to the Vero continuous cell line and their yields determined by the microtitre
technique in primary CEF cultures. A PCR was used to detect the presence
of 132 bp direct repeat sequence specific for serotype 1 MDVs.
Commercial broiler chickens
were used to assess the possible role of ?-inulin as an adjuvant to improve
the efficacy of HVT vaccination against MD. Chickens were administered
a cell-associated HVT vaccine with or without ?-inulin using three different
vaccination procedures.
The Virology Laboratory also
set up a vaccine assay facility and was accredited with the National Association
of Testing Authorities (NATA). Studies were also carried out in response
to industry concerns about possible losses to vaccine potency from the
widely used practice of using chilled diluent whilst administering vaccines. |
| Outcomes |
The
review collateds research that was undertaken in response to the MD problems
experienced by Australia in the mid 1990s. It describes the design and
results of challenge trials which showed that currently available local
vaccines did not adequately protect against MD. The challenge trials also
evaluated the efficacy of potential overseas vaccines against the local
type 1 viruses and showed that Rispens vaccine did provide protection.
The review also provides
an exact account of the development of an alternative local vaccine and
how attenuation of the Woodlands No. 1 virus was observed at passage 60
in a chicken pathogenicity test, which was confirmed in later pathogenicity
experiments on clone No. 2 from the same passage (the 60/2 clone). Large-scale
safety and protection tests confirmed that the 60/2 clone was both safe
and efficacious. No gross tumours were observed in any of the vaccinated
birds, although some mild immune organ depletion was evident in a safety
test. Research undertaken also showed that the 60/2 clone provided high
levels of protection compared with other vaccines, but the Rispens vaccine
performed better. On the other hand, the newly imported CR6, when used
alone, produced very poor protection.
Of work performed in the
laboratory, the research affirmed that the highest sensitivity rates for
detection of MDV 1 were achieved by dot-blot hybridisation using the 132
bp PCR probe, compared with virus isolation and identification by immunoperoxidase
or immunofluorescence, and, despite their much lower sensitivity, higher
specificity was obtained by both culture detection methods than for the
dot-blot hybridisation.
Intact DNA with a size of
approximately 180 kb was found in both serotype 1- and HVT-infected Vero
cells after isolation and characterisation, indicating that whole copies
of both types of DNA were present and providing further evidence for adaptation
to growth of the serotype 1 virus. This is the first report of the growth
of either virus in a continuous line.
The vaccine assay developed
at RMIT University proved successful and now provides Australian vaccine
manufacturers with a reliable assay facility. During its development, it
was found that the use of diluent held at RT substantially decreases virus
titre loss (as opposed to 4° C), while the difference in vaccine titre
of parallel assays of two operators were non-significant and, therefore,
should not affect the assay result.
Finally, it is noted that
g -inulin did not appear to function as an adjuvant when administered with
the HVT vaccine. |
| Implications |
The
MD challenge trials facilitated the importation of the Rispens vaccine
into Australia and its subsequent availability to the Australian chicken
industry. This in turn lessened the need for an Australian serotype 1 MD
vaccine. Nevertheless, the RMIT vaccine that was developed may be useful
if further change occurs in the evolution of MDVs in Australia. Furthermore,
the challenge trials have established a protocol to evaluate vaccine efficacy
against emerging Marek’s strains in the future.
The dot-blot hybridisation
technique using the DIG-labelled probe specific for MDV 1 was shown to
be potentially very useful as a rapid and economical test to detect MDV.
Also, the adaptation of the growth of MDV 1 to the Vero continuous cell
line will enable new and improved vaccine production procedures.
RMIT University now provides
a national independent assay facility for the standardised assessment of
MD vaccines for general use by all Australian manufacturers. In addition
to this, RMIT provides and maintains a repository of MDV serotype 1 strains
which will allow future trends in the evolution of MDV to be studied. |
| Publications |
De Laney, D.B., Morrow,
C.J., Read, K.M. and Tannock, G.A. (1998) The development and evaluation
of two tissue culture-grown Marek’s disease challenge viruses. Avian
Pathology 27: 472-477.
Cipriani, T. L. (2000) The
development of two digoxigenin-labelled probes for the detection of Marek’s
disease virus by dot-blot hybridisation. B. App.Sc.Honours Thesis,
RMIT University.
Jaikumar, D. (1998) Propagation
and molecular characterisation of Marek’s disease virus. Master of
App.Sc. Thesis, RMIT University.
Jaikumar, D., Gilmore, K.M.
and Tannock, G.A. (2001) Adaptation of Marek’s disease virus to the Vero
continuous cell line. Veterinary Microbiology 70: 75-82.
|
| Project
Title: |
Control
of intestinal spirochaete infections in chickens |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UMU-29J |
| Researcher: |
Prof.
David Hampson |
| Organisation: |
Murdoch
University
Division of Veterinary and
Biomedical Sciences
MURDOCH WA 6150 |
| Phone: |
(08)
9360 2287 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9310 4144 |
| Email: |
d.hampson@murdoch.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· To develop improved
methods to control infection by Brachyspira intermedia and Brachyspira
pilosicoli - bacterial pathogens causing significant economic loss
in Australian layer and broiler breeder flocks.
|
| Background |
Avian
intestinal spirochaetosis (AIS) is a condition of layers and broiler breeders
caused by infection of the large intestine with anaerobic intestinal spirochaetal
bacteria. Colonisation leads to problems of wet litter and reduced egg
production. The spirochaetes Brachyspira intermedia and Brachyspira
pilosicoli infect many Australian flocks. |
| Research |
The
on-farm epidemiology of the infections was examined on a broiler breeder
and a layer flock. Birds were monitored and individual isolates identified
and typed. Studies were undertaken to examine the survival of the spirochaetes
in chicken faeces and in the presence of disinfectants. Experiments were
conducted to investigate interactions between different diets and colonisation
in experimentally-infected layers. |
| Outcomes |
Infection
with different spirochaete species and with multiple individual strains
was detected in the layer flock. Infection apparently originated from other
birds on the site rather than from environmental sources. The organisms
survived briefly in the environment and were highly susceptible to common
disinfectants. Dietary influences on colonisation were found for both spirochaete
species. Diets based on wheat predisposed to colonisation with B. intermedia.
Wheats differing in their non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content predisposed
differently to infection with B. intermedia compared to B. pilosicoli.
No
clear relationship was found between the soluble NSP content of a given
diet and the viscosity of the digesta in the ileum. Addition of dietary
enzymes did not significantly reduce the digesta viscosity in the ileum.
Increased dietary soluble NSP and/or increased viscosity of the ileal digesta
did not necessarily lead to an increased colonisation with
B. intermedia. |
| Implications |
Cycles
of infection can be broken by thorough cleaning of sheds between batches
of birds and applying effective biosecurity measures to prevent transmission
between sheds. Where AIS is a problem, substitution of wheat with other
cereals may reduce colonisation. Addition of enzymes to diets for laying
hens is unlikely to provide effective control. |
| Publications |
Phillips, N.D., La, T.
and Hampson, D. J. (2003) Survival of intestinal spirochaete strains from
chickens in the presence of disinfectants and in faeces held at different
temperatures. Avian Path. 32: 639-643.
|
| Project
Title: |
Developing
a slope ratio assay for amino acid availability |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-277A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Rider Perez-Maldonado |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries & Fisheries (Qld)
QPRDC
PO Box 327
CLEVELAND QLD 4163 |
| Phone: |
(07)
3824 3081 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3824 4316 |
| Email: |
Rider.Perez@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· To establish and
validate a slope ratio chick assay for determining the availability of
lysine in selected Australian canola meals (CM) and cottonseed meals (CSM).
· To compare lysine
availability values determined using this assay with ileal apparent digestibility
values determined in the same samples of CM and CSM.
|
| Background |
The
levels of undigested amino acids (AA) appearing at the terminal ileum or
in excreta are used to determine the AA digestibility of feed ingredients
for poultry. It is assumed that, if an AA is not recovered at the terminal
ileum or in excreta, then it has been absorbed and used for maintenance
and production. This is not always true, a fact which has led to the concept
of amino acid ‘availability’. Availability differs from digestibility in
that it involves a measure of utilisation or potency of the absorbed AA.
Available AAs are those which are actually supplied at the appropriate
sites for protein synthesis for incorporation into body protein or as metabolites
for other body uses. |
| Research |
A
pilot assay and two slope ratio assay trials were conducted to evaluate
the availability of lysine in CM from Boree (extruded meal), Riverland
and Melbourne, and one CSM from Narrabri. The pilot study established the
dose levels to ensure a linear response to standard lysine and the test
proteins. The slope ratio assay developed an intersecting lines multiple
linear regression model to estimate the lysine bioavailability of the four
test proteins meals. The criteria analysed for lysine availability were
live weight gain (LWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). |
| Outcomes |
The
methodology for a chick slope ratio assay for determining the AA availability
was established. The availability estimates when using FCR were in close
agreement with the LWG figures. For CSM, the availability of lysine (at
0.56) was similar to lysine digestibility values obtained in previous trials.
These low lysine digestibility and availability values are almost certainly
due to anti-nutritional factors present in the CSM, such as condensed tannins,
and to the effects of heat during plant processing. The lysine availability
of CM from Boree, Riverland and Melbourne of 1.11, 0.91, and 0.83, respectively,
were 49-100% higher than the lysine availability in CSM. Processing conditions
are the primary cause of these lysine availability differences within the
CM samples. The bioavailability of lysine in extruded meals was higher
than for solvent extracted meals. In CM, the ileal digestibility method
underestimated the CM lysine availability by 20-51%. |
| Implications |
The
combined results from previous work and this slope ratio bioassay for CM
and CSM suggest that, when ingredients display high lysine bioavailability
(>0.80), generally there is no need to formulate diets on a digestible
basis as no gain in terms of broiler performance would be obtained. However,
when lysine bioavailability is less than 0.65 (as in the case of CSM) substantial
gain would be obtained from formulating diets on a digestible amino acid
basis. The duration and amount of temperature used during oil extraction,
and differences in the type and amounts of condensed tannins which are
present in CM and CSM, are likely to be responsible for the observed differences
in lysine availability in these two feed ingredients and further trials
are needed to confirm this. |
| Project
Title: |
Evaluation
of new millet varieties as a poultry feed ingredient |
| RIRDC
Project No |
DAQ-302A |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
Danny Singh |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries & Fisheries (Qld)
QPRDC
PO Box 327
CLEVELAND QLD 4163 |
| Phone: |
(07)
3824 3081 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3824 4316 |
| Email: |
danny.singh@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· To evaluate the
nutritional value of Australian pearl millet varieties as a high quality
feed for poultry, by determining their gross chemical composition as well
as the metabolisable energy content and digestible amino acid values of
the selected millet varieties when fed to broilers.
· To generate data
to assist in the promotion of the benefits of pearl millet varieties as
a feed grain to both grain growers and poultry producers.
|
| Background |
Pearl
millet has been identified as a suitable alternative crop to sorghum in
low rainfall and sandy areas in Queensland. In the United States of America,
pearl millet is being heralded as the new feed grain. New pearl millet
hybrids that are now being developed in Australia have never been evaluated
as a feed grain for poultry. The potential benefits from further research
into the nutritional value of pearl millet for the development of this
feed grain crop in warm-temperate agriculture are substantial. |
| Research |
The
pearl millet hybrids were grown at Biloela Research Station, Biloela, Queensland
and clean grain from three selected elite hybrids was transported to the
Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries’ Poultry Research and
Development Centre, Alexandra Hills, for evaluation. Chemical analyses
were performed on these three grains to measure their protein, fat, fibre,
starch, phosphorus, calcium and amino acid content. Feeding experiments
were conducted using broiler chickens to measure the metabolisable energy
content and the digestibility of amino acids in the three pearl millet
hybrids. |
| Outcomes |
In
comparison with sorghum, the millet hybrids had higher protein, fat and
neutral-detergent fibre contents. Pearl millet hybrids contained nearly
2% more protein than sorghum. The fat content of the millet hybrids was
more than twice that of sorghum. The fibre content of hybrid PM31 was lower
than that of PM3 and PM4 but was higher than sorghum. The starch content
and gross energy (GE) content of the three pearl millet hybrids were the
same. Condensed tannin was not detected in any of the three hybrids. Linolenic
acid ((ClS:3n-3) comprised 3% of the total fatty acid in the pearl millet
hybrids, which is higher than other cereal grains. The ratios of n-6:n-3
fatty acids in the three hybrids were 13.72, 12.68 and 14.13 for PM31,
PM3 and PM4 respectively, compared to sorghum’s 28.43. The pearl millet
hybrids had at least a 0.6 MJ/kg higher energy content than sorghum.
The total amino acid profile
of the three elite pearl millet hybrids is much more suitable for poultry
diets than sorghum. Pearl millet hybrids contained 50% more lysine, methionine,
threonine and tryptophan than sorghum. Except for the protein content,
where PM31 had slightly less protein, the three hybrids had very similar
chemical compositions. The fat content was 6.4% and fibre content 2.0%.
The amino acid profile of PM31 was poorer than that of PM3 and PM4. The
lysine content of PM31 was 2.83 g/kg compared to 3.18 g/kg and 3.09 g/kg
for PM3 and PM4 respectively. The digestibilities of cystine, lysine and
threonine in the pearl millets were higher than that of sorghum, whereas
the digestibilities of the other amino acids in the elite pearl millet
hybrids were very similar to sorghum. |
| Implications |
There
is little doubt that the demand for cereal grains for poultry feed will
increase substantially in the future. It is essential that detailed knowledge
of any potential alternative feed ingredient, such as pearl millet, be
established to allow it to be used effectively and efficiently. The experiments
conducted within this project have demonstrated the nutritive value of
the millets, and provided details of their nutritional profile which is
essential if they are to be formulated into least cost poultry diets.
The results suggest that
the three pearl millet hybrids could be used as feed ingredients in broiler
diets. However, further research on the upper inclusion levels of pearl
millet in broiler diets, together with the effects of feeding pearl millet
on carcass quality and yield, and on the interaction of enzymes on the
utilisation of nutrients in the millet hybrids, is warranted.
Three elite parent lines
were identified in previous yield trials (conducted under a GRDC project)
and only small quantities of these parent lines are currently held in stock.
Any subsequent evaluation of pearl millet hybrids is likely to be on a
larger scale than the trials reported upon herein and will require several
kilograms of seed. Since production of F1 hybrid seed is labour intensive
and can take several cycles of regeneration, it would seem prudent to begin
increasing seed stocks of the three identified elite parent lines. |
| Publications |
Singh, D.N. and Perez-Maldonado,
R.A. (2003) Pearl millet as an alternative feed grain for pigs and poultry.
Proceedings
of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Vo1 27. S40.
Singh, D.N., Trappett, P.C.,
Nagle, T.A. and Perez-Maldonado, R. (2004) Digestibility of pearl millet
in broiler diets. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society of Australia
(in
press).
|
| Project
Title: |
The
net energy value of Australian feed ingredients for poultry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UNE-82J |
| Researcher: |
Prof.
Mingan Choct |
| Organisation: |
The
University of New England
School of Rural Science
and Agriculture
ARMIDALE NSW 2351 |
| Phone: |
(02)
6773 5121 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6773 3050 |
| Email: |
mchoct@une.edu.au |
| Objectives: |
· To measure
the net energy (NE) values of the common Australian feed ingredients for
broilers and layers.
· To compare
the performance of broilers fed diets formulated on either a net energy
or apparent metabolisable energy (AME) basis.
|
| Background |
Energy
is by far the most expensive part of a poultry diet, and the potential
for improvement in production efficiency is large if dietary energy can
be accurately measured. The NE bioassay is one system for measuring the
energy value of feed ingredients that reflects the true availability of
energy to the bird. |
| Research |
A
series of experiments were conducted to test the NE value of commonly used
energy and protein sources for both broilers and layers using a closed
circuit calorimetric system. |
| Outcomes |
The
measured NE values (MJ/kg) of wheat, barley, sorghum, millrun, sweet lupin,
soybean meal (48% crude protein), canola meal and meat meal for broilers
were: 11.89, 10.64, 13.18, 8.75, 3.87, 7.74, 5.28 and 7.44 respectively.
The measured NE values (MJ/kg) of wheat, barley, sorghum, millrun, sweet
lupin, soybean meal (48% crude protein), canola meal, meat meal and oats
for layers were: 10.31, 10.26, 12.25, 6.73, 12.90, 11.71, 9.27, 15.75 and
11.44 respectively.
Broiler diets formulated
on NE values gave a clear advantage in feed conversion efficiency over
those formulated using their AME values, resulting in savings of over 80
grams of feed per kg liveweight gain over a 35-day growth period. |
| Implications |
The
formulation of poultry diets using NE values has clear advantages. However,
due to the tedious nature of the NE system, the establishment of a NE database
for practical feed formulation requires much more work. |
| Project
Title: |
Use
of dietary fatty acids to increase protein accretion in broilers |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
US-104A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Ron Newman |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Sydney
Faculty of Veterinary Science
405 Werombi Rd
CAMDEN NSW 2570 |
| Phone: |
(02)
4655 0625 |
| Fax: |
(02)
4655 0693 |
| Email: |
ronaldn@camden.usyd.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· To develop a simple
feed technology to reduce fat deposition and increase muscle protein accretion
in broilers.
· To achieve this
by manipulating dietary fatty acid intake to alter tissue sensitivity to
the metabolic hormones involved in lipid and protein metabolism.
·
To
improve nutrient utilisation and reduce feed costs through the adoption
of this technology.
|
| Background |
It
had previously been established in RIRDC project US-44A that dietary fatty
acids from the n-3 and n-6 series alter the carcass composition of the
broiler, albeit by different mechanisms. In these earlier studies, diets
contained 80 g/kg of edible tallow, fish oil or sunflower oil (giving diets
high in saturated fatty acids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or
n-6 PUFA, respectively) were fed to broilers. Feeding PUFA gave a significant
reduction in the abdominal fat pad mass and an increase in feed efficiency
of 5.4% for the fish oil and 7.7% for the sunflower oil fed broilers compared
to tallow feeding. Furthermore, the results from this earlier project also
indicated that dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids are assimilated into the
phospholipids of all cell membranes with subsequent changes in the pattern
of energy utilisation of broiler chickens, resulting in increased lipid
oxidation and decreased glucose oxidation. This fatty acid-induced alteration
in energy utilisation was proposed as a mechanism by which decreased lipogenesis
could increase both protein synthesis and improve nutrient utilisation.
The current project was initiated to build upon this information in order
to develop a simple dietary strategy for reducing fat deposition and increasing
muscle protein accretion in broilers. |
| Research |
A
series of studies were conducted at the Camden farms, University of Sydney,
which determined both the feeding period and the level of inclusion of
dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFA that were required to orchestrate desirable changes
in carcass composition and broiler performance. In addition, studies also
examined the effectiveness of other dietary fatty acid sources and the
dietary n-3:n-6 PUFA and n-3:saturated fatty acid ratios that optimised
broiler performance, enhanced breast muscle mass and reduced abdominal
fat pad mass. |
| Outcomes |
Studies
conducted in the course of this project identified a positive correlation
between n-6 PUFA and protein accretion, n-6 PUFA and improved feed conversion
and a positive correlation between n-3 PUFA and a reduction in fat deposition.
Feeding broilers increasing levels of n-6 PUFA increases breast muscle
mass in a dose dependent manner. This result is attributed to both an increase
in the n-6 fatty acid subtype, linoleic acid, and the reduction in the
n-3 fatty acid subtypes, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA)
acids. In contrast, feeding broilers increasing levels of n-3 PUFA results
in a linear decrease in fat deposition. This outcome is attributed to the
presence of the n-3 PUFA EPA and DHA. Further, these studies have shown
that to achieve significant responses in both carcass composition and feed
efficiency, birds need to be fed these fatty acid subtypes for a period
of six weeks. Furthermore, other dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids sources
can be substituted for both fish oil and sunflower oil to achieve these
outcomes. Studies undertaken demonstrate that linseed oil (n-3 PUFA) can
be substituted for fish oil and that canola oil (n-6 PUFA) can be substituted
for sunflower oil, as these n-3 and n-6 fatty acid sources gave similar
production responses to those of fish and sunflower oil. In addition, feeding
broilers pelleted diets containing a fatty acid ratios of 3% n-3 PUFA and
3% n-6 PUFA reduces carcass fatness and maintains breast muscle mass. |
| Implications |
The
implications of this research for the selective use of dietary n-3 and
n-6 fatty acids on broiler production are significant. Incorporation of
either n-3 PUFA or n-6 PUFA into broiler diets will selectively produce
birds with specific carcass qualities ie one with less fat or one with
a greater muscle mass. In addition, improvements in nutrient utilisation
can be achieved by selective incorporation of n-6 PUFA into broiler diets. |
| Publications |
Newman R.E., Wilkinson
S.J., Downing J.A. and Bryden, W.L. (2002) N-3 and n-6 fatty acids: dietary
levels, growth performance and carcass composition of broilers Proceedings
of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium 14: 103.
|
| Project
Title: |
Growth
rate of broiler chickens given condensed tannins extracted from grape seed |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UA-61A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Bob Hughes, Assoc. Prof. John Brooker and Dr. Christopher Smyl |
| Organisation: |
Livestock
Systems Alliance
The University of Adelaide
and SARDI Pig and Poultry Production Institute
Roseworthy Campus
ROSEWORTHY SA 5371 |
| Phone: |
(08)
8303 7788 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8303 7977 |
| Email: |
hughes.bob@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·
To
determine whether condensed tannins extracted from grape seed retard the
growth rate of broiler chickens.
|
| Background |
Food
safety, disease control and the search for alternatives to antibiotics
are major issues facing the chicken meat industries worldwide. Condensed
tannins are secondary plant products that are known to bind to proteins
and inhibit microbial function, possibly by preventing attachment of microorganisms
to the gut lining. Tannins have also been demonstrated to have anthelmintic
properties. A hypothesis arising from these studies is that tannins, if
incorporated into the feed of chickens, may inhibit attachment of microbial
pathogens in the gut and reducing bacterial growth without adversely effecting
bird growth rates. This would reduce or eliminate pathogen colonisation
of broiler chickens, and reduce the spread of pathogens that can occur
through faecal contamination of feed and water. |
| Research |
A
simple feeding trial was conducted with broiler chickens to determine whether
they would grow at a rate close to their genetic potential when fed a nutritionally
adequate diet containing tannins extracted from grape seed. |
| Outcomes |
Growth
rate, feed efficiency and mortality were not significantly affected by
inclusion of up to 10 g/kg of active ingredient (condensed tannins extracted
from grape seed) or by the dietary addition of antibiotic (Tylosin) in
the positive control diet. The reduced feed intake, without any change
in feed efficiency, recorded for chickens given the diet with the highest
concentration of condensed tannins, indicates that depression of growth
rate was due mainly to reduced feed intake rather than to more subtle effects
on digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. There was no difference
between the negative and positive control groups, suggesting that the dietary
addition of antibiotic product provided no detectable advantage in this
particular experiment. Any antimicrobial effects of condensed tannins were
unlikely to be demonstrable under these benign conditions. On the other
hand, dietary condensed tannin concentrations of 10 g/kg or less were not
detrimental to growth and feed efficiency. The results of this preliminary
investigation tend to suggest that tannin extract has some potential as
a non-antibiotic growth promotant in commercial broiler feed. |
| Implications |
Grape
seed from the wine industry is currently a waste product and can be difficult
to dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner. If tannins from this
material are suitable for feeding to chickens then two major industries
stand to benefit from this type of research. Antibacterial and anthelmintic
properties of grape seed extract in dietary concentrations less than 30
g/kg active ingredient need to be evaluated more fully. Future studies
should determine the nature and extent of specific components of condensed
tannins with potential antimicrobial properties. |
| Publications |
Hughes, R.J., Brooker,
J.D. and Smyl, C. (2005) Growth rate of broiler chickens given condensed
tannins extracted from grape seed. Australian Poultry Science Symposium,
17,
in press.
|
| Project
Title: |
Meat
chicken EMS: transfer to industry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
FSE-2A |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
Eugene McGahan |
| Organisation: |
FSA
Environmental
National Centre for Engineering
in Agriculture (NCEA)
PO Box 2175
TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350 |
| Phone: |
(07)
4632 8230 |
| Fax: |
(07)
4632 8057 |
| Email: |
Eugene.McGahan@fsaconsulting.net |
| Objectives |
·
To
develop a practical, competency based training and assessment workshop
package in "Environmental Management Planning and Training for Meat Chicken
Producers".
·
To
recommend methods for facilitating on-site audit processes for meat chicken
farms.
|
| Background |
Recently
completed RIRDC Meat Chicken Program projects produced valuable information
for producers on environmental issues relevant to their industry. There
is now a need to take the information gathered in these recently completed
projects and deliver it to producers through training and assessment. |
| Research |
The
first step undertaken as part of this project was to investigate, plan
and develop a training package which covers general environmental issues
associated with chicken meat production, environmental management plans,
environmental risk assessment and any monitoring, interpreting and reporting
requirements. The package that was developed was trialled with producers
and identified facilitators from at least three states. Workbook "master
copies" for facilitators and producers were then edited and refined. Recommends
were also developed with regards to best-bet methods for facilitating on-site
audit processes for meat chicken farms. |
| Outcomes |
A
training package was developed that will assist meat chicken producers
by increasing their knowledge of environmental issues, improving their
ability to minimise or manage environmental impacts, enhancing their ability
to interpret basic environmental monitoring results and enabling them to
produce a meaningful draft environmental management plan. |
| Implications |
The
training package provides an excellent structure for developing farm-based
environmental management systems. Resources incorporated in the training
package in that has been prepared are a Facilitators Training Manual, Participants
Training Manual, Example Environmental Management Plan, and the national
Environmental Mangement Plan.
By creating draft environmental
management plans, producers are made aware of industry and site specific
environmental issues. Based on the resources prepared during the project,
the training package should now be implemented throughout the meat chicken
industry. |
| Project
Title: |
Sustainability
improvements in the Victorian meat chicken industry (phase 2) |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
JSC-2A |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
James Smith |
| Organisation: |
James
Smith Consulting Pty Ltd
55 Sims Street
SANDRINGHAM VIC 3191 |
| Phone: |
(03)
9598 8717 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9598 8717 |
| Email: |
jfasmith@bigpond.com |
| Objectives |
·
To
achieve broader uptake of Chicken Care best practices by Victorian broiler
growers.
·
To
identify the extent of Chicken Care implementation by growers and address
any barriers to its further adoption.
·
To
identify and provide improvements to Chicken Care information transfer,
processes and tools as required by the community, regulators and growers.
·
To
incorporate the RIRDC National Environment Management System, the national
Biosecurity Manual requirements and Animal Welfare Audit programs into
the Chicken Care best practices model.
|
| Background |
The
industry Chicken Care initiative was launched in Victoria in 2000 in order
to improve its environmental performance and to address broad community
concerns. This was in response to the increased broiler farm performance
standards expected by the community and reflected in tough prescriptive
regulatory controls adopted in 2001 in the State. Good initial understanding
of and participation in the initiative by growers (40%) was achieved by
early 2003 and the program was reconfirmed as needed, effective and valuable
by its industry steering committee. However, it was felt that broader uptake
of the program would be beneficial and should be sought. |
| Research |
Research
was undertaken to survey the extent of implementation of the Chicken Care
best practices by approximately 50 growers and to analyse areas of common
needs. A process for external verification of grower self-assessment was
investigated, developed and trialled. The existing Chicken Care best practices
model was reviewed and updated to reflect recently adopted national industry
codes and State regulations. At least twelve grower training workshops,
industry briefings and community meetings were held as a means to identify
barriers and improvements and to brief growers on new guidance materials
developed and adopted. |
| Outcomes |
A
total of thirty barriers to adoption of the Chicken Care best practices
were identified. Changes addressing seven of them were incorporated into
the program and ten will be recommended to the program steering committee
as areas of priority future work.
The Chicken Care best practices
model was updated with 200 changes made to fully align it with the RIRDC’s
Environmental Management code, the RIRDC Animal Welfare audit program,
the requirements of the industry’s Biosecurity Manual and with format improvements
suggested by growers and the community. Four new guidance notes covering
Landscaping, Broiler Farm OHS Hazards, Regular Maintenance and Farm Training
and Skills required were also developed.
Fifty-five growers were trained
in four Chicken Care workshops on the updated model. Grower implementation
of the Chicken Care best practices was increased to 115 farms (60% of the
Victorian industry) by this training, by appointment of a Chicken Care
officer in each grower branch and by thirteen other arranged briefings
for growers during the project.
An external verification
process was developed and trialled at five farms. It confirmed that 96%
of grower self-assessments were accurate or understated. This added credibility
to grower survey results that indicated that implementation of best practices
by participating growers had risen by 11% (now up to 69% of the practices
overall) in the two years since the earlier (end-2001) survey.
Several public acknowledgements
by regulators and the Community Advisory Panel that the environmental performance
and cooperative attitudes of the industry had improved were identified
and documented. |
| Implications |
Community
and regulator comments, changes made to the Chicken Care program and surveys
of growers confirm that the target of near-full participation and implementation
by end-2005 (five years after program launch) as adopted by the industry
steering committee is achievable.
The remaining twenty potential
improvements to the program to assist its adoption should be considered
by the Steering Committee for incorporation in future years.
Chicken Care processes and
outcomes should be an integral part of the rationale and performance assurance
cited by industry in support of its advocacy aimed at resolving anomalies
in the Victorian rural odour standard, the code for broiler farms and other
planning regulations. |
| Publications |
Smith, J. and Durkin, P.
(2002) Workshop Outcomes Summary Proceedings of EPA Victoria, VFF and
VCMC Odour Controls Workshop.
Smith, J. (2002) Chicken
Care – Improving Sustainability in the Victorian Chicken Meat Industry.
Proceedings
of the 12th Australian Poultry and Feed Convention
pp 517-523.
Smith, J. (2003) Sustainability
improvements in the Victorian chicken meat industry (phase 1) RIRDC
Publication No 03/035
Smith, J. (2004) Chicken
Care Implementation Workshop VFF Manual.
|
| CSA-20A |
Postgraduate
scholarship - Scott Sheedy: Live vectoring of therapeutic and prophylactic
proteins and pathogenesis in necrotic enteritis Refer to report page * |
| CSA-21J |
Postgraduate
scholarship - Manija Asif: Cytokines and innate molecules for enhanced
mucosal immunity in the chicken Refer to report page * |
| CSA-25J |
Postgraduate
scholarship - Kristie Jenkins: Improved therapeutics for Marek's disease
virus infection Refer to report page * |
| UTS-6A |
Postgraduate
scholarship - Ms Kelly Mai: The molecular basis for oocyst wall formation
in the apicomplexan parasite, Eimeria maxima Refer to report page * |
| UNE-86A |
Postgraduate
scholarship - Mr Nicholas Rodgers: Relationships between grain quality,
intestinal integrity, and performance of broiler chickens Refer to report
page * |
| TA034-04 |
Recent
Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia 2003 Conference, Armidale, July
2003 – Dr David Sklan |
| TA034-08 |
12th
International Workshop on Campylobacter, Helicobacter and Related Organisms,
September 2003 – Dr Margaret MacKenzie |
| TA034-09 |
12th
International Workshop on Campylobacter, Helicobacter and Related Organisms,
September 2003 – Dr Pat Blackall |
| TA034-28 |
Western
Poultry Disease Conference, Sacramento – Tom Grimes |
| TA034-37 |
7th
International Marek’s Disease Symposium – Ms Julie Cooke |
| TA034-38 |
World’s
Poultry Congress 2004 – Rider Perez-Maldonado |
| TA034-45 |
Enviro04
Odour Conference – Larry Jacobson |
| TA034-46 |
5th
Asia Pacific Poultry Health Conference, Gold Coast – Drs Donoghue &
Cavanagh |
| TA034-49 |
Poultry
Information Exchange, April 2004 |
| WS023-09 |
National
Biosecurity Workshops |
| WS023-22 |
Strategic
Planning Workshop, Sydney, 10 July 2003 |
| WS034-08 |
Support
for the 2004 Australian Poultry Science Symposium |
| Flock
Health |
| Project
Title |
Project
No |
Principal
Investigator |
Organisation |
Phone
No |
| Postgraduate
scholarship - Scott Sheedy: Live vectoring of therapeutic and prophylactic
proteins and pathogenesis in necrotic enteritis |
CSA-20A |
Dr
Robert Moore |
CSIRO
Livestock Industries |
(03)
5227 5760 |
| Postgraduate
scholarship - Manija Asif: Cytokines and innate molecules for enhanced
mucosal immunity in the chicken |
CSA-21J |
Dr
Andrew Bean |
CSIRO
Livestock Industries |
(03)
5227 5792 |
| Rapid
identification and pathotyping of virulent IBDV, NDV and AI isolates |
CSA-24J |
Dr
Hans Heine |
CSIRO
Livestock Industries |
(03)
5227 5278 |
| Postgraduate
scholarship - Kristie Jenkins: Improved therapeutics for Marek's disease
virus infection |
CSA-25J |
Dr
Andrew Bean |
CSIRO
Livestock Industries |
(03)
5227 5792 |
| Use
of cytokines to enhance vaccine efficacy in poultry |
CSA-26J |
Dr
Andrew Bean |
CSIRO
Livestock Industries |
(03)
5227 5792 |
| Biological
control of necrotic enteritis in meat chickens |
CSA-29A |
Dr
Robert Moore |
CSIRO
Livestock Industries |
(03)
5227 5760 |
| Characterisation
and modulation of virulence of endemic IBDV strains using reverse genetics |
CSA-30J |
Dr
Jagoda Ignjatovic |
CSIRO
Livestock Industries |
(03)
5227 5769 |
| New
diagnostic assays to improve control of coccidiosis in poultry |
DAQ-316A |
Dr
Glenn Anderson |
Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
(07)
3362 9494 |
| Preliminary
investigations into the efficacy of novel treatments and application methods
for darkling beetle (Alphitobius diaperinus [panzer]) control in
Australian broiler houses |
DAQ-319A |
Mr
Trevor Lambkin |
Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
(07)
3896 9434 |
| Advanced
clinical diagnostics: use of real-time immuno-PCR and LightUp probes |
DAW-113A |
Dr
Debby Cousins |
Department
of Agriculture (WA) |
(08)
9368 2429 |
| Molecular
evaluation of responses to vaccination and challenge by Marek's disease
virus |
RMI-12J |
Prof
Greg Tannock |
Royal
Melbourne Institute of Technology |
(03)
9925 3088 |
| Molecular
techniques for monitoring Marek's viraemias in broilers and layers |
UJC-10J |
Dr
Graham Burgess |
James
Cook University |
(07)
4781 5472 |
| Avian
leukosis subgroup-J (ALV-J): epidemiological studies for control of ALV-J
in Australian broiler breeder flocks |
UM-68A |
Dr
Trevor Bagust |
University
of Melbourne |
(03)
9344 9676 |
| Effects
of organic acids, prebiotics, and enzymes on control of necrotic enteritis
and performance of broiler chickens |
UNE-75A |
Prof
Mingan Choct |
University
of New England |
(02)
6773 5121 |
| Systematic
pathotyping of Australian Marek's disease (MDV) isolates |
UNE-83J |
A/Prof
Stephen Walkden-Brown |
University
of New England |
(02)
6773 5152 |
| Typing
of Pasteurella multocida |
UQ-100J |
A/Prof
Linda Blackall |
University
of Queensland |
(07)
3365 4645 |
| Efficacy
trials of a maternally-delivered recombinant vaccine against coccidiosis |
UTS-4J |
A/Prof
Nicholas Smith |
University
of Technology, Sydney |
(02)
9514 4013 |
| Postgraduate
scholarship - Ms Kelly Mai: The molecular basis for oocyst wall formation
in the apicomplexan parasite, Eimeria maxima |
UTS-6A |
A/Prof
Nicholas Smith |
University
of Technology, Sydney |
(02)
9514 4013 |
| Bird
Nutrition and Feed Supply |
| Project
Title |
Project
No |
Principal
Investigator |
Organisation |
Phone
No |
| Variability
in performance and physiology of broilers fed wheat-based diets |
CME04-07 |
Prof
Tom Scott |
The
University of Sydney |
(02)
4655 0612 |
| Nutritional
characterisation of sorghums from QLD and NSW for chicken meat |
DAQ-326A |
Dr
Rider Perez-Maldonado |
Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
(07)
3824 3081 |
| Premium
grains for livestock program (stage 2) |
GRD-3J |
Dr
John Black |
Grains
Research & Development Corporation |
(02)
4753 6231 |
| Postgraduate
scholarship - Mr Nicholas Rodgers: Relationships between grain quality,
intestinal integrity, and performance of broiler chickens |
UNE-86A |
Prof
Mingan Choct |
University
of New England |
(02)
6773 5121 |
| Early
feeding of prebiotics on development of the digestive system and gut microflora
of broilers |
UNE-93A |
Prof
Mingan Choct |
University
of New England |
(02)
6773 5121 |
| Digestible
amino acids and improved broiler performance |
UQ-107A |
Prof
Wayne Bryden |
The
University of Queensland |
(07)
5460 1253 |
| Establishment
of a Chair in Poultry Sciences at The University of Sydney |
US-127A |
Dr
Tom Scott |
The
University of Sydney |
(02)
4655 0612 |
| Assessment
of the anti-nutritive effects of phytate by dephytinisation |
US-133A |
Dr
Peter Selle |
The
University of Sydney |
(02)
9351 1697 |
| Early
dietary and management intervention on broiler breast meat yield |
US-134A |
Prof
Tom Scott |
The
University of Sydney |
(02)
4655 0612 |
| Mechanical
and enzymatic improvements of dehulled lupins for broiler and layer diets
(AECL-managed project WAU-1A) |
UWA-76J |
Dr
Ian Williams |
University
of Western Australia |
(08)
9380 3780 |
| Environmental
Management |
| Project
Title |
Project
No |
Principal
Investigator |
Organisation |
Phone
No |
| Evaluating
risks posed by pathogen emissions from meat chicken sheds |
DAQ-318A |
Dr
Pat Blackall |
Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
(07)
3362 9498 |
| Efficacy
of windbreak walls for odour reduction |
DAQ-321A |
Mr
Geordie Galvin |
Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
(07)
4688 1118 |
| Managing
litter re-use for minimal nutrient runoff to surface water |
DAQ-323A |
Dr
Matt Redding |
Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld) |
(07)
4688 1372 |
| Trials
of odour control technologies for broiler farms |
DAV-213A |
Dr
Julie Simons |
Dept
of Primary Industries (Vic) |
(03)
9217 4358 |
| Risk
assessment on the use of chicken litter and guidelines for its safe use |
FSE-3A |
Mr
Peter Nicholas |
FSA
Consulting |
(07)
4632 8230 |
