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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2004
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No |
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New Markets and Products
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ROA-1A
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Mr. Peter
Sweatman
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(03) 9334
7888
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Roaduser Systems
Pty Ltd
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ROA-2A
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Mr. Peter
Sweatman
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(03) 9334
7888
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Roaduser Systems
Pty Ltd
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Quality Standards
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DAV-187A
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Mr. Peter
Flinn
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(03) 5573
0915
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Department
of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
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No |
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New Markets and Products
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PTP-14A
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Mr Arthur
Stubbs
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(03) 9844
1135
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Primary Tasks
Pty Ltd
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Plant Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation
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IPB-2A
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Dr. Ross Downes
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(02) 6255
1461
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Innovative
Plant Breeders Pty Ltd
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SAR-31A
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Dr. Pamela
Zwer
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(08) 8303
9485
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South Australian
Research and Development Institute
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SAR-8A
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Dr Pamela
Zwer
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(08) 8303
9485
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South Australian
Research and Development Institute
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Plant Disease, Weed, Pest and Micro-organism Management
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GRS-1A
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Dr. Graham
Steed
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(02) 6032
7788
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G. R. Steed
& Associates Pty Ltd
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UQ-82A
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Dr. Peter
Dart
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(07) 3365
2867
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The University
of Queensland
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UWA-30A
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Dr Mike Ewing
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(08) 9380
1876
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University
of Western Australia
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CSA-3A
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Dr Khin A
Than
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(03) 5227
5731
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CSIRO Animal
Health
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UQ-25A
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Peter Dart
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(07) 365 2867
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University
of Queensland
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Quality Standards
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DRD-4A
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Dr. AG Kaiser
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(02) 6938
1852
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Dairy Research
and Development Corporation
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CSJ-1A
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S Baker, R
Dynes, B Purser & D Henry
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(08) 9333
6000
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CSIRO Animal
Production
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DAV-104A
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Peter Flinn
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(03) 5573
0900
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Agriculture
Victoria
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DAW-28A
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CPF De Lima
& R Nussey
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(09) 368 3494
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Department
of Agriculture
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SAR-2A
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Alan McKay
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(08) 8303
9375
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South Australian
Research & Development Institute
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Industry Communication and Information Flows
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KDI-6A
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M. Evans
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(08) 9478
3343
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Kondinin Group
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DAN-88A
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Ian Collett
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(02) 6763
1100
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NSW Agriculture
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R&D Management Monitoring and Review
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KAK-2A
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Mr Colin Simpson
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(02) 6920
8216
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Kakadu Pastoral
Company P/L
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Other Related Projects
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UQ-23A
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R.C. Gutteridge
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(07) 3365
2062
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Department
of Agriculture
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Project
Title:
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Testing
and simulation of hay bale loading on semi-trailers
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RIRDC Project
No.:
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ROA-1A
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Researcher:
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Dr Peter F
Sweatman
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Organisation:
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Roaduser Systems
Pty Ltd
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Phone:
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(03) 9334
7888
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Fax:
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(03) 9334
7877
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Email:
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Objectives
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To determine,
by physical testing, the stability characteristics of various hay bale
types when loaded onto semi-trailers with various stacking arrangements
and load restraint techniques. To show, by computer simulation, that
typical hay trucks loaded with various hay bale types can comply with the
new Performance-Based Standards (PBS) for heavy vehicles developed by the
National Road Transport Commission (NRTC).
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Background
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In recent
years there has been a significant increase in the volume of hay traded
in Australia , which has seen an increase in the number of accidents involving
vehicle rollovers or hay falling from trucks. As a consequence, enforcement
officers have selectively focused load restraint and dimensional infringement
notices on the hay transport sector, highlighting the inequity in the regulatory
system that has different rules in each State.
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Research
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By testing
the lateral rigidity of restrained semi-trailer loads of hay bales, computer
simulation modelling of those loads on typical hay trucks was used to determine
the effect of load movement on overall vehicle stability. This methodology
was used to aid the development of consistent loading rules with a scientific
basis that directly addresses stability concerns.
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Outcomes
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The research
found that hay trucks have reasonably high roll stability, dependent mainly
upon bale type and load height. Load shift was found to be small,
even at high levels of lateral acceleration, provided that proper load
restraints are used. The effect of load restraint method on roll
stability was found to be of some significance and small but worthwhile
benefits were found for some improved load restraint practices. The
research also showed that certain stacking arrangements not allowed under
current regulations are better performers than certain loads that are currently
allowed.
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Implications
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This research
project offers a solid scientific basis for consideration by State road
authorities when revising current hay loading rules to allow more productive
and efficient transport of hay bales on semi-trailers without compromising
safety.
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Publications
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Sweatman,
Dr Peter & Di Cristoforo, Robert
Testing and simulation of hay bale
loading on semi-trailers, (2003, 45 pgs) RIRDC Publication Number R03/120.
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Project
Title:
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Further
testing and simulation of hay bale loading on semi-trailers
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RIRDC Project
No.:
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ROA-2A
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Researcher:
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Dr Peter F
Sweatman
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Organisation:
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Roaduser Systems
Pty Ltd
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Phone:
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(03) 9334
7888
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Fax:
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(03) 9334
7877
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Email:
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Objectives
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To
determine, by physical testing, the stability characteristics of various
hay bale types when loaded onto semi-trailers with various stacking arrangements
and load restraint techniques.
To
show, by computer simulation, that typical hay trucks loaded with various
hay bale types can comply with the new Performance-Based Standards (PBS)
for heavy vehicles developed by the National Road Transport Commission
(NRTC).
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Background
|
In recent
years there has been a significant increase in the volume of hay traded
in Australia , which has seen an increase in the number of accidents involving
vehicle rollovers or hay falling from trucks. As a consequence, enforcement
officers have selectively focused load restraint and dimensional infringement
notices on the hay transport sector, highlighting the inequity in the regulatory
system that has different rules in each State.
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Research
|
By testing
the fore-aft rigidity of restrained semi-trailer loads of hay bales by
tilt testing, compliance with the national Load Restraint Guide was proven.
This methodology was used to aid the development of consistent loading
rules with a scientific basis that directly addresses stability concerns.
Additional computer simulations were also carried out to prove compliance
with additional Performance-Based Standards.
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Outcomes
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The research
found that hay trucks are capable of satisfying the requirements of the
Load Restraint Guide without excessive amounts of load restraint (ie. rear
gates and edge protectors). Load shift was found to be small in terms
of the effect on axle load distribution under braking. The research
showed that loads up to 4.6 m high and 2.7 m high can be justified.
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Implications
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This research
project offers a solid scientific basis for consideration by State road
authorities when revising current hay loading rules to allow more productive
and efficient transport of hay bales on semi-trailers without compromising
safety.
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Publications
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Sweatman,
Dr Peter & Di Cristoforo, Robert
Further testing and simulation
of hay bale loading on semi-trailers, (2004, 40 pgs) RIRDC Publication
Number R04/124.
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Project
Title:
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Objective
measurement of fodder quality across animal species
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RIRDC Project
No.:
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DAV-187A
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Researcher:
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Mr. Peter
Flinn, Stephanie Knott, Leo Cummins and Dawn Dalley
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Organisation:
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Department
of Primary Industries (Vic)
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Phone:
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(03) 5573
0915
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Fax:
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(03) 5571
1523
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Email:
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peter.flinn@nre.vic.gov.au
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Objectives
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To
measure and compare the ranking of in vivo digestibility, total
intake, preference and short-term intake rate of a series of hays across
beef cattle, lactating dairy cows, horses and sheep, and to use the “standard”
fodder samples obtained as a basis for a uniform objective procedure for
specification of fodder quality.
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Background
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Two earlier
RIRDC projects (DAV-104A and CSJ-1A) led to broad industry agreement on
the major indicators of fodder quality and the standard methods for their
measurement, together with a set of 16 “standard” hays to calibrate laboratory
estimation of digestibility. However, this work was confined to sheep.
The dairy, beef and horse industries need to know if laboratory predictions
of fodder quality based on sheep data can be applied across animal species.
There is also an industry demand for rapid estimation of relative animal
preference for hay.
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Research
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Preference
and short-term intake rate were measured with dairy cows, sheep, steers
and horses on a set of cereal and legume hays. The ranking of both
measurements was compared and correlations were attempted with nutritive
value estimates. A smaller set of hays was also fed to all four animal
species for measurement of in vivo digestibility (DMD) and ad
libitum intake (DMI), and comparisons made between the species.
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Outcomes
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Within each
animal species, there were significant differences in preference between
hays, but also some overlap. The preference ranking between hays
was clearly different across animal species. There was a strong relationship
between preference and short-term intake rate. For the specific set
of hays studied, laboratory estimates of DMD and neutral detergent fibre
(NDF) appeared to be better indicators of preference than either crude
protein (CP) or water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). In vivo DMD
of the hays measured was the same for dairy cows as for steers, but values
for horses were different to steers. Sheep DMD could be used with
some confidence for predicting DMD of hay for horses and steers but not
dairy cows. Ad libitum DMI of hay by steers was directly proportional
to that for both dairy cows and horses, but sheep DMI could only be used
to predict DMI of hay for steers.
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Implications
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This study
was limited to relatively few hays, and the measurements need to be made
on additional hays to increase confidence in the results. The results
may also have been affected by the inherent variation within a given hay.
For the hays studied, sheep could not be used as a model to estimate preference
rankings of hay in dairy cows, steers or horses. Across a range of
hay quality, DMD and NDF are likely to be useful predictors of preference.
Future in vivo DMD measurements on hays intended for dairy cows
can be made with steers, representing a considerable cost saving.
DMD measurements on fodder using sheep could be used for steers and horses
but not dairy cows. DMI measurements using sheep may be used for
steers. A new set of hay “standards”, with measured
in vivo
DMD and DMI across four animal species, should be available as a basis
for laboratory prediction of these parameters in unknown samples.
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Publications
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Knott S.A.
, Cummins L.J., Dalley D., Flinn P.C., Kearney G. and Hannah M. (2002).
Preference rankings for legume and cereal hays across livestock species.
Animal Production in Australia 24: 320.
Knott S.A.
, Cummins L.J., Dalley D., Flinn P.C., Kearney G. and Hannah M. (2002).
The relationship between preference and short-term intake rate for legume
and cereal hays. Animal Production in Australia 24: 321.
Hannah M., Reynolds J., Kearney G., Flinn P.C., Knott S.A.
and Dalley D. (2002). Determining hay preference in the presence
of treatment competition. Proceedings GENSTAT Conference, Perth,
WA .
RIRDC publication
to be advised.
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Project
Title:
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Australian
Fodder Industry Production Atlas
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RIRDC
Project No:
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PTP-14A
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Researcher:
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Arthur Stubbs
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Organisation:
|
Primary Tasks
Pty Ltd
Unit 58/2,
247-255 Drummond Street
CARLTON
VIC 3053
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Phone:
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03 9844 1135
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Fax:
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03 9844 4554
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Email:
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akstubbs@compuserve.com
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Objectives
|
To
map Australian fodder production patterns by defining volumes, location,
nature, timing and quality of fodder produced, potentially for trade, and
identifying major operators and organisations involved in production, trade
and servicing.
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Background
|
Australian
Bureau of Statistics data are currently the prime source of information
on the fodder industry in Australia , however, except for export data,
they are historical records, provide very limited categorisation and are
focussed on total production. There is a general awareness of the
major operators and organisations involved in fodder production, trade
and servicing, and issues such as quality and prices, but this is usually
very localised and has not been collectively documented. Fodder industry
meetings since 1994 have agreed that measuring and mapping the industry
was an important requirement.
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Research
|
Desk research
was undertaken to gather current data on fodder production statistics and
logistics from national and State rural surveys and statistical databases,
followed by communication and interview with key people and organisations
involved in the fodder industry. Emphasis was placed on the current
major trade supply channels to define the major market areas for immediate
application, but also provide information on potential fodder products
and areas.
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Outcomes
|
An Australian
Fodder Production Atlas was prepared giving the latest available information
on fodder production by type, quantity, seasonal availability and general
quality. The atlas makes reference to the recent background of commercial
fodder production in , from the commencement of the export hay trade, to
give a historical perspective. In addition, information is provided
on the main trade channels, significant operators in the domestic and export
markets, fodder markets and prices. A survey procedure is also defined,
based on key correspondents and operations, to enable updating of the atlas
from time to time, as required. This is based on the AFIA playing
a key role in future collection and communication of this information to
the industry.
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Implications
|
This atlas
of fodder production, by type, quantity and quality, will complement recent
fodder industry achievements in testing and description standards, and
lead to better informed prediction and sourcing of hay supplies for the
various domestic and export markets.
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Publications
|
Stubbs A.K,
Atlas
of the Australian Fodder Industry, RIRDC Publication No:00/122
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Project
Title:
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Evaluation
of potential fodder legume and grass crops for dryland hay production
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RIRDC
Project No.:
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IPB-2A
|
|
Researcher:
|
Dr
Ross Downes
|
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Organisation:
|
Innovative
Plant Breeders
|
|
Phone
|
02
62551461
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Fax:
|
02
62553651
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|
Email:
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Objectives
|
To identify
the varieties of grasses and annual fodder legumes best able to meet the
demand for reliable production of quality hay in a range of environments.
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Background
|
In view of
decreasing availability of irrigation for hay production, the increasing
export market for hay, and changes in location of significant Australian
markets for fodder, it is timely to examine opportunities to develop appropriate
new fodder production practices especially using species widely used in
other countries. Evaluation of new species and practices needs to
be conducted in the context of problems such as herbicide-resistant weeds,
rising water tables and increasing salinity, factors which are adversely
threatening the environment and sustainable agricultural production.
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Research
|
The characteristics
and productivity of a large number of annual fodder legumes and grasses
were investigated, and opportunities for their use examined in a range
of environments. In addition to productivity, marketing and financial
considerations, their potential contribution to soil fertility and ecological
issues was considered.
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Outcomes
|
An extensive
range of fodder legume varieties, bred for adaptation to a range of local
conditions is available and provide opportunities for increased quality
hay production was identified. The more erect types are available
to produce high quality hay for export. Twining types grown with
grasses are not suitable for export markets but have potential, as hay
or silage, to produce value added products such as meat and milk, in Australia
. Suitable varieties of timothy and brome grass need to be developed
before they can be used for export hay production. Findings were
presented and discussed at meetings and field days attended by producers,
hay marketers and researchers.
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Implications
|
Production
and conservation of fodder of winter-spring growing annual fodder legumes
under dry land conditions has two significant benefits. Water is
used more efficiently than in irrigated summer crops and limited water
resources will be available for other enterprises, and hay and silage is
of much greater feeding value than dry feed in the field.
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Publications
|
Reports in
AFIA Conference Proceedings 1999, 2000, 2001
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Project
Title:
|
Development
of improved oat varieties for hay end-use
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RIRDC
Project No.:
|
SAR-31A
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|
Researcher:
|
Pamela Zwer
|
|
Organisation:
|
South Australian
Research & Development Institute
GPO Box 397
ADELAIDE SA
5001
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Phone:
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08 8303 9485
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Fax:
|
08 8303 9378
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|
Email:
|
zwer.pamela@saugov.sa.gov.au
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Objectives
|
Generate
new oat populations and identify selections with improved hay end-use characters
based on breeding priorities identified by growers and hay processors.
Promote F5 and F6 oat lines currently in the program
to advanced trials and make a decision about variety releases by 2003.
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Background
|
fsOaten hay
exports to Japan have increased from about 170,000 tonnes in 1997 to 500,000
tonnes worth about $183 million for Australia . The continued growth of
this industry is dependent on meeting specifications of more discriminating
export and domestic markets. Oat varieties with improved characters
for fodder performance are needed by both growers and hay processors.
This research program was designed to specifically improve oat varieties
for hay end-use.
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Research
|
Parental material
were evaluated for increased dry matter yield, improved early vigour
to compete with weeds, thin to medium stem diameter, plant colour, and
a wider range of plant maturites. Disease resistance and hay quality
were also important characters for selection of parental material. Crosses
were made with introduced germplasm possessing desirable traits and adapted
oat lines developed in the SARDI breeding program. Advanced breeding
lines were evaluated in hay trials across South Australia, Victoria, and
Western Australia. Disease resistance, agronomic characters, hay
yield potential, and hay quality were assessed. Data were summarised
and used to identify improved oat varieties for hay end-use.
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Outcomes
|
Germplasm,
introduced from Canada, United Kingdom 10.0pt; font-family:USA, and
Brazil , was evaluated for disease resistance and hay quality.
Early generation material derived from the crosses are in the F2
, F3 , and F4 generations. Stage 4 hay trials
consisting of 36 entries were sown at four locations for hay cuts and an
additional two sites for disease assessment in 2001 and 2002 . Stage
5 hay trials consisting of 12 entries, a subset of the stage 4 trial entries,
were sown at 6 sites in 2001and 13 in 2002. Agronomic data,
disease reactions, and quality evaluations were used to promote the most
promising lines to the next year. Line SV88083-4 was released
as Wintaroo and is in commercial production in 2003. Line SV87103-109
was named Brusher and will be in limited commercial production in 2003.
Breeder seed was developed for SV93072-43 and is being increased for release
to AEXCO for commercialisation.
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Implications
|
New oat variety
releases for hay production are available to growers in 2003. Benefits
from the release of improved hay varieties will influence growers, processors,
and the customer. The availability of first grade hay with consistent
palatability will provide a reliable supply of a quality product for processors
to market domestically and overseas. Customers will benefit with
a superior performing fodder.
|
|
Publications
|
|
Project
Title:
|
Development
of Disease Resistant, High Yielding Oat Cultivars with Enhanced Quality
for Hay Production
|
|
RIRDC
Project No:
|
SAR-8A
|
|
Researcher:
|
Pamela Zwer
|
|
Organisation:
|
South Australian
Research & Development Institute
GPO
Box 397
ADELAIDE SA
5001
|
|
Phone:
|
(08) 8303
9485
|
|
Fax:
|
(08) 8303
9378
|
|
Email:
|
zwer.pamela@saugov.sa.gov.au
|
|
Objectives
|
Generate
new oat populations and identify selections with improved hay end-use characters
based on breeding priorities identified by farmers and hay processors.
Promote F5 and F6 oat lines currently in the program
to advanced trials and make a decision about cultivar release by 2000.
|
|
Background
|
Oaten hay
exports to Japan have increased from about 170,000 tonnes in 1997 to almost
400,000 tonnes in 1999. The industry was worth about $110 million
in 1999 (delivered to Japan) and with the expansion of the market to 500,000
tonnes would be worth about $183 million for Australia. The continued growth
of this industry is dependent on meeting specifications of more discriminating
export and domestic markets. Oat varieties with improved characters
for fodder performance, are needed by both growers and hay processors.
This research program was designed to specifically improve oat varieties
for hay end-use.
|
|
Research
|
Parental material
were evaluated for increased dry matter yield, improved early vigour to
compete with weeds, thin to medium stem diameter, plant colour, and a wider
range of plant maturites. Disease resistance and forage quality,
were also important characters for selection of parental material. Crosses
were made with introduced germplasm possessing desirable traits and adapted
oat lines developed in the SARDI breeding program. Advanced breeding
lines were evaluated in hay trials across South Australia, Victoria , and
Western Australia . Disease resistance, agronomic characters, hay
yield potential, and forage quality were assessed. Data were summarised
and used to identify improved oat varieties for hay end-use.
|
|
Outcomes
|
Approximately
60 germplasm introductions were sourced from oat breeding programs and
collections worldwide and used to produce 160 single crosses. Early
generation material derived from the crosses are in the F2 ,
F3 , and F4 generations. About 900 F4
plots were sown from lines derived from 1997 single crosses. Stage
4 hay trials consisting of 32 entries were sown at three to four locations
in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Stage 5 hay trials, consisting of
12 entries, a subset of the stage 4 trial entries, were sown at 11 sites
in 1998, eight sites in 1999, and seven sites in 2000. Agronomic
data, disease reactions, and quality evaluations were used to promote the
most promising lines to the next year. Two advanced breeding lines,
SV88083-4 and SV87103-109, were selected as new variety releases. Commercialisation
of SV88083-4 is proceeding.SV93072-43 is being considered for variety release.
|
|
Implications
|
New oat variety
releases for hay production will be available to growers beginning in 2003.
Benefits from the release of improved hay varieties will influence growers,
processors, and the customer. The availability of first grade hay
with consistent palatability will provide a reliable supply of a quality
product for processors to market domestically and overseas. Customers
will benefit with a superior performing fodder.
|
|
Publications
|
Zwer, P and
Hoppo, S Oaten Hay Variety Development, RIRDC Publication
No: Forthcoming
|
|
Project
Title:
|
Development
of an R&D strategy for quality cereal hay production
|
|
RIRDC
Project No.:
|
GRS-1A
|
|
Researcher:
|
Dr Graham
Steed
|
|
Organisation:
|
G R Steed
& Associates Pty Ltd
|
|
Phone:
|
02 60 327788
|
|
Fax:
|
|
|
Email:
|
gsteed@albury.net.au
|
|
Objectives
|
To
provide RIRDC, the Cereal Hay Industry and research providers with an agreed
strategy for new agronomy R&D aimed at improved productivity for quality
cereal hay production.
To
involve all relevant groups in the development of this strategy and to
effectively disseminate the ultimate plan to those groups.
|
|
Background
|
The RIRDC
Fodder Crops Program has worked with industry and Government groups to
facilitate a voluntary R&D levy on cereal hay production. This R&D
levy is combined with RIRDC core funds to facilitate the identification,
development and conduct of a research program for agronomy for quality
cereal hay production. This project is the first step in development of
this R&D portfolio and provides clear priorities and guidelines for
future R&D investment in agronomy – based projects aimed at improved
productivity and quality in the cereal hay industry.
|
|
Research
|
Past and current
R&D was reviewed and an industry workshop identified the key research
gaps that should be addressed by a new research portfolio. These research
projects were prioritised and tested at both the RIRDC Fodder Crop Technical
meeting and the AFIA conference.
|
|
Outcomes
|
A list of
“agronomy for cereal hay R&D projects” is identified. These projects
are grouped into those that should be initiated immediately (fast track)
and those that can be implemented over time in a series of RIRDC funding
cycles.
|
|
Implications
|
The
RIRDC Fodder Crop Committee has a blueprint for an R&D portfolio consisting
of a number of high priority projects.
The
cereal hay industry will see immediate and future benefits from the levies
they are contributing and successful outcomes from this research effort
will improve productivity and enhance Australia’s reputation in international
markets.
|
|
Publications
|
RIRDC Final
Report GRS1A
|
|
Project
Title:
|
Field
testing microbial inoculants for hay preservation
|
|
RIRDC
Project No:
|
UQ-82A
|
|
Researcher:
|
Dr. Peter
Dart
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Organisation:
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The
University of Queensland
School of
Land and Food Systems
ST. LUCIA
QLD 4072
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Phone:
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(07) 3365
2867
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Fax:
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(07) 3365
1188
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Email:
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p.dart@mailbox.uq.edu.au
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Objectives
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Stage 1:
To
develop a commercial microbial inoculum for the preservation of hay and
hay pellets that inhibits growth of spoilage fungi and thereby results
in a superior product with a higher value in the market place. The
inoculum will be available at a cost effective price and easy to use with
little expenditure on application equipment. The product will potentially
be available for export.
Stage 2:
Final
testing of a microbial inoculant, HayRite (TM), that preserves hay against
fungus attack, before it is commercialised by the project collaborators,
RIRDC, UQ and BioCare. The trials are essential for quality control
of the product and will test different application regimes at several locations.
The project will test the effect of the inoculated hay fed to animals on
feed intake, weight gain and rumen function and assay the levels (if any)
of residual antibiotics in the milk, blood and rumen fluid.
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Background
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Losses of
quality on baling of hay can be considerable if hay is preserved too dry
because this will induce leaf shatter particularly for lucerne and clover
hays. Bailing hay too moist, largely because of variable weather,
can lead to spoilage through overheating and fungal contamination and rotting
of the hay. Field trials with a microbial inoculant HayRiteTM
have shown that it can improve hay quality when hay is baled at elevated
moisture levels. The inoculant bacteria produces an antifungal antibiotic.
The project has assessed the presence of any antibiotic residues on the
hay that, when fed to animals, may result in a change in food intake, metabolism
or can subsequently be detected in milk. The method of producing
the inoculant for commercial use has been developed and is prepared as
a powder. This product has been assessed for field use and has been tested
for its efficacy on a range of crops in different locations and seasons.
Animal feeding trials for residues in milk were conducted in collaboration
with a dairy farmer and the Cobram milk factory that used the lab based
Delvotest SP procedure. Other animal trials involving beef cattle
and sheep have been conducted at UQ. There was no difference between treated
and untreated hay without mould in feed intake, changes in the weight gain,
and in the case of sheep, microbial protein production and antifungal antibiotic
presence in rumen fluid and blood.
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Research
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Extensive
farm field trails have shown that HayRiteTM is effective in
halting moulding in a range of hays that are baled at high atmospheric
moisture levels and in wheat baled at high sap moisture. The treatment
of hay with HayRiteTM fed to animals had no detectable effects
on their health or intake. In the case of sheep, the treatment of hay with
HayRiteTM at either baling or sprayed onto hay just before feeding
had no deleterious effects on the health of either the ewes treated or
their lambs born 3-6 weeks after feeding. There were some small beneficial
effects of these HayRite on nutritive value and live-weight gains of ewes
given HayRiteTM The substantial beneficial effects of treating
hay with HayRiteTM during drying may be further enhanced by
minor improvements in hay quality and animal performance fed these
diets.
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Outcomes
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This project
is in the final stages of developing a commercial inoculant to be known
as HayRiteTM. The product preserves moist hay against fungal
attack to give a superior quality fodder with a higher value in the market
place. Field trials in SE Qld, NSW and in Victoria have shown that
the inoculum is effective in preserving lucerne, sorghum, wheat and rye
grass/clover hay. The inoculum can be stored under refrigeration for at
least a year, it is not corrosive and application is simple using existing
farm spraying equipment. The inoculum is most effective when applied at
mowing. Animal intake is not affected by the inoculum.
Farmer co-operators
will test the inoculum again in the 2002 season before its commercial release
in 2002/03.
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Implications
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HayRite is
a new product for hay preservation with advantages in the field and will
be in cost over its competitors on the market in Australia and the
rest of the world. Its use gives farmers a flexibility in operation that
they desire to overcome the vagaries of the weather. It can be applied
using readily available equipment that most farmers will already have.
Use of HayRite may also improve hay quality even if weather damage is not
an issue, and treated hay should command a price premium. The product
will potentially be available for export.
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Project
Title
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Sulla
and other forage species for Southern Australia
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RIRDC
Project No:
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UWA 30A
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Researcher:
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Dr Mike Ewing
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Organisation:
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Centre for
Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture
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Phone:
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(08) 9380
1876
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Fax:
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(08) 93801140
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Email
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mewing@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
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Objectives
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Identify
new legumes species and cultivars suited for use in a range of existing
and innovative fodder production systems.
Work
with the fodder industry to develop and demonstrate the productivity and
quality potential and benefits of new fodder legumes and to identify constraints
to their adoption.
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Background
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Changes in
farmer systems and new technology in the form of new legume cultivars has
stimulated interest in their potential in fodder production and also the
further development of new legumes legume species and cultivars with potential
for use in such systems
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Research
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The project
involved a program of activities linking evaluation of plant and rhizobial
genetic resources, evaluation of promising legume species and cultivars
in field experiments and demonstrating legume productivity in a range of
fodder production systems. The field evaluation and demonstrations
were conducted on the farms of fodder producers and covered a wide range
of soils and management systems
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Outcomes
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Key outcomes
included:
Demonstration
that new available legume species and cultivars were highly productive
in fodder systems (eg. Cadiz French serradella).
The
release of Caprera crimson clover and Cefalu arrowleaf clover for use as
dual-purpose grazing/fodder plants on well drained soils.
Identification
of elite accessions of a group of legumes (and their root nodule bacteria)
that, with further testing, and will add to available fodder legume options
(eg. sulla Hedysarum coronarium; purple clover).
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Implications
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The project
has identified legumes that combine high productivity in fodder production
systems, with adaptation to soil and climatic condition prevailing in high
rainfall regions where fodder production is concentrated. Producers
now have a greatly expanded array of legume options to include in their
systems to cover the wide range of environmental conditions which they
face and managerial systems that they impose.
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Publications
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Ewing , M,
Poole , C, Skinner, P and Bennett, A,
Sulla and Other Forage Species
for Southern Australia , RIRDC Publication No:01/41
Ewing , M.
A. (1999).
New pasture species. Proc. of the 11th Australian Plant
Breeding Conference, eds P. Langridge, A. Barr, G. Auricht, G. Collins,
A. Grainger, D. Handford and J. Paull. Vol. 1, pp 86-90, CRC for Molecular
Plant Breeding, University of Adelaide
Ewing M.A.
(1999) Sulla and other forage species for southern Australia., AFISC
Conference, August 1999, Adelaide SA
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Project
Title
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Development
of a quantitative ELISA for screening fodder for corynetoxins
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RIRDC
Project No:
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CSA-3A
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Researcher:
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Dr Khin A
Than
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Organisation:
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CSIRO Animal
Health
Private Bag
24 (5 Portarlington Road)
Geelong Vic
3220
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Phone:
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(03) 5227
5731
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Fax:
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(03) 5227
5555
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Email
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khin.than@dah.csiro.au
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Objectives
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To
demonstrate an enzyme-linked-immuno-sorbent-assay (ELISA) for screening
fodder for corynetoxins that will be useful in quality assurance of fodder
and help to ensure that corynetoxin contaminated fodder does not cause
annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) in sensitive markets such as Japan.
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Background
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Hay contaminated
with corynetoxins causes ARGT in livestock, a problem found only in Australia
. Oaten hay from Australia was responsible for several incidents
of ARGT |