RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2004

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To New Animal Products Completed Projects
 

1.2 New Animal Products  -  Research in Progress
Project No.	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
Increase market penetration and development
DAQ-312A	Commercial development of export markets for emerging skin industries	Brendan Goulding	(07) 3239 3315	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
WMI-2A	Production implications of trace element concentrations in crocodile eggs and tissues	Prof Grahame Webb	(08) 8922 4500	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd
Improve processing, product development and diversification
DNT-33A	Genetic and reproduction improvements in Australian Water Buffalo	Barry Lemcke	(08) 8999 2263	Department of Business, industry and Resources development - NT
UF-9A	Investigation of the effects of different tannages on tissue structure and physical correlates in ostrich skin	Dr Christine Lunam	(08) 8204 4704	Flinders University of South Australia
UWA-71A	Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for emu and ostrich farming (Continuing project UWA-52A)	A/Prof Graeme Martin	(08) 9380 2528	University of Western Australia
Improve supply and productivity
BBC-1A	Commercial Silk production practices for an Australian sericulture industry	Sarita Kulkarni	(03) 9711 5928	Brij Bugtrap Consultancy P/L
CSA-17A	Developing a genetically improved yabby to facilitate farm enterprise diversification	Ian Purvis	(02) 6776 1322	CSIRO Livestock Industries
CWT-3A	Improved preservation and early stage processing of Australian crocodile skins	Dr Stephen Hawkins	(03) 9545 2397	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
DAQ-287A	Crocodile farming research: hatching to harvest	Steve Peucker	(07) 4722 2649	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DAQ-300A	On-farm research of pelleted feed for crocodiles	Steve Peucker	(07) 4722 2608	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
SAR-37A	On farm nutritional strategies to improve the profitability of ostrich farming	Dr Phil Glatz	(08) 8303 7786	South Australian Research and Development Institute
SFI-1A	Determine suitability of 'pasture production' of edible snails in Australia	Sonya Begg	(02) 6361 8104	Snail Farming information Service
UQ-96A	Sericulture: Development of a new Community-based Industry in Australia	Dr John Dingle	(07) 5460 1250	The University of Queensland
UWA-66A	Dairy products and farming techniques for the sheep milking industry	Dr Roberta Bencini	(08) 9380 2521	University of Western Australia
WMI-3A	Captive breeding and marketing of turtles	Prof Grahame Webb	(08) 8922 4500	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd
Facilitate information transfer, industry development, human capital and community awareness
ABA-17A	The value of Australia's emerging agricultural industries	Dr Vern Topp	(02) 6272 3829	Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics (ABARE)
SAR-52A	Feasibility study for establishing a frog meat industry in Australia	Dr Phil Glatz	(08) 8303 7786	South Australian Research and Development Institute
WBT-!A	Programs for commercialisation of new animal products business development	David Michael	(02) 9369 2735	Wondu Business & Technology Serives
WHP-6A	Adding value along the new animal product supply chain	David Michael	(02) 9369 2735	Wondu Holdings Pty Limited

Increase market penetration and development
 

Project Title	Commercial development of export markets for emerging skin industries
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-312A
Start Date:	01-Nov-03
Finish Date:	01-Nov-06
Researcher:	Mr Brendan Goulding
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) GPO Box 46 BRISBANE QLD 4001
Phone:	(07) 3239 3315
Fax:	(07)3221 3896
Email:	brendan.goulding@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· Facilitate the development of sustainable trade for new animal industries, specifically camel, crocodile, emu and goat by: · Further investigating market segments identified as having potential for skin and leather products from each species. · Developing new exports and augment trade opportunities for skins and leather products by working with commercial businesses. · Conducting economic analysis to determine the viability of supplying skins and leather products to particular export markets. · Developing supply and value chain alliances between producers, exporters and buyers of new animal products. · Developing a communication and promotion strategy for identified export markets for emerging skin industries.
Current Progress	Agreement by the members of the advisory committee on a number of potential target markets and segments to initally focus on. The markets currently include Italy and the US.  There is scope however for additional and/or alternative markets to be explored through the research. Planning for in-market research has commenced with appointments to be made with leather accessories manufacturers in Italy to meet with crocodile and possibly camel producers to attain their feedback regarding the possibility of sourcing supply from Australia. A new member has been added to the advisory committee who is a manufacturer of shoes and leather accessories. As a result, supply chain alliances are currently under negotiation between the new and existing committee members. These alliances are likely to extend to pursing collaborative activities to develop new export markets.


 

Project Title	Production implications of trace element concentrations in crocodile eggs and tissues
RIRDC Project No.:	WMI-2A
Start Date:	01-Mar-02
Finish Date:	30-Apr-05
Researcher:	Prof Grahame Webb
Organisation:	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd PO Box 530 SANDERSON NT 0812
Phone:	(08) 8922 4500
Fax:	(08) 8947 0678
Email:	gwebb@wmi.com.au
Objectives	The quantification of trace element concentration in captive crocodiles will lead to improved understanding of the factors affecting hatchability of captive-laid eggs and hatchling raising on farms, and improved capacity to provide crocodile meat to satisfy relevant health standards with regard to trace elements (including heavy metals).
Current Progress	Preliminary data on trace element concentrations in captive and wild Saltwater Crocodile eggs indicate some differences between wild and captive-laid eggs (eg selenium, lead, tin). The relatively high lead levels recorded in some clutches are thought to have caused by ingestion of prey containing lead shot, and do not appear to have had a significant effect of hatchability. No significant relationship between egg hatchability and trace element concentrations were identified in the 2001/2002 nesting season, and data from the 2002/2003 season are currently being analysed. Egg samples from females housed in unitised pens, fed a commercial mineral supplement, were collected and have been submitted for analysis. All females were offered the same amount of feed and supplement, but the amounts taken varied between females, and they were classified into one of three groups based on the amount actually ingested (low, medium and high). Meat analysis indicated significant differences in trace element concentrations (9 elements) between farms, and additional samples were taken to confirm these trends.


 

Improve processing product development and diversification
 

Project Title	Genetic and reproduction improvements in Australian Water Buffalo
RIRDC Project No.:	DNT-33A
Start Date:	01-Nov-03
Finish Date:	01-Nov-06
Researcher:	Mr Barry Lemcke
Organisation:	Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (NT) Pastoral Division PO Box 3000 DARWIN NT 0801
Phone:	(08) 8999 2263
Fax:	(08) 8999 2043
Email:	barry.lemcke@nt.gov.au
Objectives	· To analyse the existing swamp buffalo data collected at Beatrice Hill since 1983 and derive heritability estimates for the Australian swamp buffalo. Breedplan EBVs to be allocated. · Review and recommend suitable database system to take the Buffalo Industry (meat, milk and stud) satisfactorily into the next 10 years. · Review Australian and world literature and implement AI protocol that suits Australian conditions over multiple locations - trial in as many States as possible.
Current Progress	The first round of Artificial Insemination using Italian and locally collected (US origin) semen was carried out during March 2004 at Beatrice Hill Farm. Twenty three head of mixed breeder buffalo (3 pure River, 14 x 7/8 R, 1xF1, 3x3/8 R and 2 Swamp), the majority being heifers, were inseminated using the Brazilian standard recommended protocol. This uses 2 doses of GnRH and 1 dose of prostoglandin in between, followed by 2 inseminations at 12 hourly intervals, 16 hours after the last GnRH. Pregnancies were checked at 49 days post insemination using ALOKA 500 ultrasound with a 5MHz rectal scanner. 8 pregnancies were confirmed by rectal ultrasound – (all local semen). Further refinement of protocols will be carried out to try and eliminate the need for 2 inseminations, to get the optimum timing for a single insemination – particularly in relation to the cost of imported Italian semen. A second round will occur in June 2004 and then later with purebred River cows that will become available during Aug-Sept 2004.  Initial consultations have occurred with the breeding/database consultant and the NTBIC /ABIC on their long-term requirements for the database to cover milking and meat industry needs. Discussions on the format, information needs, personnel access, no of copies, up-date requirements and methods are currently under-way.


 
 

Project Title	Investigation of the effects of different tannages on tissue structure and physical correlates in ostrich skin
RIRDC Project No.:	UF-9A
Start Date:	01-Jan-02
Finish Date:	31-Dec-04
Researcher:	Dr Christine Lunam
Organisation:	Flinders University of South Australia Dept of Anatomy and Histology GPO Box 2100 ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone:	(08) 8204 4704
Fax:	(08) 8277 0085
Email:	chris.lunam@flinders.edu.au
Objectives	· To promote the sustainability of the Ostrich Industry and improve economic returns to ostrich farmers · To optimise storage conditions for ostrich skins · To improve tanning techniques for ostrich skins · To identify the structure of filoplumes · To disseminate information arising from this study to the Ostrich Industry
Current Progress	The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of cold storage on the preservation of unsalted green ostrich skins. Nineteen skins were purchased in late March from a commercial abattoir. All skins were placed into chilled water prior to allocation to one of three treatment groups. Skins were immersed in a chilled solution of either i) Diamoll® C (bactericide and fungicide) or ii) sodium hyperchlorite or iii) dry coated in hide-salt. All skins were then stored at 6 ºC Five Diamoll®-treated and five sodium hyperchlorite-soaked skins were halved with each skin-half from the same skin allocated to a different treatment group (salted versus non-salted). The remaining Diamoll® C–treated whole skins were not salted. After one week, high bacterial colonisation of all unsalted whole and half skins necessitated washing in sodium hyperchlorite solution. These skins were then either salted or irradiated with ultra-violet light before being returned to cold storage.  Conventional microbiological techniques are being used to identify bacterial and fungal growth on the skins during storage. Effects of deterioration on skin structure are being examined by light and electron microscopy. After the three-month storage period, the skins will be tanned and physical properties of the skins determined.


 
 

Project Title	Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for emu and ostrich farming (Continuing project UWA-52A)
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-71A
Start Date:	01-Jul-02
Finish Date:	31-Mar-05
Researcher:	Dr Irek Malecki
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Faculty of Agriculture Animal Science CRAWLEY WA 6009
Phone:	(08) 9380 2528
Fax:	(08) 9380 1040
Email:	imalecki@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	· Development of a sperm-egg interaction assay for assessment of sperm quality in emu and ostrich · Development of an objective method for diagnosis of reproductive wastage in emu and ostrich flocks  · Development of methods for semen collection from male ostriches · Optimisation of in vitro sperm storage and sperm cryopreservation protocols for emu and ostrich · Determine the requirements of the ostrich blastoderm for successful embro development
Current Progress	Using our in vitro assay that assesses sperm quality we determined that emu spermatozoa are susceptible to low temperatures. For the short term (up to 48 hours) emu spermatozoa survive better at 20°C than at 4°C. Diluents offer some protection and reduce the effect low temperature whereas at 20°C diluents do not appear to be needed for storage. The emu diluent was superior to both poultry diluents (Lake’s and BPSE). Duration of the fertile period in the ostrich was re-investigated using our ostriches in Shenton Park and we found that female ostriches can lay fertilised eggs for up to 4 weeks. Thus, given their 2-day egg cycle, following an insemination female ostriches could produce higher number of fertilized eggs than we initially determined. There is considerable between-female variation in the appearance of the blastoderm in the fresh egg, which does not appear to be reduced with time of pre-incubation storage but it does during incubation. Ostrich blastoderm even though is laid at an early stage it progresses to a final pre-developmental stage within a week of storage at either 15 or 20°C. At 25°C blastoderm development is comparable to that occurring at the incubation temperature (36°C).


 

Improve supply and productivity
 

Project Title	Commercial Silk production practices for an Australian sericulture industry
RIRDC Project No.:	BBC-1A
Start Date:	1 Feb 2004
Finish Date:	31 Dec 2006
Researcher:	Ms. Sarita Kulkarni
Organisation:	Brij Bugtrap Consultancy Pty Ltd 4 Veronica Court NOBLE PARK VIC 3174
Phone:	(03) 9711 5928
Fax:	(03) 9711 7592
Email:	sarita@bbtcpl.com
Objectives	The proposed outcomes will be commercially and economically viable for: · Establish a prototype sericulture farm in South-East Australia mainly in Victoria on a commercial basis. · Establishing rural-based sericulture industry (moriculture, sericulture and silk reeling) in South-East Australia for producing raw silk for the Australian textile market with the potential for future export. · A tested and suitable system for (a) the production of silkworm moth eggs (seed) (b) incubation and rearing of young silkworm larvae (chawki rearing) (c) growing, harvesting and storage of mulberry leaves (d) collection, packaging and transport of cocoons (e) marketing of cocoons to silk spinners (f) reeling unit. · Possible future export opportunities in dried cocoons, raw silk, and other silk by-products and finished products to Asian, and later with European and American markets. · Providing an avenue for the Australian rural community for a home-based remunerative employment program.
Current Progress	The prototype farm is progressing at a steady pace. Presently about 5000 trees have been planted and more are being acquired. The commercial mulberry varieties identified are: Shahtoot (King White), Rubra (Red), Alba (White) and Hick fancy (Black). Another black mulberry with favorable characters suitable for silkworm rearing has been identified and will be commercialized in the future. Leaf samples will be harvested and used for qualitative and quantitative experiments in the next season. An Indian Mulberry variety was successfully imported and cleared by AQIS. A Chinese mulberry variety is in quarantine and will be released in August 2004. A rearing unit will be set up for rearing silkworms on the farm. Negotiations are in process with China to acquire a semi-automatic reeling machine. Chinese delegates will be visiting Victoria to set up collaboration between the two countries. "Sericulture" - as an alternative farming concept is being advertised to local farmers through Expos and Workshops. One of the local farmers has undertaken an overseas trip with the principal investigator to China and successfully completed a course in Sericulture. Various methods of cocoon drying and storing are in process. Overall the project is progressing at a slow pace due to financial and regulatory constrains.


 
 

Project Title	Developing a genetically improved yabby to facilitate farm enterprise diversification
RIRDC Project No.:	CSA-17A
Start Date:	01-Sep-01
Finish Date:	01-Sep-04
Researcher:	Mr Ian Purvis
Organisation:	CSIRO Livestock Industries Locked Bag 1 ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone:	0267 76 1326 (
Email:	ian.purvis@csiro.au
Objectives	The outcome of this research will be a genetically improved strain of yabby which can be used to improve productivity, product quality and sustainability in commercial yabby production enterprises.
Current Progress	The yabby selection project remains on target with annual selection response, as measured by the difference between unselected controls and the average of the 27 selected families, tracking around 12% per generation at the 3rd generation. The 3rd generation progeny showed survival rates of 53% after a 5 month grow-out in commercial sized ponds. To produce the 4th generation, ninety-three mating groups were established in August 2003 from F3 animals, and these yielded 60 full-sib progeny groups for tagging. There were excellent numbers of progeny per litter, averaging more than 200. After evaluating family representation, 3229 juvenile yabbies were tagged and introduced to the grow-out pond. These represented 27 select group families (2695 animals) and the control group (534 animals). These animals will be harvested in June 2004. A business plan has been developed for commercialization of the select strain and the recommendations in the plan have been discussed by the Project Advisory Committee. Discussion with relevant State regulatory bodies has been initiated with a view to determining protocols for use of the select strain by industry. Expressions of interest will be called for partnering with CSIRO and RIRDC to deliver this exciting new resource to commercial growers.


 
 

Project Title	Improved preservation and early stage processing of Australian crocodile skins
RIRDC Project No.:	CWT-3A
Start Date:	01-Sep-02
Finish Date:	01-Sep-04
Researcher:	Dr Stephen Hawkins
Organisation:	CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology Leather Research Centre Locked Bag 10 CLAYTON SOUTH MDC VIC 3169
Phone:	(03) 9545 2397
Fax:	(03) 9545 2363
Email:	stephen.hawkins@csiro.au
Objectives	This project aims to improve the quality and reduce the processing costs of Australian Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skins by developing and implementing processes for fleshing and preservation.
Current Progress	A visit was made to Japan (7/2003) to observe operations, and discuss the views of tanners, on skins that had been preserved and prepared in Australia. It provided great insight into the key issues relating to cost and quality. For example it was determined that provided skins are taken off cleanly from the carcase, with no heavy deposits of meat, any further fleshing by producers attracts no additional payment and risks damage. In consequence, all fleshing operations were discontinued. In order to make grading more accurate and representative of the real significance of faults it was necessary to acquire a detailed understanding of the outcome of various skin blemishes. Marks and damage seen on the raw skins were photographed and tracked through to finished leather in Japan. It was found that some apparently severe faults such as scale erosion may barely show up in the leather whereas small isolated ‘brown spot’ infections can cause deep pitting. Even faint scars from teeth may show clearly in the leather and should be considered serious. In the area of preservation, salt alone has been found not to be an adequate preservative and skins treated only with salt are routinely heavily contaminated with bacteria as demonstrated by the incidence of "red heat". This organism is often accompanied by less obvious but very damaging bacteria and fungi and its presence indicates a failure of preservation. In addition, dry salting makes skins stiff and causes excessive dehydration and hence shrinkage. An alternative preservation method utilising wet salting (brining) and incorporating biocidal additives has been developed. Pilot scale results demonstrate reliable preservation for at least three months in extreme conditions. This method also improves presentation and area retention.


 
 

Project Title	Crocodile farming research: hatching to harvest
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-287A
Start Date:	01-Nov-01
Finish Date:	01-Nov-04
Researcher:	Mr Steve Peucker
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810
Phone:	(07) 4722 2608
Fax:	(07) 4778 2970
Email:	steve.peucker@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· To further develop a nutritionally balanced pelleted feed which enhances growth rates and is cost/benefit efficient · To conduct environmental research which produces outcomes which meet DPI's crocodile environmental obligations and is beneficial to industry · To develop housing standards which are commercially beneficial to industry · To implement the genetic program BLUP to improve the breeding performance of captured crocodiles · To continue using the recording scheme CROCTEL to collate industry production and identify problem areas for research · To implement on-farm grower performance recording through CROCTEL · To communicate effectively with industry through industry seminars, workshops, farm visits and written communications (Crocodile Capers and Crocodile Research Bulletin) · To enhance our working relationship with industry and fellow researchers
Current Progress	Nutrition Feed initiation trials with hatchlings have been completed. The trial involved a number of different attractants (liver, prawn, fresh blood etc). Pellets were initially delivered via a 12 hour belt feeder. The attractant combined with the movement of the pellets dropping into the tanks was designed to stimulate a feeding response. A small percentage took feed and therefore put on weight over a 30 day period. However the majority failed to feed and lost weight. From this trial it was deemed that the use of attractants in manufactured feed was not successful and it is not possible to start hatchlings on pelleted feed. A weaning trail has now commenced to further develop and refine weaning strategies and to identify the earliest time that hatchlings can be introduced to manufactured feed. Weaning animals on to manufactured feed should not present much of a problem or cost to industry, as feed consumption in the first few months of the animal’s life is relatively small. Dr Robert van Barneveld has prepared a Strategic Direction document which sets out the group’s research priorities and goals for the current projects term. Housing and Environmental Management – Project Services Queensland were commissioned to examine options for the treatment of wastewater and disposal/reuse of effluent from research facilities. The report outlines theories and design principles which can be utilised by existing and future crocodile farms. CROCTEL – The nesting data-recording scheme continues to be used by industry. Nesting data is due now for collection and collation. Communication 9th edition of the industry newsletter, Crocodile Capers was published in March. It continues to be well received. Dr Perran Ross from the Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) stated, "that it is a very useful technical source" and asked if it could be referred to in the next edition of the CSG newsletter.  The group will be presenting one paper, three posters and a demonstration of the electrical stunning equipment at the upcoming CSG meeting at Darwin. The group continues to provide technical support and is holding workshops for a number of interested parties who are looking at the possibility of farming crocodiles. In November 2003 a seminar was organised which brought together numerous RIRDC funded researchers and industry for face-to-face discussions. Crocprofit CD has been revised and updated and is available for purchase at $220.


 
 

Project Title	On-farm research of pelleted feed for crocodiles
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-300A
Start Date:	01-Dec-02
Finish Date:	01-Nov-05
Researcher:	Mr Steve Peucker
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Qld) PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810
Phone:	(07) 4722 2608
Fax:	(07) 4778 2970
Email:	steve.peucker@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	· Initiate on-farm feeding trials using the most successful pellet diets from the research program. · Implement use of an environmentally friendly and consumer acceptable crocodile feed on farms. · Establish the feeding and growth response for farmed crocodiles on trial (pelleted) diets - the trials will cover hatchlings, juveniles and growers >2 years old. · Purchase of a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) machine or similar equipment so that growth response measurements will be standardised across farms. · Promote growth of lean crocodiles to meet market demand. · Compare on-farm pellet feed costs with traditional diets of chicken heads and kangaroo meat.
Current Progress	On-farm Feeding Trials Oo new on-farm feeding trials have commenced this year. Based on results from 2003 and discussions held at the group’s nutrition workshop it was determined that further research needed to be done in developing feeding strategies and to promote the initiation and intensity of feeding before any new on-farm trials should commence. (See progress report project No DAQ-278A for update on this work).  Koorana Crocodile Farm based at Rockhampton continues to manufacture their own pellets and currently has 1000 hatchlings that have been eating a 50% meat and 50% pellet mix as well as a pellet containing no meat. Feeding of pellets to animals is continuing at the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm. The owner reports that he is satisfied with the progress of animals. Some animals (5 out of 42) have been harvested and growth rates varied between 10-45 grams per day weight gain and 0.6-1.9 mm in body length gain per day. These animals would have been the larger animals within the group so some caution is needed in interpreting these figures; nonetheless results are encouraging. Weight gain figures compare favourably with those compiled in RIRDC project No. WHP-2A with an average of 16 grams per day with a range of 6-22 grams per day. Calibration of Bioimpedience Analyser (BIA) A formula has been developed and equipment has now been reprogrammed which will allow trials to progress. At this stage trials comparing growth rates between pellet and meat fed animals has taken a lower priority in the short term than the projects above. Priority has been given to the attractant/feed initiation work, however the BIA is ready for use when some of the other project goals have been achieved.

Project Title	On farm nutritional strategies to improve the profitability of ostrich farming
RIRDC Project No.:	SAR-37A
Start Date:	01-Jan-02
Finish Date:	01-Jan-05
Researcher:	Dr Phil Glatz
Organisation:	South Australian Research and Development Institute Davies Building Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371
Phone:	(08) 8303 7786
Fax:	(08) 8303 7689
Email:	glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au
Objectives	· Reduce feed costs for ostriches in the finisher stage by utilising least cost high fibre diets · Establish the use of an innovative pasture, crop and ostrich rotation system to reduce cost of feeding ostriches · Establish suitable dryland pastures as alternative to lucerne for ostrich grazing · Improve feeding management techniques to improve skin quality and meat quality of ostriches · Improve the feed conversion ratio of ostriches by demonstrating value of supplementing diets with fibre digesting enzymes · Establish a sustainable farming system for grazing ostriches
Current Progress	Work continues on-farm to establish 2 feeding systems for ostriches as an alternative to the feedlot. The first that was established was a semi intensive rotational grazing system where birds are held in feedlot pens and allocated up to 80% of their commercial diet. During the day they are allowed to forage for 2-3 hours on small paddocks (1 acre) on a rotational basis. Paddocks can be sown to provide a year round or seasonal forage supply. Forage sources being examined are lucerne, phalaris, rye grass, oats and canola. The second system, which is being established, is the extensive system where birds are held in a night pen and allocated 20% of a commercial diet. Birds have free access to 50-acre paddock during the day. The larger paddocks would normally be included in the farms crop/pasture rotation system. Economic fencing has been constructed with a shelterbelt planted as a second line of natural fencing to discourage birds from escaping. The degree, which the feedlot, semi intensive and the extensive system would be utilized, would be dependent on the economic conditions at the time. Assessment of the alternative feeding systems continues.


 
 

Project Title	Determine suitability of 'pasture production' of edible snails in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	SFI-1A
Start Date:	01-Sep-03
Finish Date:	01-May-06
Researcher:	Mrs Sonya Begg
Organisation:	Snail Farming Information Service 2 Sunrise Way ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	(02) 6361 8104
Email:	snails@netwit.net.au
Objectives	Assess the viability of an alternative method of mass producing edible snails for domestic and international trace; model for sustainable economic production and produce and e-commercial/CD presentation and/or website supported by a high-quality publication.
Current Progress	Since commencement of the project in September 2003 a fact-finding trip to Italy was undertaken. A report titled Farming Edible Snails –lessons from Italy was written on findings and published as a booklet by RIRDC and also placed on the RIRDC website. The report created intense media interest resulting in numerous radio and television interviews, articles published in national and regional newspapers and farming and lifestyle magazines. Preparations have begun for establishment of the free-range trial at Orange NSW. Just over 800 square metres is currently being fenced and cultivated for planting. Consultations with an agronomist and horticulturist for the planting plan have been undertaken to ensure proposed crops will be suitable for the climate and snails. A prototype of internal snail fencing has been constructed and a company sourced to manufacture internal snail netting fences based on Helitex that is used in Italy. Variations to the research project resulted in the precooking of over 1000 snails that were provided to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries Food Science Analytical Services for microbiological testing and nutritional analysis. Initial face-to-face discussions have been held with Heliciculture New Zealand to consider the formation of a platform from which a proposed Australasian Standards Association for Heliciculture will be established.

Project Title	Sericulture: Development of a new Community-based Industry in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-96A
Start Date:	01-Feb-01
Finish Date:	31-Aug-04
Researcher:	Dr John Dingle
Organisation:	The University of Queensland School of Animal Studies GATTON QLD 4345
Phone:	(07) 5460 1250
Fax:	(07) 5460 1444
Email:	jdg@sas.uq.edu.au
Objectives	· The proposal outcomes will be commercially and economically viable for: · Establishing rural-based sericulture industry in Australia for producing raw silk for the Australian textile market with the potential for future exports. · Possible future export opportunities in raw silk and other silk products to Asian, European and American markets. · Providing an avenue for the Australian rural community for a home-based remunerative employment program.
Current Progress	Progress in the last year has been the development of an artificial diet suitable for silkworms from hatch to the pupal stage. This capability coupled with the previous development of artificial hatching means that we now have the capability to hatch and grow silkworms all year irrespective of the growing conditions for mulberry trees. In addition, the development of Bt resistance in laboratory strains of silkworms has been proceeding and samples have been taken for DNA molecular analysis. Our application was successful to have silkworms listed as acceptable for import without requiring a permit from the Department of Environment and Heritage. Local mulberry varieties were grown successfully in the field and harvest samples were compared for quantitative and qualitative factors. A mulberry harvester has been designed and built and is undergoing testing. A reeling machine has been purchased and a rereeling machine has been donated, so we now have the capability of harvesting silk from cocoons for testing silk quality. Two staff involved with the project have undertaken overseas trips to learn about sericulture in Japan and China and three papers have been published. Several farmers have expressed an interest in becoming silk producers and assistance is being offered to them.


 
 

Project Title	Dairy products and farming techniques for the sheep milking industry
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-66A
Start Date:	01-Jan-02
Finish Date:	30-Jul-04
Researcher:	Dr Roberta Bencini
Organisation:	University of Western Australia Animal Science Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6009
Phone:	(08) 9380 2521
Fax:	(08) 9380 1040
Email:	rbencini@agric.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	· This project will aid the development of an Australian sheep milking industry by: · Increasing the productivity of dairy sheep by investigating new genotypes (GH transgenic sheep and crosses with local and imported breeds) and nutrition strategies (use of industry by-products and bypass starch) · Developing new sheep milk products suitable for the local and export markets · Developing alliances with industry partners that are currently entering the industry to increase market access and export volume.
Current Progress	We have continued to collect data on the lactation performance of East Friesian sheep crossed with either Awassi or local sheep. The East Friesian x Awassi cross has the greatest dairy potential as it has long lactations and high yields of milk. CSIRO decided not to continue the work with the transgenic GH sheep, so we decided to investigate the dairy potential of 7/8 East Friesian x Poll Dorset Cross ewes kindly supplied by Jane and Bruce Wilde from Jarrah Lea Springs, Nannup. There are currently being milked in our dairy. Two honours students, Mr D Peake and Mr P Hutton, have been working on the content of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) of our sheep and methods to increase it by using oil enriched diets. Another honours student, Ms Sarah Pugh, will feed either whole or crimped canola to increase the concentration of CLA and other unsaturated fatty acids in the milk. Our industry partners (YYH Holdings) have continued to milk sheep and investigated local markets for sheep milk products. Currently they are selling some of their products to UWA staff and students, thus publicizing our project within the community.


 
 

Project Title	Captive breeding and marketing of turtles
RIRDC Project No.:	WMI-3A
Start Date:	01-Oct-02
Finish Date:	01-Mar-05
Researcher:	Prof Grahame Webb
Organisation:	Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd PO Box 530 SANDERSON NT 0812
Phone:	(08) 8922 4500
Fax:	(08) 8947 0678
Email:	gwebb@wmi.com.au
Objectives	To investigate the captive breeding of Hawksbill Turtles and their successful production as a source of stock for commercial raising, and to quantify international market opportunities for freshwater and marine turtle products.
Current Progress	A breeding enclosure was constructed, and conditions have been monitored. Shade cloth covers were built over the enclosure to reduce water temperatures, and evaporative cooling was also employed at the hottest times of the year to assist this. The behaviours recorded when animals were put together in the enclosure were startling. The turtles began mating within the first day, with males being particularly aggressive (eg biting, chasing) towards the females and other males. The mean size of turtle at the time of introduction into the breeding enclosure was 66.6 cm straight carapace length for females (range 58.9-74.6 cm), and 65.5 cm SCL for males (range 60.5-68.7 cm). The males were known to be mature [development of secondary sexual characteristics (tail length) and internal examination of sacrificed animals], but although suspected, it was not known whether the females were yet mature. Examination of females that died during the experimental period indicated follicle development, and females have been crawling out onto the sandy areas and digging test holes. At the time of writing of this report no eggs had been laid. Thus males had matured within 3 years, and females within at least 7 years of age, compared to 10-20 years in wild Hawksbill turtles.


 

Facilitate information transfer, industry development, human capital and community awareness
 

Project Title	The value of Australia's emerging agricultural industries
RIRDC Project No.:	ABA-17A
Start Date:	01-Aug-02
Finish Date:	01-Aug-05
Researcher:	Dr Vern Topp
Organisation:	Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) Manager Agriculture and Trade BARTON ACT 2604
Phone:	(02) 6272 3823
Fax:	(02) 6272 2342
Email:	vernon.topp@abare.gov.au
Objectives	· The objective of this project is to generate a consistent set of statistics about the production, utilisation and value of those agricultural industries in Australia that are defined as 'emerging' by RIRDC (excluding the organic industry).  · The deliverable will be a compendium of statistics that meets a need for basic information about emerging agricultural industries in Australia, an area that is not currently serviced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Current Progress	A statistical compendium has been prepared reporting supply-disposal tables for a range of new or emerging animal and plant industries. The animal industries for which statistics have been collected are: alpacas, buffaloes, camels, crocodiles, emus, deer, goats (meat, cashmere, mohair, dairy), kangaroos, ostriches, and farmed rabbits. The plant industries dealt with are: Asian vegetables, Australian native foods, coffee, essential oils, jojoba, macadamia nuts, olives, pyrethrum, sesame seed, exotic tropical fruits, and wildflowers and native plants. It has been possible to gather reasonably comprehensive (and previously unreported) statistics for the animal industries because there are readily identifiable ‘data-collection points’ for products from these industries. For example, where the products are subject to levy, or must be processed through government-licensed abattoirs. It has proven more difficult to gather data on plant industries because of the lack of already existing data-collection points. Nevertheless, it has been possible to provide a reasonable coverage of statistics for most of these industries. A draft of the statistical compendium was circulated to relevant RIRDC program managers in March 2004. This feedback provided the basis for revisions to statistics for a number of industries. The program managers also identified possible industries to be added for the 2004-05 cycle of this project, particularly plant industries.


 
 

Project Title	Feasibility study for establishing a frog meat industry in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	SAR-52A
Start Date:	01-Jan-04
Finish Date:	31-Jan-06
Researcher:	Dr Phil Glatz
Organisation:	South Australian Research and Development Institute Davies Building Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371
Phone:	(08) 8303 7786
Fax:	(08) 8303 7689
Email:	glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au
Objectives	· To deliver a report on the feasibility of establishing a frog farming industry in Australia with the ultimate objective of supplying frog leg meat to domestic and international markets. · To preliminary assess the consumer and producer markets for frog legs in Australia and in selected overseas markets. · To examine various business and environmental aspects of conducting frog-farming activities based on the experience of existing overseas operations.
Current Progress	To establish if there was an interest in Australia for the development of a frog meat industry a survey form with about 40 questions was distributed to a limited target audience of meat exporters and importers, meat processors, potential frog farmers, restaurants and consumers. A diverse range of opinions was expressed in the survey, with some respondents enthusiastic about establishing a frog meat industry. The major constraints identified in the survey were; 1) obtaining approval to farm a native edible frog, 2) the cost of employing an AQIS inspector at an abattoir, 3) competing against current import prices (US$5.28/kg) from major producers in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China and 4) government levies on farming aquaculture products. Restaurants and consumers indicated that about A$20 for a frog meat dish would be acceptable. Type of dish preferred varied from BBQ, stir-fried, pan-fried or sautéed.  America, Belgium and France are the major importers of frog meat. Currently Australia imports about 12 T of frog meat/annum from Asia.


 
 

Project Title	Programs for commercialisation of new animal products business development
RIRDC Project No.:	WBT-1A
Start Date:	01-May-03
Finish Date:	01-May-06
Researcher:	Mr David Michael
Organisation:	Wondu Business & Technology Services PO Box 1217 BONDI JUNCTION NSW 1355
Phone:	(02) 9369 2735
Fax:	(02) 9369 2737
Email:	dmichael@wondu.com
Objectives	The project aims to enhance the level of understanding about alternative forms and avenues of assistance and the criteria for gaining assistance. It would also aim to improve understanding about how the criterion for assistance changes over time with development of a product, firm or industry and with changing risk profiles. The project would bring together into one document, and possibly a multi-media framework (depending on funding and commercialisation possibilities for a website operation), all the available sources of funding and assistance for producers, processors, distributors and researchers.
Current Progress	The initial Draft Report has been completed and is being reviewed for lodgement to RIRDC in June 2004. The main finding is that there are growing incentives for more commercial linkages with research projects. Researchers seeking continuity of funding for development will need to address this requirement to avoid funding shortages. While government continues to provide the large share of research funds in Australia the preference is for projects that have clear links or partnerships with commercial channels or exit opportunities. In Australia there is also a clear and paradoxical bias towards funding for research projects that are undertaken by researchers from the public sector and against researchers from the private sector. Commercial pressure on researchers is more significant with projects connected with industry (including New Animal Products) than it is with those connected with general welfare such as health and education.  The report structures the research programs and funding sources available around 10 broad sources: 1. Government General. 2. Industry 3. Community 4. Corporate 5. Venture Capital 6. Special Interest, in areas such as biotechnology. 7. International 8. Foundations, Partnerships, Philanthropy and Trusts 9. Education and Scholarships 10. New Animal Product Cross Linkages More generally, it is found that the opportunities for continuity of funding of NAP research projects are stronger where there is a unique product or service benefit from the research in question, but even with this attribute there is no clear path to continuity of funding from commercial sources in Australia because of the limited venture capital market and especially for small start-up operations. This means researchers face the real prospect of what is called ‘bootstrapping’, that is, keeping the research project alive with minimal resources, usually derived from private savings and associates. More optimistically, however, there is evidence that ‘bootstrapping’ can generate successful outcomes.


 
 

Project Title	Adding value along the new animal product supply chain
RIRDC Project No.:	WHP-6A
Start Date:	01-Jan-03
Finish Date:	01-Sep-04
Researcher:	Mr David Michael
Organisation:	Wondu Holdings Pty Limited PO Box 1217 BONDI JUNCTION NSW 1355
Phone:	(02) 9369 2735
Fax:	(02) 9369 2737
Email:	dmichael@wondu.com
Objectives	· Increased knowledge by industry stakeholders of how value is added by collaboration and various levels and combinations of labour and capital along the supply chains · Improved awareness of relative strengths and weaknesses along the supply chains as well as the overall supply chain. · Improved information for quality management systems. · Outcomes that would eventuate from the study would be greater attention to dealing with the underlying sources of cost weaknesses such as small size and utilization of available capacity for small processors and lack of access to raw materials. In addition, raw material suppliers, including livestock producers, would have a better understanding of how and why prices change and value is added along their various supply chains. The output should also enhance R&D decision making by identifying those areas along the chain where most value is created and, in some cases, destroyed.
Current Progress	The project involves construction of supply chains for an estimated 7 new animal product industries – ostrich, crocodile, yabbies, ducks, buffalo, camel and squabs. An activity based costing model is being used. The first four supply chains are fully complete and the remaining three partly complete. The research is more data intensive than initially proposed, due in part to the collection of data from breeding through to restaurant activities.  Among the main findings is that: · Feed accounts for a major proportion of costs in the NAP supply chains. Measures that improve the productivity of feed or reduce its nominal unit cost have significant effects on the end product value. · Improved breeding has unexploited potential in many NAP supply chains to improve productivity without a major impact on supply chain costs. · Recovery of Co-products from offal and other materials are important at the early processing (slaughter stage) and their value can often offset the cost of slaughtering. · Economies of scale in processing and the costs of consolidation of large numbers of small producing units is a barrier to industry competitiveness. Vertical integration has helped some operators to gain a competitive advantage, but this often involves extra risk and significantly more capital.  · Supply chain management and coordination is growing in importance with increased health surveillance and identification of product in all animal based supply chains. This will have implications for all animal product industries and emerge as an important entry barrier.





Last updated: August 2004
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