Rare Natural Animal Fibres - RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT NO	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DAV-202A	Objective drought feeding guidelines for caprines – Phase 2 To provide clearer objective guidelines to all the acceptable quality of water for goats	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
DAV-205A	Making Mohair and Cashmere Attractive to Diversifiers	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
UD-2A	Improving the Quality and Processing Performance of Alpaca Fibres	A/Prof Xungai Wang	(03) 5227 2894	Deakin University

Project Title:	Objective drought feeding guidelines for caprines – Phase 2 To provide clearer objective guidelines to all the acceptable quality of water for goats
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV 202A
Researcher:	Dr. Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries, 475 Mickleham Rd., Attwood, Victoria, 3049.
Phone:	03 9217 4200
Fax:	03 9217 4299
Email:	Bruce.mcgregor@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	The project was divided into three stages. The outcomes for this stage provided: · A survey of the quality of water provided to drought affected Australian non-milch goats; and · An expanded review of scientific reports on the quality of water consumed by goats.
Background	International scientific literature on goat nutrition rarely mentions drought feeding requirements for goats The recently revised Australian Goat Notes, provides a wealth of information for goat managers but the advice it contains on drought feeding goats is based on an article published two decades earlier. The recent review of the nutritional requirements for drought affected goats (McGregor 2003) was prepared under tight deadlines at short notice. It had limited time to locate published data on investigations into the acceptability of saline water for goats. It became apparent during that review that some goat producers were struggling with the provision of acceptable water for their drought-affected goats with reported deaths from saline water and high water transport costs.
Research	The following process was carried out: 1. A survey of saline water provided to drought affected goats. By advising producers and goat networks of the project, 31 samples were obtained from four drought affected States. Water was tested for mineral content. 2. A literature search of published material relevant to the water quality requirements for goats was completed. An updated scientific review was completed.
Outcomes	The project has developed information for the best practice of water provision for goats during drought. When shade is provided, goats consume less water than sheep but when shade is absent, goats drink more water than sheep. Goats prefer saline water with up to 12,500 mg/l TDS compared with fresh water. With saline water, adapted goats are able to maintain food intake with salinity levels up to 9,500 mg/l. Salinity levels greater than this result in a decline in food intake. Goats adapted to saline water appear to be able to tolerate higher levels of salt than sheep and can live on seawater. The length of time required for goats to adapt to water of high salt content is not known. The survey of water provided to goats during the drought indicated that most of the saline water was below the key thresholds for rejection by goats. The data indicate that most supplied water was suitable for goats in a drought situation. One case of deaths from salt toxicity was documented.
Implications	During drought, goat producers should monitor the salinity of their water supply, particularly farm dams. Test results should be checked against the tables of recommended water quality and with the data in this report. When water is purchased or goats are transferred to an unknown water source, the water quality should be checked. Goats can be adapted to tolerate water of relatively high salinity and so purchase of water may be unnecessary.
Publications	McGregor, B.A. (2003). A guide to drought feeding of goats. Agriculture Note AG1088, 6 pp. (Department of Primary Industries: Melbourne). McGregor, B.A. (2003). Nutrition of goats during drought. RIRDC Research Report No 03/016. pp.63 + vii. (RIRDC: Barton, ACT). McGregor, B. (2004). Water quality and provision for goats. Report Phase 2 Project DAV 202A, RIRDC Research Report No 04/036. pp.20 + vi. (RIRDC: Barton, ACT).

Project Title:	Making Mohair and Cashmere Attractive to Diversifiers
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV 205A
Researcher:	Dr. Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Primary Industries Research Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, 475 Mickleham Rd., Attwood, Victoria, 3049.
Phone:	03 9217 4200
Fax:	03 9217 4299
Email:	Bruce.mcgregor@dpi.vic.gov.au
Objectives	The outcomes and research objectives were: 1 To identify the perceived impediments to diversifying into mohair and cashmere production within and outside the industry; and 2. To suggest programs and strategies that industry associations and investors could implement.
Background	The mohair and cashmere industries are established small industries exporting less than 0.5% of the worlds cashmere and 5% of the worlds mohair. Both industries have significant potential to expand. A previous RIRDC sponsored project suggested the mohair industry aim to increase production 250% to 1 million kg. The cashmere industry needs to increase production at least 10 times to obtain some economies of scale and probably 15 times to attract commercial services. While the infrastructure and supply chains exist for larger mohair and cashmere industries, existing farmers and newer landholders have not been attracted to these industries in sufficient numbers to counteract the exit rate. Without a change in strategy these industries will not develop to their market potential and may decline.
Research	Phase 1: Identifying issues relevant to the expansion of the industries. People making diversification decisions evaluate five attributes of an opportunity in formulating their position. A list of 45 questions was developed focused on these attributes. Phase 2: Interviews with people and evaluation of resource material. People interviewed included: service providers, past and present office bearers with industry associations, people requesting information from associations, members and non-members of associations and some large-scale producers. Phase 3: Development of future strategies. A review was completed of principles of selling and the way the selling process is conducted. Based on the collected information, suggested future strategies for government agencies and private sector providers and the industry were developed.
Outcomes	Substantial growth in mohair and cashmere production will be based on profitability and the extent of satisfaction that farmers derive from the enterprise. Appealing to other motives will fail. The current information packages offered by the industry to people inquiring about the enterprise are not sufficient for decision-making by people operating commercially large-scale farm businesses. Specifically industry should: 1. Establish a financial feasibility model and build in current and future benchmarking and financial data that exists in the industry; 2. Implement a communication plan that uses existing information and people in the industry to develop a specific features, advantages and benefits package focused upon the wants and needs expressed by people; and 3. Control more steps of the investment decision-making process.

Implications

Implementing the findings will allow the mohair and cashmere industries to increase their visibility to the broader rural community with greater confidence. Provided the enterprises are attractive to commercial producers, the successful combination of the suggested activities are likely to lead to growth of mohair and cashmere production in Australia. For this to be achieved RIRDC, Mohair Australia and the Australian Cashmere Growers Association must invest in the development of the suggested activities.

Publications

Chaffey, S and McGregor, B. (2003). Making mohair attractive to investors. Final Report DAV 205A, RIRDC Research Report 04/096(RIRDC: Barton, ACT).

Chaffey, S and McGregor, B. (2003). Making cashmere attractive to investors. Final Report DAV 205A, RIRDC Research Report 04/097(RIRDC: Barton, ACT).

Project Title:	Improving the Quality and Processing Performance of Alpaca Fibres
RIRDC Project No.:	UD-2A
Researcher:	Xungai Wang
Organisation:	School of Engineering & Technology Deakin University Geelong , VIC 3217
Phone:	(03) 5227 2894
Fax:	(03) 5227 2539
Email:	xwang@deakin.edu.au
Objectives	Understand and improve the softness of alpaca fibres, yarns and fabrics; alpaca and alpaca/wool blends processing and quality assessment; implication of alpaca classing practice; bleaching and dyeing of coloured alpaca fibres.
Background	This is the first major research on Australian alpaca fibres, processing and product quality.
Research	Properties of Australian alpaca fibres were assessed objectively, under both old and new classing systems. Issues related to alpaca fibre scouring and processing were investigated through processing trials. Quality and softness of alpaca fibre, tops, yarns and fabrics were assessed to highlight the unique characteristics of the fibre. Coloured alpaca fibres were bleached and then dyed to improve demand for the fibres. Alpaca/wool blending trials were conducted to enhance alpaca fibre processibility and develop new products.
Outcomes	·1 Demonstrated benefits of improved alpaca classing practice ·2 Highlighted key issues in alpaca fibre scouring and processing (eg. high ash content, poor sliver cohesion) ·3 Clarified the role of fibre curvature in alpaca/wool blending ·4 Developed a new technique for evaluating fibre softness and demonstrated objectively the superior softness of alpaca fibres ·5 Recommended a recipe for bleaching of coloured alpaca fibres ·6 Examined a range of properties of alpaca fibres, yarns and fabrics. ·7 Provided research training to a postgraduate student and a research fellow
Implications	This project provides first hand data on Australian alpaca fibres and products. It highlights the softness advantage of alpaca fibres which will help the marketing of alpaca fibres and products. Methods of bleaching coloured alpaca fibres are available for the industry.
Publications	Liu, X., Wang, L., and Wang, X., Evaluating the Softness of Animal Fibers, Textile Res. J., Accepted for publication, 2003. Liu, X., Wang, X., and Wang, L., The Resistance to Compression Behavior of Alpaca and Wool, Textile Res. J., Accepted for publication, 2003. Liu, X., Hurren, C. J. and Wang, X., Comparative Analysis of Two Selective Bleaching Methods on Alpaca Fibers, Fibers and Polymers, Accepted for publication, 2003. Liu, X., Wang, X. and Wang, L., A Study of Australian Alpaca Fibres, The 3rd China Int. Wool Textile Conf., Xi’an, China, p102-111, September 2002. Wang X, Wang L and Liu X, Fibre Diameter and its Variation after Blending, Proceedings of the 3^rd China Int. Wool Textile Conf., p355-361, Xi’an, China, Sept. 2002 Liu, X., Hurren, C. J., Wang, L. and Wang, X., Effects of Bleaching and Dyeing on the Quality of Alpaca Tops and Yarns, Fibers and Polymers, Submitted for publication, 2003.

2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT NO	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DAN-221A	Alpaca across-herd genetic evaluation to achieve commercially viable fleece production	Allan Casey	(02) 6391 3812	NSW Department of Agriculture
DAV-191A	Developing a model for progeny testing mohair sires	Mark Ferguson	(03) 5573 0958	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
DAV-200A	Developing processing and production benchmarks for cashmere	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
DAV-209A	Increasing the capability of mohair producers to produce premium fibres	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
UNE-69A	Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats	Dr Stephen Walkden-Brown	(02) 6773 5152	University of New England

Project Title	Alpaca across-herd genetic evaluation to achieve commercially viable fleece production
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-221A
Start Date:	01-Sep-03
Finish Date:	30-May-07
Researcher:	Mr Allan Casey
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Orange Agricultural Institute Forest Road ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone:	(02) 6391 3812
Fax:	(02) 6391 3899
Email:	caseya@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· Establish an Across-herd Genetic Evaluation (AGE) system and commercial AGE service that will allow effective use of all genetic resources and emerging artificial breeding technology so that industry genetic progress is maximised. · Establish and conduct an industry driven, on-farm performance recording system and AGE training program for breeders and commercial producers. · Utilise the AGE database to establish and maintain genetic parameters for commercial production traits.
Current Progress	The Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) AGE Working Party is the driving force behind the project, instrumental in the conduct of all activities and the development of the AGE system. Regional AAA committees have been responsible for the local planning and conduct of Awareness Seminars. Industry funding is significantly ahead of the project budget indication of the industry commitment to the project and its objectives. This first AGE Annual Progress Report provides information on Milestones 1 (BLUP Across-herd Analysis), 2 (Database and Promotion Seminar) and 3 (Establish Stud Breeders Workshop). Milestones 2 and 3 are largely completed, however the flow of data from breeders is restricted at this stage as breeders are finding it difficult to convert their enthusiasm at promotional seminars into performance records and therefore allow regularly AGE analysis to be conducted. BLUP Software has been establish so that Alpaca Across-herd Genetic Evaluation (AGE) can be performed and analysis/reported. The AGE BLUP software, performance analysis-reporting and administrative system has been established. To allow the AGE analysis to be conducted a list of evaluation traits have been finalised and the Alpaca pedigree database has been upgraded to accommodate these and associated records such as date of evaluation. Promotional (awareness) seminars (8 in total) have been completed in all Australian states (except Tasmania – to be held August 2004) and New Zealand. AGE Breeders Workshop booklet has been drafted and is being presently being reviewed by breeders to allow workshops to be conducted in Spring 2004.

Project Title	Developing a model for progeny testing mohair sires
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-191A
Start Date:	01-Oct-01
Finish Date:	01-Oct-04
Researcher:	Mr Mark Ferguson
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic) Agriculture Victoria Pastoral and Veterinary Institute Mt Napier Road HAMILTON VIC 3300
Phone:	(03) 5573 0958
Fax:	(03) 5571 1523
Email:	Mark.Ferguson@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· Provide RIRDC and the mohair industry with a model for applying central progeny testing to goats. · Comprehensively evaluate Angora sires, including a demonstration of their economic merit and performance characteristics using MOPLAN. · Demonstrate the potential impact on profitability of tested sires of superior genetic merit. · Provide training to the mohair industry in the conduct and operation of progeny testing.
Current Progress	The sample and data collection phases of the project were completed with the third shearing held on February 21-22, 2004. A field day attended by 30 growers and interested people, was again held in conjunction with the shearing. The results of the first two shearings were presented and discussed. Kid survival and the need for research in this area was a key topic of discussion. Samples from the second shearing have all been processed and preliminary analysis completed. Samples from the third shearing are currently being tested. Once testing has been completed, all data from all shearings will be analysed together and re-calculation of estimated breeding values will be completed. Project displays have been conducted at Seymour, Victoria and Goulburn, NSW. These displays have enabled mohair producers to gain a better understanding of objective measurement and the benefits of this project. The project will utilise the fibre testing results and pedigree information from UNE-69A (once available) and include this information in the final analysis. Project results have demonstrated that it is possible to select sires that have better than average performance for all important traits. The project is on schedule to be completed by 1^st October 2004.

Project Title	Developing processing and production benchmarks for cashmere
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-200A
Start Date:	01-Sep-02
Finish Date:	01-Sep-04
Researcher:	Dr Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic) 475 Mickleham Road Agriculture Victoria ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4364
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	bruce.mcgregor@dpi.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· This project will facilitate the sustainable economic development of the cashmere industry, by developing new preparation and processing procedures based on objective benchmarks, determining and verifying current production levels of flocks of cashmere goats and determining the current economic potential for harvesting flocks of crossbred Australian cashmere flocks.
Current Progress	Eleven cashmere producers from New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland measured the live weight of yearling and other goats from December 2002 until shearing in mid 2003. This period coincided with a severe drought for many producers. All goats were shorn and fleece samples have been tested for the major determinants of economic value. Testing has included for the first time, clean washing yield, an attribute commonly used in the wool and mohair industries but not measured previously in Australia owing to the protocol for determining cashmere yield. Production benchmarks for two-year-old does at their second shearing were developed. Economic benchmarks for fleece and carcass value were determined. Increasing mean live weight of goats was correlated with increasing economic value. An analysis of across herd performance has shown significant property, age and sex interactions that affected cashmere production, cashmere fibre diameter and other attributes of cashmere. Processing batches have been assembled for the development of processing benchmarks. Processing is scheduled to begin soon. Four grower newsletters and a paper at the National Cashmere Research Conference were circulated. Feedback from producers has been positive with many reporting a change in their management following reflection on the benchmark data.

Project Title	Increasing the capability of mohair producers to produce premium fibres
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-209A
Start Date:	01-Aug-03
Finish Date:	01-Sep-06
Researcher:	Dr Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic) 475 Mickleham Road Agriculture Victoria ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4364
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	bruce.mcgregor@dpi.vic.gov.au
Objectives	· To reduce production of short and cotted mohair by: · Increasing producers' knowledge of methods to reduce the incidence of short and cotted mohair · Evaluate different supplementary feeding programs and mohair harvesting strategies and · Developing knowledge and capability people able to improve their mohair quality and financial returns.
Current Progress	Presentations to introduce this project to producers were made at four field days, two at Horsham, Victoria, and at Goulburn and Burragate in NSW. The project was also the subject of a major presentation at the National Conference of Mohair Australia in Canberra. Total attendance exceeded 100 persons. At the Burragate Field day in August 2003 producers completed a training needs analysis, a focussed learning exercise and inspected a field experiment. An interview for ABC Rural Radio was completed. Training materials have been developed from resource material prepared during RIRDC projects DAV 42A and DAV 192A, the current work and from grower feedback. A trial run of training material was completed at the NATS workshop at Goulburn in March 2004. Analysis of mohair market information has been completed and discussed with Mohair Australia representatives. Field experimentation commenced in 2003 and the first experiment was completed in late August 2003. Planning has been completed for two field trials in 2004 and both experiments have commenced. The impact of different harvesting strategies is being investigated at the DPI research institute at Attwood near Melbourne. The second supplementary feeding experiment commenced at Burragate in NSW. A third site is being investigated.

Project Title	Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-69A
Start Date:	01-Jan-00
Finish Date:	30-Dec-04
Researcher:	A/Prof Stephen Walkden-Brown
Organisation:	University of New England Animal Science School of Rural Science and Natural Resources ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	(02) 6773 5152
Fax:	(02) 6773 3922
Email:	swalkden@pobox.une.edu.au
Objectives	· To determine the extent of genetically-based resistance to the major gastro-intestinal helminth parasite in Australian fibre goats · To determine the extent to which such resistance is associated positively or negatively with major productive characteristics such as body weight, fibre production and mean fibre diameter. · Based on 1 and 2 above, to develop alternative methods for controlling gastro-intestinal helminthiasis which can be integrated with existing methods to reduce the reliance on chemical control and slow the development of anthelmintic resistance. · Based on 3, to improve helminth control in goats leading to increased efficiency and sustainability of fibre production from goats.
Current Progress	Collection of parasitology data from the first 4 kid drops (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) has now been completed and collection of production data from the first 2 kid drops is now completed. There has been a complete analysis of data for the first 2 kid drops and this is in the PhD thesis of Muyiwa Olayemi which has been accepted by examiners subject to revision. Data from this analysis has been presented to Angora breeders at the Mohair Australia AGM and Research Seminar in Canberra on 18/10/03 and to Cashmere breeders at the ACGA cashmere Research Workshop in Newcastle on 7/5/04. The 2002 drop was the last drop of Angora progeny in the project. On the cashmere side, in 2003 there were 347 kids born to 7 new and 1 link sires from 365 does joined giving a kidding percentage was 95%. Of these 165 female kids were weaned and used in the project. Natural faecal egg counts for these kids were again extremely low, this time not due to drought. However artificial challenge was successful as usual. Ms Bolormaa Sunduimijid a PhD student from Mongolia has joined the project and will carry out much of the molecular work. She has identified some 1050 DNA samples from the project as suitable for microsatellite marker testing, and has developed PCR reactions for 13 markers at UNE. The samples are currently being genotyped for these markers which will confirm pedigree for each animal.