| Project
Title: |
Ongoing
kangaroo industry up-imaging |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
LEC-3A |
| Researcher: |
John
Kelly |
| Organisation: |
Lenah
Consultancy |
| Phone: |
0363
268639 |
| Fax: |
0363
262790 |
| Email: |
lenah@bigpond.net.au |
| Objectives |
To
improve consumer acceptance of kangaroo products by further improving the
public image of the kangaroo industry. |
| Background |
The
kangaroo industry is one of the few industries in the country which spends
the bulk of its promotional budget on simply defending what it does, rather
than promoting product. The industry comes under regular and attack from
critics that argued that the kangaroo industry utilises iconic wildlife.
Thus the industry has an ongoing and strong need to improve its image in
the general public and defend itself against such attacks. |
| Research |
This
project focused on:
1) Generating positive
media coverage on the kangaroo industry
2) Informing the Australian
government and environmental academic community of the responsible and
ethical nature of the kangaroo industry.
|
| Outcomes |
The
project generated in excess of two pieces of positive mainstream media
coverage on the kangaroo industry for every week of the project’s duration.
Considerable efforts were also devoted towards defending the industry in
several campaigns mounted by radical anti kangaroo industry groups during
the project’s duration.
The project also produced
8 industry newsletters giving extensive information on R&D and the
sustainable and responsible nature of the industry to the government and
academic community. In addition the resources the project generated have
assisted considerable use of the kangaroo industry as a model of sustainable
wildlife utilisation in tertiary training. |
| Implications |
It
appears that during the course of the project public and government support
for the kangaroo industry within Australia has improved considerably. Evidence
is available that this has assisted domestic kangaroo meat market development.
The kangaroo industry should ensure that there are ongoing resources to
promote the industry as environmentally sustainable, responsible and wise. |
| Project
Title: |
A
feasibility study into the commercialisation ofwitchetty
grubs |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
QUT-7A |
| Researcher: |
Bruce
Rich |
| Organisation: |
Queensland
University of Technology
GPO Box 2434 Brisbane QLD
4001 |
| Phone: |
07
3864 5376 |
| Fax: |
07
3864 1304 |
| Email: |
b.rich@qut.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·1 The study set
out to determine the feasibility of the establishment of a commercial production
and processing facility by providing data to inform commercial decision
making by potential investors or developers.
·2 It set out to establish
some of the attributes of witchetty grubs such as the nutritional composition
of witchetty grubs, and to identify resource requirements and production
strategies for a commercial operation. Preliminary market demand was included
as part of the potential of such an establishment.
|
| Background |
The
witchetty grub has traditionally been used by indigenous Australians as
a valuable food source, as a soother for teething infants and as a treatment
for eye sores or open wounds. The witchetty grub is widely known as a bush
tucker food item, but as yet no commercial production facility exists.
This study looks at some of the issues associated with establishing a viable
facility. |
| Research |
A
desk top study was used to establish biological data, regulatory requirements
and nutritional/compositional data. Interviews and site visits to an operating
insect production facility were used to establish facility requirements
and identify major issues associated with establishing a commercial facility.
A financial model was then
applied to determine the level of viability of such an endeavour. |
| Outcomes |
Success
of a commercial facility is centred on the development of a suitable diet
that will allow rapid and continuous larval growth to occur. Even though
facility requirements are relatively simple and capital requirements could
be applied in an incremental development manner, caution is needed. Market
establishment activities are required and preferably relationships with
outlets or brokers established before any significant capital commitment
is made.
As the length of time to
market at this stage is considerable it has been suggested that more than
one bush insect product be pursued in order to spread the degree of risk
and generate revenue in a timely manner. |
| Implications |
The
development of a commercial witchetty grub production facility and market
share establishment will not occur quickly. Relevant permits and licenses
will need to be obtained. As it is being suggested in this study that other
bush tucker insect products could also be included relevant permits and
licenses for these other species would also be required.
A cautious approach is needed
as market establishment, especially the export market sector, is required.
As a commercial entity would be a relatively novel one policy development
and/or compliance requirements may require review. |
| Project
Title: |
Safari
hunting of Australian wild exotic game: extension and commercialisation |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UQ-116A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Gordon Dryden, Assoc. Prof. Stephen Craig-Smith, Dr. Charles Arcodia |
| Organisation: |
School
of Animal Studies The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343 and School
of Tourism and Leisure Management, The University of Queensland, Ipswich,
QLD 4305 |
| Phone: |
07-5460
1255 |
| Fax: |
07-5460
1444 |
| Email: |
g.dryden@uq.edu.au,
s.craigsmith@uq.edu.au, c.arcodia@uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
establish a peak organisation for the Australian professional safari hunting
industry. |
| Background |
On
completion of RIRDC project UQ65A "Safari Hunting of Australian Wild Exotic
Game" we initiated this project to realise the most important of our recommendations
for the future of the professional safari hunting industry: "Establish
a peak commercial hunting body in Australia as soon as is practicable".
This recommendation was based on information that the industry had difficulties
in obtaining appropriate liability insurance, with non-uniform firearms
laws, with the presence of undisciplined people in the industry, and with
lack of recognition by governments and the wider tourism industry. |
| Research |
The
project group, consisting of the chief investigators with support from
the industry especially the NSW Game Council, invited an international
expert in the marketing and organisation of safari hunting, Prof. Laetitia
Radder of South Africa, to visit Australia and speak at two meetings. In
the first, a group of people involved in policy formation about the control
of animal pests was invited to hear the potential of safari hunting as
a tool in exotic animal pest control. The second meeting attracted some
20 professional safari hunters to hear talks from Prof. Radder, the president
of the NT Professional Hunters’ Association, and an expert in tourism.
Following these, the meeting discussed the formation of an industry peak
body. |
| Outcomes |
The
Professional Safari Hunters Association of Australia (PSHAA) was formed
at a meeting of industry members at Coffs Harbour on 16 February, 2006.
A steering committee (Mr. Errol Mason, convenor) is working to develop
a constitution and to incorporate the Association. |
| Implications |
PSHAA
will support the industry by representing it to government and the community,
and setting up a code of practice. |
| Project
Title: |
Co-/By-products
of prospective animal industries: crocodiles, emus, goats, kangaroos and
rabbits |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-320A |
| Researcher: |
Geon
Shim-Prydon and Henry Camacho-Barreto |
| Organisation: |
Trade
Markets and Investment
Queensland Department of
Primary Industries and Fisheries
GPO Box 46 Brisbane QLD 4001 |
| Phone: |
(07)
3239 3067 (07) 3239 3244 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3221 3896 |
| Email: |
geon.shimprydon@dpi.qld.gov.au
henry.camacho@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·1 To identify the
current and potential uses of co-/by-products of the crocodile, emu, goat,
kangaroo and rabbit industries.
·2 To identify potential
market opportunities for co-/by-products from the crocodile, emu, goat,
kangaroo and rabbit industries.
·3 To initiate supply
chain linkages for co-/by-products of the industries for which potential
market opportunities were identified.
|
| Background |
Traditional
livestock industries in Australia, such as cattle and sheep industries,
have developed markets for co-/by-products that have generated additional
income for producers and improved the viability of producing these species.
A 1993 Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) study on edible offal markets
estimates that co-/by-products such as hides, edible offal, tallow and
meal contribute approximately 14 per cent of the total value obtained from
the carcass of cattle.
However, prospective animal
industries rely on only a few products for their income, primarily meat
and skins. By finding new uses and markets for co-/by-products of prospective
animal industries, the potential exists to increase returns and expand
the income streams for the industry, which in turn may create new employment
opportunities in rural communities. |
| Research |
The
research identified current and potential uses for various co-/by-products
of the crocodile, emu, goat, kangaroo and rabbit industry and examined
their opportunities for potential commercialisation. The research information
was collected through industry interviews, retail audits and secondary
research of related literature. |
| Outcomes |
The
co-/by-products for which current and potential uses were identified include:
blood, bones, cartilage, head, skulls, claw, feet, teeth, tail tips, gall
bladder, oil, penis, tongue, liver, brain and innards from the crocodile
industry; oil, eggshells, feathers, cartilage, bones and liver from the
emu industry; offal, blood and colostrum from the goat industry; offal,
cartilage, collagen, head, arms and tail from the kangaroo industry; and
offal, blood, manure, head, ear, feet, tail, skins and skin glue from the
rabbit industry.
Upon examination of production
and supply aspects as well as potential market opportunities for each co-/by-product,
crocodile bones, emu oil, goat offal and rabbit offal were found to be
suited to further exploration of opportunities for commercialisation or
further development of the markets by industries. |
| Implications |
The
research found that some industries—such asemu oil and goat offal—are
currently recovering and commercialising their co-/by-products in a successful
way. However, prior to viable commercialisation further research and testing
into health/medicinal benefits, product development or processing methods
are required for most of the co-/by-products identified. This needs to
be accompanied by detailed market research and market development, which
should include the identification of viable markets, addressing impediments
and/or improving the viability of processing and collection. Achieving
viable volumes is acknowledged by the industry as the major issue in production
of these animal co-/by-products of prospective animal industries.
It also needs to be noted
that the production and utilisation of co-/by- products is dependent on
the development of the main products of the industry. The size and growth
of primary products such as meat, skins and milk will be the main factors
in realising the full potential for most of the animal co-/by-products.
The way traditional industries utilise their co-/by-products will provide
new animal industries with valuable avenues for benchmarking. |
| Project
Title: |
Potential
Markets for New and Emerging Meats |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-216A |
| Researcher: |
Joanne
Bobbitt |
| Organisation: |
Primary
Industries Research Victoria |
| Phone: |
(03)
9217 4200 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9217 4299 |
| Email: |
Joanne.Bobbitt@dpi.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· Identify and prioritise
products and the respective markets to be targeted.
· Identify the key
product attributes that must be met to be successful in the marketplace.
· Map the supply chain
and identify the key barriers to success.
· Assist the elements
of the supply chain to overcome technical issues in maintaining quality
along the cold chain.
· Present the product
to a new market and evaluate the responses.
|
| Background |
Seven
value added meat products were developed in project DAV-182A; one for each
of emu, ostrich, camel, crocodile, buffalo, kangaroo and rabbit meat. These
products have enjoyed positive press within Australia, and have the potential
for exposure in overseas markets (particularly in South East Asia) through
trade launches and similar hosted events. The Australian domestic market
was explored in the RIRDC funded project DAV-215A ‘Novel flavours, products
and safe delivery of alternative meats’. It was considered important to
follow on from the findings of that project by continuing the research
into market access issues for value added meat products. |
| Research |
A
literature review was prepared identifying potential emerging meat products
as candidates for the export component of this project. Information from
this review was used to guide the selection of the rabbit meat for the
demonstration product and Thailand was identified as a market in which
to trial exports of rabbit meat. The components of the cold chain from
processor to international importer were identified and data collected
regarding the temperature at each sector of the cold chain. Rabbits were
assessed for both spoilage organisms and potential pathogens, and shelf
life for two different producers. A luncheon was organised and prepared
at the British Club in Bangkok on Saturday October 15th, 2005
with a group of people from the hospitality industry invited to review
the quality of the rabbit. |
| Outcomes |
Cool
chain was found not to be satisfactory from the freight forwarder onwards.
Microbiological analysis of spoilage and pathogenic organisms indicated
that pathogens were below the limit of detection of the test and spoilage
organisms indicated that the product as presented would have a limited
shelf-life of up to 7 days. The luncheon was a very effective way to obtain
feedback on the market acceptability of the farmed rabbit. The guests felt
it was a relaxed way to try a new product and receive information about
the industry. The product was well received and the quality was adequate. |
| Project
Title: |
Storage
of ostrich skin: Effects of preservation methods on skin structure, physical
properties & microbial flora |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UF-9A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Christine A Lunam & Dr Kristy A Weir |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Anatomy & Histology
Flinders University
GPO Box 2100
Adelaide SA 5001 |
| Phone: |
(08)
8204 4704 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8277 0085 |
| Email: |
chris.lunam@flinders.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
promote the growth and economic sustainability of the Australian Ostrich
Industry by optimising storage conditions of ostrich skins prior to tanning. |
| Background |
Raw
ostrich skins produced in Australia are stored for periods between a few
weeks to one year prior to tanning. The development of optimal short and
long-term storage conditions prior to tanning is crucial to achieve 1st
and 2nd grade finished skins. Factors contributing to downgrading
of the skins include dark patches, rough texture, lamination and reduced
plumping of the feather follicles. These factors are considered to result
from deterioration during storage. |
| Research |
This
project evaluates the effects of different storage conditions for raw ostrich
skins on skin quality after tanning. Treatments addressed are bactericide/fungicide,
storage temperature and storage duration. Hide salt is currently used as
the main preservative of the skins during storage. However, concern is
growing over the detrimental environmental impact of the high salt effluent
released from tanneries. Consequently, the effects of storage of raw skins
without salting on skin quality is assessed. A pilot study was undertaken
to isolate microbial organisms on raw ostrich skins with different storage
regimes. The ability of the isolates to downgrade the skins is discussed.
This report also provides
a detailed description of the structure of ostrich skin at both the macroscopic
and microscopic levels, and discusses how the different storage regimes
result in perturbation of the tissue. Also reported is the structure and
distribution of filoplumes and bristle hairs in ostrich skin. |
| Outcomes |
·1 The skin of the
ostrich and the emu are structurally very similar. In both species the
organisation of the grain and corium layers and the numerous blood vessels
just beneath the surface of the skin accounts for their susceptibility
to lamination and bruising.
·2 The strength and
flexibility of skin in the ostrich, as in the emu, is derived almost exclusively
from the three-dimensional cross-weave arrangement of collagen fibres.
·3 Filoplumes and
bristle hairs form a semi-circular pattern at the base of the feather follicles
in every skin. Their density and distribution between the feather follicles
is highly variable among individual birds.
·4 The data imply
all ostriches farmed in Australia have filoplumes and bristle hairs at
the base of their follicles and it is their distribution between the follicles
that is subject to genetic variation.
·5 A time course of
change in skin thickness occurs with storage duration. Initially the raw
skins become thicker followed by eventual thinning. It is predicted that
bacteria cause minor disruption of the collagen fibres within the first
few days of slaughter. This is followed by dehydration with continued storage.
·6 Collagen fibres
are highly resilient to disruption of their internal organisation. The
ultrastructure of the raw skins, in particular collagen fibres, and tear
strength after tanning are minimally affected by either storage duration
up to five months, salting, storage temperature or bactericide/fungicide
treatment.
·7 Salted skins may
be either cold stored or stored at room temperature for four weeks without
compromising skin quality after tanning. Bactericide/fungicide pre-treatment
of salted skins prior to storage does not improve skin quality.
·8 For long term storage
of several months salting is essential to prevent downgrading of the skins
by bacterial damage. Bactericide/fungicide treatment of the raw skins is
not effective in preventing bacterial damage with long term storage. For
salted skins, cold storage provides no advantage over storage at room temperature.
·9 In the current
study, there was no correlation between the thickness of the raw skins,
skin thickness after tanning and skin quality.
·10 Several species
of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from the skins.
Gram-positive bacteria colonised salted skins stored at either room temperature
or at 4-6° C. Salting totally inhibited the growth of Gram-negative
bacteria. The data suggest that bacteria responsible for collagen degradation
in ostrich skin are Gram-negative.
|
| Implications |
Recommendations
for storage are designed to achieve optimal quality of tanned ostrich skin.
·1 Hide salt is
essential to prevent bacterial growth for storage beyond 24 hours.
·2 Optimally skins
should be tanned within 24 hours of slaughter. To avoid salting, skins
should be soaked in chilled water containing an antibacterial agent immediately
after slaughter prior to transport to the tannery.
·3 Raw salted skins
may be stored for up to four weeks without pre-treatment with bactericide/fungicide.
For long-term storage, pre-treatment with bactericide/fungicide, treatment
with ultraviolet radiation or periodic soaking in sodium hypochlorite during
storage were not effective in preventing bacterial growth.
·4 Dilute sodium hypochlorite
is an effective anti-bacterial agent for short-term storage. This needs
to be removed by soaking prior to tanning as it inhibits even uptake of
dye in the finishing process.
·5 For salted skins
there is no advantage in storage at 4-6° C compared to room temperature.
This effect is independent of storage duration.
Future work
·1 Determine in
all flocks within Australia the distribution of bristle hairs and filoplumes
in ostrich skin by examination of the raw skins after slaughter as well
as scoring of filoplumes in the live bird.
·2 Further classify
the types of Gram-negative bacteria able to colonise raw ostrich skin and
determine the ability of these Gram-negative bacteria to liquefy gelatin
derived from ostrich skin.
·3 Re-apply the identified
isolates to ostrich skin immediately after slaughter to accurately assess
the ability of the isolates to break down collagen in situ. The
integrity of collagen fibres need to be examined by both scanning and transmission
electron microscopy and compared to skin quality and physical properties
after tanning.
·4 Examine the effectiveness
of potassium chloride as a preservative of raw ostrich and emu skin. Potassium
chloride, which in contrast to hide salt is not detrimental to the environment,
is cost ineffective compared to hide salt (98% sodium chloride).
|
| Publications |
Lunam,
CA, Weir, KA, Ruiz, J & Plummer, JL 2003, ‘Storage of green ostrich
skin’, Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium, vol.
15, p. 159. |
| Project
Title: |
On-farm
research of pelleted feed for crocodiles |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-300A |
| Researcher: |
Mr
Steve Peucker |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld)
P.O. Box 1085
TOWNSVILLE. QLD 4810 |
| Phone: |
(07)
4722 2608 |
| Fax: |
(07)
4778 2970 |
| Email: |
steve.peucker@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·1 Initiate on-farm
feeding trials using the most successful pellet diets from the research
program
·2 Implement use of
an environmentally friendly and consumer acceptable crocodile feed on farms
·3 Establish the feeding
and growth response for farmed crocodile on trial (pelleted) diets – the
trials will cover hatchlings, juveniles and growers less than two years
old.
·4 Purchase of a Bioelectrical
Impedance Analysis (BIA) machine or similar equipment so that growth response
measurements will be standardised across farms
·5 Promote growth
of lean crocodiles to meet market demand
·6 Compare on-farm
pellet feed costs with traditional diets of chicken heads and kangaroo
meat.
|
| Background |
Commercial
crocodiles are mostly fed offal by-products from the chicken meat industry
(heads, necks), kangaroo meat and sometimes meat from wild pigs. These
products contain a high percentage of water which is expensive to transport
and delivers no nutrients to animals. There are cheaper ways of getting
water to animals. Uneaten particles of fresh meat diets quickly spoil and
attract flies. This is environmentally unacceptable and causes social problems
when farms are close to urban populations. Manufactured feed offers advantages
on a dry matter basis over traditional meat by-product diets by supplying
greater nutrients, reducing transport costs, decreasing pollution and is
readily available to producers all year round. Manufactured pelleted feed
will also reduce freezing costs and the ultimate objective is to have pellets
that require no refrigeration at all. Special diets can be made for hatchling
and grower and breeder crocodiles and these diets will be formulated to
meet the animal's specific needs. It is supposed that the pelleted feed
will be nutritionally balanced to a far greater degree than the conventional
food crocodile producer’s use now. |
| Research |
· Commercial crocodile
co-operators were sought in Queensland, and NT.
· Co-operators received
pelleted diets based on research results and supplied by the Department
of Primary Industries and Fisheries (Qld).
· A group to look
at condition score methodology was established before on-farm trials commenced.
· A condition index
was developed to measure animals on manufactured pelleted feed and control
diets.
· Outcomes were expressed
in weight, length, mortality, morbidity ('runtism') and cost measurements.
· Technology transfer
was achieved through contact with individual producers, the collective
presentation of results at industry meetings, contact with the Crocodile
Nutrition Group and through industry specific publications including "Crocodile
Capers" and the "Crocodile Industry Research and Development Bulletin".
|
| Outcomes |
Acceptability
of manufactured feed during the on farm trials has proved difficult. Most
farms were not able to successfully wean animals on to a diet consisting
solely of manufactured feed. There were a number of reasons why this happened
including disease outbreak and on-farm management issues. On one occasion
pellet texture appeared to be part of the problem as some animals had difficulty
eating the pellets. Animals have been taken through to harvesting for the
first time during the course of this project. This occurred when animals
used in the research program were retuned to a farm and continued to be
fed manufactured feed. Initial acceptability of adults to manufactured
fed was varied with some farms reporting good acceptability while another
reporting non acceptance.
The cost of experimental
diets based on solely ingredient and transport prices range from $1.23
to $1.43 per kilogram compared with traditional diets of $0.65-$2.00 per
kilogram. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis equipment was purchased and
calibrated for use in measuring body condition in crocodiles. |
| Implications |
The
on farm trials and observations should continue, although they can be difficult
to conduct whilst carrying out the daily operations of a commercial farm.
They play a valuable role in the dissemination of information, results
and provide good feedback for researchers. The benefits that manufactured
feed can make to the industry have been reported previously. Good progress
has been made to date and future projects should build on this information
to make manufactured feed a reality for the Australian crocodile industry.
|
| Publications |
Peucker,
S.K.J. and Jack, R.H. 2005, On-Farm Research of Pelleted feed for Crocodiles.
RIRDC Report no. 06/016 Canberra. |
| Project
Title: |
Determine
suitability of ‘pasture production’ of edible snails in Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SFI-1A |
| Researcher: |
Mrs
Sonya Begg |
| Organisation: |
Snail
Farming Information Service |
| Phone: |
(02)
6361 8104 |
| Email: |
snails@netwit.net.au |
| Webl: |
http://www..snailfarming.net |
| Objectives |
Assess
the viability of an alternative method of mass production of edible snails
for domestic and international trade; reduce the intensive high labour
component of the current method of cultivating snails in Australia; establish
a physical model for sustainable economic production and produce an e-commerce
CD presentation and /or website supported by a high-quality publication. |
| Background |
The
existence of technical and practical information about farming edible snails
on a large scale is limited, especially for Australian environmental conditions.
Only the indoor/outdoor high
labour system has been described by Brendan Murphys’ report for RIRDC on
Breeding
and Growing Snails Commercially in Australia and the principal researcher’s
publication Snail Farming in Australia – a practical guide for beginners.
No research has been conducted
in Australia about the accepted Italian or pasture production system that
has proved less labour intensive, more cost effective and produces better
quality snails.
There was a need to present
an alternative option of snail cultivation and management in Australia
and as more people become involved, the possibility of the formation of
an Australian Snail Producers’ Association. |
| Research |
A
‘model’ pasture production or free-range system was established in Orange
in the central western tablelands as a trial for sustainable economic production,
based on the Italian method of snail cultivation. Microbiological testing
was conducted on nutritional analysis and shelf life of processed snails
and an efficient purging facility to manage large numbers of snails was
established. |
| Outcomes |
The
objectives of the research project were met. It was possible to successfully
breed and grow large numbers of high-quality snails in a pasture production
system in Australia.
Estimates showed the pasture
production method was more cost effective than current methods of farming
snails in Australia today.
The research project demonstrated
that the trial of pasture production or free-range snail production is
unquestionably viable as a means of producing large numbers of high quality
Australian snails.
Results of the microbiological
testing showed snails have a shelf life of nine days stored at 4° C.
Comprehensive results are described in the research report. |
| Project
Title: |
Feasibility
Study of Frog Farming in Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SAR-52A |
| Researcher: |
Drs
Phil Glatz, Zhihong Miao, Yingjun Ru |
| Organisation: |
South
Australian Research and Development Institute |
| Phone: |
08
83037786 |
| Fax: |
08
83037689 |
| Email: |
Glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·1 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.
·2 To preliminary
assess the consumer and producer markets for frog legs in Australia and
in selected overseas markets
·3 To examine
various business and environmental aspects of conducting frog-farming activities
based on the experience of existing overseas operations.
·4 To deliver a handbook
for Australian farmers on how to establish a frog farm.
|
| Background |
There
has been a long tradition of eating frog meat in Europe and Asia. Most
of the frog meat comes from the capture of wild frogs, which has resulted
in the decline of the native frog populations. To satisfy the market demand
for frog meat and protect the loss of native frogs, intensive farming of
frogs is a solution. |
| Research |
To
assess consumer and producers markets a survey on frog meat was carried
out in Australia, Asia and Europe. Thailand and Chinese consumers eat more
frog meat compared to consumers in France and Australia. There are well
established frog farms in Thailand and China and eating frog meat is a
tradition in Asia. It has been traditional for French consumers to eat
frog legs. However, this tradition is changing. The major factor limiting
frog meat consumption is availability. More frog meat could be consumed
if it was readily available. The price most surveyed consumers were prepared
to pay in Thailand was $2-3/kg, China ($1-10/kg) and France ($2-17/kg).
All surveyed Chinese restaurants served a frog meat dish; 63% of Thailand
restaurants; 50% of the French restaurants and only 6% of Australian. To
provide resource material to prospective frog farmers in Australia a handbook
has been produced which gives information on how to establish a frog farm,
species to use, management and feeding and prevention and treatment of
diseases. |
| Outcomes |
The
Frog farming handbook provides advice on how to establish and run a frog
farm to supply potential and local export markets. |
| Implications |
Consumers
in Asia and Europe like frog meat due to tradition, its delicious taste
and high nutritional value but the supply of frog meat in these countries
is dependent on season. Farming frogs is environmentally sound because
it protects the native frogs, reduces pesticide use and satisfies the gastronomic
taste of frog meat consumers. In addition, seasonal variation in the supply
of frog meat in Asia and Europe provides the opportunity for Australia
to develop a frog farming industry. |
| Project
Title: |
Toe-trimming
Training Manual |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SAR-55A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Phil Glatz |
| Organisation: |
South
Australian Research and Development Institute |
| Phone: |
08
83037786 |
| Fax: |
08
83037689 |
| Email: |
Glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
develop a toe-trimming training manual. |
| Background |
Approximately
one-third of ostrich skins and one-half of emu skins are downgraded because
of the presence of scars on the hide. Some of these scars are caused by
claw abrasions. This damage in ratites occurs throughout the growing cycle.
To minimise the incidence of scars that may result from claw injuries,
toe-trimming is practised to blunt the claws enough so that they cannot
damage the skin. In Australia toe-trimming is practiced on most emu farms
and a number of ostrich farms.
Partial amputation of the
toes of ratites has welfare implications. It may cause ratites chronic
pain and to become flatfooted and change their gait. On the other hand
the change in gait may reduce their ability to deliver effective kicks
to other birds during aggressive encounters. In addition the potential
for handlers suffering injuries from declawed birds is reduced. Previous
studies with emus found that toe-trimming reduced aggressive behaviours.
Neuromas were not observed in the toe stumps of year old ostriches indicating
emus may not be suffering from chronic pain.
In ostriches toe-trimming
modifies chick ostrich behaviour and reduces the potential for skin damage
in the first two weeks after hatching. A year old ostrich shows no differences
in behaviour when trimmed. However the toe-trimmed ostriches tend to slip
on wet ground. The evidence indicates that toe-trimming does not compromise
the welfare of yearling ostriches and improves the percentage of A grade
skins by 25%. |
| Research |
A
toe-trimming corresponding group was formed comprised of researchers, RIRDC,
toe-trimmers and ratite producers.
A toe-trimming manual was
prepared by the researchers with the following information;
·1 Key issues relating
to each part of the toe-trimming process. Critical issues were identified.
These were the processes in the toe-trimming protocol that if they go wrong
will cause permanent damage to the toe resulting in poor bird health, production
and welfare.
·2 Record keeping
checklists.
·3 List of targets
to be achieved.
·4 Score sheets for
auditors to monitor, evaluate and verify toe-trim standards.
|
| Outcomes |
This
project met its objective of providing documentation for workplace training
and accrediting of toe-trimmers. However, for the outcomes to be realised,
it requires industry to develop the necessary protocols to ensure that
toe-trimmers are accredited. |
| Implications |
Use
of the training manual for accrediting toe-trimmers is likely to lead to
improved standards of skin quality and bird welfare in the Australian ratite
industry. The accreditation process will ensure that minimum standards
are achieved and best practice is promoted. |
| Publications |
Glatz,
P.C., (2005). Quality assurance procedures to improve skin quality in ostriches.
Proceedings
of the WII World Ostrich Congress, Madrid, pp. 385-389
Glatz, P.C., (2005). Best
practice methods to declaw ostriches to improve skin quality. Proceedings
of the WII World Ostrich Congress, Madrid, pp. 397-400 |
| Project
Title: |
Programs
for commercialisation of new animal products research and development |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
WBT-1A |
| Researcher: |
David
Michael |
| Organisation: |
Wondu
Business & Technology Services |
| Phone: |
02
9369 2735 |
| Fax: |
02
9369 2737 |
| Email: |
dmichael@wondu.com |
| Internet: |
www.wondu.com |
| Objectives |
·1 To enhance the
level of understanding about alternative forms and avenues of assistance
for research and development for new animal products and the criteria for
gaining assistance.
·2 To improve understanding
about how these criteria for assistance change over time with development
of a product, firm or industry and with changing risk profiles.
|
| Background |
One
of the main challenges facing researchers is making the transition from
research to commercial product development, distribution and marketing. It
was against this background that this research project was designed and
developed to provide a link from the often publicly funded research through
to the privately funded commercialisation nature when products emerge. |
| Research |
The
study involved a comprehensive search for R&D funding from government
(federal, state and local) and the private sector. While most of the search
was focused on Australia, several overseas funding sources were also identified,
more as examples than a comprehensive listing of overseas resources. In
addition, the criteria for funding, including priorities and objectives
were examined and a procedure identified for researchers to follow to keep
research projects active. |
| Outcomes |
The
research identifies a large number of R&D funding sources for which
NAP users may be eligible. Funding sources and the criteria under which
they are provided are constantly changing. For this reason the results
of this study are enhanced by a dynamic interface so that new funding opportunities
can be viewed when they become available. The reality is, however, that
many researchers are likely to struggle to obtain funding, in part because
of limited funds available and in part because of limitations in their
own project proposals. There is also some evidence that R&D funding
organisations in Australia favour government researchers, compared to the
US where R&D activity is dominated by private researchers. |
| Implications |
Knowing
when and where to find funds for research and development and commercialisation
is a key component of knowledge management for researchers. The report
and associated web site are aids in this process. Researchers would benefit
from having a considered R&D funding plan; by being prepared to "bootstrap"
tasks to keep projects alive when funding doesn’t immediately emerge; and
by examining overseas sources of funds. |
