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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007
To Fodder Crops Research in Progress
2.5 Fodder Crops Completed Projects PROJECT No
PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION Plant Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation
AAB-1A Development of research protocols for the export hay industry Mr Michael Faulkner (08) 8843 4282 Agrilink Agricultural Consultants Pty Ltd SAR-50A Development of improved oat varieties for hay production: national program Dr. Pamela Zwer (08) 8303 9485 South Australian Research and Development Institute SAR-54A Improve vetch varieties for fodder production Mr. Rade Matic 08 8303 9377 South Australian Research and Development Institute Hay and Silage Production, Processing and Transport
ARR-1A Refined PBS assessment of hay and straw transport for national consideration Mr Rob Di Cristorforo (03) 9881 1611 ARRB Group Limited RDP-2A Best practice super conditioning to produce quality export oaten hay Mr Peter Baker (08) 8842 1103 Rural Directions Pty Ltd Improved Fodder Quality
JLB-3A Development of an integrated R&D project to specify fodder quality - stage 2 Dr John Black (02) 4753 6231 John L Black Consulting UA-64A Fodder quality specification; identifying predictors of preferences between fodders Dr. Dean Revell (08) 8303 7911 The University of Adelaide
New Markets and Products
DAW-103A Developing sustainable fodder crop systems with new annual pasture legumes Mrs Sarah Wickham (08) 9368 3596 Department of Agriculture (WA) Industry Communication and Information Flows
DAW-116A Rapid detection of Rathayibacter toxicus in hay Dr Dieter Palmer (08) 9368 3674 Department of Agriculture (WA)
2.5 Fodder Crops - Completed Projects prior to 2006-2007 PROJECT
NoPROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION Crop agronomy nutrition, disease, weed, pest and micro-organism management
DAN-229A Review of disease constraints to oaten hay production Dr. Gordon Murray (02) 6938 1879 NSW Department of Primary Industries PFA-1A Review of diseases of oats hay: current and future management Mr Pierre Fievez (08) 6389 1666 Pierre Fievez and Associates
Improved Fodder Quality
JLB-1A Development of an integrated R&D activity to specify fodder quality Dr. John Black (02) 4753 6231 John L Black Consulting Industry Bio Security and Environmental Management
EAV-1A Chemical use in fodder crops Mr Anthony Flynn (03) 9731 3286 Eureka ! Agresearch (Vic) Pty Ltd New Markets and Products
DAW-103A Developing sustainable fodder crop systems with new annual pasture legumes Mrs Sarah Wickham (08) 9368 3596 Department of Agriculture (WA) ROA-1A Testing and simulation of hay bale loading on semi-trailers Mr. Peter Sweatman (03) 9334 7888 Roaduser Systems Pty Ltd ROA-2A Further testing and simulation of hay bale loading on semi-trailers Mr. Peter Sweatman (03) 9334 7888 Roaduser Systems Pty Ltd PTP-14A Australian Fodder Industry production atlas Mr Arthur Stubbs (03) 9844 1135 Primary Tasks Pty Ltd Plant Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation
SAR-53A Update of growing oat hay book Dr. Pamela Zwer (08) 8303 9485 South Australian Research and Development Institute IPB-2A Evaluation of potential fodder legume and grass crops for dryland hay production Dr. Ross Downes (02) 6255 1461 Innovative Plant Breeders Pty Ltd SAR-31A Development of improved oat varieties for hay end-use Dr. Pamela Zwer (08) 8303 9485 South Australian Research and Development Institute SAR-8A Development of disease resistant, high yielding oat cultivars with enhanced quality for hay production Dr Pamela Zwer (08) 8303 9485 South Australian Research and Development Institute Plant Disease, Weed, Pest and Micro-organism Management
GRS-1A Development of an R&D strategy for quality cereal hay production Dr. Graham Steed (02) 6032 7788 G. R. Steed & Associates Pty Ltd UQ-82A Field testing microbial inoculants for hay preservation Dr. Peter Dart (07) 3365 2867 The University of Queensland UWA-30A Sulla and other forage species for southern Australia Dr Mike Ewing (08) 9380 1876 University of Western Australia CSA-3A Development of a quantitative ELISA for screening fodder for corynetoxins Dr Khin A Than (03) 5227 5731 CSIRO Animal Health UQ-25A Microbial inoculants for hay Peter Dart (07) 365 2867 University of Queensland
Quality Standards
DAV-187A Objective measurement of fodder quality across animal species Mr. Peter Flinn (03) 5573 0915 Department of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic) DRD-4A National forage conservation project reliable laboratory test for silage Dr. AG Kaiser (02) 6938 1852 Dairy Research and Development Corporation CSJ-1A Objective specification of the quality of hays & fodder S Baker, R Dynes, B Purser & D Henry (08) 9333 6000 CSIRO Animal Production DAV-104A Uniform objective system for quality description of Australian fodder products Peter Flinn (03) 5573 0900 Agriculture Victoria DAW-28A Development of exports of oaten hay to Japan - alternative shipping methods CPF De Lima & R Nussey (09) 368 3494 Department of Agriculture SAR-2A Establishment of annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) testing services and protocols for the Australian export hay industry Alan McKay (08) 8303 9375 South Australian Research & Development Institute Industry Communication and Information Flows
DAN-202A Technology transfer of BMP/QA systems for quality lucerne hay production Ms. Mary-Anne Lattimore (02) 6951 2695 NSW Department of Agriculture KDI-6A A publication on fodder systems for Australian farming M. Evans (08) 9478 3343 Kondinin Group DAN-88A Haymaker extension technology for lucerne management Ian Collett (02) 6763 1100 NSW Agriculture R&D Management Monitoring and Review
KAK-2A Assessment of the extent, nature and source of support for a R&D levy for the Australian fodder industry Mr Colin Simpson (02) 6920 8216 Kakadu Pastoral Company P/L Other Related Projects
UQ-23A An evaluation of the fodder potential of tree legume species R.C. Gutteridge (07) 3365 2062 Department of Agriculture
Plant Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation
Project Title Development of research protocols for the export hay industry RIRDC Project No.: AAB-1A Start Date: 01-Jul-04 Finish Date: 31-Jul-06 Researcher: Mr Michael Faulkner Organisation: Agrilink Agricultural Consultants Pty Ltd Phone: (08) 8843 4282 Fax: (08) 8843 4292 Email: Faulkner@capri.net.au Objectives To determine where inaccuracy occurs in the conduct of field research and develop a set of protocols for the conduct of field research, sampling procedures and the post sampling treatment of samples.
Background Currently there is no standard protocol for conducting research into the hay industry. This has created doubts about the validity of results due to trial design and implementation, sampling error and the treatment of samples. Results obtained from research trials without proper procedures could be inaccurate or misleading, not comparable between treatments, sites, projects, and researchers and potentially wasteful of research funding and researchers time. Research This project aims to further research some of the methodologies themselves.
- identify where error or variability can occur
- survey researchers on their needs
- promote to industry some research protocols
Outcomes The research clearly demonstrates that methodology has amarked influence on research outcomes and variability. The survey results indicated researchers were not sure if their methodologies produced accurate results and the majority would like to operate with clearly defined protocols that are practical and inexpensive to implement. The field research indicated results can be biased by cutting height, growth stage at which samples are taken, time of the day the samples are taken and how the samples are treated after cutting. Additionally there are implications due to row spacing and inter plot spacing of field plots. Implications This project has indicated there is a need for cereal hay research to be conducted using some standard procedures and protocols. Results will be more meaningful to the industry when this occurs Publications Faulkner M. (In Press). Development of research protocols for the export hay industry. Plant Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation
Implications The release of the first two improved oat hay varieties, Wintaroo and Brusher, generates net benefits of $33.3 million to producers. This represents a return to the Australian economy of $41.36 for every $1 spent on this research project (RIRDC Publication No 05/169). Publications Annual Oat Newsletter Zwer P., Hoppo S. and McCormack P. (2007). Development of Improved Oat Varieties for Hay Production: National Program. RIRDC Publication No 07/054 (web only).
Plant Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation
Hay and Silage Production, Processing and Transport
Hay and Silage Production, Processing and Transport
Project Title Best practice super conditioning to produce quality export oaten hay RIRDC Project No.: RDP-2A Start Date: 01-Jul-2005 Finish Date: 31-Jul-2006 Researcher: Mr Peter Baker Organisation: Rural Directions Pty Ltd Phone: (08) 8842 1103 Fax: (08) 8842 1766 Email: pbaker@ruraldirections.com Objectives To identify and increase the adoption of 'best practice' processes in super conditioning and improve the quality of export oaten hay by: 1. Clarifying the role of super conditioning in the production of export quality oaten hay (versus no super conditioning);
2. Evaluating the effects of different super conditioners on crushing, moisture content, windrow positioning and windrow structure;
3. Quantifying the effect of the super conditioners on the quality of export oaten hay;
4. Developing a 'best practice' extension publication on the super conditioning operation.
Background Super conditioning is a relatively recently adopted practice that is perceived to add value to the haymaking process when compared to cutting alone. It is being practiced by 70-80% of export hay producers with a variety of machine types. There is much debate amongst the farming and contracting community as to the effectiveness of differing mechanisms within machines. Currently there is only anecdotal evidence as to the performance of each, its influence on drying time and moisture content and the quality of the end product. Improving the quality of export oaten hay has the potential to increase farm and industry income levels. It is estimated that improving hay quality with correctly practiced super conditioning could increase grower income by 10-20%. Although the focus is on export hay, project results will also be relevant to domestic hay producers, many of whom are yet to adopt super conditioning as a part of hay production.
Research The objective of the trial was not to provide a recommendation as to the best machine, but rather to observe the different ways that the machines work, and the impact this has on the hay. The trial involved the use of 6 different super conditioners and 1 mower conditioner, and was conducted at paddock scale over 24 hectares. Two self propelled super conditioners were used, along with 4 tractor towed units, whilst the mower conditioner was also self propelled. Three times of conditioning were used: 0 days after cutting (self propelled machines), 2 days after cutting, and 4 days after cutting.
Assessments conducted during the trial were:
degree of crushing of stems, knots and florets
windrow structure, including height, height off ground, windrow width, and windrow uniformity
windrow temperature and humidity
moisture decline of the hay
fresh weight of the windrow
hay quality, including colour, ADF, NDF, WSC, DDM
time from cutting to baling.
Outcomes Machine Setup: Factors to consider in setting up machines are: roller spacing, which will influence straw, knot and floret crushing.
Discbine fronts may cut cleaner and lower than sickle fronts, so may need to adjust to achieve sufficient clearance to reduce impact on high fibre contents.
Differing roller speeds and a tearing action are more aggressive in treating florets. They may disintegrate rather than be crushed.
Windrow Structure
Windrow structure ie total height, width, height off ground really depends on how the machine and discharge chutes are set rather than the machine itself. Use these to adjust so that the windrow is positioned/shaped as you want it.
Crops that have been allowed to dry for a time after mower conditioning and before super conditioning sit higher, and maintain height better than those positioned straight after cutting.
Increased windrow width allows quicker drying but may also result in more bleaching.
Narrow windrows can protect colour but may take longer to dry.
Dense windrows take longer to dry than those that are more open.
A faster operating speed results in a less uniform windrow. This effect is exacerbated as super conditioning is delayed.
Curing Time
Ensure that knots are crushed as curing time is reduced. The mechanism rather than the timing is important here.
Florets need to be crushed. It reduces dry down time, and prevents seed set.
Dryness of knots is the critical factor in making the time to bale decision.
Earlier super conditioning has the potential to dry hay quicker.
Dense compact windrows retain higher humidity and take longer to cure.
Reduced curing time can result in improved hay colour. Increased exposure to sunlight bleaches hay further.
The more aggressive the treatment the faster moisture is lost and the shorter the time to baling
Hay Quality
Super conditioning does not appear to result in a loss of yield compared to cutting alone, nor is yield influenced by time of super conditioning
Super conditioning itself has no major influence on hay quality under ideal conditions (although this may change if adverse weather is experienced). Hay quality can be improved over hay that is mower conditioned only, if machine is set up correctly and conditions allow.
Implications Super Conditioner Machine adjustment and setting up is the most critical part in achieving quality export oaten hay, an operator needs to understand the impact of all aspects of setting up and operating the super conditioner. All machine types/mechanisms work in slightly different manners but are all capable of achieving the desired result for a hay producer. The key factors to consider are roller speed, roller gap, rear discharge chute adjustment and speed of travel, whilst operating the machine, roller pressures and height of cut and cutting system need to be understood to meet the quality required as everyone is tempted to take that bit more to achieve a higher yield but it is most times at the expense of quality. Producing export oaten hay is all about producing a quality product, super conditioning is part of the process to achieving this outcome, if this operation is carried out thoroughly considering all the factors in this report then super conditioning will assist in providing better quality export oaten hay.
Publications Rural Directions Pty Ltd (2007). Best Practice Super Conditioning for Export Quality Oaten Hay Guide. RIRDC Publication No 06/119. Best Practice Super Conditioning for Export Quality Oaten Hay Guide Tri-Fold Brochure.
Project Title Development of an integrated R&D project to specify fodder quality - Stage 2 RIRDC Project No.: JLB-3A Start Date: 01-Jul-2004 Finish Date: 31-Jul-2006 Researcher: Dr John Black Organisation: John L Black Consulting Phone: (02) 4753 6231 Fax: (02) 4753 6295 Email: jblack@pnc.com.au Objectives An integrated research program to produce a nationally uniform fodder quality specification system that is based on the determinants of fodder quality (preference, intake and digestibility) and is suitable for trading hay in the domestic and export industries for different end-users. An effectively coordinated R&D program that:
identifies the determinants of preference for cereal hays by dairy cows and horses and for lucerne hays by horses and allows assessment of the relative preference for any of these hay types by cows or horses
identifies the factors determining digestibility and intake of hays for sheep, allows assessment of the feeding value of any hay for sheep and the ability to predict the feeding value of hays for lactating dairy cows, steers and horses
assesses the potential benefits to the fodder industry of image analysis methodology for quantifying hay quality traits that are currently assessed visually
facilitates the uptake by Australian laboratories of NIR calibrations and other rapid methods for measuring the quality of hays for different animal types
coordinates the activities of the AFIA Quality Evaluation Committee (QEC) to ensure that standard methodology is adopted by keeping the AFIA Methods Manual up-to-date and that similar analytical results are obtained across Australian laboratories by conducting ring tests'.
Background Conserved fodder is used for a wide range of different purposes and the fodder quality' characteristics that best meet the needs for each purpose also vary widely. The fodder production and end-user industries recognise that ideally the quality of each batch of conserved fodder should be defined in a way that can be used to assess its value for each purpose. Objective and accurate measurements of identified hay characteristics are needed if hay is to be priced appropriately for each end use. Research The research project has achieved the following: identified major end-uses for traded hay and defined characteristics that should be measured for hay to best meet specific purposes
developed equations or NIR calibrations for rapid measurement of specified hay quality characteristics
initiated a project on machine vision to measure quantitatively hay characteristics that are currently assessed subjectively
published a Laboratory Methods Manual and distributed it to fodder testing laboratories
facilitated inter-laboratory ring test' comparisons to improve uniformity of analytical results across laboratories.
Outcomes Major outcomes include methods and equations for predicting the quality of any hay sample for specified end uses. A Laboratory Method Manual distributed to fodder testing laboratories and inter-laboratory ring test' comparisons initiated to improve uniformity across laboratories. Implications This project has established the basis for industry sectors to develop hay trading and pricing systems appropriate to their specific end-use. Methods and procedures have been established to reduce the variation between fodder testing laboratories in analytical results. Publications AFIA Laboratory Methods Manual. Black J.L. (2007). Specification of Fodder Quality RIRDC Publication No. 07/124.
Project Title Fodder quality specifications, identifying predictors of fodder quality across animal species RIRDC Project No.: UA-64A Researcher: Dr Dean Revell Ms Sarah Pain
Organisation: The University of Adelaide Discipline of Agricultural and Animal Sciences
Roseworthy Campus
ROSEWORTHY SA 5371
Phone: (08) 9333 6492 Fax: (08) 9383 7688 Email: dean.revell@csiro.au sarah.pain@adelaide.edu.au
Objectives Provide accurate predictions of the acceptability (preference) of fodders by animals based on the chemical, including volatile, and physical 'profile' of the fodder.
Background The daily rate of food intake is the single most important factor affecting animal performance and productivity. The immediate response in feed intake when a new feed is offered, which can be quantified by a preference value' for the feedstuff, has important consequences to animal production and health. For both lactating dairy cows and performance horses, for example, it is important to avoid periods of low intake, as this can have immediate and sometimes longer term consequences to animal performance. The chemical and physical characteristics of hays influence feed intake and animal performance but, until now, there had not been a study of sufficient scale to adequately relate a range of traits of hays to animal preferences. Research 105 oaten hays offered to lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows and Thoroughbred horses, and 70 lucerne hays offered to Thoroughbred horses were used in this study. The intake rate and preferences for all the hays were quantified in a series of tests replicated over time and with different animals, amounting to about 8,500 individual preference tests. Each trial' hay was offered, in separate tests, with four standard' hays that covered a range of qualities. Statistical analyses were undertaken to ensure the findings reported are robust and have relevance to industry. A suite of chemical (nutritive value) traits and physical traits were quantified for the hays. An assessment of the odour profile' was included in the characterisation of the hays. These traits were then related to hay preference values and equations generated to predict hay preference values. A prediction of hay preference directly from the near infrared reflectance spectra (NIRS) was also developed. Outcomes Overall, the average preference value of an oaten hay (i.e., that obtained using the comparisons with all four standard hays) could be predicted from a range of nutritive value traits, typically the contents of ADF, hemicellulose, crude protein and water soluble carbohydrates - with a correlation co-efficient of about 79% with cows and 61% for horses . With lucerne hays offered to horses, the correlation co-efficient increased to 74%. ADF and crude protein contents tended to have the biggest influences on preference values with both cows and horses. The digestibility (IVD) of oaten hay was nearly as accurate in predicting preference values as using the four nutritive value traits of ADF, hemicellulose, crude protein and water soluble carbohydrates. Physical traits of oaten hays could also be used to predict preference values, although not as accurately as the nutritive value traits or IVD. Of the physical traits, shear energy had the largest effect. The use of NIRS to directly predict preference values was encouraging, with the best calibration yielding a co-efficient of variation of 61-81%, depending on the hay (oaten or lucerne) and the animal (cows or horses). Implications These results will allow members of the hay industry to better predict the acceptability (preference value) of hays for dairy cows or horses. The identified predictors of hay preference values are commonly measured traits, so there is a good opportunity for industry to develop prediction equations for their own use. Publications Pain S.J., Franklin-McEvoy J., Cox A., Revell D.K. (2005). The odour profile of feedstuffs as modulators of feed preference in herbivores. Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia 15, 229-236. Pain S.J. and Revell D.K. (In Press) Fodder Quality Specifications: Identifying predictors of preference between hays. RIRDC Publication.
New Markets and Products
Industry Communication and Information Flows
Completed Projects (prior to 2006-2007) - Crop agronomy nutrition, disease, weed, pest and micro-organism management
Improved Fodder Quality
Industry Bio Security and Environmental Management
Implications The fodder industry needs to address the lack of MRLs in most of the chemicals used in fodder production. Recommendations of how this can be approached were provided in this project. The opportunity exists for the fodder export industry to adopt relevant US MRLs while local MRLs are being established. This will largely protect the industry from potential bans. The industry should work with government agencies and R&D Corporations to generate MRLs for fodder crops.
Publications Flynn A. (2005). Chemical use in fodder crops (86 pgs) RIRDC Publication Number R05/092. New Markets and Products
New Markets and Products
New Markets and Products
Project Title Australian Fodder Industry Production Atlas RIRDC Project No: PTP-14A Researcher: Arthur Stubbs Organisation: