|| Home || SEARCH|| Contact || Free Research Publications  ||  Eshop || Privacy Statement ||

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007

BACK TO INDEX

To New Animal Products Research in Progress

1.2 New Animal Products - Completed Projects
Project No.	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
BBC-1A	Commercial Silk Production Practices for an Australian Sericulture Industry	Sarita Kulkarni	(03) 9711 5928	Brij Bugtrap Consultancy P/L
CSA-31A	Identifying and Utilising Genes for Disease Resistance and Doe Health for the Crusader Breeding Program for Meat Rabbits in Australia	Dr Sandra Eady	(02) 6776 1394	CSIRO Livestock Industries
DAQ-312A	Commercial development of export markets for emerging skin industries	Brendan Goulding	(07) 3239 3315	Department of Primary Industries – Qld
DRG-1A	Feasibility Study for Establishing a Snake Farming Industry in Australia	Yoland De Groot	(07) 3891 3037	De Groot International Food Marketing Pty Ltd
FCI-1A	To increase the appreciation of the fine qualities of kangaroo meat among chefs and consumers	Mel Nathan	0413 616 683	Food Companion International
FSA-6A	Composition of New Meats	Dr Ron Tume	(07) 3214 2007	Food Science Australia
LEC-5A	Extending the sustainable management of kangaroo	John Kelly	(03) 6326 8639	Lenah Consultancy
PTP-21A	Farming & Marketing Goat & Sheep Milk Products	Arthur Stubbs	(03) 9844 1135	Primary Task Pty Ltd
SMG-1A	Crusader – a commercial breeding program for meat rabbits in Australia	Michael Bowerman	(02) 6454 4169	Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company
UNS-19A	Choosing Kangaroo: Product and industry attributes and consumer choice behaviour	Peter Ampt	(02) 9385 5677	University of New South Wales
US-138A	The continued development of artificial insemination technology in alpacas	Professor Chis Maxwell	(02) 9351 4864	University of Sydney
WBT-3A	Requirements for NAP Traceability Systems, A scoping study	David Michael	(02) 9369 2735	Wondu Business & Technology Serives
WBT-4A	Adding Value to New Animal Product Supply Chains: Part 2	David Michael	(02) 9369 2735	Wondu Business & Technology Serives
WBT-5A	Emerging animal and plant industries: Their value to Australia	David Michael	(02) 9369 2735	Wondu Business & Technology Serives

 
 
 

Project Title	Commercial Silk Production Practices for an Australian Sericulture Industry
RIRDC Project No.:	BBC-1A
Researcher:	Sarita Kulkarni
Organisation:	Brij BugTrap Consultancy Pty Ltd
Phone:	(03) 9547 7858
Fax:	(03) 9547 7868
Email:	Sarita@bbtcpl.com
Objectives	· Setting up of a prototype sericulture farm in South-East Australia (mainly in Victoria) on a commercial basis.  · Establishing the local varieties of mulberry in large scale and also import international varieties of mulberry and silkworm.  · Establishing a rural-based sericulture industry (moriculture, sericulture and silk reeling) · Develop a tested and suitable system for rearing techniques of silkworm and mulberry plantation. Explore future export opportunities in dried cocoons, raw silk, and other silk by-products and finished products ·1 Provide an avenue to the Australian rural community for a home-based remunerative employment program
Background	Sericulture is practised widely in developed and developing countries, such as Japan and South-East Asia and India. In developing countries, it is essentially a village-based, and welfare oriented industry, capable of providing employment to large sections of the population. Although sericulture has been considered as a subsidiary occupation in rural areas, recent technological developments have made it possible to practice sericulture on an intensive scale, producing greater profits than most other agricultural crops. Annual world production of raw silk in 1999 was about 88,000 tonnes - less than 0.2% of the global textile fibre market – which is valued over 1.8 billion dollars. From the point of view of a national economy the most important benefit of sericulture is that it can be practised on small to medium sized land holdings in rural areas, either as a complementary or main occupation. Silk farming can be practised in combination with other farming such as fisheries, piggery, poultry, and grazing. Australian environmental conditions are very suitable for sericulture development including silkworm rearing and mulberry cultivation. Species of silkworm and mulberry plants have been observed in Australia. Therefore, it may be established as a complementary industry under any agro-climatic conditions and also as a high paying agro-based industry in Australia. The production of raw silk will also be helpful to reduce the import dependency of textile industries in Australia. Opportunities exist for the niche marketing of various silk by-products in international trade.
Research	The following topics were reviewed and researched.  ·1 Evaluation of Silkworm Populations on Local Mulberry varieties in Australia ·2 A study on intercropping in Mulberry Plantations to Combat Weeds ·3 A study on various rearing technologies and their impacts on cocoon production. ·4 Techniques of raising Mulberry saplings in Australia ·5 Contemporary Sericulture Techniques and Methods as practiced in China and India ·6 Development of Silk Industry in Australia with reference to new perspectives ·7 A review of the history in the world sericulture industry was compiled. ·8 General methodologies in silkworm rearing and mulberry plantation
Outcomes	This report evaluates the local population of silkworm varieties on the five mulberry varieties that were identified in Australia. It describes the techniques and methods used for combating the weeds in large commercial mulberry plantations. It describes the selection and development of suitable silkworm and mulberry varieties, and cultivation and harvest methods that enable a sericulture industry to be commenced in Australia. The project developed techniques for raising mulberry saplings for Australian conditions and compiles the contemporary techniques that are presently used in India and China and describes why Australia should have a sericulture industry. The report also recommends methodologies that are practised in producing successful high quality cocoons. It recommends that this information be provided to potential silkworm farmers. It describes how Australia can be a part of the world silk economy. It also recommends that a breeding and development centre be established after clearly identifying the important recommendations and that such a centre should be partly funded from the government so that the industries can progress rapidly.
Implications	This report describes techniques and methods suited to the selection and development of suitable silkworm and mulberry varieties and the cultivation and harvest methods that would enable a sericulture industry to be commenced in Australia. It is recommended that this information be provided to potential silkworm farmers who wish to participate in the fledgling industry. It is also recommended that a breeding and development centre be established and funded to support the new Sericultural industry. Based on a review of the increasing demand for, and decreasing supply of, high quality silks in the world, and Australia’s favourable position in relation to climate and technological capabilities, it is recommended that Australia continue research and development of silk production by both small and large producers supported by government and research agencies. Sericulture can progress in Australia with further investigation into mulberry and international silkworm selection. Investigations are being continued in techniques and practices for mulberry and silkworm which in the near future will be available to develop a package that can be implemented for Australian conditions.  Using international expertise this venture could be successful in producing classquality silk for the international markets. An economic analysis model encompassing most of the practices involving from soil to silk is reported using imported mulberry and silkworm variety
Publications	Various workshops at open days. Individual farmers’ workshops and training at the experimental site. Workshops and posters at meetings in China and India.

 
 

Project Title	Identifying and Utilising Genes for Disease Resistance and Doe Health for the Crusader Breeding Program for Meat Rabbits in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	CSA-31A
Researcher:	Dr Sandra Eady
Organisation:	CSIRO Livestock Industries Locked Bag 1 ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone:	(02) 6776 1394
Fax:	(02) 6776 1333
Email:	Sandra.eady@csiro.au
Objectives	·2 Leading edge genetic improvement program for meat rabbits incorporating innovative and new traits that impact on farmer profitability. ·3 Commercialisation of the Crusader herd at Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company (SMGRC) facility at Bredbo, NSW. ·4 Improved Crusader breeding stock through the conduct of a selection program based on estimation of estimated breeding values (EBVs), index ranking of animals and appropriate mate allocation. ·5 Recommendations for industry on improved management options for rabbit farmers, in the first instance recommendations on kit boxes for improved kitten survival.
Background	The Crusader meat rabbit breeding program commenced selection rabbits for improved growth rate and litter size in 2001. The breeding objective was expanded to include resistance to bacterial infection in grower rabbits in 2003. As well as producing superior livestock for the industry, the project produced management and husbandry information on rabbit reproduction and the Crusader Enterprise Model for estimating gross margins. The current project extended the research on new traits for rabbit selection, commercialised the breeding program and provided additional management and husbandry recommendations.
Research	Scientific advances were made in selection for disease traits in grower rabbits, estimating genetic parameters to allow selection for functional traits related to healthy and productive animals, and in identifying the relative balance to place on these traits compared to production traits such as growth rate and number of rabbits weaned per litter. Feed conversion and doe prolificacy were identified as traits warranting improvement.
Outcomes	Overall progress in the breeding program, as indicated by the average index value of rabbits, has been substantial with a combination of genetic and management improvements lifting gross margins from an estimated $174 to $242 per doe per annum. Of the $78 gain the average index value of animals has improved to +$55 per doe per annum, indicating that a significant proportion of the improvement has been from genetic sources. The transfer and commercialisation of the Crusader breeding program to industry has been successful. A number of critical success factors for setting up an independent industry-based breeding program were identified. Breeding goals for Crusader have been further refined with a primary focus on improving profit for rabbit farmers. Results have demonstrated that selection for disease resistance is feasible. Information on cage equipment, productivity levels and gross margins for the industry has been made available for farmers to bench-mark their performance.

 
 

Implications

The Crusader project has demonstrated that a sophisticated and modern breeding program, estimating breeding values every 3 weeks for index selection of breeding stock every 6 weeks, can be run relatively independently in industry. This may serve as a useful model for other new animal industries. Although there has been significant genetic gain, the Crusader population still lags behind the reproductive performance of European rabbits and the industry in Australia may be advised to investigate options for importation of selected strains of rabbits from Europe.

Publications

Eady, S.J., Garreau H. and Gilmour, A.R. (2007) Heritability of resistance to bacterial infection in meat rabbits. Livestock Science (in press). Eady, SJ, Garreau, H. (2007) Functional traits – can we find practical measures to quantify them and how important are they? In ‘Proceedings of the Association for Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Armidale, Australia’. In press.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Project Title	Commercial development of export markets for emerging skin industries
RIRDC Project No.:	DAQ-312A
Researcher:	Brendan Goulding
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, Queensland
Phone:	(07) 3239 3315x
Fax:	(07) 3221 3896
Email:	Brendan.goulding@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	Facilitate the development of sustainable trade for skins from new animal industries including camel, crocodile, emu and goat.
Background	This project aimed to build upon the findings and outcomes of the previous RIRDC funded project DAQ258A "Identification of market opportunities for skins products of emerging animal industries". This project successfully identified and commenced the development of new export markets for skins and leather from emerging animal industries. To capitalise on these opportunities this project was undertaken to identify new export market opportunities and to further commercialise previously identified opportunities for skins and leather from emerging animal industries.
Research	From reviewing the findings of the previous research project and in consultation with an industry advisory committee established for this project, Italy and the United States were the two target markets selected for this research. Secondary desktop research and primary research through visits to both markets were undertaken for this project.
Outcomes	Export orders of crocodile skins were secured through this project with a high likelihood of repeat orders being place into the future. Relationships were also established with potential export buyers for camel and emu skins suppliers across both target markets. Business leads were also generated for all species in both target markets. Additionally, a supply chain link was established for goat skins to be supplied to an Australian customer.
Implications	This project has demonstrated that potential export opportunities exist and can be commercialised for skins and/or leather from emerging animal industries.
Publications	MacNamara, K, Nicholas, P, Murphy, D, Riedel, E, Goulding, B, Horsburgh, C, Whiting, T & Warfield, B 2003, Markets for Skins and Leather, from the Goat, Emu, Ostrich, Crocodile and Camel Industries, RIRDC publication no. 02/142, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.     Bodger, J & Goulding, B 2003, Distribution of Meat Products From Prospective Australian Animal Industries: crocodiles, emus, game birds, rabbits, hares and snails, RIRDC publication no. 03/023, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.

 
 

Project Title	Feasibility Study for Establishing a Snake Farming Industry in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	DGR-1A
Researcher:	Drs Yoland De Groot, Phil Glatz and Zhihong Miao
Organisation:	South Australian Research and Development Institute
Phone:	(08) 83037786
Fax:	(08) 83037689
Email:	Glatz.phil@saugov.sa.gov.au
Objectives	To deliver a report on the feasibility of establishing a snake farming industry in Australia with the ultimate objective of supplying snake meat to domestic and international markets. To preliminary assess the consumer and producer markets for snake meat in Australia and in selected overseas markets To examine various business and environmental aspects of conducting snake-farming activities based on the experience of existing overseas operations.  To deliver a handbook for Australian farmers on how to establish a snake farm.
Background	There has been a long tradition of eating snake meat in Asia. Australian aborigines also eat snakes. Most of the snake meat has come from the capture of wild snakes which has resulted in the decline of the native snake populations. The biggest threat to snakes is the destruction of their natural habitats. Bitumen roads are a particular danger to snakes because snakes like the warm surface of the road and are run over by vehicles. Snake populations are also threatened by other animals. For example, the poisonous cane toad was introduced to Australia to control an agricultural insect pest. This species has caused significant population decline in snakes because the cane toad’s poison kills the snakes that prey upon it. Human hunting also reduces snake populations. Pythons and boas, which move slowly, are easy to kill and are hunted for their skins and meat. In addition, the numbers of snakes caught from the wild and sold as pets are increased. Snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, both as predators and as prey. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora protects many snake species from being sold for their skins or as pet. To satisfy the market demand for snake meat and protect the loss of native snakes, intensive farming of snakes is a solution. In addition, seasonal variation in the supply of snake meat in Asia provides the opportunity for Australia to develop a snake farming industry.
Research	Results from a survey showed that people from China consume more snake meat compared to consumers in Australia. There are well established snake farms in China (no snake farms are found in Australia), and eating snake meat is a tradition in Asia. All restaurants surveyed in China sell a snake meat dish, none of Australian restaurants surveyed sell a snake meat dish. The survey results showed that the major factor limiting snake meat consumption in China was price and in Australia was culture and image. More snake meat could be consumed if it was readily available and cheap. Of those surveyed more people have eaten snake meat in China (76%) than in Australia (23.3%). The price most surveyed consumers were prepared to pay in China (68% $1-10 per serve) and Australia (46.7%, $1-25 per serve). All surveyed Chinese restaurants served a snake meat dish; none of surveyed Australian restaurants sold snake meat. 16% of the French had tested frog, snake dishes in other countries but not in France. The factors limiting the consumption of snake meat were availability (16%), culture (60%) and availability and culture (24%) in France. French people would like to eat snake meat at home if it is readily available. 40% of surveyed Thai people had tasted snake dishes. 95% of those people tasted at home, 5% at functions. Main factors limiting Thai people to consume snake meat is its availability (66%), other (28%), price (3%) and culture (3%). However, if snake meat were readily available, only 33% of the Thai respondents would eat snake dishes.
Outcomes	The survey results showed that Chinese consumers like snake meat, but the main factor limiting consumption is price. Meat is sold at about $10/kg, skins sell for about $42 each, but this depends on quality. The return is about $226/snake. Snake meat sales are very strong in Europe. The price for snake meat in Europe is $52/kg with snake weight averaging 1.5kg. In USA, meat price is about $35/kg and skin price is about $130/skin (depending on skin quality). There is large shortage of snake supply in China. The price depends on season. Gu et al (2000) reported that the price of snake meat is 2-3 times more expensive in winter than in summer in China. This may give Australian snake farmers an opportunity to export snake meat or live snakes to Asia and Europe. Australia has the natural resources for snake farming, particularly Queensland and Northern Territory. A snake-farming handbook was also produced. It provides information to Australians on how to establish a snake farm, species to use, management and feeding of snakes and prevention and treatment of diseases.
Implications	Consumers in Asia like snake meat due to tradition, its medical value, its delicious taste and high nutrition. The supply of snake meat in these countries is dependent on season. This gives an opportunity for Australia to develop a snake farming industry. Farming snakes is environmentally sound because it protects the native snakes, reduces pesticide use and satisfies the gastronomic taste of snake meat consumers.

 
 
 
 

Project Title	To increase the appreciation of the fine qualities of kangaroo meat among chefs and consumers
RIRDC Project No.:	FCI-1A
Researcher:	Mel Nathan
Organisation:	Food Companion International
Phone:	0413 616 683
Fax:	(02) 9223 7761
Email:	mel@foodcompanion.com.au
Objectives	To increase the appreciation of the fine qualities of kangaroo meat among chefs and consumers
Background	In a bid to make Australia's more marketable, Food Companion International magazine in Australia organized a competition to find amore palatableculinary name for kangaroo meat.
Research	The project found that chefs would make perfect ambassadors for kangaroo meat in the future - they not only make the meat sound delicious and enticing to the consumers, but are the people with all the power and influence.
Outcomes	From a marketing background "A new culinary name for Kangaroo meat" competition may have been a huge breakthrough for the kangaroo meat industry and the first step in selecting a final name for kangaroo meat. The exercise of re-branding kangaroo has given the kangaroo industries a huge push forward. As yet the name has not been adopted by the Kangaroo Industry in Australia. The re-branding competition was a phenomenal success with the Australian public and kangaroo meat consumers worldwide in 40 countries.
Implications	There is currently limited consumer education or marketing for this highly versatile and nutritionally low fat meat, thus restricting the number of consumers eating the product. There is an urgent need for more consumer education including; recipes, educational leaflets, nutritional advice, more trade, consumer magazine coverage. Highly desirable would be interviews with leading celebrity chefs who use it. Without this - we won’t see any boost to sales or image of Kangaroo meat. It may be seen as a missed opportunity, if the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia (KIAA) decides not to follow down the path of re-branding kangaroo meat. Taking a 2-5 year time frame could be seen as too conservative. Without working towards any marketing strategies now - could result in reduced marketing opportunities in the future. Consumer education will aid in creating future opportunities. The time is ripe to initiate the consumer education process ie; in supermarkets with in-store demonstrations and possibly another competition so more Australians can play a part. Wholesale foodservice distributors could also play a major part in campaigns to attract more chefs to use the meat featuring recipe ideas, ways and how to prepare and cuts and nutritional information.

 
 
 
 

Project Title	Composition of New Meats
RIRDC Project No.:	FSA-6A
Researcher:	Ian Eustace, Ron Tume and Shane Beilken
Organisation:	Food Science Australia
Phone:	(07) 3214 2000
Fax:	(07) 3214 2103
Email:	Ian Eustace@csiro.au, Ron.Tume@csiro.au, Shane.Beilken@csiro.au
Objectives	To collect commercially representative samples of meat from nominated species, analyse them using standard procedures, and report the results in a format that is compatible with the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) nutrient database.
Background	The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation receives many enquiries on the chemical composition of meat from animals being raised in new livestock industries. Frequently the information is being sought for nutrition information panels that comply with requirements of the FSANZ Food Standards Code. FSANZ provides access to a nutrient database, Nutrition Panel Calculator (NPC), which can be used for preparing information necessary for nutrition information panels on product labels (Standard 1.2.8 – Nutrition Information Requirements of the Code). The database presently includes information for a number of traditional meats such as beef, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey, and for some others such as rabbit, venison and kangaroo; however, there are many ‘new’ types of meat such as camel and buffalo that have market potential, but as yet have not been analysed. The results of this study have been expressed so they are directly comparable with the data already in the database for meats such as beef, lamb and chicken.
Research	In consultation with producers and relevant industry organisations, Food Science Australia (FSA) determined the most appropriate meat cuts to be collected for analysis and National Measurement Institute (NMI) was used to undertake the nutritional analyses. Meats analysed were conducted on Swamp buffalo, Riverine buffalo, camel, crocodile, ostrich, emu, farmed rabbit and squab species. Two supply sources were identified for each species. Two specific meat cuts (10 replicates) were selected for each species. Where possible, the age and weight of the livestock and weight of the dressed carcases was recorded. The samples were supplied frozen to NMI for nutritional analysis.
Outcomes	The main findings were that most of species evaluated were very low in fat (<3.0%); even cube rolls from Riverine buffalo and camel were only (6-7%). However, squab was very high in fat (25.5%). In percentage terms, the Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA’s) were highest in the non-ruminant species, although the lean cuts of buffalo were also high. For crocodile, ostrich, emu and rabbit, PUFA accounted for 20 to 30% of the total fatty acids. Squab contained the highest proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, largely as a result of its high content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids. The mean cholesterol contents were relatively low (42-54 mg/100 g) for all lean red meats including ostrich, and emu but were higher for crocodile, rabbit and squab (67-84 mg/100 g). The protein contents were in the expected range for all lean meats (20-25%). Sodium contents were similar to other meats, being approximately 40 to 70 mg/100 g.
Implications	This project provides information sought for nutrition information panels that comply with the requirements of the FSANZ Food Standards Code. This information for eight ‘new’ types of meat including buffalo, camel, crocodile, ostrich, farmed rabbit, squab and emu can be used for preparation of the information necessary for the nutrition information panels on product labels.

 
 

Project Title	Extending the sustainable management of kangaroo
RIRDC Project No.:	LEC-5A
Researcher:	John Kelly
Organisation:	Lenah Consultancy
Phone:	0363 267696
Fax:	0363 262790
Email:	Lenah@bigpond.net.au
Objectives	To extend the sustainable management of kangaroo populations into regions not currently covered by Federally approved Management Plans such as Victoria, the Northern Territory and parts of NSW and SA
Background	Some states and regions don’t have a commercial kangaroo harvest for lack of a Federally approved Management Plan. The reasons vary from historic anomalies or old survey techniques being inappropriate through to political policies. The project seeks to address these and encourage authorities to develop suitable Plans to enable commercial harvests.
Research	The project identified all regions not currently harvesting kangaroo which would, given newly emergent survey techniques, be suitable for commercialisation. It then identified why no current harvest takes place and worked with the relevant authorities to encourage development of Management Plans.
Outcomes	Western Australia: Negotiations with CALM (the States environment agency) have resulted in access to all government controlled, non-nature reserve land in WA. This represents large tracts of leasehold and government reserve land which to date the kangaroo industry has not had access to. An example is a very large portion of government land on the northern Nullabor.  New South Wales: The NSW NP&WS is assessing a proposal to adjust existing zones to incorporate considerable areas not currently open for commercial harvest. This includes all the area between the existing south-east zone and the Griffith zone, the area north of the existing south-east zone running east to a line through Bathurst and Mudgee. It may potentially include an area east of the existing Glen Innes zone down to a line through Dorrigo, Grafton and Kyogle. These regions will be surveyed and additional quota issued for them. Victoria: Joint lobby with the Victorian Sporting Shooters Association and Field and Game Australia has been directed at the Minister’s office. An extensive document outlining the advantages of a commercial harvest was presented and a lengthy conversation clarified many questions surrounding the issue. This has been followed up through a change of the Minister and remains an on-going discussion. Northern Territory: The project is negotiating with the NT Ministers office in conjunction with the NT Cattleman’s Associations to develop a Wildlife Trade Option proposal for Federal Government consideration based on a limited harvest in the Barkley Tableland region only. This would at least make a start in the NT. South Australia: SA is conducting survey with the aim of establishing quota in the south-east region of the state.

 
 

Project Title	Farming & Marketing Goat & Sheep Milk Products
RIRDC Project No.:	PTP-21A
Researcher:	Arthur Stubbs & Gaille Abud
Organisation:	Primary Tasks Pty Ltd
Phone:	(03) 9844 1135
Fax:	(03) 9844 4554
Email:	akstubbs@optusnet.com.au
Objectives	Increased productivity and profitability in the goat and sheep milk industries by definition of market requirements and promotion of best farming and manufacturing practices to match product demand
Background	Several recent RIRDC projects investigated various aspects of farming practices, product options and marketing in the dairy goat and sheep industries. These projects amassed a wealth of information but each project recommended more work on farming and marketing goat and sheep milk products
Research	A review of previous projects and relevant information was undertaken followed by widespread consultation with industry stakeholders, collection of market statistics and industry logistics, market surveys, and a comparison with the industries in New Zealand. Technical farm management manuals were produced for the dairy goat and dairy sheep industries
Outcomes	Both industries were found to be in a generally healthy state, growing steadily, and with considerable apparent potential. Critical mass is important and is needed for stability as has been shown by the New Zealand dairy goat industry which is based on a thriving export market. By and large, farming and marketing practices, although differing widely according to the size and location of each enterprise, appear soundly based with little help from primary industry and regulatory authorities.
Implications	The trend to larger farms and stock numbers, with integrated processing and marketing practices, appears to be the likely future path for each industry. This will require higher levels of management both at a farming and business level. Nevertheless the prospects are good as consumers increasingly turn to the specialty food products that these industries supply.
Publications	"Farming & Marketing Goat & Sheep Milk Products"

 
 
 
 

Project Title	Crusader – a commercial breeding program for meat rabbits in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	SMG1-A
Researcher:	Michael & Kathleen Bowerman
Organisation:	Snowy Mountains Gourmet Rabbit Company 3157 Monaro Highway Bredbo NSW 2626
Phone:	(02) 64544 052
Fax:	(02) 64544 352
Email:	bowerman@snowy.net.au
Objectives	· Establishment of the 120 doe crusader herd at Snowy Mountains Gourmet rabbit Company (SMGRC facility at Bredbo, NSW · Database of information, updated weekly as per protocols, to support research and development for genetic improvement in the meat rabbit industry · Improved Crusader breeding stock through the conduct of a selection program based on estimation of estimated breeding values (EBV,s), index ranking of animals and appropriate mate allocation as per protocols provided by CSIRO · Crusader rabbits being used in industry and contributing to improvements in farmers’ profits, through the regular sale of breeding stock · High industry awareness of the availability and benefits of Crusader stock by promotion at field days and in the media. · Recommendations for industry on improved management options for rabbit farmers, in the first instance recommendations of kit boxes for improved kitten survival · Crusader taking a facilitative role in the establishment of a national meat rabbit genetic evaluation program, by assisting in genetically linking rabbit herds by purchasing and swapping of stock
Background	The aim of the project was a successful commercialisation of the crusader project. The commercial farming of rabbits in Australia is growing rapidly and there is a need to establish sound practices that produce high quality disease resistant breeding stock.
Research	The principal beneficiaries of the research are commercial rabbit producers and ultimately the consumer.
Outcomes	Some of the key findings are  ·1 Greater disease resistance ·2 Increased growth rates ·3 Improved productivity ·4 Identification of better farming practices ·5 Availability of information to the commercial rabbit industry
Implications	To increase their chances of success producers should source quality stock and implement better farming practices

 
 

Project Title	Choosing Kangaroo: Product and industry attributes and consumer choice behaviour
RIRDC Project No.:	UNS-19A
Researcher:	Peter Ampt (UNSW) and Katherine Owen (UTS)
Organisation:	Future of Australia’s Threatened Ecosystems (FATE) Program Institute of Environmental Science, Vallentine Annexe, UNSW  Sydney NSW 2052
Phone:	(02) 9385 5677 (02) 9514 3783
Fax:	(02) 9385 5710 (02) 9514 3535
Email:	p.ampt@unsw.edu.au katherine.owen@uts.edu.au
Objectives	·1 Identify key attitudes and issues concerning the use of kangaroo meat by smallgoods and other meat manufacturers and retailers. ·2 Ascertain which features of meat and smallgoods products are important for consumer choice and relate these to kangaroo meat. ·3 Investigate choice behaviour and potential demand of meat consumers to identify the triggers for increased consumption of kangaroo. ·4 Determine the key factors which will increase demand for kangaroo meat products and which encourage use of kangaroo meat by smallgoods and other meat manufacturers.
Background	The kangaroo industry has been growing steadily and kangaroo meat is now present on most domestic supermarket shelves as well as the traditional markets of pet food and export for smallgoods. The Kangaroo Industry Strategic Plan wants to expand the domestic market and has set a target of 80% of kangaroo meat being sold within Australia at prices 10% higher (in real terms) than present. Harvest quotas are being met in most states with demand exceeding supply especially for the primal cuts. A major challenge is to find domestic markets for kangaroo manufacturing meat. This will require greater acceptance of kangaroo meat by meat manufacturers, and this will only happen if they are confident of a positive response from consumers.
Research	The research comprised interviews with manufacturers and retailers, 3 focus groups covering the spectrum of kangaroo consumers, and an online survey of 1590 consumers that included questions covering attitudes to kangaroo meat, current buying and consumption behaviour, and discrete choice experiments and buying scenarios to identify likely demand for kangaroo mince meat, meat pies and deli meats
Outcomes	This project shows a steady increase in the percentage of people using kangaroo meat and the frequency with which they use it. There is potential for kangaroo consumption to grow in all three product areas with the gourmet sector the most likely driver of future demand. It identifies mince as the most promising manufacturing meat product and outlines critical issues around the potential for kangaroo mince, smallgoods and pies.
Implications	Despite being more available, kangaroo meat remains a curiosity. To make kangaroo meat consumption more normal, the industry needs to take a proactive approach in promoting kangaroo as a gourmet alternative that carries health benefits and has a wide variety of uses. It also needs to generate consistent messages of a uniquely Australian resource, that is managed through careful harvesting that is humane and sustainable and that is good for the environment.

 
 

Project Title	The continued development of artificial insemination technology in alpacas
RIRDC Project No.:	US-138A
Researcher:	Professor Chis Maxwell
Organisation:	Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006.
Phone:	(02) 9351 4864
Fax:	(02) 9351 3957
Email:	chism@vetsci.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	Further develop and establish the technology for collection, preservation and artificial insemination (AI) of alpaca semen.
Background	Difficulties in collecting and liquefying semen, and the lack of knowledge about liquid and frozen storage methods were identified by RIRDC project AAA-1A.
Research	Optimal semen collection parameters were determined by investigating a redesigned mannequin, new artificial vagina (AV) liners, addition of an artificial cervix, the presence of females during semen collection, collection of semen into a diluent, and collection of semen into a catalase supplemented diluent. Mechanical (centrifugation, density gradient centrifugation, needling, and pipetting) and enzymatic (collecting of semen into an enzyme-supplemented diluent or addition of enzymes post-collection) methods of semen liquefaction were investigated. The effects of temperature (4 or 15 °C), dilution rate (1:1, 1:2, 1:4), diluent (Androhep®, Biladyl, Lactose, Tris and Triladyl), and the presence of seminal plasma on liquid storage of alpaca semen were also studied. To determine optimal cryopreservation procedures for alpaca sperm, cryodiluents (Citrate, Lactose, Tris, Biladyl), packaging (pellets, 0.25, 0.5 mL straws), freeze rate (dry ice or LN2 vapours), glycerol concentrations (2, 3, 4 %) and SDS supplementation were compared. In addition, the effect of inter and intra-male and seasonal variation on semen quality, methods for the harvesting and preservation of epididymal sperm, and the separation of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm were also studied.
Outcomes	High quality semen was obtained by collection with the redesigned mannequin, new AV liner and addition of Tris diluent to the collection vessel. Liquid storage of alpaca semen at 4°C after 1:4 dilution in Biladyl resulted in the highest survival after 48 h, and pellet-freezing after dilution in lactose cryodiluent produced highest post-thaw sperm survival. Effects of inter and intra male, and seasonal variation on semen quality were determined. The DNA difference between the X- and Y- chromosome in alpacas was determined to be 3.8%, and X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm were successfully separated.
Implications	This project made considerable advances in collection, liquefaction and preservation of alpaca semen, demonstrated the limitations imposed by the viscous seminal plasma and highlighted the need for future research into seminal plasma viscosity which remains the key problem for the development of AI technology. Nevertheless, efficient and reliable methods for semen collection, harvesting epididymal sperm, liquid storage and cryopreservation were established during this project and will hasten the commercialisation of AI with liquid stored semen. Overall, the knowledge gained during this project has made a significant contribution to the scientific field, and the results challenge many of the perceptions associated with the preservation of alpaca semen. However, a long-term research plan is required before AI in alpacas can be commercialised.

 
 

Publications

Maxwell WMC, Leahy T, Morton KM, Marti J, and Evans G. 2007. Seminal plasma effects on ruminant and camelid sperm function during processing for storage and sex-sorting. Reprod. Domest. Anim. (in press).  Morton KM, Bathgate R, Evans G, and Maxwell WMC. 2007. Cryopreservation of epididymal alpaca (Vicugna pacos) sperm: a comparison of Citrate, Tris and Lactose based diluents, and pellets and straws. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. (in press). Morton KM, Rückholdt M, Evans G, and Maxwell WMC. 2007. Preliminary development of sperm-sexing technology in alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Reprod. Domest. Anim. (submitted)  Morton KM, Thompson P, Bailey K, Evans G, and Maxwell WMC. 2007. Quality parameters for alpaca (Vicugna pacos) semen are affected by semen collection procedure. Reprod. Fertil. Dev. (in preparation).  Morton KM, and Maxwell WMC. 2006. The continued development of AI technology in alpacas. Proceedings of the Australian Alpaca Association National Conference.

 
 
 
 

Project Title	Requirements for NAP Traceability Systems, A scoping study
RIRDC Project No.:	WBT-3A
Researcher:	David Michael
Organisation:	Wondu Business & Technology Services
Phone:	61 2 9369 2735
Fax:	61 2 6236 6050
Email:	dmichael@wondu.com
Objectives	·1 The study examined options for business models and priorities for traceability systems that have to contend with small numbers of operators, small sized firms, different valued animals and diverse species and production systems.  ·2 The study aimed to improve the level of understanding about supply chain operator and market needs, as well as regulatory issues, and explore the possibilities for unified traceability systems across several new animal product industries.
Background	The annual value of livestock and products traded from the New Animal Products (NAP) industries exceeds $200 million with about 50 per cent exported. The sub-sector is growing at more than 5%/year, but operators face increasing demands to demonstrate they have effective traceability systems that enable trace-back from retailers through processing to farm production and supply of inputs.
Research	The following activities were undertaken: ·1 Identification and analysis of traceability systems in Australia and overseas.  ·2 Examination of systems and regulations adopted in overseas countries through international survey. ·3 Business model options were identified and examined.  ·4 Identification of the constraints to adoption and priority areas for development were identified. ·5 Description of requirements in systems definition, data collection, organizational development and implementation. ·6 Identification of a program of future research for positioning the NAP industries to take advantage of traceability systems.
Outcomes	The single most important driver of traceability system adoption is the introduction of regulations to meet consumer concerns about the health and security of livestock and food in the supply chain. But over 80% of stakeholders across countries are dissatisfied with their existing traceability systems. Consumers could pay a premium of as much as 7-9% at the retail level for verifiable traceability, though associated characteristics (e.g. animal welfare treatment and meat safety) are even more highly valued than just simply satisfying traceability requirements. The price premium was well above the estimated 1.33% cost of implementation, though there are still significant numbers of people not prepared to pay any premium. Contrary to some beliefs traceability systems do not have to be based on the latest technological wizardry. They can be manual or automated and automated systems can be based on barcodes or RFID.

 
 

Implications

Measuring consumer willingness to pay is a critical requirement for any sustainable traceability business model, yet many industries and countries seem prepared to implement mandatory traceability systems in an ad-hoc way without this information and often with poor compliance processes, few checks and safeguards and little understanding of linkages required along the supply chains. The presence of a large number of consumers not willing to pay a price premium underlines the importance of understanding market segments. The study concludes in favour of non-mandatory traceability systems. Instead, market based systems with a stronger role for brand development is recommended.

 
 
 
 

Project Title	Adding Value to New Animal Product Supply Chains: Part 2
RIRDC Project No.:	WBT-4A
Researcher:	David Michael
Organisation:	Wondu Business & Technology Services
Phone:	61 2 9369 2735
Fax:	61 2 6236 6050
Email:	dmichael@wondu.com
Objectives	·1 Increased knowledge by industry stakeholders of how value is added through collaboration, and various levels and combinations of labour and capital along the supply chains. ·2 Improved awareness of relative strengths and weaknesses along the supply chains as well as for the overall supply chain. ·3 Improved information for negotiating agreements between participants along the supply chain. ·4 Improved information for quality management systems.
Background	New Animal Products (NAP) industries continue to face significant challenges in producing, processing and delivering products for either food or industrial markets. Frequently the firms involved are start-up companies with severe capital shortages and undeveloped distribution channels. At the retail end, NAP enterprises often compete against supply chains of traditional industries, which feature highly developed and technologically advanced information systems and large sized firms, often with multi-national structures. To overcome the high cost problem, there is often a search for niche markets that might be able to generate price premiums to cover higher costs. But the product proliferation that this involves can lead to further fragmentation of supply. If supply-chain participants improved their knowledge of what is happening upstream and downstream from them, they could improve their competitiveness. Supply-chain case studies suggest that improvements in supply-chain management can typically generate cost savings equivalent to five per cent of revenue or seven per cent of costs. Industry turnover of the NAP industries covered by this study is estimated to be more than $30m/year. This suggests potential gross revenue benefits of $1.5m/year for the portfolio as a whole if superior supply-chain management practices are implemented.
Research	This study extends the investigation into the supply chains of New Animal Product (NAP) industries which commenced with RIRDC Project No. WHP-6A. The industries covered in this stage: are dairy goats, emus, rabbits, turkeys, sheep milk and silk worm, with dairy cattle and pigs included as comparative benchmarks from traditional industries.  The importance of supply chain collaboration has been highlighted before, but it has now entered a new phase of pre-eminence. Four developments are set to change the structure, sustainability and outlook for NAP industries: 1.) Growing consumer demand for nutritious, low fat food which is likely to result in declining market share for foods that fail to meet consumer expectations.  2.) Increased feed grain prices as a result of both unfavourable climatic conditions and growing demand for use of grains for industrial products like ethanol.  3.) Growing regulations in support of improved labelling and traceability systems that enable food to be traced from the food product to the feed used by the animal. 4.) Growing cost of labour and limited access to labour in some regions.

 
 

Outcomes	Outcomes from the study include improved information and awareness about the relative cost competitiveness of different NAP supply chains and identification of opportunities for improving competitiveness. This study provides more objective evidence of the drivers of supply chain efficiency.
Implications	These four factors are set to become permanent features of the industry environment and to result in more complex supply chains for NAP industries. The increasingly complex supply chains will feature numerous product differentiation possibilities; growing regulations that are likely to be subject to frequent changes; potential for sharp shifts in demand for products; and competition from new entrants capable of meeting consumer expectations. The positive news is that effective supply chain collaboration is likely to enable participants to deal with complexity and the four threats outlined above
Publications	‘Adding Value to New Animal Product Supply Chains’, RIRDC Publication 04/166.

 

Project Title	The abattoir processing resource for New Animal Products in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	WBT-5A
Researcher:	David Michael
Organisation:	Wondu Business & Technology Services
Phone:	61 2 9369 2735
Fax:	61 2 6236 6050
Email:	dmichael@wondu.com
Objectives	The project aim was to identify and document the abattoirs being used in Australia for processing new animal species.
Background	For the New Animal Products (NAP) supply chains to be internationally competitive the processing activity, and abattoir tasks in particular, take on added importance. Being typically small industries it is an important challenge to start-up and establish an abattoir in a location that can attract sufficient supply of livestock to enable plant capacity to be fully utilized and low processing costs realized.
Research	Data have been collected from abattoir owners and various Commonwealth and State departments of agriculture, health, quarantine, industry and regional development. The data were collected largely by extensive telephone interviews
Outcomes	Improved knowledge about the abattoir resource is expected to be useful for all supply chain participants including producers, processors and support service providers, as well as buyers. It will enable them to make informed decisions about contract processing and plans for development, expansion and procurement of land, labour and capital. Buyers of products are also likely to be interested in knowing where they can source NAP products and what the operational standards are
Implications	There are several implications. First, this could be an ongoing compendium that could be updated, say, every two years, with opportunity to enhance it by establishing an online web site to enable continuous updating of information about processors. Second, it creates the potential for an NAP processing industry that could be used to advance industry policy for processors. Third, the report is expected to be a valuable aid for buyers, especially those in overseas countries.

Site map Contact us Feedback Links Disclaimer Privacy Statement

Last updated: July 2007    Copyright © RIRDC  2007
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/comp07/nap1.html