Rare Natural Animal Fibres - RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007

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RIRDC Completed Projects in 2006-2007 & Research in Progress as at June 2007
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2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES - COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT NO	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
DAV-209A	Increasing the capability of mohair producers to produce premium fibre	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
NMP-1A	High Specification Classing of Mohair	Dr Doug Stapleton	(02) 6364 2132	National Mohair Pool P/L
UNE-69A	Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats	Dr Stephen Walkden-Brown	(02) 6773 5152	University of Western Australia
US-138A	The continued development of artificial insemination technology in alpacas	Professor Chris Maxwell	(02) 9351 4864	University of Sydney

Project Title:	Increasing the capability of mohair producers to produce premium fibre
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV 209A
Researcher:	Dr. Bruce McGregor
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries, Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic), 475 Mickleham Rd., Attwood, Victoria, 3049, Australia.
Phone:	(03) 9217 4200
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	Bruce.mcgregor@dpi.vic.gov.au
Objectives	To increase mohair producers knowledge and capability to produce premium fibre; and To evaluate different supplementary feeding and mohair harvesting strategies.
Background	The RIRDC Rare Natural Animal Fibre Research and Development Plan 1998-2003 had the objective to improve fibre quality by improved husbandry, clip preparation and reduction of short and cotted fleeces caused by genotype x environment considerations in the mohair industry. RIRDC project DAV 192A quantified both the physical and financial impacts and the extent of poor quality mohair. That project also identified that many mohair producers were neither confident nor capable of managing their goats to produce premium mohair during the year, particularly with young goats during winter. This project was established to undertake some of the recommendations of DAV 192A.
Research	A detailed analysis of factors affecting the market price of Australian mohair was completed. Three field experiments that investigated the nutritional management of weaner kids during the winter half year were completed. The impact of shearing timing, shearing frequency and genotype on mohair production and quality of Australian Angora goats was examined in a two-year long experiment. Information was gained on the mohair quality of weaner goats during a study tour of South Africa. Research was conducted with modern Australian Angora goats to determine the sources and extent of variation in mohair quality between positions within the fleece, with the objective of identifying the most relevant and reliable sites for fleece evaluation. Training workshops were developed and conducted with producers in regions reporting problems with mohair quality.
Outcomes	The size of discounts and premiums that relate to different quality attributes were quantified. Of the attributes that producers can manipulate, mean fibre diameter was by far the most important accounting for 67% of the variation in price. Supplementary feeding of weaned Angora goats can result in live weight gain and mohair production increases during winter provided a sufficient level of feeding can be determined. The results suggest industry practice has been sub-optimal. Shearing practices were shown to affect every objective and subjective attribute of mohair that was evaluated. Goats shorn less frequently grew less mohair that was more likely to be entangled in spring. In the experiment Texan genetics were more associated with this effect but the same problems were identified in South African genetics during inspections of animals in South Africa. The relationships between sampling sites showed that changes should be made to current fleece classing methods. Producer feedback indicated that they valued the learning obtained during this project.

Implications

This project has demonstrated that the mohair market is highly predictive and discriminating against coarse mohair. Improved nutrition and shearing practices can improve both the production and quality of harvested mohair from young weaned Angora goats. Mohair producers can use the materials developed during this project to improve their fleece quality, production, classing and sale. Mohair classing procedures should be modified to reduce the sale of coarser mohair with finer mohair.

Publications

McGregor, B.A. and Butler, K.L., 2004. Contribution of objective and subjective attributes to the variation in commercial value of Australian mohair: Implications for mohair production, genetic improvement, and mohair marketing. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 55: 1283-1298.

McGregor, B., 2005. Premium quality mohair. Agriculture Note 1184, 4 pp. (Department of Primary Industries: Melbourne).

McGregor, B.A., 2005. Mohair and wool price comparison. Mohair Australia News Sheet April p 6.

McGregor, B.A., 2005. Premiums and discounts for Australian mohair. Poster. Department of Primary Industries Attwood. For Mohair Australia National Mohair Workshop.

McGregor, B.A., 2005. Producing premium quality mohair. Poster. Department of Primary Industries Attwood. For Mohair Australia National Mohair Workshop For Mohair Australia National Mohair Workshop.

Project Title:	High Specification Classing of Mohair
RIRDC Project No.:	NMP-1A
Researcher:	Doug Stapleton
Organisation:	National Mohair Pool P/L The Escort Way CUDAL NSW 2864
Phone:	02 63642097, 02 63642132, 0408681610
Fax:	02 63642323
Email:	dougstapleton@bigpond.com
Objectives	To trial the use of Every Goat Tested (EGT) classing of mohair with the production and sale of ultra fine mohair below 21 microns, and lines of mohair with restricted micron range and lower variation. Further, to examine the production and sale of superior fibre on the Australian market
Background	EGT offers a method of classing mohair based on measurement rather than visually assessed fineness. The technique was observed in South Africa as one of two QA initiatives and appeared to result in price premiums of up to double the normal average price. Further, there seemed to be a demand for very fine mohair at prices considerable higher than the "Fine Kid" lines produced in Australia. Innovation in the Australian market seems to be vested in the brokers since they are responsible for pooling or interlotting grower’s mohair for sale. Any technique which increases to accuracy of classing or the quality of offered lines would seem of value to the grower and the industry.
Research	Mohair fleeces were tested and classed for 5 NMP sales. In addition grower lines were tested and placed in traditional sale lines based of test results. A number of small studies were made to examine the relationship between mid side and whole fleece fibre diameter, the results of skirting and removal of stronger neck fibre, and the repeatability of fibre tests on fleeces which seemed not to fall into the expected fineness/diameter relationship. Buyers’ attitudes to superior lines were noted.
Outcomes	Two ultra fine lines of mohair (22.0 and 21.5um) were produced but failed to achieve a significant premium. Fleece weights of only 0.4kg makes testing of such fleeces costly. Seventeen small sale lines of mohair were produced by EGT methods. These lines achieved an average CV(D) of 27.7% compared to 29.5% for traditional matched lines. The EGT mohair sold for an average of $19.62 as opposed to $17.80/kg. Visual classing failed to accurately reflect fibre diameter within younger age groups and age effects remained following visual classing. Mid side fibre diameter appeared to underestimate fleece diameter by between 0.5 and 2 microns with differences being greater at the low end of the range. Buyers pointed to small lot size and a concern about losing EGT fibre to direct sales overseas as important issues. Discounts were observed when brokers’ lines failed to meet micron specification.
Implications	Classers, grower, breeders and judges should not rely on subtle differences in visual fineness. Classers should keep fibre from different age groups separate (especially from young animals up to 2 years of age). While EGT can be applied at a flock level, age separation and grower line testing by brokers is likely to be more effective and simpler, to ensure compliance with micron specification. CV might be examined as a measure of classing accuracy and superior fleece quality. Significant advantages from QA programs might only be achieved when associated with niche marketing and promotion direct to processors.

Project Title:	Breeding for helminth resistance in fibre goats
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-69A
Researcher:	Steve Walkden-Brown
Organisation:	School of Rural Science and Agriculture University of New England ARMIDALE, NSW 2351.
Phone:	02-6773 5152
Fax:	002-6773 3922
Email:	swalkden@une.edu.au
Objectives	To estimate the extent of genetic variation in worm resistance and productivity in Australian Cashmere and Angora goats, the heritability of these traits and phenotypic and genetic correlations amongst them. This is with a view to evaluating alternative control measures for worm infection in goats to reduce reliance on chemicals.
Background	Worm infection is a major threat to goat production and resistance to anthelmintic chemicals (worm drenches) is widespread. The sheep industry has included selection for worm resistance in sheep in industry breeding programs. To do this requires good estimates of the heritability of worm resistance and its association with productivity. There have been no estimates of the heritability of worm resistance in Australian goats. Overseas studies suggest that faecal worm egg count (WEC) has a low to moderate heritability, somewhat lower than that seen in sheep. This study was to obtain genetic parameter estimates for parasite resistance in Australian Angora and Cashmere goats.
Research	A commercial Angora and a commercial Cashmere herd, both near Barraba in Northern NSW formed the resource flocks. WEC, liveweight and a range of blood measurements associated with parasite infection were taken at 3 and 5 months of age during natural infection and at 6 and 6.25 months of age following fixed infection with 10,000 black scour worm larvae. Bodyweight, fleece weight and objective fleece measurements were analysed for the first 2 shearings in Cashmere goats and the first 3 shearings in Angora goats. Data included 4 and 3 kid drops for the two breeds respectively.
Outcomes	Heritability estimates for WEC were variable depending on the age at measurement and type of worm challenge, but were generally low. Heritability estimates for liveweight traits were moderate and those of fleece traits were from moderate to very high. Several blood traits had very high heritability, but genetic relationships with WEC and productivity could not be estimated.
Implications	The project has shown that there is exploitable genetic variation for WEC in Australian goats, but selection for resistance should be approached with caution due to the low heritability estimates and the lack of genetic correlation data with other traits. Findings for other traits are consistent with other published estimates.

Publications

Several journal papers are currently in preparation. Pulbications to date are: Olayemi ME (2004) Genetic resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in fibre-producing goats and sheep. PhD Thesis, University of New England.

Olayemi ME, Walkden-Brown SW, Van der Werf J, Le Jambre L (2001) Preliminary analysis of sire effects on resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection in Angora and Cashmere goats. Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics 14, 203-206.

Olayemi ME, Walkden-Brown SW, Van der Werf J, Le Jambre L (2002) Genetic variability of resistance indicators for gastrointestinal nematode infection in Angora and Cashmere goats. Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France. 7, Communication no 13-30.

Olayemi ME, Walkden-Brown SW, Van der Werf JHJ, Le Jambre LF (2003) Variability in gastrointestinal parasite resistance and productivity in Angora goats. Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics 15, 404-408.

Sunduimijid B (2007) Comparative genetic studies of Angora and Cashmere goats. PhD thesis, University of New England (Submitted)

Walkden-Brown SW, Le Jambre LF, Olayemi ME (2002) The effect of vaccination with irradiated infective larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis on faecal egg counts of Angora and Cashmere goat kids. Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Prod. 24, 366.

Walkden-Brown SW, Olayemi ME, Van der Werf JHJ (2004) Breeding for worm resistance in Cashmere goats. In 'Australian Cashmere Workshop'. Newcastle. (Ed. A James) pp. 19-26. (Australian Cashmere Grower's Association).

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.

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2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES - RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
PROJECT NO	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
ACG-3A	ACGA Merrit a web-based across herd EBV program for the cashmere industry	Dr Andrew James	(07) 3214 2278	Australian Cashmere Growers' Association Ltd
DAN-221A	Alpaca across-herd genetic evaluation to achieve commercially viable fleece production	Colin Langford	(02) 6391 3812	NSW Department of Agriculture
DAV-224A	Adoption of benchmarking to increase production of Mohair	Dr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4200	Department of Primary Industries (Vic)
UWA-85A	National evaluation of sires for the production of quality Cashmere	Stephen Gray	(08) 9573 6219	University of Western Australia

Project Title	National evaluation of sires for the production of quality Cashmere
RIRDC Project No.:	UWA-85A
Start Date:	01-Sep-04
Finish Date:	01-Sep-09
Researcher:	Stephen Gray
Organisation:	University of Western Australia PO Box 29 WUNDOWIE WA 6560
Phone:	(08) 9573 6219
Fax:	(08) 9573 7033
Email:	alandale@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Objectives	Our key strategy is to identify superior sires by central progeny evaluation and provide estimated breeding values (EBVs) for industry to enable them to produce more quality cashmere. It will also foster a national approach for Australian production of more quality cashmere by communicating the outcomes to industry.
Current Progress	Growers were again requested to nominate bucks for evaluation in this the third and final year of matings. Seven bucks were selected from growers around Australia (4 from NSW and one each from Vic, Qld & WA) and semen was collected on farm from these bucks immediately prior to the AI programme in March. Of these cashmere growers five had not previously participated in the project. 307 does were AI’d and pregnancy status was determined by ultrasound 60 days later. The conception rate to the AI was 71% with a range between sires of 48% to 87%. Potential kidding % of does pregnant to the AI is190% with a range between sires of 156% to 215%. The results of the fleece measurements of the first shearing of the 2005 drop animals were presented to the ACGA AGM in Melbourne. These data are also available on the website. The second shearing of the 2005 drop and the first shearing of the 2006 drop has been carried out and is now waiting to be sampled and tested.

Project Title	Alpaca across-herd genetic evaluation to achieve commercially viable fleece production
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-221A
Start Date:	01-Sep-03
Finish Date:	30-May-07
Researcher:	Colin Langford
Organisation:	NSW Department of Primary Industries
Phone:	(02) 6391 3812
Fax:	(02) 6391 3899
Email:	caseya@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· Establish an Across-herd Genetic Evaluation (AGE) system and commercial AGE service that will allow effective use of all genetic resources and emerging artificial breeding technology so that industry genetic progress is maximised. · Establish and conduct an industry driven, on-farm performance recording system and AGE training program for breeders and commercial producers. · Utilise the AGE database to establish and maintain genetic parameters for commercial production traits.
Current Progress	The Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) AGE Working Party is the driving force behind this project. A further 3 ‘Hands On" Breeders workshops have been conducted which brings the total to 12 with over 300 breeders having attended one of these workshops organised by Regional AAA committees. A paper on AGE was presented at the AAA Annual Conference in August 2006 A further 3 analyses of data have been conducted and reported to breeders. The number of studs and animals has increased with each analysis. In the last analysis in May 2007 there were 2111 progeny from 100 studs and 3408 animals the analysis. Data are analysed three times per year to allow breeders to plan when they will submit their data and also to receive their reports. An update on the AGE will be delivered to the next AAA Conference later this year. Three breeding indexes have been designed to assist breeders to select for multiple traits to meet their breeding objectives in their herd. Industry funding is significantly ahead of the project budget indication of the industry commitment to the project and its objectives.

Project Title	Adoption of benchmarking to increase production of Mohair
RIRDC Project No.:	DAV-224A
Start Date:	01-Aug-03
Finish Date:	01-Sep-06
Researcher:	Dr Bruce McGregor
`Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries (Vic) 475 Mickleham Road Agriculture Victoria ATTWOOD VIC 3049
Phone:	(03) 9217 4364
Fax:	(03) 9217 4299
Email:	bruce.mcgregor@dpi.vic.gov.au
Objectives	·1 An annual advisory bulletin and a final report outlining the results of the mohair enterprise benchmarking project. ·2 Provide new documents, available via the internet and the industry web page, based on the analysed data collected from participants. ·3 An assessment of the perceived change in knowledge of mohair producers to the operation and benefits of mohair benchmarking. ·4 Information events will be held for interested mohair producers and the increase in knowledge and change in attitude to these issues will be determined by pre and post event surveys.
Current Progress	Financial data and key performance indicators for mohair enterprises were determined and compared with data obtained from similar sized wool enterprises. The average rainfall for both mohair and wool enterprises was 570 mm. The wool enterprises had about twice the stocking rate of mohair enterprises, 10.3 compared with 5.9 DSE/ha, and they used about 50% more superphosphate, 6.1 compared with 3.8 kg phosphorus/ha. The average net greasy mohair price of $8.37/kg (range $6.33 to $11.78) was more than 60% higher than the average greasy wool price of $5.06/kg. As a consequence, the average Gross Margin/DSE for mohair was $23.13 (range $9.64 to $34.13) equal to $10/DSE higher than the average wool Gross Margin of $13.08. Given the lower stocking rate in mohair enterprises the effective Gross Margin/ha was $145, or $16/ha higher than measured in similar sized wool enterprises. Data on key animal production indicators are being collected and preliminary results have been circulated to industry. Several seminars were held and a detailed progress report was published. Participants have endured a stressful year of almost continual drought. This has impacted on their ability to commit time to take measurements and provide data.

Project Title	ACGA Merrit a web-based across herd EBV program for the cashmere industry
RIRDC Project No.:	ACG-3A
Start Date:	01-Sep-2006
Finish Date:	01-Jun-2008
Researcher:	Dr Andrew James
Organisation:	Australian Cashmere Growers' Association Ltd
Phone:	(07) 3214 2278
Fax:	(07) 3214 2272
Email:	andrew.james@csiro.au
Objectives	At the front of the project will be a small experiment to validate a new whole-fleece minicore sampling technology which samples objectively then articulates test result data directly into the database. The main research seeks to develop and implement a web-based data upload facility to place performance recording data directly into a database. The database will be designed to permit ease of error checking and provision of input files suited to calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). The project will also develop appropriate statistical models, validate and implement published heritability and genetic correlation estimates.
Current Progress	The database has pedigree and partial performance record data for 8500 animals and sufficiently complete data to perform EBV analysis for 3500 animals. Excellent across-herd genetic links are in place via the sire reference scheme at the UWA. Data from four flocks are currently in the system. Additional data from the worm project at Armidale have been promised, missing data from the 8500 currently entered, and new data are progressively being added. Among a subset of animals for which at least eight immediate relatives possess performance records, therefore highly accurate EBVs, the range in EBV for down weight is from a low of -152 to +539 grams of cashmere down and diameter from -2.01 to + 2.43 um. These data were presented to growers at the annual cashmere workshop on the 26^th of May along with a practical explanation that the trait leader for down weight would be expected to sire kids by average does with 270 grams more down at 0.7 um increase in fibre.

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