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Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation |
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Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation |
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Contact the editor, Dr Laurence Denholm, at: PO Box 1564, ORANGE NSW 2800 Phone/fax 02 6361 3268, Mobile 0418 641957, email: denholml@bigpond.com |
July 2001 |
In this issue:
The National Velvet Accreditation Scheme
Previous issues of this newsletter
The National Velvet Accreditation SchemeDo you sell velvet from your deer? Yes? Then you should read this now!
The Chair of the National Velvet Accreditation Scheme (NVAS), Dr Sue Joubert (WA) recently wrote to all deer farmers accredited under the NVAS to advise them of new regulations that restrict all trading of velvet antler to antlers bearing an approved tag with the grower’s NVAS Accreditation Number or the NVAS number of an approved veterinarian. Tags must be obtained from the official tag supplier and will only be issued to deer farmers with a current ("active") Accreditation Number.
Under these new regulations, Australian Deer Horn and Co-Products Ltd and other companies that export green (unprocessed) velvet will not be allowed to purchase velvet antler that does not have the grower’s tag attached. It is anticipated that untagged will effectively be unsaleable.
The NVAS Administrator will only issue an Accreditation Number for the 2001/2002 Velvet Season to those velvet growers who have submitted (1) their Annual Return for 2000/2001, (2) an Exam Update (if applicable) and (3) the agreed Administration Fee for non-DIAA members (if applicable). NVAS Accreditation Numbers are valid for one year only. The update exam form can be obtained by eMail from the NVAS (see address below).
Annual return forms were sent to all NVAS members last year. A new copy can be obtained from the NVAS if necessary. The form must be signed by the supervising veterinarian.
If you plan to harvest velvet antler from your deer in the coming spring/summer and you do not have an accreditation number from the NVAS and a supply of approved tags for the coming season, it is critical you contact the NVAS Secretariat immediately. Do not delay!
The NVAS scheme is designed to provide reliable assurance to government agencies, importing countries and animal welfare groups that Australian velvet antler is hygienic and humanely harvested. The NVAS and the tight AQIS export regulations are especially important this year with Australian velvet now accepted for direct entry to the Korean market, at a time when tight import restrictions have been imposed on North American velvet due to the outbreak of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Further information can be obtained from the NVAS secretariat at PO Box 37, Lismore Vic 3324 or telephone 03 5596 2323, facsimile 03 5596 2313 or eMail shapiro@gatewaybbs.com.au.
Deer farming information on Internet websites
RIRDC has collected a list of websites with useful information for deer farmers. This list includes:
Deer species, domestication and farming
www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/081deerspecies.pdfFeeding and nutrition tables for deer www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/011feed_nutritionfordeer.pdf
Malignant catarrhal fever in deer www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/015malignantcatarrhalfeverindeer.pdfMeeting the standards for the Deer QA On Farm Programme
www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/108deerqaonfarmprog.pdfParasitism in deer www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/047parasitismindeer.pdf
Parentage testing of deer www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/131parentagetestingofdeer.pdf
Recognising and controlling tuberculosis in deer www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/034tuberculosisindeer.pdf
Wapiti hybrids www.agresearch.co.nz/agr/pubs/agfact/pdf/049wapitihybrids_dec97.pdf
(more deer websites will be published in coming issues)
Deer Industry Johne’s Disease Policy
In negotiations between the deer industry and government authorities about Johne’s disease and its control, the industry is represented by the Deer Industry Association of Australia.
The DIAA is currently developing and documenting a range of policy position statements for this disease and is seeking input from deer producers on issues including the importance and appropriate management of JD in the deer industry.
This is the opportunity for deer farmers who are concerned about JD to have a say in the policies that the industry presents to governments about JD control programs in other species that are affecting deer trading.
Submissions on appropriate policies for JD in deer, preferably in writing, are now being sought by the DIAA and should be sent to the Chair of the JD Sub-Committee, Mr Guy Dockrill, 12 Village St. Balnarring Vic 3926 or email to deerguy@pen.hotkey.net.au
Australian velvet antler and deer co-products
Developing domestic markets (Part A)
Final Report - RIRDC Project BII-1A
Principal Investigators: Bilby International Pty Ltd & Mr Chris TuckwellThis RIRDC project was established to determine whether higher returns for Australian deer farmers can be obtained by the development of a domestic market for the co-products of venison processing. Better prices paid to deer farmers in New Zealand for slaughter stock can be explained, at least in part, by established markets for venison co-products in that country.
Bilby International Pty Ltd, the major research contractor for this project, now processes a significant proportion of all the deer slaughtered in Australia and was therefore in an ideal commercial position to investigate and develop a domestic market for venison co-products. Chris Tuckwell from Rural Industry Developments assisted with the planning and documentation of the project.
In the past, the many processors of Australian deer have been unable to separately market their small volumes of co-products and these have been sold at a discount or discarded. Recent rationalisation in the venison processing sector has however now created an opportunity for efficient marketing of commercially realistic quantities of value-added venison co-products. New Zealand companies are also now investigating the potential Australian domestic market for co-products.
This market is based in health food shops and Asian herbal medicine outlets that cater particularly for Asian tourists. The size of this market appears to be growing rapidly but many of these outlets only stock New Zealand deer products at this time. It was suggested that many potential clients of these businesses would not trust the encapsulated products favoured by some co-product manufacturers. Knowledge of Australian products and potential products in the retail sector of this market is almost non-existent.
The report from this RIRDC project highlighted the advantages of Australian antler and co-products with regard to human health risks associated with the presence of Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathies such as BSE in the animal populations of other countries.
This project investigated co-product processing and packaging requirements of the domestic market, potential market demand, the nature of the market and its requirements, the impact of success in this market on returns to deer producers and the risks.
A major conclusion from this project presents a very significant challenge for the industry. "To successfully develop the apparent market opportunities the Australian Deer Industry must work cooperatively to ensure the regular supply of marketable volumes of high quality product. The cooperative development of these apparent markets can lead to a direct increase (co-product premium) in processor payments for livestock from the collection and sale of co-products. If the industry segregates and too many individuals or groups (more than 1 or 2) compete in their attempt to influence and service the apparent market, each small group is unlikely to be able to source, process and supply quantities of product that will sustain consumer interest. The lack of interest in sourcing product from a myriad of small suppliers will inevitably lead to a fall in demand for Australian products and any co-product premiums paid by deer processors are likely to disappear."
The Report from this RIRDC project suggests that cooperation with potential New Zealand competitors in the development of supply channels to market value-added velvet and venison co-products to Asian tourists arriving in Australia may be more beneficial than direct trans-Tasman competition. Establishing a reliable supply and marketing chain is critical.
Based on 20% of inbound Asian tourists consuming the quantity of co-product now reported to be purchased by similar tourists entering New Zealand, the estimated domestic market would give an additional return of $A60M to Australian deer farmers. There may also be a significant market for venison co-products in medicinal products developed for the pets of Asian tourists.
The report says that development of a local co-product market has the potential to improve farmer returns from venison by $0.27 (red), $0.11 (fallow) and $0.07 (rusa) per kilogram hot carcase weight, a 5% to 10% increase on returns in recent years.
This project also investigated the limitations to domestic markets for value-added co-products under Australian law imposed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA). The report suggests there is unlikely to be a significant problem.
In the course of this project, Bilby International began paying small premiums directly to deer farmers for co-products obtained from deer they had purchased, as evidenced by purchase receipts. Financial data provided by Bilby indicates that in the period from 17 January 2001 to 24 April 2001 growers received in excess of $9000 for this "co-product bonus".
A National Livestock Identification Scheme for Deer
With the current focus on preparedness for any outbreak of an exotic disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease and more efficient control of endemic diseases such as Johne’s disease, livestock identification has become a hot topic in agriculture. This has led to more rapid progress recently in the longstanding plan for a National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS).
Mandatory identification of traded cattle has been in place for many years, recently with additional requirements such as those related to use of Hormonal Growth Promotants. Identification of individual animals is a key element of most Quality Assurance programs and is required for access to markets such as the EU.
National sheep industry organisations are now supporting an NLIS for sheep, based on an eartag with a Property Identification Code (PIC). Properties selling cattle already have allocated PICs.
Trading in deer does not normally involve sale by auction at public saleyards, making the tracing of animal movement for QA and disease control much simpler for deer than for other animals.
Nonetheless, as the major animal industries adopt NLIS systems, pressure will mount for the smaller industries to follow.
Markets such the European Union are increasingly demanding individual animal identification and recording systems that permit effective animal tracing to property of origin when a disease or chemical residue is detected. This trend is likely to increase.
Animal Health Australia has recently written to the DIAA asking for "advice on the current state of progress on a national animal identification scheme in your industry and when you expect such a system will be implemented nationally."
There are different systems available to the deer industry in terms of identification device (eg. eartags or inserted microchips), the information to be encoded (property of birth or last property of residence) and integration of this ID with vendor declarations. The system may be voluntary or mandatory or initially voluntary with progression to mandatory. Any mandatory scheme will require new government regulations in most states and territories.
Quality Assurance: The Australian Deer Industry QA program is one of the projects that are designed and planned to help guarantee market access for your products. Increasingly international and domestic markets for all manner of products and services expect suppliers to take full responsibility for the goods or services they supply. While Quality Assurance may not necessarily guarantee a premium price for products, but it may well guarantee market access for product.
The RIRDC funded QA project has recently been completed and a report submitted to RIRDC for consideration. Major outcomes of the project were the written publications produced and updated manuals including, the Deer Farm Best Practice Manual, the Deer Transport Best Practice Manual and the Venison Processors Best Practice Manual. The project also developed the new Deer Industry Code of Practice and Deer QAMA computer program.
Deer QAMA is a computer database program (`Deer Quality Assurance Management and Analysis’) that will easily record, store and report on all information required to be maintained by all businesses accredited by the Deer Industry QA program.
All those who currently hold registered Deer Industry Quality Assurance program manuals will receive appropriate manual updates and a free copy of the Deer QAMA program when funding for their duplication and distribution becomes available. New applicants for Deer industry QA accreditation will receive appropriate copies of updated manuals and a free copy of the Deer QAMA program.
Venison Prices: Table 1 shows venison prices for this financial year as the hot carcase weight (HCW) price less the industry levy but without deductions for freight or processing costs. Figures may be adjusted later if further data for period is received from processors.
Table 1. Average venison prices paid to farmers ($/kg hot carcase weight less the industry levy)
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Ave red deer Ave fallow deer Ave rusa deer Ave all deer Tables 2 and 3 below provide a summary of average venison prices HCW less the industry levy paid at the abattoir for Red (including hybrids) and Fallow deer for July to April in the 2000/2001 financial year. Data in tables 4 and 5 show volume of carcasses processed that are below what might be considered an 'ideal' average carcass weight range. An ideal carcass weight is obviously determined by market requirements so the average minimum carcass weight may change between markets and between and within seasons.
Table 2: Average prices for Red and Red Hybrid Venison according to weight range
Weight range Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Less than 55kg $2.57 $2.79 $2.96 $3.50 $3.27 $3.26 $2.94 $3.51 $3.20 $3.98 55kg and over $3.77 $3.88 $3.43 $3.92 $3.83 $3.84 $3.71 $3.80 $4.18 $4.62 Difference $1.19 $1.09 $0.47 $0.41 $0.55 $0.58 $0.76 $0.30 $0.98 $0.64 Table 3: Average prices for Fallow Venison according to weight range
Weight range Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Less than 26kg $2.51 $2.43 $2.77 $2.92 $2.83 $2.85 $2.70 $2.64 $2.77 $2.87 26kg and over $3.48 $3.05 $3.24 $3.24 $3.30 $3.49 $3.45 $3.61 $3.33 $3.15 Difference $0.97 $0.62 $0.47 $0.33 $0.47 $0.64 $0.75 $0.98 $0.56 $0.28 Table 4: Percentage of Red and Red Hybrid carcases (HCW) in ranges
Weight range Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Less than 55kg 80.8% 69.5% 59.1% 65.6% 15.2% 24.1% 25.1% 48.1% 35.8% 34.5% 55kg and over 19.2% 30.5% 40.9% 34.4% 84.8% 75.9% 74.9% 51.9% 64.2% 65.5% Table 5: Percentage of fallow carcases (HCW) in ranges
Weight range Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Less than 26kg 89.9% 88.5% 77.5% 72.1% 35.5% 38.2% 40.5% 35.8% 63.5% 95.0% 26kg and over 10.1% 11.5% 22.5% 27.9% 64.5% 61.8% 59.5% 64.2% 36.5% 5.0%
FALLOW RUSA RED Weight Category
JAN 01 FEB 01 MAR 01 APR 01 Weight Category
JAN 01 FEB 01 MAR 01 APR 01 Weight Category
JAN 01 FEB 01 MAR 01 APR 01 less than 20 $2.27 $2.49 $2.41 $2.51 less than 20 - - $2.02 - less than 30 $2.25 $1.82 $2.32 $3.32 20 to 22.9 $2.59 $2.57 $2.91 $3.27 20 to 24.9 $2.50 - $2.21 - 30 to 34.9 $2.10 $2.60 $2.90 $3.27 23 to 25.9 $3.09 $3.02 $3.18 $2.87 25 to 29.9 $2.50 - $2.58 - 35 to 39.9 $2.58 $3.25 $2.48 $3.42 26 to 28.9 $3.50 $3.63 $3.13 $3.01 30 to 34.9 $3.00 - $3.43 - 40 to 44.9 $2.82 $3.32 $2.78 $3.41 29 to 31.9 $3.65 $3.74 $3.47 $3.57 35 to 39.9 $3.00 - $3.50 $4.11 45 to 49.9 $3.08 $3.57 $3.48 $4.52 32 and over $3.02 $3.11 $3.57 $3.74 40 to 44.9 $3.00 - $3.62 $4.06 50 to 54.9 $3.24 $3.76 $4.20 $4.70 Maximum $3.82 $3.82 $3.82 $3.82 45 to 49.9 $3.00 - $2.62 $4.08 55 to 59.9 $3.38 $3.77 $4.17 $4.57 Minimum $2.09 $2.02 $2.18 $2.18 50 to 54.9 $3.52 - $2.62 $4.12 60 to 64.9 $3.93 $4.14 $4.28 $4.42 Average $3.14 $3.25 $2.97 $2.88 55 to 59.9 $3.52 - $2.62 - 65 to 69.9 $4.04 $4.11 $4.28 $5.06 60 and over - - - - 70 to 74.9 $3.88 $4.02 $4.24 $4.81 Maximum $3.52 No $4.02 $4.12 75 to 79.9 $3.82 $3.84 $3.77 $4.77 Minimum $2.50 Sales $2.02 $4.06 80 to 84.9 $3.34 $3.83 $3.87 $4.62 Average $3.12 $3.28 $4.07 85 to 89.9 $3.05 $3.53 $3.91 - 90 to 94.9 $3.20 $3.34 $3.82 - 95 to 99.9 $3.02 $3.11 $3.62 - 100 and over $2.69 $2.98 $3.42 - Maximum $4.17 $4.22 $4.37 $5.32 Minimum $1.57 $1.82 $2.32 $2.52 Average $3.50 $3.65 $3.50 $4.16
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