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RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000

and Research in Progress as at June 2000

Sub Program 1.2

NEW ANIMAL PRODUCTS

August 2000 RIRDC Publication No 00/79

© 2000 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 58110 X ISSN 1440 6845 "RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-00 and Research in Progress as at June 2000 - 1.2 New Animal Products" Publication No 00/79 The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquires concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. RIRDC New Animal Products Research Manager Dr Peter McInnes RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 08 8556 7331 Fax: 08 8556 7289 Email: [email protected] RIRDC Publications Manager Cecile Ferguson Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in August 2000 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June '00, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 1999-00 for all of the Corporation’s 20 program areas. The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-Program 1.2. It contains all entries from continuing and completed New Animal Products research projects funded by RIRDC. This program aims to to accelerate the development of viable new animal industries. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of almost 400 research reports, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop

Peter Core Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Contents

1.2 New Animal Products Completed Projects

Project No.

Project Title

Researcher

Phone

Organisation

Page No.

CST-5A Commercial development of cartilage co-products from alternative production species

Dr Gregory Harper (07) 3214 2441 CSIRO Tropical Agriculture 6

DAQ-218A To develop an ecological and economically sustainable camel industry through an integrated national approach – Qld

Ms Browyn Warfield (07) 4688 1251 Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

7

DAQ-229A Electrical restraining, stunning and stimulation of crocodile

Mr Bernie Davis (07) 4722 2649 Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

9

DAV-132A Development of reproductive technology to allow increased productivity from cross breeding riverine and swamp buffalo

Dr Brendan Tatham (02) 6030 4519 Department of Natural Resources & Environment

10

DAW-92A Assessing potential for development of commercial camel industry in Western Australia

Ms Leah McCloy (08) 9881 0222 Agriculture Western Australia 11

LSC-1A The economic production of European Brown Hare (Genus Lupus)

Mr Scott Montgomery (02) 4836 7240 Lepus (Southern Cross) and Associates

13

UF-2A Neuroanatomical and behavioural consequences of de-clawing in commercially farmed emus

Dr Christine Lunam (08) 8204 4704 Flinders University of South Australia

14

UJC-5A An investigation of skin diseases in farmed crocodiles

Dr Gilbert Buenviaje Prof Phillip Summers

(07) 4781 4758 James Cook University 16

UMO-18A Year round supply of Goat Milk Dr Alexander Cameron (03) 5286 1211 Monash University 17 UQ-77A Potential for silkworm production in Australia Dr John Dingle (07) 5460 1250 The University of Queensland 18 UWA-39A Development of reproductive technology for emu

farming Assoc Prof Graeme Martin

(08) 9380 2528 University of Western Australia 19

WMI-1A Improving the quality of Australian crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skins

Dr Graham Webb (08) 8999 2355 Wildlife Management International Pty Ltd

21

1.2 New Animal Products

Research in Progress Project

No.

Project Title

Researcher

Phone

Organisation Page No.

ADP-1A Adding value to Emu co-products Mr Dennis White (02) 4821 4286 ADP Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd 23 AHR-1A Breeding and growing snails on a commercial

level in Australia Mr Brendan Murphy (02) 4474 0218 Australian Heliculture Research

Centre 25

AM-6A Kangaroo skins trading project Mr Peter Evans (07) 3247 7200 AUS-MEAT 26 AWA-2A Investigation and demonstration of commercial

scale management breeding procedures for high productive dairy sheep (AWASSI)

Mr Tom Grant (02) 6342 9217 Awassi (Aust) Pty Ltd 27

BUF-1A Australian Buffalo market research and industry feasibility study

Mrs Janet Robertson (02) 6848 5315 Buffalo Producers NSW Inc. 28

CSA-6A Technology information to enable the development of earthworm production

Dr Robyn Dynes (08) 9333 6671 CSIRO Division of Animal Production

29

CSU-1A Farmed rabbits for growth in Australian agriculture

Dr Sandra Eady (02) 6776 1394 CSIRO Division of Animal Production

30

CWT-1A Enhancing the unique properties of kangaroo leather

Mrs Catherine Money (03) 9545 2365 CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology

31

DAQ-219A Nutritional needs of ostriches under farming conditions

Assoc Prof David Farrell (07) 3824 3081 Department of Primary Industries – Qld

32

DAQ-247A Improved nutrition and management of farmed crocodiles; hatching to harvest

Mr Bernie Davis (07) 4722 2649 Department of Primary Industries – Qld

33

DAQ-258A Market characteristics and opportunities for skin products of emerging animal industries

Ms Brownyn Warfield (07) 4688 1251 Department of Primary Industries – Qld

34

DAV-172A Feasibility of developing new markets for dairy goat products

Ms Kate Stoney (03) 5139 0130 Department of Natural Resources and Environment

35

DNT-20A Cograzing of cattle and camels for commercial production

Mr Andrew Phillips (08) 8951 8140 Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries – NT

36

PTP-11A Phase 2 – Improving productivity and specialty cheese production in the Australian dairy goat industry

Mr Arthur Stubbs (03) 9844 1135 Primary Tasks Pty Ltd 37

RID-2A Alpaca enterprise budgeting software Mr Chris Tuckwell (08) 8523 3500 Rural Industry Developments Pty Ltd

38

SAR-20A Anti-inflammatory properties of emu oil Professor A Ferrante (08) 8204 7216 South Australian Research and Development Institute

39

SAR-22A A benchmark study of husbandry, transport, lairage and slaughter methods to improve the skin quality of ratites

Dr Phil Glatz (08) 8303 7786 South Australian Research and Development Institute

40

UMO-25A Pharmacological induction of seminal emission and ejaculation in domestic species

Dr Ian Gunn (03) 9594 7342 Monash University 41

UNE-57A Genetic evaluation for Australian ostriches – development of estimated breeding values

Dr Hans Graser Ms Kim Bunter

(02) 6773 3332 University of New England 42

UQ-76A Self-selection of diets by growing meat-type ducks

Assoc Prof David Farrell (07) 3824 3081 University of Queensland 43

UWA-44A Development of marketable dairy products from sheep milk

Dr Roberta Bencini (08) 9380 2521 University of Western Australia 44

UWA-52A Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for the emu and ostrich farming

Assoc Prof Graeme Martin

(08) 9380 2528 University of Western Australia 45

WHP-2A Performance benchmarks for selected new animal products

Mr David Michael (02) 9369 2735 Wondu Holdings Pty Limited 46

Project Title

Commercial development of cartilage co-products from alternative production species

RIRDC Project No.:

CST-5A

Researcher: Gregory S. Harper Organisation: CSIRO Tropical Agriculture

Molecular Animal Genetics Centre Level 3, Gehrmann Laboratories University of Queensland St. Lucia, 4072

Phone: (07) 3214 2441 Fax: (07) 3214 2480 Objectives

• To support the development of a co-product stream from cartilage of

crocodile, emu; ostrich; deer; camel and kangaroo. This will be achieved by developing a valuation system based on yield and anti-angiogenic activity reflecting the attributes driving demand for cartilage from other species.

• To document concisely the yields of cartilage from six species and their

respective efficacies in an anti-angiogenesis assay. • To characterise the cartilage from each of the six species in terms of

glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content so that cartilage extracts might have value in existing, mixed cartilage products

Background

At first glance, cartilage from alternative production species would appear to have many of the attributes and constituent biochemicals that have encouraged the growth of shark and bovine cartilage markets. Do alternative species have cartilages that provide either unique advantages or disadvantages to their use as substitutes for existing cartilage products? Can bioactivity be used as a basis for simple valuation of cartilages from each species?

Research

We obtained samples of cartilage from carcasses of six alternative production species (kangaroo, emu, ostrich, crocodile, deer and camel), from at least two anatomical sites in each case. The time taken to remove each cartilage sample was noted, as was the speed of the slaughter line. Cartilage was dried and milled to powders so that each could be compared directly. Samples were analysed biochemically and also tested in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane bioassay for anti-angiogenic efficacy.

Outcomes

Glycosaminoglycans were broadly distributed amongst the cartilages analysed, but were at very low concentrations in crocodile penis and calcified tissues. It is also likely that crocodile glycosaminoglycans are structurally different from those of ratites and mammals. The nasal septa of deer were found to be rich sources of glycosaminoglycans, as is known to be the case for bovids. The limitation with this tissue however is the difficulty of excising it from the head. The trace metal contents of each of these cartilages was tested and found to be within acceptable health ranges. Crocodile ischeum was found to be a rich and feasible source of anti-angiogenic activities, even though it was not rich in glycosaminoglycan. This questions the reliance on glycosaminoglycans as a measure of value. The Alcian Blue assay for glycosaminoglycans, whilst simple, needs to be interpreted with care, since crude tissue extracts contain cross-reacting substances

Implications Given consistency of supply of animals, the most attractive sources are

likely to be the scapulae of the mammalian species. If appropriate tools are were available in the abattoir, then nasal septa would be the next most appropriate sources. Despite the differences in biochemical content of the cartilages, species-of-origin is likely to be the major determinant of value in the current market. There is the potential to investigate and characterise the anti-angiogenic molecules from crocodile ischeum because these are likely to be novel

Publications

One scientific journal article will be generated from this work.

Project Title

To develop an ecological and economically sustainable camel industry through an integrated national approach – Qld

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-218A

Researcher: Bronwyn Warfield Organisation: Department of Primary Industries

PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350


• To determine the market size and characteristics of the domestic market

for camel meat and develop a marketing plan for the industry, which will assist them to better meet the needs of the trade and consumers

. Background

There are approximately 200 000 camels in Australia — 100 000 in Western Australia, 50 000 in the Northern Territory and the remaining 50 000 in western Queensland and northern South Australia. They are of the Dromedary (one–hump) species. The Central Australian Camel Industry Association (CACIA) is the only organisation in Australia currently slaughtering and selling camel meat. It has been slaughtering around 300 camels per year since 1995, which represents approximately 49 tonnes of camel meat with an average wholesale value of $400 000. These slaughter camels are from cattle stations in the Northern Territory; they are transported to the Strathalbyn abattoir (south–east of Adelaide) where they are killed and then boned out and packed by Strath Meats. The national distributor of camel meat is Wyuna Meats in South Australia, which sells direct to restaurants, butchers, supermarkets and manufacturers in South Australia and to wholesalers in Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria

Research

Data and information were collected from existing literature and reports, and personal communication with government and industry representatives and CACIA. Wyuna Meats, the national distributor of camel meat, was interviewed, as well as each of the state wholesalers and various manufacturers and processors currently using camel meat

Outcomes The outcome is a research report that contains a detailed analysis of the

current camel meat market in Australia and the supply characteristics of the industry. The primary target market identified domestically for camel meat comprises tourists, Muslims and Territorians. The secondary target market is consumers of other game meats, and the intermediaries are trade customers including supermarket merchandise managers, in-store butchers and chefs. The focus of the industry–marketing plan is improving quality so that a consistently high quality product is delivered to the target market in the format it requires. Central to the development of the industry is producing and delivering camel meat that meets trade and consumer, expectations in terms of tenderness and fat content. There are also opportunities to develop a brand and communicate its attributes to the trade, with a view to becoming the preferred supplier and building confidence in the quality of the product being delivered. For a branding strategy to succeed a product of consistent quality must be available and the attributes of what the brand represents communicated to the trade. A key component of branding is providing customers with service in the form of ongoing advice and training, and building long-term relationships with key customers; these processes will in turn lead to a better understanding of what the customer wants

Implications

The research found the domestic market for camel meat is limited, however there are areas for improvement, which would assist the industry to expand the current market size

Project Title

Electrical restraining, stunning and stimulation of crocodile

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-229A

Researcher: Mr Bernie Davis Organisation: Department of Primary Industries

PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810


• To develop reliable, safe and effective electrical stunning equipment for

the restraining of crocodiles to protect handlers and minimise stress to animals

• To evaluate whether electrical stimulation of carcases improves meat quality

Background

Australia’s commercial crocodile industry has been established using Indopacific crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) which produce a “classic” hide highly prized by manufacturers. Initially, the Australian industry relied on foreign technology for its development. Australia now has its own crocodile research program and the crocodile stunning equipment and meat research work are part this and will assist the industry to be more internationally competitive. Crocodile farms often need to catch and move animals of all sizes from hatchlings to large breeders. Hatchlings are normally caught by hand and the authors are not advocating stunning for this group. In addition people in organisations like the Environmental Protection Agency are charged with capturing wild animals perceived to be a public threat. This can be quite dangerous and stunning equipment would be very useful in this situation

Research

Catching crocodiles is a dangerous business and people in Australia and overseas have been injured and killed pursuing this undertaking. Australian crocodile producers are looking for a safe way to capture farmed crocodiles with minimum stress to both people and animals. The research program developed stunning equipment which was compact, portable, reliable, safe, affordable and effective without damaging animals. It also evaluated applying electrical stimulus (110V) to freshly killed carcases for periods of up to 2 minutes to try to tenderise the meat

Outcomes

Stunning equipment was successfully developed for grower, young breeder and rogue categories. It is efficient because it allows animals to be handled with minimum risk and does not damage animals. It reduces the human fatigue problem when many animals have to be caught in commercial situations. It also allows an animal to be caught, examined and released to recover if the skin is damaged instead of being prematurely harvested. A pilot study on electrical stimulation of carcases indicated that this process may improve meat quality, and pointed to areas of further work

Implications The Australian crocodile industry now has affordable stunning equipment available to it. It is efficient because it can be handled by one person and is readily transportable. It is effective because it can immobilise crocodiles at least 3.0 metres in length for up to fifteen minutes without damaging them.

Publications This research project will be made available to the Australian crocodile

industry through the Department of Primary Industries’ Crocodile Research and Development Bulletin. It has also been video taped for release.

Project Title

Development of reproductive technology to allow increased productivity from cross breeding riverine and swamp buffalo

RIRDC Project No.:

DAV-132A

Researcher: Dr Brendan Tatham Organisation: Agriculture Victoria

RMB 1145 RUTHERGLEN VIC 3685


• Develop artificial insemination, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilisation

techniques for the Australia buffalo industry. • Facilitate communication within the ABI to facilitate the adoption of

new techniques and develop a defined industry structure and supply chain

Background

The Australian Buffalo Industry (ABI) is undergoing the transition from a harvest to a farm enterprise base. To address productivity issues the ABI is attempting to increase production efficiency and increase profitability and market specification compliance by increasing carcase weight using genetic improvement. Initial studies have shown that cross breeding swamp and riverine buffalo result in a 43% and 29.3% improvement in growth rate and carcase weight. This increase comes from heterosis between the two species and has provided an advance superior to that expected from a structured breeding program. The limited availability of riverine buffalo and a long-term expectation for the implementation of a structured genetic evaluation and breeding program has provided the demand for artificial breeding techniques to be developed on behalf of the ABI

Research

Investigations into the techniques that comprise artificial insemination (AI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in cattle were assessed in a series of trials. These trials determined the suitability of equipment and modifications required for implementation in buffalo

Outcomes

This project has provided the ABI with the following techniques that are available commercially and are be subject to market forces. • Semen collection and cryopreservation • Oestrus synchronisation and artificial insemination • Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer and cryopreservation • In vitro embryo production and buffalo- cattle hybrid embryos

Implications

The artificial breeding techniques developed in this project allow the use of cross breeding of buffalo to increase production efficiency through hybrid vigour. These techniques also provide the basic framework for a future structured breeding program to facilitate the utilisation and distribution of superior buffalo genetics through the Australia farmed buffalo herd. This will provide continued genetic gain and increased production of buffalo meat that is required so that market specifications can be profitably achieved

Project Title

Assessing potential for development of commercial camel industry in Western Australia

RIRDC Project No.: DAW-92A Researcher: Leah McCloy Organisation: Agriculture Western Australia, Doney Street, Narrrogin WA

10 Doney Street NARROGIN WA 6312

Phone: (08) 98810222 Objectives The objectives of this project followed a previous project and were to:

• Continue the development of the camel industry in Western Australia through a camel industry steering committee which would provide direction as the industry evolved.

• Develop greater knowledge of the costs and processes associated with camel farming in Western Australia to develop the industry further

• Assist in the development of research projects for camels and work closely with colleagues across Australia working with camels

• Identify and develop research to enable the industry to survive in the long term

Background In 1993 an aerial survey of central Australia indicated the total feral camel

population could be as high as 200,000. It is estimated that 50% of this population is located with the remote pastoral or desert regions of Western Australia. Within Western Australian camels are declared vermin. At present, they are periodically culled but no use is made of the carcase apart from occasional sale for pet meat. Agriculture Western Australia investigated the potential for development of a sustainable livestock industry utilising existing herds of feral camels within Western Australia. This was a joint initiative between Agriculture Western Australia, the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Queensland DPI together with the Central Australian Camel Industry Association (CACIA) and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).

Research

Camels in Western Australia are classified as feral making development of an industry difficult. The project investigated the current restrictions on camels with regard to their management and transport on pastoral leases and in the agricultural areas. A full analysis was undertaken of the current restrictions. An approach was made the Agricultural Protection Board to have camels removed from the feral classification but this failed. Recommendations were made to change this in the future.

Key export markets for Australian camel products were identified in the Middle East and Africa. An examination of the potential for live shipping to these areas was made.

The costs associated with processing camels in Western Australia were evaluated through simulated slaughter of camels. Impediments to regular processing of camels were discussed, including limited numbers of animals and changes required to the processing facilities.

Outcomes As part of the project a camel steering committee was established to drive the

industry in WA. The steering committee helped identify the problems facing the industry and began to plan for the industry as it evolves into the future. The steering committee evolved during the project. An economic cost of production for camels in Western Australia was developed to help determine the costs associated with exporting camels and camel meat. Key camel markets were identified for future analysis. A pilot slaughter of camels was planned within the project. This developed a cost for low levels of camels being slaughtered and examined the challenges facing the industry. The requirements for managing and transporting camels in Western Australia were discussed in depth and draft guidelines for managing camels were made.

Implications

Camels have a place in pastoral and agricultural Australia. They are highly adapted to the Australian environment and can graze effectively with cattle. In order to develop further however key markets will need to be identified and developed. Initial work on this has been initiated, but to increase the confidence to invest in the industry, there will need to be much greater knowledge and confidence. The existing legislation for camels in Western Australia is prohibitive for industry development. These will need to be changed as the industry develops. An effective producer base will be able to drive these changes.

Project Title

The economic production of European Brown Hare (Genus Lupus)

RIRDC Project No.:

LSC-1A

Researcher: Lynelle Tume, Scott Montgomery Organisation: Lepus (Southern Cross) and Associates

“Kimbe Cottage” GRABBEN GULLEN NSW 2583


• Identification of key factors likely to impact on commercial farming of

hares in Australia; analysis of economic considerations and development of an economic model; estimation of current domestic and export market size for hare, and potential for growth in these and other new markets; analysis of results to indicate technical feasibility, economic viability and market sustainability

Background

Although classified as an exotic pest, the hare has presented no problems to date. Numbers remain low due to low reproductive yields, vulnerability to predators and competition from large numbers of rabbits. The major hare meat market is Europe where it is almost extinct due mainly to European Brown Hare virus (similar to Rabbit Calici Disease). The market demand is met largely by the import of wild shot hare from Argentina and Chile, where numbers are also declining. Australia’s hares are free of this disease and both wild rabbit and predator numbers are decreasing. This study investigates the potential for live capture, breeding and grow out to market required size

Research

Desk research including extensive literature review of marketing, zoological reproductive and animal behavioural science publications was undertaken. Market research included both in-market research in the European game markets and telephone interviews with processors, wholesalers and distributors in the domestic market. Economic analysis was performed using assumptions made as a result of consultation with experts in these fields and using a discounted cash flow analysis method

Outcomes

Although hare breeding and farming appears to be technically possible as demonstrated by such activities, particularly in Italy, the time required to overcome reproductive difficulties, stress and handling problems is likely to be unjustifiably long. The need to focus on producing meat animals at a price competitive with wild hare prices would require achievement of critical mass, which is not considered possible in a cost effective time frame. Italian hare farming is focused on producing young hare for release back into the wild and for sale to game and hunting reserves, and in both cases high prices are paid for young hares without the need to feed and grow to adult meat size

Implications While there is some potential for further research and development to eliminate some of the reproductive difficulties, and to establish appropriate handling and transport methods, farming for hare meat is not likely to be profitable in the short or medium term. However, if such study was undertaken by suitable wildlife and zoological experts, there could be potential profit in establishing a supply of embryos or live young hares with excellent disease free status for the European Wildlife and Ecology programs

Project Title

Neuroanatomical and behavioural consequences of de-clawing in commerically farmed emus

RIRDC Project No.:

UF-2A

Researcher: Dr Christine Lunam Organisation: Flinders University of South Australia

Department of Anatomy & Histology GPO Box 2100 ADELAIDE SA 5001


• To provide the emu industry with sound scientific data as well as any

welfare implications of de-clawing and to recommend either its incorporation or exclusion from the Code of Practice for the Husbandry of Captive Emus by assessing the effects of de-clawing on the development of potentially painful neromas, on gait and on behaviour.

Background

Declawing is performed to alleviate scarring of the skin from healed wounds inflicted by the claws during aggressive behaviours of the emus, and to reduce the risk of injury to handlers, particularly during transport of the emus. Thus, the benefits of declawing are economic, preventing an annual loss to the industry of $5 million from damaged skins, improved worker safety and improved animal husbandry by protecting emus from inflicting injury upon themselves. A major concern is that the declawing procedure itself may cause unacceptable levels of discomfort and pain to the emus. To ensure permanent removal of the claw, the distal portion of each toe is removed at the last joint. Severed nerves resulting from the removal of the claw and surrounding tissue may heal abnormally. Inflammation and abnormal nerves may cause acute pain as well as long-term generated from extensive chaotic nerve tangles, known as traumatic-neuromas.

Research Emu chicks were declawed soon after hatch and reared on two commercial emu farms in South Australia. The effects of declawing on gait were assessed by analyses of slow motion video recordings of walking and footprint impressions of clawed emus compared to that of declawed emus. The effect of declawing on behaviour was determined by viewing videotapes of clawed versus declawed emus filmed at a commercial emu farm in Waikerie. Toes for histological assessment, in particular for the presence or absence of neuromas, were obtained at slaughter from two commercial abattoirs in South Australia. All studies were conducted on adult emus.

Outcomes

It is recommended emus be declawed according to the procedure published by the Western Australian Department of Agriculture. That is, emus are declawed soon after hatch using a hot blade beak-trimming machine, leaving part of the distal phalanx intact. The absence of both inflammation and extensive neuromas in the declawed toes suggests that the emus do not suffer either acute or chronic pain. The data suggests that the alteration in gait after declawing is a response to the altered weight bearing capacity of the toes, rather than as a result of acute pain inflicted on the toes during walking. The behavioural data suggests that declawing does not compromise the locomotor ability of emus and has the benefit of improving social interaction during rearing reducing sterotype behaviour and aggression.

Implications This work has contributed significantly to the Emu Industry by establishing

declawing as a creditable practice. Declawing will avert loss of $5,000,000 annually to the Industry be reducing the amount of scarring on the skins from wounds inflicted during aggressive behaviours. Reducing skin damage is essential for the production of A-grade skins for export quality demanded by the world market. Declawing of the emus markedly improves the safety of handlers, particularly during transport and at the time of slaughter.

Project Title

An investigation of skin diseases in farmed crocodiles

RIRDC Project No.:

UJC-5A

Researcher: Professor Phil Summers, Assoc/Prof Robert Hirst, Dr Gilbert Buenviajc Organisation: Australian Institute of Tropical Veterinary and Animal Science

James Cook University TOWNSVILLE QLD 4811


• To identify the important skin diseases of farmed crocodiles in

Australia, to identify and characterise the microbiological cause of the most important skin disease and develop strategies for the control and prevention of skin diseases

Background

The major focus on crocodile farming is the production of high quality skins to supply the expanding market for high quality leather. The value of skins is downgraded if there are blemished on the skin that have occurred because of diseases of the skin. As crocodile farming is an emerging industry, there is a paucity of knowledge on the causes, prevention, control and treatment of skin diseases of intensively farmed crocodiles. This research project sought to identify the important skin diseases in farmed crocodiles in Australia.

Research

Skin lesions were examined from farmed crocodiles and a diagnosis of each lesion made based on this information, the microbiological cause of the most important skin disease was identified and the characteristics of the organism defined. Transmission studies in young crocodiles showed that the isolated organism was indeed the cause of disease. The ability to produce the disease experimentally was then used to design a series of experiments to determine methods for the treatment and control of skin diseases.

Outcomes

Five specific skin diseases were identified but the most common was dermatophilosis (‘brown spot’) disease. The causative bacteria of dermatophilosis was shown to be different to other known bacteria and a new species Dermatophilosis crocodyli sp nov is proposed. The most effective method of treatment was the immersion of animals in water containing 1 ppm of copper sulphate.

Implications

This project has identified the important causes of skin diseases of farmed crocodiles and shown that the diseases can be treated and controlled using simple, cheap methods. Consequently, skin wastage will be reduced leading to improved profitability of crocodile farms.

Publications

Buenviaje GN, Hirst RG, Ladds PW and Millan JM 1997, Isolation of Dermatophilus sp from skin lesions in farmed crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). Australian Veterinary Journal 75: 365-367 Buenviaje GN, Ladds PW and Martin Y 1998, Pathology of skin diseases in crocodiles. Australian Veterinary Journal 76: 357-363 Buenviaje GN, Ladds PW, Hirst RG, Summers PM and Millan JM 1998, Attempted transmission of dermatophilosis in saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). Australian Veterinary Journal 76: 495-496

Project Title

Year round supply of Goat Milk

RIRDC Project No.:

UMO-18A

Researcher: Dr Alexander Cameron Organisation: Institute of Reproduction and Development

Monash University 246 Clayton Rd CLAYTON VIC 3168

Phone: 03 5286 1211 Fax: 03 5286 1379 Objectives

• To overcome the highly seasonal pattern of goat milk production by

developing a nutritional regimen capable of supporting lactation at all times of the year, and developing protocols for extending the normally highly seasonal pattern of reproduction in dairy goats. The effects of manipulating daylength on milk production were also investigated

Background

Goat milk production is highly seasonal; for example at Meredith dairy production in June 1995 was less than one quarter of that in December. Yet relatively uniform year round supply is needed, because high value goat milk manufactures such as yoghurt and fresh curd cheeses tend to have short shelf lives. Factors considered likely to contribute to the seasonal pattern of production included nutrition, as the quantity and quality of feed on offer has a similar seasonal pattern: reproduction, which is seasonal in goats, with the tendency to give birth in early spring, and photoperiod, because short daylength, as found in winter, had been shown to suppress milk production in a breed of dairy sheep.

Research In October, when pasture quality and quantity were at a maximum, housed goats fed both whole wheat and silage yielded as much milk as goats offered pasture and wheat, implying silage based diets could overcome nutritional constraints to milk yield. Ovulatory cycles usually only occur in dairy goats in autumn and winter, but in this project the breeding season was advanced to early December by first isolating the does from bucks and then introducing them. Protocols were refined to include the introduction of several oestrus does (achieved using exogenous hormones) at the same time as the bucks, and treating the does with progesterone prior to the introduction of bucks. Thus 75% of joined does became pregnant following joining in early January. A series of experiments led to the conclusion that photoperiod was not of great significance in determining milk yield.

Outcomes In June 1999, milk production at Meredith dairy represented 60% of that obtained in the previous December.

Implications

The nutritional constraint to uniform year round milk production has been removed. The breeding season has been extended by alternating periods of isolation and exposure of does to bucks, but further work is required to ensure this can be used as a predictable management tool. Further work is also required to develop protocols for the use of synthetic hormones to advance the breeding season to October

Project Title

Potential for silkworm production in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

UQ-77A

Researcher: Dr John Gordon Dingle Organisation: The University of Queensland

School of Animal Studies GATTON QLD 4343


• Report on the feasibility of commercial silkworm production in

Australia based on investigations of silkworm industries in other countries

Background

Approximately 50,000 tonnes of silk worth $1500 million are produced each year in the world. World production is decreasing but world demand is increasing so an opportunity exists for Australia to enter the silk trade either independently or in association with another country. Australia grows mulberry trees, the silkworms’ food, and has stocks of silkworms adapted to our climate, but they are not produced on an industrial basis and are only kept as a hobby at present. This study investigates how the production can be geared up to be commercially competitive by looking at overseas production methods and the world silk trade. Silkworms are ecofriendly, produce reusable wastes, present no risks to the environment and offer an attractive method of diversifying farm production which can be undertaken by all age groups.

Research

Background reading and analysis of world silk exports and silk imports was undertaken. Mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, silk reeling and silk fabric making were investigated overseas during a six week training program.

Outcomes A progress report gave details of world silk trade trends. The final report provides information about a number of supporting reports prepared during the project. A report, titled ‘Silk production in southern India’, was written based on interviews and discussions with the heads of 15 research laboratories at the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute at Mysore, India. A series of web pages, title ‘Silk Information’ has been prepared for presentation on the internet. A video, titled ‘Sericulture in India’ has been prepared showing moriculture, sericulture and silk processing techniques.

Implications

Opportunities exist for Australia to commercialise silk production and enter the world silk trade. An understanding of the complexities of moriculture, sericulture and silk processing has been obtained and can be used to promote the concept of silk production in Australia, guide farmers in producing high quality silkworm feed and silk, and establish a sericulture research centre and a silk market monitoring unit to undertake research, development and training.

Publications

Dingle, JG (2000) Silk production in southern India, School of Animal Studies, UQ Dingle, JG (2000) Silk information: Webpages available at www. Animal.uq.edu.au Dingle, JG (2000) Sericulture in India; video, School of Animal Studies, UQ

Project Title

Development of reproductive technology for emu farming

RIRDC Project No.:

UWA-39A

Researcher: Dr Irek Malecki and Prof Graeme Martin Organisation: Faculty of Agriculture (Animal Science)

University of Western Australia NEDLANDS WA 6907


• To determine the capacity of emus to produce sperm • To develop protocols for preservation of emu semen • To develop methods of artificial insemination for the emu industry

Background

The emu is being farmed for the production of leather, meat and oil, but the future development of the industry is limited unless the efficiency of production is improved and genetic progress accelerated. Currently, emus are mostly bred in monogamous pairs which requires the retention of excessive males in the flock – birds that are not otherwise productive yet consume feed and capital resources that could be used to manage more females and therefore produce more eggs and growing chicks. In addition, monogamy arrests genetic improvement. Artificial insemination technology has allowed other industries to develop highly efficient lines for specific products or markets and is also an alternative to natural mating. This project establishes a basis for development of reproductive technology for the emu industry.

Research

The effect of season on the quantity of semen and spermatozoa produced by emus was investigated. To develop the emu semen diluent the, effect of poultry diluents (Lake’s, BPSE, Phosphate and NaCI-TES), storage temperature 94, 20, 39°C) and dilution (1:2, 1:4, 1:8) on sperm survival were first tested. Then, using our knowledge of the concentrations of major inorganic ions in emu seminal plasma, we modified Lake’s diluent to formulate new diluents (UWA-E1, UWA-E2 and UWA-E3) and tested the survival os sperm at 20°C. The optimal dose of spermatozoa for AI was investigated by inseminating emu females with 120, 200 or 400 million sperm. Finally, the best cryoprotectant, its optimal concentration, cooling/freezing and thawing rates was investigated. Semen was diluted with diluent and cryoprotectant and subject to various cooling/freezing rates before being plunged into liquid nitrogen.

Outcomes

The production of semen and spermatozoa is very seasonal and lasts for only 6 months. This has a major effect on the availability of spermatozoa for artificial insemination. Emu semen can be stored in Lake’s diluent at either 4 or 20°C for up to 6 hours without the loss of viability. Storage in the newly developed emu diluents should result in more live spermatozoa. Our diluents (UWA-E1, UWA-E2 and UWA-E3) maintained more viable spermatozoa that any other diluent which could be achieved by increasing the concentration of potassium and reducing sodium in the diluent. Emu spermatozoa can be frozen in liquid nitrogen. They have low susceptibility to cold shock and a slow cooling/freezing rate is most efficient. About 40% of viable spermatozoa is recovered following freezing. Deposition of spermatozoa in the female oviduct (AI) can be successful and efficient if there is good cooperation between the female and the inseminator. The insemination technique can be learned and used, and little intervention in the cloaca is need because the non-speculum technique has also proven to have

potential. The emu female needs 120 million of fresh spermatozoa to maintain her fertility for 10 days. An elite male producing average ejaculates could be used to fertilise 32 females every 10 days, or up to 320 females in a season.

Implications

The production of spermatozoa, even though it is affected by season, could be very effectively used in artificial breeding programs for the emu. Emu farming can already benefit from the current techniques for semen collection, sperm storage, preservation and artificial insemination, and thus begin selection programs. By introducing reproductive technology, the emu industry could now make use of the massive reservoir of elite genes and genetic diversity of the emus. The artificial insemination can substitute for natural mating and greatly reduce the male to female ratio, saving on feed costs and capital resources, which can then be used to manage more females and therefore produce more eggs and growing chicks. However, there is still a lot of room for development. The emu diluent is yet to be finalised. The prediction of the number of emu females that can be inseminated with stored or cryopreserved spermatozoa can not be made. Even though, the number of live spermatozoa is high following storage of cryopreservation these numbers can overestimate the actual number of spermatozoa with full fertilising potential. The most accurate estimate can be given by carrying fertility trials or by assessing the fertilising ability of spermatozoa with the sperm-egg interaction assay.

Project Title

Improving the quality of Australian crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skins

RIRDC Project No.:

WMI-1A

Researcher: Charlie Manolis, Grahame Webb, Ken Richardson Organisation: Wildlife Management International

PO Box 530 SANDERSON NT 0813


To describe the morphological structure of the skin of farmed C porosus. 2. To determine the problems associated with skin quality as perceived by skin buyers, tanners and product manufacturers. 3. To develop assessment criteria, based on skin structure (sterology), that can describe the quality (value) of a skin to the industry. 4. To describe in captive c. porosus: - the embryological development of the skin (incubation effects) - the development of skin structure with age and size - the extent of natural variation in skin pattern - the level of heritability of skin structure and pattern. 5. To compare the structure of the skin of wild c. porosus (considered to have the highest quality) with that of farmed c. porosus raised under a variety of husbandry regimes.

Background

Crocodile farms with Crocodylus porosus occur in a number of countries. With increasing numbers of classic crocodile skins on the international market over the last 5-10 years, the standard of grading is now very strict. Wild crocodile skins are thought to be of better quality than farmed skins, but buyers and tanners are largely ignorant of the morphological basis for such comparisons. Some aspects of quality, such as physical damage, are easy to identify and solve, but the potential effects of the captive raising environment on skin structure are unknown. Understanding the development of the skin may be fundamental to our understanding of the effects of different factors on it.

Research

Mean scale row count was correlated to incubation temperature, with increasing temperature giving higher counts. The scale count of the male parent was positively related to scale row count of his progeny; there was no relationship with the female’s scale count. The sensitive period during embryonic development occurred between 10 and 30 days, but varied between low and high temperatures. Embryonic development of the skin was described and quantified, with four stages of development being identified. Problems associated with skin quality, as perceived by skin buyers, tanners and product manufacturers were assessed. General development of the skin of juvenile and subadult crocodiles was described. Four patterns of dermal architecture were identified from skin and different parts of the body.

Outcomes

Most objectives were met, particularly with regard to the development of the skin and effects of incubation and genetic factors on it.

Implications The number of scale rows can be manipulated by incubation temperature. In

addition, the genetic influence (from the male) was identified, and through selection of breeding stock and varying incubation temperature, skins with higher scale rows may be produced. This would give Australia skins an edge over competitors with more ‘variable’ skins.

Publications

Richardson KC, Park JY, Webb GJW and Manolis SC (2000c). A comparison of the skin histology of embryonic and hatchling Saltwater and Australian Freshwater Crocodiles. In Crocodilian Biology and Evolution, ed. By G.C. Grigg. Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton. (in press). Richardson KC, Park JY, Webb GJW and Manolis SC (2000a). Skin development in embryonic and hatchling crocodiles, II. Saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus. (submitted manuscript). Richardson KC, Park JY, Webb GJW and Manolis SC (2000b). Skin development in embryonic and hatchling crocodiles, II. Australian Freshwater crocodile, Crocodylus johnstoni. (submitted manuscript).

1.2 NEW ANIMAL PRODUCTS

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS Project Title

Adding value to emu co-products

RIRDC Project No.:

ADP-1A

Start Date: 15/07/99 Finish Date: 30/11/00 Researcher: Mr. Dennis White Organisation: ADP Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd

144 Gormon Rd GOULBURN NSW 2580

Phone: (02) 4821 4386 Fax: (02) 4821 6296 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To analyse emu egg shell taken from hatchery residue and whole eggs from

each State in order to develop a therapeutic standard of analyses. The primary benefits will be to emu farmers of potentially delivering substantial income from currently waste egg shell.

Current Progress

A total of 11 samples of emu egg shell have been analysed by the Australian Government Analytical Laboratories. Five samples were sourced from the University of Western Australia. This was the only egg shell produced from birds being fed on an exact dietary ration. The results from these 5 samples were quite varied both in organic and inorganic compounds compared to open range birds. One shell sample from Tasmania contained excessive amounts of "HYDROXYBIPHENYL". The producer has been contacted by phone and advised not to use this shell for human or animal consumption until the source of contamination is identified and further analysis is carried out on new samples. Previous reports from other sources of high selenium content in Australian emu egg shell now appear to be incorrect. No samples tested by AGAL have shown any selenium. There would also appear to be a great variation in organic content, the main substances being an unknown Amide and unknown Cholesterol. The unknown Amide varied from nil to 11mg/kg. A sample tested from a blend of 4 different emu farms and taken from a 100 kg. batch yielded a 6mg/kg of unknown amide and no cholesterol. This sample was boiled and heat treated as a therapeutic substance. An unknown cholesterol ranging from 18mg/kg to nil was present in many samples. Samples tested from the University of WA contained none of the unknown amide. This result is significant since it shows that active substances in emu egg shell are dietary and are not present in manufactured grain dietary supplements, even the most complex, as demonstrated by the shell provided by

the University of WA. Current analytical results are being assessed by Dr. R. Burley, a renowned world expert on egg shell. We have also carried out testing in mild acid comparable to human stomach acids. These results demonstrate that approx. 95% of emu egg shell would dissolve in oral administration in humans. I have also spoken to our TGA consultant regarding the Listing of Emu Egg Shell as a Therapeutic substance. There appears to be several areas which would need to be addressed: 1. Bird by-products and the danger of transmission of bird diseases. 2. Toxicology 3. Analytical standard 4. Substantiating any claim on labelling. 5. Comparative testing with other shell and calcium supplements, i.e. oyster shell. 6. Recommended dosage. While in Canada recently I made contact with the world's leading researcher into osteoporosis. He has agreed to test emu egg shell in his laboratories at the University of Texas which are the world's most advanced for screening and identifying potential new oral treatments for osteoporosis. This may not be a conventional approach but past experiences have shown outstanding results by identifying a potential use, then back filling with research. The preliminary results clearly demonstrate the presence of unknown amide and cholesterol and there may well be prospects for a patent in the future. However, further work is required to identify the exact compositions and use for these components.

Project Title

Breeding and growing snails on a commercial level in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

AHR-1A

Start Date: 15/7/99 Finish Date: 1/10/00 Researcher: Brendan Murphy Organisation: Australian Heliculture Research Centre Phone: (02) 4474 0218 Fax: (02) 4474 2314 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To facilitate the evaluation and development of Heliculture as a sustainable industry for Australia by providing relevant and precise information detailed within the proposed feasibility study

Current Progress

The project is investigating the feasibility of establishing an economical viable edible snail industry in Australia. Snails are eaten in many countries, mainly in Europe, and particularly in France. The common garden snail that is found through-out Australia is the species Helix Aspersa having made its way to Australia via various routes. Although there are a few individual snail producers scattered in Australia and producing for the restaurant trade, their stock levels indicate they are operating on a small scale. However, their product is of the highest quality with the demand far greater then the amount available for the market. Information has been obtained on the snail farming systems in France and an indoors/outdoors system appears to be the best commercial arrangement in Australia. Relative humidity, temperature and lighting are important components to be manipulated in reproduction. Egg incubation and husbandry of the newly hatched snails have been reviewed. Nutritional requirements and types of diets have been assessed. The market potential in Australia has been evaluated by a telephone survey of proprietors of restaurants with 31 of 50 serving snails at times during the year.

Project Title

Kangaroo skins trading project

RIRDC Project No.:

AM-6A

Start Date: 9/06/99 Finish Date: 30/05/01 Researcher: Mr. Peter Evans Organisation: AUS-MEAT

PO Box 3175 SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101


• To establish an advisory group from the Kangaroo Skins processing

industry. • Prepare project plans and determine the requirements and the resource

required to progress recommendations. • Publish the agreed guidelines/Codes of Practice • Establish the requirements for research and development to gather the

necessary data to determine the benchmark for industry agreements and to progress and document that reflects the findings.

Current Progress

Industry Advisory group was formed from representatives of Kangaroo Meat Processors / Pet Food Processors and Skin (Tanners). A group meeting was held in August 99 to progress recommendations that were identified in the previous RIRDC project AM-5A Kangaroo Skins Trading Inception Study. Recommendations covered : Codes of Practice for Skinning Techniques / Guidelines of Good Practice for Kangaroo Skin Handling and Preservation / Grading of Kangaroo skins. Code of Practice for Skinning Technique is currently being researched with industry support to establish a common skinning (take off ) procedure. The geographical location of Kangaroo Tanners and Processors has made progress difficult in establishing a common approach to skinning techniques. A final draft of a Code of Practice will be documented for endorsement by the Advisory Group before publishing. Guidelines for Good Practice for Skin Handling and Preservation was sub contracted to CSIRO Leather Research Centre to develop Guidelines (to draft stage) for the endorsement by the Industry Advisory Group. CSIRO’s project milestones are on time with the project due for completion in June 2001. Guidelines will be published upon approval by the Industry Advisory Group. Research into Grading of Skins will be reviewed when the outcomes of the above research projects are finalised.

Project Title

Investigation and demonstration of commercial scale management breeding procedures for highly productive dairy sheep (AWASSI)

RIRDC Project No.:

AWA-2A

Start Date: 1/09/97 Finish Date: 30/06/01 Researcher: Mr. Tom Grant Organisation: Awassi (Aust) Pty Ltd

Sleivenamon Grenfell Road COWRA NSW 2794


• By June 2000, to have the information, technology and high quality genetics

required for an expansion in the sheep dairy industry in Australia.

Current Progress

Australia’s largest sheep dairy has been successfully operated by AWASSI (Aust) Pty Ltd at Cowra, NSW for four years. Up to 1,000 ewes, based on the imported AWASSI sheep breed, are milked twice daily in facilities and management systems that reflect world’s best practice. Key outcomes of the research conducted under this project include:

Fully housed lactating ewes consume approximately 5kg fresh (2kg dry matter) of a diet based on pasture (grass / legume) silage, cereal grain (triticale) and a high protein source (whole lupins, cotton seed meal or soybean meal) in approximate proportions of 68% : 27% : 5% on a dry matter basis.

Increasing the high protein source component of the diet from 5% to 10% increased milk yields by about 15% and milk fat content by about 10%.

Average milk quality parameters are : Fat – 4.6% to 5.2%, Protein – 4.7% to 5.0%, Total Solids – 14.9% to 15.8%.

A low cost system of rearing lambs (that are removed from their dams within one day after birth) has been developed, based on multiple suckling of lambs by lower production / late lactation ewes.

In a 84 day lactation monitoring trial, 75% AWASSI ewes peaked at 2.9 litres of milk / day at about day 20 after commencement of lactation, and averaged 2.3 litres / day over the trial period. 50% AWASSI ewes peaked at 2.4 litres / day at about day 20 and averaged 1.9 litres / day over the trial period.

A trial of contemporary lactating ewes run in either a fully housed and lot fed system or at pasture with supplementary feeding (same ration as housed sheep) produced the following results:

- Housed ewes produced approximately 30% more milk.

- Unhoused ewes with some access to pasture consumed approximately 15% less of the silage : grain : protein feed mix.

- Ewes run out of the shed for part of their lactation had a 60 day shorter

“dry” period until the subsequent lactation, than ewes fully housed (in artificial light conditions) during lactation. It is hypothesised that this is a response to shorter day length when removed from the ewe housing, leading to earlier resumption of oestrus cycling during lactation.

A system of computer based recording of ewe genotype, lactation length and lactation yields has been developed.

Project Title

Australian Buffalo Market Research and Industry Feasibility Study

RIRDC Project No.:

BUF-1A

Start Date: 1/03/98 Finish Date: 30/05/00 Researcher: Mrs. Janet Robertson Organisation: Buffalo Producers NSW Inc.

Tara TOORAWEENAH NSW 2831


The establishment of a National marketing body for Austrlaian Water Buffalo that will:

1. Enable producers to turn off all classes of Water buffalo livestock for competitive returns through one marketing body.

2. Efficiently service current Water Buffalo meat markets, local and export. Develop additional domestic markets and assess the potential of export markets.

3. Develop and market a range of processed buffalo products and by-products

Current Progress

The first part of this project was titled “Australian Buffalo Market Research and Industry Feasibility Study”. Its major finding by June 1999, was that a national marketing structure was not feasible for the Buffalo industry and that no obvious competitive markets for Buffalo existed domestically. The assistance of an experienced marketer was employed in August 1999, to establish a domestic red meat market share for Buffalo. This marketer has researched the optimum processing chain, which can produce high quality products for a range of markets. These include gourmet restaurant products, to precooked frozen products which are aimed at the supermarket trade. The emphasis is to ensure profitable, whole carcass use. After trialling two processing systems, which included two abattoirs, two boning establishments and four further processing establishments, a satisfactory chain of production has been devised to service the Sydney market. Information has been gathered to give credibility to the product i.e. The products were closely scrutinised by an expert taste panel and were

well received. Samples of various products, both primals and processed, were analysed for

basic nutritional data (fat, protein, energy, minerals etc), more detailed fats analysis, and microbial growth to assess processing efficiency and shelf life expectations.

This data, together with the relevant processing costs and logistics, have been incorporated into a business plan which forms a sound rationale for whole animal marketing into Sydney.

Project Title

Technology information to enable the development of earthworm production

RIRDC Project No.:

CSA-6A

Start Date: 15/07/98 Finish Date: 30/11/01 Researcher: Dr. Robyn Dynes Organisation: CSIRO Division of Animal Production

Private Mail Bag Post Office WEMBLEY WA 6014


Establishment of diversified and viable enterprises using waste material to produce earthworm meal, oil and casting by delivery of:

1) feeding regimes and their management to optimise breeding and production and to manipulate product composition.

2) examine and evaluate processing technology for lipid, meal and castings.

3) integrate production of value-added products with waste management to minimise feed stock costs and optimise profitability.

Current Progress

A significant finding this year was that untreated, fresh rumen paunch material promoted rapid growth in earthworms. Discussions have been held with industry groups to establish the potential to develop this area of research since its directly relevant to the difficult industry issue of cost effective and EPA approved disposal of large quantities of ruminant paunch material. Further work is required to develop methods for disposal of large quantities of paunch material. The research results have been accepted for conference publication. The major experiment to determine the effect of protein energy ratio of the worm feed on reproduction, growth rates and worm composition has just been completed. Laboratory analysis is in progress. Diet composition significantly affected both reproduction rate and growth rates of the worms. A preliminary study to determine the responsiveness of worms to additional amino acid supplement was inconclusive due to poor conditions developing in the worm beds. Planning for research on modifying the amino acid and fatty acid profiles of earthworms is in progress The project progress has been presented at 2 field days.

Project Title

Farmed rabbits for growth in Australian agriculture

RIRDC Project No.:

CSU-1A

Start Date: 1/08/99 Finish Date: 30/07/02 Researcher: Dr. Sandra Eady Organisation: CSIRO Division of Animal Production

Private Mail Bag 1 ARMIDALE NSW 2350


• The project objective is to develop a breeding goal designed to maximise

economic returns for meat rabbit farmers. The outcome will be a clear definition of those traits that contribute most to economic returns and how these traits can be optimised through selective breeding. Specific deliverables to the industry include computer software to manage data and herd production statistics, implementation of practical and effective systems of rabbit selection in commercial herds and a range of industry publications and field days.

Current Progress

Rabbit facilities have been completed, consisting of a breeding shed to accommodate 130 does and a grower shed to accommodate 700 young rabbits. The mating program to evaluate 3 meat rabbit breeds (NZ White, Flemish Giant and Californian) and their crosses commenced in February 2000, with foundation stock being donated by rabbit farmers. An extensive research database has been established for managing rabbit records. Currently our first batch of growers is 12 weeks of age and due for slaughter. Data collection will continue for the next 6 months to estimate breed means for production traits (litter size, growth rate, carcass yield). Farmer interest in the project has been strong and we have provided our meat rabbit information pack to over 150 interested parties. Two field days for farmers have been held with a focus on diagnosing rabbit diseases. Two papers have been written on developing an economic breeding program for rabbits; to be published in July 2000 in proceedings from the ASAP meeting in Sydney and the World Rabbit Congress in Valencia, Spain. The trade name “Crusader” has been registered for the rabbit breeding program and the project web site is under construction and will be available to the public later in 2000.

Project Title

Enhancing the unique properties of kangaroo leather

RIRDC Project No.:

CWT-1A

Start Date: 1/08/99 Finish Date: 30/07/01 Researcher: Mrs. Catherine Money Organisation: CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology

Leather Research Centre Private Bag 10 CLAYTON SOUTH MDC VIC 3169


• The aim of the project is to establish processing conditions which maximise

the strength and related properties to further enhance the unique properties of kangaroo leather. The R&D objectives will focus on quantitating the influence of tanning and retanning processes on the structure - strength relationship in leathers derived from skins of the grey and red kangaroo. Through a detailed study of the factors influencing the chemical and physical properties of the leather, conditions will be determined which optimise its key attributes of high tensile strength, lightweight and flexibility. The conditions for effective water proofing of kangaroo leather whilst maintaining the strength and flexibility will be determined.

Current Progress

The project has studied the effect of species, type of preservation and state of origin to determine the effect on strength of kangaroo leather. The seasonal effect of a summer or winter harvest on the leather is also being investigated. The project has confirmed that in general the Queensland Grey kangaroo affords leather with higher tensile and tear strength than the corresponding Queensland Red kangaroo. The strength of the leather from WA Red and Grey kangaroo was found to be intermediate between the Red and Grey from Queensland. The type of preservation has been found to have a small effect on the strength of the resulting leather for both species.

Project Title

Nutritional needs of ostriches under farming conditions

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-219A

Start Date: 1/01/97 Finish Date: 30/08/00 Researcher: A/Prof. David J Farrell Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

Qld Poultry R&D Centre PO Box 327 CLEVELAND QLD 4163


• To survey current management practices that relate to behaviour, grazing

and housing of ostriches and to determine the on-farm facilities that will allow collaborative on-farm trials to be conducted with ostrich producers.

• To examine the range of likely feed ingredients and alternative ingredients (particularly roughages) that will be commonly used by the ostrich industry and to determine the nutritive value of some of these feedstuffs using experimental means.

• To test the ability of ostriches to select their nutrient needs from a range of ingredients and to study ostrich behaviour particularly in relation to feeding.

• To test and provide the ostrich industry with practical diet formulations for all phases of production recognising that part of their dietary needs may be obtained from pasture. Attempts will be made to estimate pasture intake of ostriches and separate this from concentrate intake.

• The main objective is to formulate cost-effective diets and recommend best feeding practice for the different phases of production and reproduction and for bird health.

Current Progress

There are several components to this study. The difficult measurement of pasture intake is critical to future husbandry practices. Dry matter intake ranged from 185g/bird day-1 to 315g/bird day-1. Because pasture quality was not high, it appeared that it may not have contributed greatly to the food needs of the birds which were also given a concentrated feed in amounts that was as low as 50% of ad libitum intake. In two other experiments, we determined the ability of ostriches to self-select from four diets that differed considerably in energy and protein content. Two choices were given to groups of six birds grown from 20 to about 95kg on each of four diet combinations giving six treatments in all. In both experiments ostriches choosing between diets of high protein-high energy and high protein-low energy grew the fastest. A third free-choice experiment is about to finish. Finally measurements of the energy content of diets containing different sources of roughage at 250g/kg diet showed ostriches had greater ability than emus or adult cockerels to extract energy from these fibre sources.

Project Title

Improved nutrition and management of farmed crocodiles: hatching to harvest

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-247A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/05/01 Researcher: Mr. Bernie Davis Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

PO Box 1085 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810


• To develop a nutritionally balanced feed pellet for both hatchling and

grower sized crocodiles. • To carry out further research into selected environmental factors and

management practices for rearing juveniles, and to undertake more fundamental bench-mark research for grower crocodiles.

• To encourage farmers to use the recording scheme CROCTEL to process the recorded data centrally and subject it to statistical analysis, and to compile an annual report on the results.

Current Progress

The development of pelleted feed which crocodiles will readily accept as a substitute for meat has proven more complex than it was originally thought. Despite the difficulties good progress has been made with the project. Several steps have to be implemented to successfully accomplish the goals of the crocodile nutritional program. Most of these steps have been accomplished or soon will be. The most significant problem to overcome was to actually get animals to eat pellets on a sustained basis and this has been done. Just how this has been achieved will remain as commercial in confidence until our final research report is written. On a dry matter basis the economics of pellets outweighs meat by-products such as chicken heads and kangaroo meat by 2.2:1 so this alone is a significant achievement. Two major tasks remain, that is to develop balanced diets which will further promote the growth of research animals and to make feed which will require no refrigeration. Both of these tasks are achievable and our immediate goals. This project is on track and will yield some useful commercial results for Australia’s crocodile industry.

Project Title

Market characteristics and opportunities for skin products of emerging animal industries

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-258A

Start Date: 1/10/99 Finish Date: 1/10/01 Researcher: Ms. Bronwyn Warfield Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350


• The project will provide producers, processors and tanners with an

understanding of the market requirements and opportunities for skin products of goat, emu, ostrich, crocodile and camel.

Current Progress

Good progress has been made since commencing the project last year. A comprehensive desktop study of the international market and Australian supply of goat, emu, ostrich, crocodile and camel skins has been completed. This research identified opportunities to further investigate the Japanese and United States markets for the 5 skins. Links have also been established with other departments and projects. Industry partners have supplied product samples for a trade visit by the Department of State Development to the Middle East. This initial visit was to identify trade contacts and interest in the skins supplied by the industry partners. In addition a graduate cadet is undertaking marketing research for the industry partners in Japan. Links have also been made with a project being undertaken by Dennis Murphy, DPI Queensland with the Tropical Ostrich Association (which are one of the industry partners in this project). Trial samples have been produced for this group for an overseas market. In addition the project team is seeking to profile 4 of the 5 skins at the upcoming Brisbane Exhibition and RAQ fashion awards. Four of the five industry partners are supplying skins for the production of clothing and accessories. The next stage of the project will involve clarifying the supply and tanning capabilities in Australia and conducting in-market research in one or two overseas countries. The project has remained flexible to enable industry participants to take advantage of opportunities, which arise, and to link in with initiatives by other government and industry groups.

Project Title

Feasibility of developing new markets for dairy goat products

RIRDC Project No.:

DAV-172A

Start Date: 13/12/99 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Ms. Kate Stoney Organisation: PO Box 335

MAFFRA VIC 3860 Phone: 03 5139 0130 Fax: 03 5139 0120 Email: [email protected] Objectives

1. To assist the expansion of specialist dairy goat milk products, by

overcoming marketing and processing problems caused by seasonal surpluses in milk supply.

2. To provide strategic market intelligence on potential new markets for goat milk products in Australia and Asia.

3. To visit potential new markets to provide initial market contacts and intelligence.

Current Progress

A preliminary desktop study has been completed, to identify and analyse data relating to existing market size, import and export levels, and countries of destination of goat milk products in Australia and South East and East Asia. A major limitation to this research is the problems associated with not having a separate trade code for dairy goat milk products. Each of the dairy product codes incorporates other products such as cow, sheep, and/or buffalo. This has made the desktop research of limited value in identifying dairy goat product imports and exports across the world. The project team will be surveying Australian dairy goat milk producers and manufacturers, in order to gain a more accurate understanding of current Australian production and potential production capability. It is anticipated that discussions with current manufacturers will also provide more accurate information on existing and potential markets. The Australian Dairy Goat Milk Producers Association is working with the project team to identify existing producers and manufacturers. Austrade are to be commissioned to complete an in-market study, to quantify the potential opportunity in three Asian markets, outline the import protocols, quotas and tariffs, and to identify potential key importers of specialist dairy goat milk products. Australian producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers will be invited to a meeting to review the draft findings of this report, in July. This meeting will seek to validate the data gathered in this project with industry, and will also be used to develop an action plan for future industry development, to meet the project aims.

Project Title

Cograzing of cattle and camels for commercial production

RIRDC Project No.:

DNT-20A

Start Date: 1/07/97 Finish Date: 30/06/01 Researcher: Mr. Andrew Phillips Organisation: Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries (NT)

Arid Zone Research Institute PO Box 8760 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871


• To quanitfy the expected production benefit per unit area of land from

cograzing cattle and camels compared to grazing cattle only • To determine the impact camels have on native topfeed species when

introduced to a new area • To determine the impact camels have on woody weed species when

introduced to a new area • To estimate the composition and amount of pasture consumed by cattle and

camel cograzing compared to cattle grazing only • To increase understanding of practical handling and management issues

associated with cograzing (such as important animal behaviour) • To develop recommendations for cograzing cattle and camels for profitable

commercial production.

Current Progress

This project is being conducted in two paddocks (cattle only and cograzed) on Waite River station, 250 km northeast of Alice Springs. Two years animal productivity and vegetation impact data have been collected. Animal performance, vegetation growth and the impact of cattle and camels on the vegetation have been driven by the extremes in seasonal conditions experienced. Cograzing steers with camels has not limited their performance, despite the cograzed paddock supporting equivalent steer weight (kg/km2) as the cattle only paddock, plus camels. Hence camel production has been additional to steer production. Pasture quantity, composition and groundcover, as well as tree and shrub impact have been monitored. To date, the only significant effect on pasture species attributable to running camels as extra livestock is far fewer copperburrs (Sclerolaena spp.). Camels have also reduced crown cover in the cograzed paddock, but have not reduced the numbers of any tree or shrub species. It seems that dietary preferences of camels and cattle have not overlapped to the extent that cattle performance has suffered. The grazing regimes will be reversed in 2000/2001 to try to determine if the productivity results achieved to date have been affected by paddock differences. Extremely high rainfall in early 2000 has delayed stock selection for the project this year.

Project Title

Phase 2 - Improving productivity and specialty cheese production in the Australian dairy goat industry

RIRDC Project No.:

PTP-11A

Start Date: 15/07/98 Finish Date: 31/12/00 Researcher: Mr. Arthur Stubbs Organisation: Primary Tasks Pty Ltd

Unit 58, Level 2 Carlton Clocktower Complex 247 Drummond Street CARLTON VIC 3053


• Definition and demonstration of best practice procedures on-farm in

feeding, health and mating management to achieve consistent quantity and quality of supply of goat milk at minimum cost for specialty cheese making.

Current Progress

Recording on two Focus Farms, one each in Victoria and Tasmania, is continuing, and two Field Days were held on the Tasmanian farm. A wealth of data has been accumulated and is being progressively analysed to determine optimum farm management practices. Computerised recording is being pursued through adaptation of dairy cow herd management programs. A third annual Dairy Goat Farm Survey (1998/99) has been completed and has added to previous information on benchmarks for farm performance. Work is continuing on developing a Manual of “Dairy Goat Notes” for advice on best practices for dairy goat husbandry and milk production. Industry development has seen the formation of an Australian Goat Milk Association as a forum for all sectors of the industry, and the initiation of two studies aimed at exploring markets for goat milk products, one looking at export potential, the other at goat milk powder. A Study Group will attend the International Conference on Goats in France in May.

Project Title

Alpaca enterprise budgeting software

RIRDC Project No.:

RID-2A

Start Date: 1/08/99 Finish Date: 1/08/00 Researcher: Mr. Chris Tuckwell Organisation: Rural Industry Developments Pty Ltd

PO Box 1105 GAWLER SA 5118


To provide:

1. Alpaca farmers with a means of objective assessment of alternative management strategies on enterprise profitability and of the sensitivity of enterprise outcome to changes in production cost and income parameters.

2. Lending institutions, join investors and other groups with a tool that will allow objective assessment of likely establishment costs and estimated returns from alpaca enterprises.

Current Progress

Software Development: The Alpaca program model is complete and the original spreadsheet has been rewritten to match the model. A program has been written to present the program in an, easily understandable format that allow users to manipulate various parts of the model. The program provides users with a capability to undertake a large range of sensitivity analyses. Trial-ware protection mechanisms, installation program and online MS-Windows Help file are all complete. Software evaluation: Industry co-operators undertook an initial evaluation of spreadsheet program’s inputs and outputs before the spreadsheets were finalised. Currently project cooperators are undertaking an evaluation of the finished program. Advertising and promotion will begin soon after satisfactory evaluation and possible amendments of the software.

Project Title

Anti-inflammatory properties of emu oil

RIRDC Project No.:

SAR-20A

Start Date: 30/11/99 Finish Date: 29/11/00 Researcher: Professor A Ferrante Organisation: Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide Phone: 08 82047216 Fax: 08 82037359 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To establish whether or not emu oil has anti-inflammatory activity and

identify biomarkers which are indicative of this activity, and to attempt to devise an approach to improve the efficacy of emu oil

Current Progress

The objectives of this research are to determine whether or not emu oil is efficacious as an anti-inflammatory agent and to identify variables which affect the potency of the oil. Twelve different preparations of emu oil have been tested to determine their direct effect on human peripheral blood lymphocyte function in vitro. No major inhibitory effects in terms of lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were found, although a few preparations showed slight inhibition. This is consistent with our hypothesis that the active component in the oil resides in the triglyceride fraction and requires release by lipases, which is likely to occur when the oils are administered to animals. In vivo studies of the effects on inflammatory reactions have shown promising results. One of the emu oil preparations, Makin, has been extensively studied for its efficacy in a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction and carrageen-induced inflammation in mice. Both types of inflammation were significantly reduced by this oil. Other emu oils are being tested in these models of inflammation and preliminary results have shown that some of these are also effective in reducing inflammation although to varying degrees. Work is in progress to try to identify the basis for differences between the emu oil batches as well as the identification of the active fraction(s)/component(s) in emu oil. These results yield new promise in the realization of the value of emu oil application and its establishment as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Project Title

A benchmark study of husbandry, transport, lairage and slaughter methods to improve the skin quality of ratites

RIRDC Project No.:

SAR-22A

Start Date: 1/10/99 Finish Date: 1/10/00 Researcher: Dr. Phil Glatz Organisation: South Australian Research and Development Institute

PIRSA/SARDI Research Funds Coordinator Nutrition Laboratory, PPPI Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371


• Reduce skin damage and improve profitability of ratite enterprises • Determine the effect of current farm practices, transport, lairage and

processing on skin quality. • Recommend management techniques to improve skin quality of ratites to

underpin industry QA programs • Demonstrate by video the effect of some current farm practices with emus

that influence skin quality • Development practical benchmark documentation for industry to

incorporate into quality assurance programs.

Current Progress

In Australia nearly half the farm gate value of ostriches is in the skins, but there is considerable downgrading because of damage on farm, during transport, in the lairage and during processing. Similarly for the Emu Industry 95% of skins are being downgraded. This project concerns the development of QA documentation and a video on methods to reduce this skin damage. The first draft of the documentation has been prepared and includes the breeder, hatchery, rearing, growing, transport, lairage, curing and tanning sectors. The QA documentation comprises benchmark questions and implications, record keeping check lists, list of targets to be achieved, score sheets for monitoring, fact sheets that provide rationale for the questions/answers and a video script. A ratite skin audit workshop was held in Adelaide in February 2000 to discuss the documentation and video script. The video will demonstrate events that lead to poor skin condition in emus and ostriches and simple strategies on how to minimise this problem. The draft video script was reviewed by industry representatives at the workshop and further developed to include issues raised. All sessions of the workshop were recorded and transcribed as part of this process. Video footage and still photographs have been obtained from Pangkarra ostrich farm and existing footage of emu behaviour has been reviewed for inclusion in the video. Negotiations with John Atkins on the recording of video footage of ostrich behaviour is currently taking place and additional visits to key industry locations are planned. The video will be presented in a modular style and the the option of compiling the final draft electronically (CD-ROM) is being explored. Whilst the video production will be stand-alone, it will support the issues expanded upon in the audit documents.

Project Title

Pharmacological induction of seminal emission and ejaculation in domestic species

RIRDC Project No.:

UMO-25A

Start Date: 1/10/99 Finish Date: 1/10/01 Researcher: Dr. Ian Gunn Organisation: Monash University

Institute of Reproduction and Development Level 5 Monash Medical Centre 246 Clayton Rd CLAYTON VIC 3168


• To establish practical on-farm systems for the safe and efficient collection

of semen from domestic animals through the use of chemical induced stimulates.

Current Progress

Our project has not commenced due to difficulties in obtaining animal ethics approval for work in domestic species. We are currently working up the pharmacological methods for induction of seminal emission in mice and have developed a novel electrical method for electroejaculation that is 100% effective in mice. These methods will be applied alone and in combination to domestic species when ethics approval is granted.

Project Title

Genetic evaluation for Australian ostriches – development of estimated breeding values

RIRDC Project No.:

UNE-57A

Start Date: 1/07/96 Finish Date: 30/7/00 Researcher: Dr Hans Graser, Ms Kim Bunter (PhD student) Organisation: Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit

University of New England Armidale, NSW, 2351


• Develop and implement a genetic evaluation system for the Australian

ostrich industry which will allow it to select breeding stock efficiently for improved genetic performance.

• Provide guidelines for quality performance recording and genetic selection to the ostrich industry through industry workshops and individual consultations.

Current Progress

Heritabilities and repeatabilities for several reproductive traits of ostrich hens have been estimated from data provided by a large pair breeding flock in South Africa. Results to date indicate that current flock performances can be improved for several reproductive traits through culling (performance is repeatable), and that for some traits scope exists for selection towards improved reproductive performance in the future (performance is heritable). The relationships between reproductive traits have also been examined on a pair wise basis, with some antagonistic correlations estimated. Analysis of egg, chick and growth rate traits is almost finalised. Results indicate that improvements to chick and juvenile live weights can be expected through appropriate selection of parents. The above studies also identify several important non-genetic factors that influence performance in a range of traits. Lack of pedigree depth and the breeding structures characteristic of ostrich production remain a limitation to the information that may be retrieved for genetic studies in this species. In addition, several characteristics of the industry currently make it difficult to implement routine genetic evaluation procedures, although this was a desired outcome of this project.

Project Title

Self-selection of diets by growing meat-type ducks

RIRDC Project No.:

UQ-76A

Start Date: 15/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: A/Prof. David J Farrell Organisation: Farm Animal Studies

University of Queensland ST LUCIA QLD 4072


• To allow diets to be formulated to meet the changing nutrient needs of meat

type ducks as they grow, resulting in more precise and cheaper diets and giving to the consumer more acceptable meat characteristics.

Current Progress

Two experiments have been completed on self-selection of meat type (White Pekin) ducks grown to about 3kg liveweight. Four diets with different energy and protein (amino acid) levels were fed to each of three groups of 20, 1-day-old ducklings giving six treatments. Growth rate of ducks at 6 weeks of age was highest (2.8 kg) on diet combinations that were low protein-low energy and high protein-high energy, or low protein-low energy and low protein-high energy. These differences were due mainly to significant effects of treatment from 0-2 weeks of age. Although feed conversion ratios (FCR) varied from 2.26 to 2.66, these were not significantly different. In a second similar experiment with 100 ducks per pen, all treatment groups grew faster than those on the control (standard) diet, but there were no differences between the self-selection treatments. FCR varied from 1.9 to 2.3 but these were not statistically different. Data on carcass composition and portions are being analysed as are the relative intakes of the two diet choices on the four treatments.

Project Title

Development of marketable dairy products from sheep milk

RIRDC Project No.:

UWA-44A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/01 Researcher: Dr. Roberta Bencini Organisation: University of Western Australia

Animal Science Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6009


• To assist the establishment of a viable sheep milking industry in Australia

by: − Producing reliable data on the yield, composition and processing

performance of milk from Awassi, East Friecian and crossbred sheep and − Developing new marketable dairy products made with sheep milk and

speciality cheeses using both calf and vegetable (cardoon) rennets.

Current Progress

East Friesian x Awassi crosses. In 2000 we will assess milk production and composition of East Friesian and Awassi crosses milked at UWA and Cloverdene, a commercial dairy in WA’s South West. Casein variants and processing performance of sheep milk. We are conducting capillary electrophoresis of sheep milk in collaboration with CSU. The samples will be processed with a Formagraph to measure their clotting properties and establish correlations between composition of milk, possible genetic variants, clotting properties, and cheese yield. Product development We will start work on the development of mould ripened cheeses as soon as we start milking the sheep, in June. Effect of feeding triticale on the yield and composition of milk This project will study the effect of bypass starch on the yield and composition of milk. Activities conducted at Charles Sturt University (by Dr S Agboola) As part of a study of Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon) for its suitability in cheese making, we have: • isolated and purified extracts from cardoon flowers • analysed activities and clotting properties of extracts on milk protein substrates. We are currently making cheese samples using cardoon extracts and commercial rennets. These will be analysed by instrumental, biochemical and sensory means.

Project Title

Development of reproductive technology and fertility assessment for the emu and ostrich farming

RIRDC Project No.:

UWA-52A

Start Date: 15/07/99 Finish Date: 30/06/04 Researcher: A/Prof. Graeme Martin Organisation: University of Western Australia

Faculty of Agriculture NEDLANDS WA 6907


1. Development of a sperm-egg interaction assay for assessment of sperm

quality in emu and ostrich 2. Development of an objective method for diagnosis of reproductive wastage

in emu and ostrich flocks 3. Development of methods for semen collection from male ostriches 4. Optimisation of in vitro sperm storage and sperm cryopreservation

protocols for emu and ostrich.

Current Progress

In September 1999 Dr I. Malecki attended the conference on bird reproduction in France where he presented a paper describing data from RIRDC emu AI project. After the conference , he visited Dr G. Wishart’s laboratory at the University of Abertay, Dundee in Scotland where he worked with the perivitelline techniques developed for the chicken. Extension of these techniques to the ostrich began in November 1999. We developed techniques to visualise sperm trapped in the yolk membranes and estimated a distributional pattern of sperm around the germinal disc. From this, we established which area of the germinal disc and non-germinal disc sperm need to be counted. In November 1999 one day old ostrich chicks were introduced to our research facility to which they are becoming accustomed. The work on the emu perivitelline techniques began in April 2000. We can visualise sperm in the yolk membranes and determine which area of the egg to count them in. Also, we have been able to isolate the emu inner perivitelline membrane needed for sperm-egg assay. The chicken methods to visualise holes made by sperm in the ostrich and emu eggs were not applicable but we are further researching the reason.

Project Title

Performance benchmarks for selected new animal products

RIRDC Project No.:

WHP-2A

Start Date: 1/08/99 Finish Date: 1/08/03 Researcher: Mr. David Michael Organisation: Wondu Holdings Pty Limited

PO Box 1217 BONDI JUNCTION NSW 1355


• To improve business management and growth in productivity from new

animal product enterprises through the derivation of relevant data and application of information through effective decision making aids and extension networks.

Current Progress

An Inception Report was completed in March 2000 and this described the design of a benchmarking programme for new animal product industries. The first year report contains three separate benchmark sets for emu production, ostrich production and ostrich processing. Data were collected from producers through on-site visits, mail surveys and telephone and e-mail exchanges. Data were also collected from processors in New Zealand and South Africa. The survey encountered non-response problems and problems with the quality of data from many of those who did respond. Sampling and non-sampling errors are therefore high. Nevertheless, the study has identified work practices and processes that can be improved substantially to generate more profit from these enterprises. Labour productivity was found to be a serious problem in the production industries. In addition, most producers fail to allocated enough resources to marketing and change management and they generally lack skills in this area. Many producers appeared to be working with outdated business models that may have worked well during the initial stock build-up phase of a new animal industry but were not appropriate for later more competitive stages when feeding, breeding, marketing and financial management assume much more importance. A decision making framework is included with the report. The benchmarking study of ostrich processing is understood to be the first of its kind in the world and although response numbers are low the output of the respondents account for a significant 30% of world slaughterings of ostriches. Major problems for processors were identified in the area of labour productivity, yield of saleable meat and damages to hides. The main recommendation of the Inception Report is to, in future, collect generic information that focusses on common factors of production and profitability, not industry specific benchmarks. In this context a multi-industry survey is planned to be distributed later in the year for the second year of the study.

new animal products - agrifutures australia€¦ · rirdc completed projects in 1999-2000 and...

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