Journal articles on the topic 'Feed industry Australia'
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1
Alford, A. R., R. S. Hegarty, P. F. Parnell, O. J. Cacho, R. M. Herd, and G. R. Griffith. "The impact of breeding to reduce residual feed intake on enteric methane emissions from the Australian beef industry." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46, no. 7 (2006): 813. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea05300.
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The expected reduction in methane emissions from the Australian beef herd resulting from using bulls identified as being more feed efficient as a result of having a lower residual feed intake (RFI) was modelled, both in a single herd in southern Australia and in the national herd. A gene flow model was developed to simulate the spread of improved RFI genes through a breeding herd over 25 years, from 2002 to 2026. Based on the estimated gene flow, the voluntary feed intakes were revised annually for all beef classes using livestock populations taken from the Australian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI). Changes in emissions (kg methane/animal.year) associated with the reduction in feed intake were then calculated using NGGI procedures. Annual enteric methane emissions from both the individual and national herd were calculated by multiplying the livestock numbers in each beef class by the revised estimates of emissions per animal. For an individual adopting herd, the annual methane abatement in year 25 of selection was 15.9% lower than in year 1. For the national herd, differential lags and limits to adoption were assumed for northern and southern Australia. The cumulative reduction in national emissions was 568 100 t of methane over 25 years, with annual emissions in year 25 being 3.1% lower than in year 1. It is concluded that selection for reduced RFI will lead to substantial and lasting methane abatement, largely as a consequence of its implementation as a breeding objective for the grazing beef herd.
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Rowlands, William. "Challenges and opportunities for fossil fuels in a carbon - constrained world – an Australian perspective." Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 126, no. 2 (2014): 13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rs14013.
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With climate change undeniable, what are Australia’s opportunities for achieving more controlled greenhouse gases releases, while still using fossil fuels? How does this interplay with the reduction of fossil crude oil supply and the increasing shift in Australia towards importing finished products, declining refinery infrastructure and consequently reduction in the availability of chemical feed stocks for the local chemical industry? In fact, will there be an Australian chemicals and refining industry 30 years from now? The talk discussed these questions and aimed to outline a vision for Australia that might successfully deal with some of their aspects. Furthermore, this vision will be partially translated and exemplified with our lignite value add project in Victoria.
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Moore, Robert J. "Necrotic enteritis in chickens: an important disease caused by Clostridium perfringens." Microbiology Australia 36, no. 3 (2015): 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ma15041.
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Clostridium perfringens, a spore-forming, Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium, causes a variety of diseases throughout the animal kingdom. Each disease in each animal species tends to be caused by particular strains of C. perfringens and is defined by the tissue tropism and toxin profile of the bacteria. In chickens toxinotype A strains cause necrotic enteritis; a disease characterised by tissue damage to the proximal regions of the small intestine. In extreme cases the disease can be lethal but is more commonly seen as a sub-clinical disease that causes welfare issues and productivity losses within the poultry industry. The disease is currently well controlled in Australia by good management practices and, for some poultry producers, the use of antibiotics in the feed. However, the disease does cause significant issues in other regions including North America and Europe. In Europe there was a spike of necrotic enteritis disease when antibiotics were withdrawn from animal feeds. It is probable that the disease will become more of an issue in the Australian poultry industry as in-feed antibiotic use is reduced. Therefore, other methods of disease control are under investigation, including the development of vaccines.
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Wales, W. J., and E. S. Kolver. "Challenges of feeding dairy cows in Australia and New Zealand." Animal Production Science 57, no. 7 (2017): 1366. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an16828.
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There is a continuing evolution of feeding systems in both Australian and New Zealand dairy industries and this presents challenges for the future. Since the turn of the century, the two countries have diverged in industry growth characteristics, with Australian dairying having contracted, with 10% less milk being produced because of 20% fewer cows producing 15% more per cow, whereas New Zealand dairying has expanded, producing 83% more milk driven by a 54% increase in cow numbers and a 31% increase in milk production per cow. Solutions to optimise feed efficiency included the common themes of (1) growing more forage on farm, (2) increasing its utilisation and (3) more efficient use of supplements resulting in increases in DM intake, and they remain relevant. In New Zealand, many of the recent research activities have aimed at improving feed supply while limiting environmental impacts driven by increasing societal concern surrounding the environmental footprint of a growing and intensifying agricultural sector. In Australia, many of the recent research activities have aimed at improving feed efficiency, with a focus on understanding situations where partial mixed ration feeding systems (Australian Farm Systems 3 and 4) are sustainable. Simply growing more feed on farm can no longer be a sole objective; farms must be operated with a view to reduce the environmental footprint, with New Zealand dairy farmers increasingly needing to farm within nitrogen limits. The present review revisits and reinforces many of the concepts developed in previous reviews, but also examines the evolution of feeding systems in both countries and opportunities to improve feed efficiency and profit, while satisfying public expectations around environmental stewardship. We also identify some of the gaps in the current knowledge that warrant further research.
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Arthur, P. F., J. A. Archer, and R. M. Herd. "Feed intake and efficiency in beef cattle: overview of recent Australian research and challenges for the future." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44, no. 5 (2004): 361. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea02162.
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In the last 10 years, there have been 3 major research and development projects in Australia on the efficiency of feed utilisation by beef cattle. The primary objective of these projects has been to examine individual animal variation in feed efficiency and its exploitation for genetic improvement in beef cattle. The results of these projects indicate that genetic variation in feed efficiency exists in Australian beef herds, that feed efficiency is moderately heritable and that the potential exists to reduce the cost of beef production through selection for efficient cattle. These results have been further developed for industry application through the generation of BREEDPLAN estimated breeding values for net (or residual) feed intake (a feed efficiency trait) for Angus and Hereford–Polled Hereford breeds. Although economic analyses have indicated substantial benefit from selection for feed efficiency, the high initial cost of identifying animals which are superior for feed efficiency is a barrier to rapid adoption of the technology. Developing cost-effective methods of implementing the feed efficiency technology is thus an on-going research activity. Challenges for the future include: the development and use of more sophisticated statistical analyses procedures (such as random regression) for feed intake and efficiency evaluation; development of accurate methods of assessing individual animal feed intake at pasture; the adoption of a whole-production system approach to feed utilisation; and better integration of the disciplines of genetics and nutrition. The outcomes from research in the efficiency of feed utilisation in beef cattle have wider applications, not only in other livestock species, but also in human energetics, such as the control of obesity.
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Lähteenmäki-Uutela, A., S. B. Marimuthu, and N. Meijer. "Regulations on insects as food and feed: a global comparison." Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 7, no. 5 (August 13, 2021): 849–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.3920/jiff2020.0066.
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Insects, as a food and or feed source, represent an emerging protein source relevant to farmers, feed companies, food companies and food marketers globally. The growth of this industry is somewhat restricted due to outdated food and feed regulations covering insect use. The regulations also do not allow the use of all potential insects as food and feed. Governments aim to ensure food and feed safety, and each country has its own substantive and procedural rules for this purpose. However, the regulatory demands and differences between countries complicate the international marketing strategies for insect products. Food and feed regulation are separate; feed regulation may allow insect usage even when they are not allowed as food. Some countries have specific rules for novel foods, while others do not. This paper compares insect food and feed regulation of the primary production and marketing areas: the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In addition, the situation in selected countries in Central and South America, Asia and Africa is also discussed.
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Rugoho, Innocent, Hayden Lewis, Muhammad Islam, Andrew McAllister, Gemma Heemskerk, Andrew Gourley, and Cameron Gourley. "Quantifying dairy farm nutrient fluxes and balances for improved assessment of environmental performance." Animal Production Science 58, no. 9 (2018): 1656. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an16440.
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Excess nutrients are challenging the long-term sustainability of grazing-based dairy farming. Whole-farm nutrient-mass balance (NMB) is a well recognised approach to improve on-farm nutrient management decisions. In the present paper, we use a standardised approach for quantifying NMB on grazing-based dairy farms, using a newly developed online tool. Preliminary evaluation, using selected farm data from a previous Australia-wide dairy-farm nutrient study, demonstrated highly comparable estimates of farm area, nutrient fluxes and NMB, with substantial efficiencies in time and sample analysis. Nutrient mass balances were also determined on 16 diverse dairy farms across the five major dairy regions of Victoria, Australia. These results highlighted the importance of purchased feed, fertiliser and milk sales, as major sources of nutrient inputs and outputs, with whole-farm NMB for the 16 dairy farms ranging from 185 to 481 kg/ha for nitrogen, 12–59 kg/ha for phosphorus, 9–244 kg/ha for potassium and –6–55 kg/ha for sulfur. Current industry adoption of the NMB tool has confirmed the benefits of a standardised and efficient collation and processing of readily available farm data to inform nutrient management decisions on commercial dairy farms. We suggest that the standardised assessment of nutrient fluxes, balances and efficiency, as well as feed- and milk-production performance at the whole-farm level, provides dairy farmers, farm advisors and industry and policy analysts with the ability to determine industry-wide goals and improve environmental performance.
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Özkan, Şeyda, Julian Hill, and Brendan Cullen. "Effect of climate variability on pasture-based dairy feeding systems in south-east Australia." Animal Production Science 55, no. 9 (2015): 1106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an14493.
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The Australian dairy industry relies primarily on pasture for its feed supply. However, the variability in climate affects plant growth, leading to uncertainty in dryland pasture supply. This paper models the impact of climate variability on pasture production and examines the potential of two pasture-based dairy feeding systems: (1) to experience winter deficits; (2) to carry forward the conserved pasture surpluses as silage for future use; and (3) to conserve pasture surpluses as hay. The two dairy feeding systems examined were a traditional perennial ryegrass-based feeding system (ryegrass max. – RM) and a system that incorporated double cropping into the perennial ryegrass pasture base (complementary forage – CF). The conditional probability of the RM and CF systems to generate pasture deficits in winter were 94% and 96%, respectively. Both systems could carry forward the surplus silage into the following lactation almost once in every 4–5 years with the RM system performing slightly better than the CF system. The proportions of the grain-based concentrates fed in the two systems were 25% and 27% for the RM and CF systems, respectively. This study suggests that double-cropping systems have the potential to provide high-quality feed to support the feed gaps when pasture is not available due to increased variability in climatic conditions.
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Ghahramani, Afshin, and Andrew D. Moore. "Climate change and broadacre livestock production across southern Australia. 2. Adaptation options via grassland management." Crop and Pasture Science 64, no. 6 (2013): 615. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp13195.
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Climate change is predicted to cause a significant reduction in the productivity of grasslands and the livestock industry across southern Australia. We have used the GRAZPLAN biophysical simulation models to assess a range of pasture management practices as adaptation options under the SRES A2 global change scenario. The modelling analysis spanned four dimensions: space (25 representative locations), time (2030, 2050, 2070, and a historical reference period of 1970–99), livestock enterprises (five), and management (four adaptation options at different levels). Climate projection uncertainty was taken into account by considering climates from four global climate models. The effectiveness of adaptation options varied widely among enterprises and locations, over time, and under the four projected future climates. Increased soil fertility by adding phosphorus and addition of an area of lucerne to the feed-base were predicted to have the greatest effect in recovering from the negative impact of climate change on profitability. In high-rainfall zones in particular, and compared with the historical period, the most profitable option could return the profitability of livestock production systems to historical levels at 68%, 52%, and 32% of the representative locations at 2030, 2050, and 2070, respectively. At 2030, increased soil fertility, adding lucerne to the feed-base, and confinement feeding in summer recovered overall profit fully at 52%, 28%, and 12% of locations. Removing annual legumes in an attempt to preserve ground cover was ineffective as an adaptation to changing climate. For the majority of location × livestock enterprise combinations, there was at least one individual incremental adaptation that could recover the declines in the profitability at 2030, but effectiveness decreased over time after 2030. It is unlikely that the examined single climate change adaptations to the feed-base of southern Australian livestock production systems can return them to profitability in the second half of the century.
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Tomberlin, J. K., A. van Huis, M. E. Benbow, H. Jordan, D. A. Astuti, D. Azzollini, I. Banks, et al. "Protecting the environment through insect farming as a means to produce protein for use as livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed." Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 1, no. 4 (December 7, 2015): 307–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.3920/jiff2015.0098.
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Securing protein for the approximate 10 billion humans expected to inhabit our planet by 2050 is a major priority for the global community. Evidence has accrued over the past 30 years that strongly supports and justifies the sustainable use of insects as a means to produce protein products as feed for pets, livestock, poultry, and aquacultured species. Researchers and entrepreneurs affiliated with universities and industries, respectively, from 18 nations distributed across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia contributed to the development of this article, which is an indication of the global interest on this topic. A brief overview of insects as feed for the aquaculture industry along with a review of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), as a model for such systems is provided.
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Campbell, Angus J. D., Annefleur Broekhuizen, Kimbal Curtis, Keith P. Croker, Ralph Behrendt, and Andrew N. Thompson. "A survey of post-weaning mortality of sheep in Australia and its association with farm and management factors." Animal Production Science 54, no. 6 (2014): 783. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an13149.
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A cross-sectional telephone survey of post-weaning sheep management and mortality was conducted involving 1410 farmers from across Australia. The average reported post-weaning mortality was 4.6%. Mortality was greatest in Queensland and Western Australia, and least in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Weaner mortality was also greater in the pastoral zone than in the sheep–cereals or high-rainfall zones. Overall, 44% of farms had mortality identified as ‘high’, exceeding the suggested benchmark of ≤4% per annum. High mortality was reported on 50% and 32% of farms with predominantly Merino and crossbred weaners, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between high mortality and the main month of lambing for a flock. Larger sheep flocks, flocks with a smaller proportion of weaners, and farms of smaller area were associated with a greater likelihood of high weaner mortality. The odds of high mortality in weaner flocks that were routinely separated according to bodyweight or condition score was half that of flocks that were managed as one group. Overall, 84% of farmers regularly provided supplementary feed to weaner sheep, but the kind of supplement offered and the proportions of farms routinely supplementing differed between states and sheep production zones. Only high-protein supplementary feeding was associated with lower odds of high mortality. This survey confirms that poor post-weaning survival remains a widespread issue for the Australian sheep industry but identifies farm and management factors associated with reduced weaner mortality.
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Feenan, J. P. "EMERGING CHALLENGES IN AUSTRALIA’S DOMESTIC GAS MARKET." APPEA Journal 45, no. 1 (2005): 159. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aj04013.
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This paper considers emerging challenges to balancing gas supply and demand in Australia’s domestic market in the context of the global demand for Australian gas exports. Based on a major 2004 study by Wood Mackenzie, a series of scenario forecasts assessed the balance of gas allocation to domestic and export gas demand to 2020.Australia is destined to become an increasingly significant global supplier and exporter of gas, primarily as LNG. The recent emergence of major new LNG customers in China and (west coast) north America seeking to secure supplies has ignited a global gas demand-pull on Australia’s gas reserves that is competing with domestic demand.The States of Western Australia (WA) and the Northern Territory (NT) hold more than 130 Tcf or 90% of Australia’s total remaining gas reserves. For many years industry and politicians have proposed major transnational pipelines to transport gas out of the remote northwest or from Papua New Guinea to feed the energy-hungry southeast, and supplement existing gas production from the Cooper Basin and Bass Strait.Striking the right balance between export and domestic gas resource allocation and meeting the needs of producers, customers and policy-makers is emerging as a major challenge within Australia’s domestic gas market.
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Gourley, C. J. P., J. M. Powell, W. J. Dougherty, and D. M. Weaver. "Nutrient budgeting as an approach to improving nutrient management on Australian dairy farms." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47, no. 9 (2007): 1064. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea07017.
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Dairy farming in Australia continues to intensify. Increased stocking rates have resulted in increased milk production per ha, but have also required greater inputs of purchased feed and fertiliser. The imbalance between nutrient inputs, primarily as feed and fertiliser, and nutrient outputs, in milk and livestock, has resulted in significant nutrient accumulation on dairy farms and, consequently, a greater risk of nutrient loss to the environment. Nutrient budgeting is a technique used to quantify or predict nutrient deficits or surpluses, either at a whole-farm or field scale, in an attempt to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce nutrient losses from agriculture. A broad range of nutrient budgeting approaches are used internationally, and depending on their purpose, they vary from the very simple to the very complex. Nutrient budgeting has been widely used to assist on-farm nutrient management decisions, in research to identify major nutrient pools, transformations and losses, to enable farmers to access cost-sharing support from governments, and in some countries as a major regulatory tool. The changing nature of Australian dairy operations, the increasing societal pressure on the farming community to reduce nutrient losses to water and air, and the need to provide evidence that farm practices are meeting environmental standards, justifies the need for improved nutrient management practices on Australian dairy farms. This paper describes different types of nutrient budgeting approaches used internationally and assesses the benefits of developing a practical, scientifically rigorous and nationally standardised nutrient budgeting approach for the Australian dairy industry.
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Ketchem, Ronald T. "24 Field experience and challenges facing sow production today, industry strategies." Journal of Animal Science 97, Supplement_2 (July 2019): 12–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz122.022.
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Abstract I started in the swine industry in 1973 and served for the last 16 years as one of the owners of Swine Management Services (SMS), LLC. I have spent time in a lot of swine facilities of all sizes and ages, and I have seen lots of ideas tried and changes made both positive and negative. I feel that good sow data is your road map to monitoring farms and changes as they are made. SMS has created a company that takes sow reports, does the analysis, and sends written reports to the farm and management for review. SMS currently works with over 450,000 sows in the industry. The farm benchmarking program has 1.6+ million sows from 900+ farms in the United States, Canada, and Australia with data goes back 13 years. It compares farms based on pigs weaned / mated female / year with range of <18 to 34+ pigs. Top farms have figured out the need for quality labor, and they know that gilts are the key to the future—and they will make farrowing changes to improve day 1 care procedures to save more of those pigs. We now see farms with total born at 16+ pigs, pigs weaned per litter at 13+ pigs, pigs weighing 13+ pounds at 19 day weaning age, and sows after weaning coming back into heat in less than 5 days with 95+% breed by day 7. What are their bodies going through? I feel that the ability to manage and feed these high-producing females needs researching. Will that include a lot of work on the nutrition side, floors for sows in lose sows housing, and free stalls in lactation? Where is the trained labor needed coming from?
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Osei-Amponsah, Frank, Brian, Cheng, Cullen, Joy, Payyanakkal, Zhang, and Chauhan. "Association of Thermotolerance with Milk Production, Feed Saver, Fertility and Fat Percentage Breeding Values in Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle." Proceedings 36, no. 1 (January 19, 2020): 63. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2019036063.
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In Australia, heat waves are becoming hotter and longer, and more frequent, compromising dairy cattle welfare and productivity. Selection for heat tolerance (HT) may help to ensure sustainability of production under hot summer conditions. In a study at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Robotic Dairy Farm, we identified the 20 most heat-sensitive and 20 most heat-tolerant cows in a herd of 150 Holstein Friesian lactating cows based on phenotypic responses (increase in body temperature, panting score, and decline in milk production) of dairy cows grazing pasture and given concentrate at milking during hot summer conditions for 3 months. Hair samples were collected from the tip of the tail according to a standard protocol for genotyping (Zoetis). Results based on 36 successfully genotyped cows indicated a significant variation in feed saved (FS) genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) across age indicating a potential for its selection. The thermotolerant group had relatively higher GEBV for FS and fat% but lower milk production potential. Highly significant (P≤ 0.05) negative correlations (-0.39 to -0.69) were observed between heat tolerance and current dairy industry economic indices (Balanced Performance Index (BPI), Type Weighted Index (TWI), Australian Selection Index (ASI) and milk production), while positive correlations exist between HT and feed saved (0.44) and fertility (0.27). These findings indicate a positive association between HT and feed saved, fertility, and fat percent breeding values. However, a more extensive study including large number of lactating cows is required to confirm these genomic associations and incorporating in future breeding objectives.
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DiGiacomo, K., H. Akit, and B. J. Leury. "Insects: a novel animal-feed protein source for the Australian market." Animal Production Science 59, no. 11 (2019): 2037. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an19301.
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The increasing demands on natural resources to provide food and feed has led to increased global initiatives to improve production sustainability and efficiency. The use of insects as an alternate source of protein for human food and production-animal feed is one such avenue gaining attention. With there being a large variety of insect species endemic to each region, there is likely to be an ideal candidate for each specific production system and region. Insects require less land and water than do terrestrial animals, have high feed-conversion efficiency (FCE) and emit low levels of greenhouse gases (GHG). Insect species currently investigated for mass production include black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), mealworms and crickets. In western societies, it is less likely that wide-scale adoption of insects as a food source will occur, although speciality products with ‘hidden’ insects, such as cricket flour, are commercially available. It is likely to be more achievable for insects to be included into the diets of production and companion animals. While there has been significant investment in research and development of large-scale insect-production systems, such facilities are yet to start producing at a significant scale. The safety and efficacy of insects as a food or feed must be established in conjunction with the development of mass rearing facilities and the optimisation of insect-rearing substrates. Insects also have nutraceutical properties that may have beneficial impacts on animal health and growth, with scope for these properties to be exploited as feed or food additives. The present review will explore the following question: ‘are insects a future livestock industry for Australia?’.
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Schenkel, Flavio, Luiz Brito, Hinayah Oliveira, Tatiane Chud, David Seymour, and Filippo Miglior. "179 Breeding for enhancing feed efficiency in dairy cattle." Journal of Animal Science 97, Supplement_3 (December 2019): 183–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz258.379.
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Abstract Genetically selecting for improved feed efficiency has been recognized by the dairy cattle industry as an important economic and environmental goal. Improved feed efficiency has the potential to significantly reduce costs, improving dairy farmers’ profitability and, at the same time, minimize environmental impact, for example by reducing nutrient loss in manure and methane emissions. Feed efficiency is recognized as a complex trait that may be define in different ways, but it generally describes units of product output per unit of feed required. An overview of genetic selection for improved feed efficiency and international initiatives to implement genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle is presented. In general, studies have indicated that feed efficiency, defined and assessed in alternative ways, is moderately heritable and genetic selection could be successfully implemented. Various initiatives around the world have worked collaboratively to carried out research and create reference datasets for joint genomic evaluations. An example is the large international Efficient Dairy Genome Project (EDGP) led by Canada. The EDGP database was developed in 2017 to allow data sharing among the international collaborators. Currently, the database contains genotypes and records on feed intake of 5,289 cows and on methane emissions of 1,337 cows from eight research herds in six countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States). Genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlations) were estimated for dry matter intake, metabolic body weight and energy corrected milk at two time-periods: a) 5–60 DIM and b) 60–150 DIM. These parameters provide a basis for development of breeding value estimation procedures and subsequent selection index for feed efficiency, which will incorporate genomic information.
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Heard, J. W., P. T. Doyle, S. A. Francis, M. v. H. Staines, and W. J. Wales. "Calculating dry matter consumption of dairy herds in Australia: the need to fully account for energy requirements and issues with estimating energy supply." Animal Production Science 51, no. 7 (2011): 605. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an10079.
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Feed costs are the major component of the variable costs and a significant component of the total costs of milk production on Australian dairy farms. To improve farm productivity, farmers need to understand how much feed is being consumed and the nutritive characteristics of the diet. This paper reviews an existing simple approach, the ‘Target 10’ approach, which is commonly used by the dairy industry in Victoria to estimate annual forage consumption. An alternative approach – the ‘Feeding Systems’ approach – is then introduced. The ‘Feeding Systems’ approach is compared with estimated forage consumption measured under experimental conditions. An analysis of the sensitivity of both approaches to incremental changes in key variables is presented. The ‘Feeding Standards’ approach was concordant with estimated forage consumption measured under experimental conditions. Sensitivity analysis has highlighted key variables which may have considerable influence over simulated forage consumption using this approach. Given that none of the key variables tested in this analysis can be varied in the ‘Target 10’ approach, we feel confident that the ‘Feeding Standards’ approach provides an improved method of back-calculating annual on-farm forage consumption. Using a robust approach to calculate forage consumption which fully accounts for metabolisable energy requirements is important where farmers are using home-grown forage consumption as an indicator of farm feeding system performance. It is also important to understand the assumptions involved in estimating metabolisable energy supply from either supplements or forage.
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Edwards, Lauren E., and Paul H. Hemsworth. "The impact of management, husbandry and stockperson decisions on the welfare of laying hens in Australia." Animal Production Science 61, no. 10 (2021): 944. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an19664.
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The present review examines the impact of management and husbandry decisions on the welfare of laying hens in Australia. The literature on many of these aspects is lacking for the Australian egg industry, and, indeed, for the egg industry in general. Management decisions that can affect hen welfare relate to the initial farm design, husbandry routines, and staff selection and training. As modern laying houses represent a considerable financial investment, the decisions made during the design phase are likely to affect both the hens and stockpeople for substantial periods. Hens in cage systems may benefit from fewer tiers and greater space allowances. In non-cage systems, the brown genotypes used in the Australian egg industry may benefit from lower structures that accommodate their heavier and less agile bodies. Keel fractures can be reduced by improving the skeletal health and spatial cognition of laying hens during the rearing period, in addition to minimising the distances they need to jump when navigating aviary structures. The addition of a wintergarden to fixed free-range systems appears to be beneficial. Housing hens in mobile units on free-range farms may challenge their welfare, particularly in relation to heat stress. There is also room for improvement in biosecurity practices and health monitoring of hens, as these appear to be lacking at some farms. The current strains of hen used in free-range systems may not be best suited to these conditions, on the basis of their body condition and flock uniformity. Feed quality may also need to be monitored for quality assurance and optimal hen nutrition. Hen welfare during depopulation can be improved through staff training and by reducing staff fatigue. Euthanising spent hens on farm offers welfare benefits over transporting spent hens to an abattoir. Both hen welfare and working conditions for stock people should be considered when designing laying houses to provide suitable conditions for both hens and stockpeople. This will help improve the job satisfaction of stockpeople, which may translate into better care for the hens and may aid in retaining quality staff. Stockpeople must be recognised as vital contributors to hen welfare in the egg industry, and it is important for the egg industry to continue to attract, train and retain skilled stockpeople to ensure that they enjoy their job and are motivated to apply best-practice care for their flocks. Promoting the animal-care aspect of stockmanship in combination with a supportive managerial environment with optimal working conditions may increase the attractiveness of the egg industry as a place to work.
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Hughes, Robert J., Ali Khoddami, Peter V. Chrystal, Adam P. Crawford, Sonia Y. Liu, and Peter H. Selle. "Potential of CIELAB colour scores to gauge the quality of sorghum as a feed grain for chicken-meat production." Animal Production Science 60, no. 7 (2020): 930. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an19410.
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Context Cereal grains used by the poultry industry in Australia vary widely in available energy and protein content, which is often reflected as variation in bird performance. Rapid or real-time techniques for measuring the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) content of cereal grains for birds include near infrared spectroscopy, rapid visco-analysis starch pasting profiles and colour analysis. Aims This study involved retrospective colour analysis of Australian sorghum samples reported in recent publications, and sorghum samples used in commercial production of chicken meat in Australia. The main objective was to develop regression models as tools to predict AME values for sorghum from colour analysis of the grain for timely assistance to nutritionists formulating commercial diets and purchasing sorghum grain. Methods Stepwise regression analysis was used to correlate AME values for 18 samples of red, yellow and white sorghum with their CIELAB colour variables L*, a* and b*, which indicate lightness (from black to white), green-red component and blue-yellow component, respectively. The model was then used to predict AME values for sorghum in previously reported studies. Key results The multivariate model AMEsorghum (MJ/kg DM) = 31.139 – 0.189 L* – 0.604 a* + 0.189 b* (P = 0.0021, R2 = 0.638) was shown to predict AME of red sorghum samples to within an average difference of 0.67 MJ/kg DM in one published study. The sorghum sample showing the largest difference contained kafirin 61.5 g/kg. Data from another published study indicated larger differences (0.93 MJ/kg DM) between predicted and measured values for sorghum. The largest difference of 1.41 MJ/kg DM was observed for a sample of white sorghum containing the lowest concentrations of kafirin (41.4 g/kg), phytate (4.93 g/kg) and total phenolics (3.00 mg GAE/g). Conclusions CIELAB colour analysis has potential as a rapid, inexpensive indicator of AME values for sorghum as a feed grain for chicken-meat production, but high concentrations of antinutritive components, such as kafirin, detract from this potential. Implications A rapid, inexpensive indicator of kafirin, such as near infrared, is required to complement CIELAB colour analysis.
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Yeheyis, Likawent, Andrew Sergeant, Matthew Nelson, David Mcnaughton, and Heather Sanders. "Opportunities and Challenges for Market Oriented Lupin (Lupinus spp.) Production in Ethiopia." Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology 10, no. 6 (July 7, 2022): 1165–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v10i6.1165-1173.4998.
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Over recent years, the demand for livestock products in Ethiopia is increasing; most of this demand is coming from urban centers, especially from Addis Ababa, as the buyers are demanding better quality and more hygienic produce. This has fueled interest in better quality animal feed, mainly from larger-scale commercial livestock producers. With this background, there has been interest in stimulating plant-based protein production that can be incorporated into livestock feed. Small quantities of lupins are grown (less than 20,000 ton per year) in the North Western part of Ethiopia for human consumption. These lupins are bitter due to their alkaloid concentration and are unsuitable for livestock feed. If non-bitter (sweet) varieties are grown, then they could be a source of protein for animals as is the case in some countries, such as Australia. The Ethiopian market for livestock feed was surveyed and segmented to evaluate the opportunities for lupins. The survey revealed that the livestock sector in Ethiopia is suffering from feed shortage both in terms of quality and quantity. Lupin, as a potential protein source feed has an opportunity to be incorporated into the livestock feed industry. Currently it is estimated that if sweet lupins were available, the short-term demand from commercial livestock producers and feed processors market segment is 20,000 t/year. In the medium-term, it is expected that as the national poultry production expands, there will be an increased demand from the large feed mill factories to around 35,000 to 40,000 t/year grain for high quality protein such as lupin. It is recommended that the already started sweet lupin promotion in the country has to be done at scale. In addition, production of sweet lupin in Ethiopia should be focused on the commercial farming sector and the marketing should be through the large-scale processors or direct to large-scale livestock producers.
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Burrow, H. M., and B. M. Bindon. "Genetics research in the Cooperative Research Centre for Cattle and Beef Quality." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45, no. 8 (2005): 941. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea05069.
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In its first 7-year term, the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for the Cattle and Beef Industry (Meat Quality) identified the genetic and non-genetic factors that impacted on beef eating quality. Following this, the CRC for Cattle and Beef Quality was established in 1999 to identify the consequences of improving beef eating quality and feed efficiency by genetic and non-genetic means on traits other than carcass and beef quality. The new CRC also had the responsibility to incorporate results from the first Beef CRC in national schemes such as BREEDPLAN (Australia’s beef genetic evaluation scheme) and Meat Standards Australia (Australia’s unique meat grading scheme that guarantees the eating quality of beef). This paper describes the integrated research programs and their results involving molecular and quantitative genetics, meat science, growth and nutrition and industry economics in the Beef CRC’s second phase (1999–2006) and the rationale for the individual genetics programs established. It summarises the planned scientific and beef industry outcomes from each of these programs and also describes the development and/or refinement by CRC scientists of novel technologies targeting increased genetic gains through enhanced measurement and recording in beef industry herds, thereby ensuring industry use of CRC results.
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Gourley, Cameron J. P., Warwick J. Dougherty, David M. Weaver, Sharon R. Aarons, Ivor M. Awty, Donna M. Gibson, Murray C. Hannah, Andrew P. Smith, and Ken I. Peverill. "Farm-scale nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur balances and use efficiencies on Australian dairy farms." Animal Production Science 52, no. 10 (2012): 929. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an11337.
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Efficient and effective nutrient management decisions are critical to profitable and sustainable milk production on modern Australian dairy farms. Whole-farm nutrient balances are commonly used as nutrient management tools and also for regulatory assessment on dairy farms internationally, but are rarely used in Australia. In this study, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) imports and exports were measured during a standardised production year on 41 contrasting Australian dairy farms, representing a broad range of geographic locations, milk production, herd and farm size, reliance on irrigation, and soil types. The quantity of nutrients imported varied markedly – with feed and fertiliser generally the most substantial imports – and were principally determined by stocking rate and type of imported feed. Milk exports were the largest source of nutrient exports. Nitrogen balance ranged from 47 to 601 kg N/ha.year. Nitrogen-use efficiency ranged from 14 to 50%, with a median value of 26%. Phosphorus balance ranged from –7 to 133 kg P/ha.year, with a median value of 28 kg P/ha. Phosphorus-use efficiencies ranged from 6 to 158%, with a median value of 35%. Potassium balances ranged from 13 to 452 kg K/ha, with a median value of 74 kg K/ha; K-use efficiency ranged from 9 to 48%, with a median value of 20%. Sulfur balances ranged from –1 to 184 kg S/ha, with a median value of 27 kg S/ha; S-use efficiency ranged from 6 to 110%, with a median value of 21%. Nitrogen, P, K and S balances were all positively correlated (P < 0.001) with stocking rate and milk production per ha. Poor relationship between P, K and S fertiliser inputs and milk production from home-grown pasture reflected the already high soil fertility levels measured on many of these farms. The results from this study demonstrate that increasing milk production per ha will be associated with greater nutrient surpluses at the farm scale, with the potential for greater environmental impacts. We suggest that simplified and standardised nutrient balance methodologies should be used on dairy farms in Australia to help identify opportunities for improvements in nutrient management decisions and to develop appropriate industry benchmarks and targets.
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Hacker, Ronald B., and Yohannes Alemseged. "Incorporating farmed goats into sustainable rangeland grazing systems in southern Australia: a review." Rangeland Journal 36, no. 1 (2014): 25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj13035.
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The recent trend to farming or re-domestication of feral goats poses serious questions for the ecological sustainability of the semiarid and arid rangelands of southern Australia. This paper reviews aspects of the biology and grazing habits of goats, and aspects of the Australian goat industry, relevant to their sustainable management in livestock enterprises. Key factors identified include high fertility and fecundity even under low seasonal rainfall conditions and a generalist feeding strategy. Adverse consequences for rangeland condition can be expected if seasonal or market conditions result in an imbalance between population growth and turnoff, resulting in high grazing pressures. Given the limited control of the reproductive process at the current stage of the development of goat farming, strategies aimed at ensuring continuity of sale of goats (e.g. on-property feed lots or supply chain and market development) will be important in ensuring that imbalances are avoided. Conservative stocking rates and use of seasonal risk management tools are also particularly relevant. The major research and development needs identified by this review, from a resource management perspective, concern the appropriate dry sheep equivalent rating for goat classes based on age, sex and reproductive status, the extent and consequences of heterogeneity of grazing in space, time, and across forage species, and development of means of establishing sustainable stocking rates based on the use of all available forage sources, including browse.
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Heard, Joanna W., Murray C. Hannah, Christie K. M. Ho, and William J. Wales. "Predicting Immediate Marginal Milk Responses and Evaluating the Economics of Two-Variable Input Tactical Feeding Decisions in Grazing Dairy Cows." Animals 11, no. 7 (June 28, 2021): 1920. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani11071920.
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Feed is the largest variable cost for dairy farms in Australia, and dairy farmers are faced with the challenge of profitably feeding their cows in situations where there is significant variation in input costs and milk price. In theory, the addition of 5.2 MJ of metabolisable energy to a lactating cow’s diet should be capable of supporting an increase in milk production of one litre of milk of 4.0% fat, 3.2% protein and 4.9% lactose. However, this is almost never seen in practice, due to competition for energy from other processes (e.g., body tissue gain), forage substitution, associative effects and imbalances in rumen fermentation. Pasture species, stage of maturity, pasture mass, allowance and intake, stage of lactation, cow body condition and type of supplement can all affect the milk protein plus fat production response to additional feed consumed by grazing dairy cows. We developed a model to predict marginal milk protein plus fat response/kg DM intake when lactating dairy cows consume concentrates and pasture + forages. Data from peer reviewed published experiments undertaken in Australia were collated into a database. Meta-analysis techniques were applied to the data and a two-variable quadratic polynomial production function was developed. Production economic theory was used to estimate the level of output for given quantities of input, the marginal physical productivity of each input, the isoquants for any specified level of output and the optimal input combination for given costs and prices of inputs and output. The application of the model and economic overlay was demonstrated using four scenarios based on a farm in Gippsland, Victoria. Given that feed accounts for the largest input cost in dairying, allocation of pasture and supplements that are based on better estimates of marginal milk responses to supplements should deliver increased profit from either savings in feed costs, or in some cases, increased output to approach the point where marginal revenue equals marginal costs. Such data are critical if the industry is to take advantage of the opportunities to use supplements to improve both productivity and profitability.
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Davidson, John K. "TECTONIC CONTROL OF WORLD OIL RESERVES: AUSTRALIA'S POSITION." APPEA Journal 32, no. 1 (1992): 183. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aj91015.
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Although simple extensional clay models may be representative of grabens tens of kilometres in length, rotational divergence of continents on a sphere produces very different structures. Repeated periods of compression during separation result in wrench faults and compressional anticlines developing along major crustal fractures as a consequence of changes in momentum between a continent and adjacent smaller continental blocks along its rifted margin.The global distribution of rotationally divergent continental margins can be accounted for by asymmetric expansion of the earth. The southern bulge caused by expansion has emphasised non-marine deposition on southern continents with marine deposition more common in the northern hemisphere.Phanerozoic source rocks of the northern hemisphere account for 97 per cent of the world's produced and current reserves of oil. Australia's share of this extreme distribution asymmetry is less than one half of one per cent, yet the country covers five per cent of the Earth's continental crust.The proportion of undiscovered oil reserves outside OPEC and the former USSR is approximately 30 per cent, or some 12 per cent of the world's estimated ultimately recoverable reserve of 2 trillion (Tera) barrels. The majority of Australia's undiscovered reserves lie on the North West Shelf where about 12 per cent of the country's estimated ultimately recoverable reserve could be found.Although Australia is politically stable, lower petroleum taxes would attract exploration for smaller, structurally complex oil fields. While such taxes may be considered politically difficult at present, a by-product of concerted oil exploration would be an enormous increase in Australia's gas reserves to feed the national pipeline grid for the 21st century. Industry can assist increased success rates by greater attention to current technical deficiencies, such as the structural interpretation of seismic lines.
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Batley, Ryan J., Joel B. Johnson, Janice S. Mani, Daniel A. Broszczak, and Mani Naiker. "Finding alternative uses for Australian rosella (." Animal Production Science 62, no. 6 (February 8, 2022): 581–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an21475.
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Context Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a relatively new crop in Australia, with only a few commercial producers. The calyces are harvested for human consumption, with the seed pods often discarded as a waste byproduct. However, this material may have potential as a livestock feed supplement or as a value-added product in the food processing industry. Aims This study aimed to investigate the nutritional potential of rosella pods for use as a feed supplement, including an in vitro assessment of their digestibility in beef cattle. Methods Samples of rosella plants were separated into leaves, pods and calyces, then freeze-dried and ground. These products were measured in duplicate for their antioxidant capacity, as well as protein, metal, phenolic and anthocyanin content. Samples of the dried rosella pods (n = 3) underwent in vitro digestibility analysis using rumen/pepsin digestions and were compared with samples of commercial feedstock (n = 3). The resulting simulated gastrointestinal fluids from these digestions were tested for antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. Key results The highest antioxidant and phenolic contents of plant parts were observed in the pods (14 300 mg Trolox equivalents and 2960 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1, respectively), highlighting their potential for human or animal nutrition. The pods also contained moderate to high levels of minerals including calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc. Although the in vitro dry matter digestibility was lower (P < 0.001) than that of a conventional grain feedstock, the rosella pod substrate released significantly higher (P = 0.02) levels of antioxidants upon digestion than the commercial feedstock. Conclusion Although rosella pod digestibility was lower than that of a conventional grain feedstock, it was comparable to mean values for Australian hays and silages. Given the higher levels of antioxidants released during digestion, rosella waste product has potential to be used in small amounts as a feed supplement, with the added benefit of enhancing free radical quenching ability. Implications This study provides evidence for further investigation of the use of rosella waste as an animal feed, which would improve sustainability in agriculture as well as potentially improve animal health.
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Bindon, B. M. "A review of genetic and non-genetic opportunities for manipulation of marbling." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44, no. 7 (2004): 687. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea02173.
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The biology of marbling is a considerable issue for the Australian beef industry. Measurement of the trait is still a concern: subjective assessment based on the degree of visual fat deposition and its distribution is the 'industry standard' and the basis for payment of marbling grades. Yet this measurement may be subject to operator error and is influenced by chiller temperature. Chemical extraction gives an unequivocal measure of all fat in the muscle (intramuscular fat percentage: IMF%) and has higher heritability and genetic variation than marble score; but does this mirror exactly what the trade regards as 'marbling'?Progeny test results from the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Cattle and Beef Quality breeding projects provide improved understanding of breed and genetic effects on IMF% and marble score. Estimated breeding values (EBVs) for IMF% have been released to the industry for 7 breeds. Heritability estimates confirm that genetic progress will be faster when selection is based on IMF% rather than marble score. Genetic correlations of IMF% with growth, retail beef yield (RBY%), P8 fat, residual feed intake (RFI) and tenderness are now available to underpin selection indices. A favourable allele for marbling (TG5) on chromosome 14 has been identified by CSIRO/MLA as a direct gene marker for the trait. This is now being marketed as GeneSTAR marbling. Other favourable chromosomal regions are under investigation by the CRC.Nutritional manipulation of marbling remains problematic. It is accepted that high-energy grain diets achieve higher marbling than pasture diets. Within grain-based feedlot diets higher marbling is achieved with maize than barley, while barley diets in turn are better than sorghum. Steam flaking produces higher marbling than dry rolled grain and this effect is more marked with sorghum than maize. Beyond these establishments there are many uncertainties: experiments have examined the effects of diets with high protein; low protein; protected lipid; protected protein; added oil with and without calcium; vitamin A deficiency. None of these manipulations gave consistent improvement in marble score or IMF%. Commercial feedlots supplying Japanese B3/B4 markets may have successful dietary manipulations to enhance marbling but because of its proprietary nature the information is not normally available for scientific scrutiny.Japan is the only market for Australian beef where marbling is an important component of the market specification. There can be no doubt that marbling meets a special consumer preference in that niche market. In other markets scientific evidence for a link between marbling and beef tenderness or eating quality has been difficult to define (marbling is a key component of the USA grading scheme for primal cuts but Australia is not a big supplier to that market). In the domestic Meat Standards Australia market there is a trend for marbling to become more important as a consumer issue in 5-star products where higher order sensory attributes of beef come into play. Early meat science investigations concluded that beef flavour elements were water-soluble. This would exclude marbling fat as having a notable influence on flavour.Marbling remains the major determinant of carcass value in Australia's most valuable beef market. Research should continue to assist Australian producers to meet the specifications of that market with increased precision and reduced costs.
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Schembri, N., P. K. Holyoake, M. Hernández-Jover, and J. A. L. M. L. Toribio. "A qualitative study of the management and biosecurity practices of 13 interviewed pig owners selling via informal means in New South Wales, Australia." Animal Production Science 50, no. 9 (2010): 852. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an09226.
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There is increasing interest in the trading practices of producers who market pigs at live auction in Australia and the potential for infectious disease establishment and spread. The practices that underpin the commercial pork industry in Australia are well known. However, little is known about informal movements of pigs in Australia, and the biosecurity risks associated with pig production enterprises that utilise these methods of trade. The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the biosecurity and pig-keeping practices of owners who trade pigs informally for Foot and Mouth Disease and Classical Swine Fever exposure and spread. Interviews were conducted with 13 pig owners who trade via informal means between April and June 2009. Information provided by producers was able to be validated for the six interviews conducted on-farm. There was limited application of recommended biosecurity practices on-farm and few kept health and management records. All interviewees reared other livestock species, such as ruminants and/or poultry, as well as pigs. Most interviewed owners claimed to quarantine introduced pigs from the main herd; however, few complied with industry recommendations. The results of this study suggest that pig owners (n = 13 interviewed) who currently trade their pigs informally pose few threats for the introduction of emergency animal disease. Pig keepers largely obtained their pig feed from reputable sources and appeared to have a sound understanding of swill feeding. However, the lack of on-farm biosecurity, variable quarantine practices and the failure to keep health records could play a role in the spread of an emergency animal disease if it was to be introduced. Further work is being undertaken to determine, qualitatively, the risk associated with the management practices undertaken by informal pig traders and Foot and Mouth Disease and Classical Swine Fever introduction and spread.
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Rawnsley, R. P., D. F. Chapman, J. L. Jacobs, S. C. Garcia, M. N. Callow, G. R. Edwards, and K. P. Pembleton. "Complementary forages – integration at a whole-farm level." Animal Production Science 53, no. 9 (2013): 976. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an12282.
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A high proportion of the Australian and New Zealand dairy industry is based on a relatively simple, low input and low cost pasture feedbase. These factors enable this type of production system to remain internationally competitive. However, a key limitation of pasture-based dairy systems is periodic imbalances between herd intake requirements and pasture DM production, caused by strong seasonality and high inter-annual variation in feed supply. This disparity can be moderated to a certain degree through the strategic management of the herd through altering calving dates and stocking rates, and the feedbase by conserving excess forage and irrigating to flatten seasonal forage availability. Australasian dairy systems are experiencing emerging market and environmental challenges, which includes increased competition for land and water resources, decreasing terms of trade, a changing and variable climate, an increasing environmental focus that requires improved nutrient and water-use efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of complementary forages has long been viewed as a means to manipulate the home-grown feed supply, to improve the nutritive value and DM intake of the diet, and to increase the efficiency of inputs utilised. Only recently has integrating complementary forages at the whole-farm system level received the significant attention and investment required to examine their potential benefit. Recent whole-of-farm research undertaken in both Australia and New Zealand has highlighted the importance of understanding the challenges of the current feedbase and the level of complementarity between forage types required to improve profit, manage risk and/or alleviate/mitigate against adverse outcomes. This paper reviews the most recent systems-level research into complementary forages, discusses approaches to modelling their integration at the whole-farm level and highlights the potential of complementary forages to address the major challenges currently facing pasture-based dairy systems.
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Farrell, D. J. "In vivo and in vitro techniques for the assessment of the energy content of feed grains for poultry: a review." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 50, no. 5 (1999): 881. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar98173.
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The focus of this paper is on the energy evaluation of foodstuffs, particularly of food grains for poultry. Apparent metabolisable energy (AME) is currently the preferred feeding system for poultry but net energy systems are future possibilities and one is currently being used in some poultry growth models. These systems take into account the efficiency with which AME is being utilised by the bird. Aspects such as AME adjusted to zero nitrogen retention and true metabolisable energy (TME) are discussed. Shortcomings of the AME system are also discussed and recent net energy systems are described briefly. The in vitro prediction of AME or TME has not shown great promise although the European Tables of Energy Values for Foodstuffs contain detailed analysis of chemical composition and AMEn data allowing improved accuracy of prediction. It is suggested that data generated on Australian grains should be tested using these tables, and if successful, these tables may be useful to industry. Near infrared reflectance analysis (NIRA) is likely to be the preferred in vitro method for predicting a range of characteristics of food grains including AME. A new method of grain evaluation developed in Canada is described and this approach, with modification, may be worth pursuing in Australia. For the in vivo method of measuring AME of grains, the classical total collection method with broiler chickens is recommended with minor changes. The use of acid-insoluble ash for estimating dry matter digestibility for subsequent determination of AME may have merit. A rapid assay appropriate to laying hens is proposed because of the known increase in AME of grains as birds age. It has been established that AME values generated using adult cockerels also apply reasonably well to hens.
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Chataway, R. G., R. G. Walker, and M. N. Callow. "Development of profitable milk production systems for northern Australia: a field assessment of the productivity of five potential farming systems using farmlets." Animal Production Science 50, no. 4 (2010): 246. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an09124.
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Farmlets, each of 20 cows, were established to field test five milk production systems and provide a learning platform for farmers and researchers in a subtropical environment. The systems were developed through desktop modelling and industry consultation in response to the need for substantial increases in farm milk production following deregulation of the industry. Four of the systems were based on grazing and the continued use of existing farmland resource bases, whereas the fifth comprised a feedlot and associated forage base developed as a greenfield site. The field evaluation was conducted over 4 years under more adverse environmental conditions than anticipated with below average rainfall and restrictions on irrigation. For the grazed systems, mean annual milk yield per cow ranged from 6330 kg/year (1.9 cows/ha) for a herd based on rain-grown tropical pastures to 7617 kg/year (3.0 cows/ha) where animals were based on temperate and tropical irrigated forages. For the feedlot herd, production of 9460 kg/cow.year (4.3 cows/ha of forage base) was achieved. For all herds, the level of production achieved required annual inputs of concentrates of ~3 t DM/animal and purchased conserved fodder from 0.3 to 1.5 t DM/animal. This level of supplementary feeding made a major contribution to total farm nutrient inputs, contributing 50% or more of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium entering the farming system, and presents challenges to the management of manure and urine that results from the higher stocking rates enabled. Mean annual milk production for the five systems ranged from 88 to 105% of that predicted by the desktop modelling. This level of agreement for the grazed systems was achieved with minimal overall change in predicted feed inputs; however, the feedlot system required a substantial increase in inputs over those predicted. Reproductive performance for all systems was poorer than anticipated, particularly over the summer mating period. We conclude that the desktop model, developed as a rapid response to assist farmers modify their current farming systems, provided a reasonable prediction of inputs required and milk production. Further model development would need to consider more closely climate variability, the limitations summer temperatures place on reproductive success and the feed requirements of feedlot herds.
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Paganoni, B. L., C. M. Oldham, M. B. Ferguson, A. N. Thompson, P. E. Vercoe, and D. G. Gordon. "Ewe nutrition during pregnancy and birthweight of lambs has minimal impact on fat and eye muscle depth in Merino progeny." Animal Production Science 53, no. 6 (2013): 509. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an12266.
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The hypothesis tested in this experiment was that Merino lambs with lower birthweights, due to poor ewe nutrition during pregnancy, would have more fat and less muscle than Merino lambs with higher birthweights. At two sites (Victoria and Western Australia) in each of 2 years, a wide range in the liveweight profiles of ewes was generated during pregnancy and lactation by varying the amount of supplements fed and feed on offer grazed. Progeny had fat and muscle depth at the C-site measured at various ages from 8 to 28 months of age. Across the four experiments, there were differences of 0.5 kg in birthweights and 8 kg in weaning weights between extreme treatments. The effects on the depth of fat and muscle were very small with fat depth increasing by 0.1–0.2 mm (5–7%) and muscle depth increasing by 0.2–0.7 mm (1–3%) when birthweights decreased by 1 kg. The effects of birthweight on fat depth are consistent with our hypothesis whereas the effects of birthweight on muscle depth are in contrast to our hypothesis. Nevertheless, the impacts of birthweight on the depth of fat and muscle measured at the C-site of progeny from Merino ewes, is unlikely to be of any commercial significance within the range of nutritional scenarios during pregnancy and lactation that are likely to be experienced within the Australian sheep industry.
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Chapman, D. F., D. Beca, J. Hill, J. Tharmaraj, J. L. Jacobs, and B. R. Cullen. "Increasing home-grown forage consumption and profit in non-irrigated dairy systems. 4. Economic performance." Animal Production Science 54, no. 3 (2014): 256. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an13186.
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The profitability of dairy farm systems in southern Australia is closely related to the amount of pasture grown and consumed on-farm by dairy cows. However, there are doubts regarding the extent to which gains in feed supply from perennial ryegrass pasture can continue to support productivity growth in the industry. A farmlet experiment was conducted in south-western Victoria for 4 years (June 2005–May 2009), comparing a production system based on the use of forage species that complement perennial ryegrass in their seasonal growth pattern (‘Complementary Forages’, or CF) with a well managed system solely based on perennial ryegrass pasture (‘Ryegrass Max’, or RM). The forage base in CF included perennial ryegrass with a double-cropping rotation of winter cereal grown for whole-crop silage, followed by a summer brassica for grazing on 15% of farmlet area, a summer-active pasture based on tall fescue (on average 20% of farmlet area), perennial ryegrass oversown with short-rotation ryegrasses (average 16% of farmlet area) and summer brassica crops used in the process of pasture renovation (average 5% of farmlet area). The stocking rate was 2.2 and 2.8 cows/ha on RM and CF, respectively. Both systems were profitable over the 4 years of the experiment, with the modified internal rate of return over 4 years being 14.4% and 14.7% for the RM and CF farmlets, respectively. The coefficient of variation (%) of annual operating profit over 4 years was higher for the CF farmlet (56% and 63% for RM and CF, respectively). A severe drought in one of the 4 years exposed the more highly stocked CF system to greater supplementary feed costs and business risk. By comparison, the RM system performed consistently well across different seasons and in the face of a range of milk prices. The very small gain in profit from CF, plus the associated higher risk, makes it difficult to endorse a substantial change away from the traditional RM feed supply to greater reliance on summer-grown forages on non-irrigated dairy farms in southern Australia, as implemented in this experiment.
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Qassin, Salma, Caroline S. E. Homer, and Alyce N. Wilson. "Funding received from breastmilk substitute manufacturers and policy positions of national maternity care provider associations: an online cross-sectional review." BMJ Open 11, no. 12 (December 2021): e050179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050179.
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ObjectivesMaternity care providers play an essential role in supporting women to breast feed. It is critical that their professional associations limit influence from breastmilk substitute (BMS) manufacturers. Aims of this study were (i) to examine whether maternity care provider associations had policy or positions statements addressing BMS marketing and (ii) to explore the type of funding received by these associations.DesignAn online cross-sectional review.SettingNational or regional maternity provider professional associations in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the UK.ParticipantsTwenty-eight maternity care provider (obstetricians, midwives, nurses and others involved in perinatal care) professional association websites.InterventionsWebsites were examined from November 2019 to October 2020.Primary and secondary outcome measuresEvidence of BMS industry funding and policy or position statements addressing acceptance of funding from industries such as BMS.ResultsPolicies addressing the BMS industry were found for 14 associations (50%). UK-based associations (5/5, 100%) and perinatal associations (4/6, 67%) were most likely to have a policy. Six associations (6/28, 21%) received some form of BMS financial support. The highest rates of BMS support were seen in the form of event advertising (5/28, 18%); closely followed by event sponsorship (4/28, 14%). At a provider level, obstetric associations had the highest rates of BMS support (2/4, 50%). At a country level, US-based associations were most likely to receive BMS support (3/7, 43%).ConclusionsBMS industry financial support was received by one-fifth of maternity care provider associations. Half of these associations had policies addressing BMS marketing. BMS industry support can create conflicts of interest that can threaten efforts to support, protect and promote breast feeding. Healthcare provider associations should avoid BMS funding and at a minimum have policy or position statements addressing BMS marketing.
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Swastika, Dewa K. S., Nyak Ilham, and Ikin Sadikin. "Dampak Krisis Ekonomi Terhadap Kinerja Industri Susu Segar Dalam Negeri = The Impact of Economic Crisis Toword The Performence of Domestic Dairy Industry." Agro Ekonomi 10, no. 1 (November 29, 2016): 34. http://dx.doi.org/10.22146/agroekonomi.16785.
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The Indonesian Dairy Industry wa.s well developed until mid 1997, due to some government protective policies, such as credit far imported dam cattle. and domestic market security. (;orernment determined the Milk Ratio (the ratio between domestic fresh milk and imported milk) that should he satisfied/ by the multinational milk processors (IPS) to run their milk processing lactories. However, the domestic .fresh milk production was not sufficient to meet the raw material far their Jactories. Therefore, in 1996, about 67% of raw materials has w he imported, especially from Australia and New Zealand, At least there were m.o/actors resulting a high import of dairy product. First, the domestic dairy production capacity was limited: second the Indonesian dairy industry was considered as inefficient, so that the price of domesticfresh milk was claimed to be more expensive compared to imported milk. The economic crisis starting from mid 1997, resulting in a high price of imported dairy cattle and feed. On the other hand, this crisis also resulting in a significant increase in price of imported milk. Therefore, the demand for domestic fresh milk by IPS was significantly increased The observations in 6 milk cooperatives (in East and West Java) showed that since economic crisis, all fresh milk offered by all cooperatives to IPS was absorbed. Even IPS provided some incentives (higher price and bonus).* the farmers who have a better quality of milk. There was also price adjustment given by IPS from about Rp. 600 hr in 1996 97 to about Rp. 900 and then about Rp. 1100 ltr in 1998 99. However, the farmers was still complaining. because if they compare milk price to rice price, they recognize that before crisis I liter milk was equivalent to 0.6 kg rice, but after crisis 1 liter milk was equivalent to only 0.4 kg rice. The most important issue that should be anticipated is that "if exchange rate of Rupiah to US Dollar is increased, then imported milk will be cheaper, and IPS will tend to import milk rather than buying domestic fresh milk If this case is happening, it will be a nightmare to farmers who do dairy farm. Therefore, the development and transfer of the more efficient technology in dairy industry should be given a high priority.
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Abeysinghe, D. H., A. Shanableh, and B. Rigden. "Biofilters for water reuse in aquaculture." Water Science and Technology 34, no. 11 (December 1, 1996): 253–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.1996.0287.
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Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding industry in Australia and around the world. The majority of aquaculture operations employ flow through systems whereby residual feed and metabolic products are discharged to a nearby water body. In many countries, the discharge of nutrients rich aquaculture waters has contributed to the degradation of water quality in receiving water bodies. Aquaculture's dependency on water resources ultimately makes water recycling an attractive waste management option. Submerged flow biofilters, utilising a filter media with specific surface area of approximately 141m2/m3, were used to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from a synthetic fish farm water. Three biofilter systems were tested for nitrification, nitrification followed by denitrification, and combined nutrients removal. Successful carbon removal and nitrification were achieved in the nitrification system. The nitrification/denitrification biofilters achieved complete denitrification and nitrogen removal. The cyclic aerated/unaerated combined nutrients removal system achieved approximately 40 percent phosphorus removal, complete nitrification and 40 percent denitrification. The study demonstrated the viability of using biofilters for nutrients removal from fish farm waters. Biofilters are readily designed and constructed in modular form which makes such systems particularly useful for water quality management in aquaculture.
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Burkitt, L. L., D. J. Donaghy, and P. J. Smethurst. "Low rates of phosphorus fertiliser applied strategically throughout the growing season under rain-fed conditions did not affect dry matter production of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)." Crop and Pasture Science 61, no. 5 (2010): 353. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/cp09259.
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Pasture is the cheapest source of feed for dairy cows, therefore, dairy pastures in Australia are intensively managed to maximise milk production and profits. Although soil testing commonly suggests that soils used for dairy pasture production have adequate supplies of phosphorus (P), many Australian dairy farmers still apply fertiliser P, often by applying smaller rates more frequently throughout the year. This study was designed to test the hypotheses that more frequent, but lower rates of P fertiliser applied strategically throughout the growing season have no effect on dry matter production and P concentration in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), when soil extractable P concentrations are above the critical value reported in the literature. Three field sites were established on rain-fed dairy pasture soils ranging in P sorption capacity and with adequate soil P concentrations for maximising pasture production. Results showed that applied P fertiliser had no effect on pasture production across the 3 sites (P > 0.05), regardless of rate or the season in which the P was applied, confirming that no P fertiliser is required when soil extractable P concentrations are adequate. This finding challenges the viability of the current industry practice. In addition, applying P fertiliser as a single annual application in summer did not compromise pasture production at any of the 3 sites (P > 0.05), which supports the current environmental recommendations of applying P during drier conditions, when the risk of surface P runoff is generally lower. The current results also demonstrate that the short-term cessation of P fertiliser application may be a viable management option, as a minimal reduction in pasture production was measured over the experimental period.
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Whitton, Maria M., Xipeng Ren, Sung J. Yu, Andrew D. Irving, Tieneke Trotter, Yadav S. Bajagai, and Dragana Stanley. "Sea Minerals Reduce Dysbiosis, Improve Pasture Productivity and Plant Morphometrics in Pasture Dieback Affected Soils." Sustainability 14, no. 22 (November 10, 2022): 14873. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su142214873.
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Pasture dieback (PD) is a grassland deteriorating syndrome resulting in grass loss and weed expansion in Australian pastures, with current estimates indicating that over four million hectares are affected. PD creates financial losses to the industry by reducing animal carrying capacity and producing poor-quality feed, resulting in diminished productivity. After more than a decade since PD first appeared in Australia, the causes and effective treatments are still unknown. Suggested causes include soil microbiota dysbiosis, pathogens, insects, climate change and overuse of chemical fertilisers. Sea minerals have been suggested as capable of improving plants’ yield, quality, taste, and nutritional value, but were never brought into conventional practice as an alternative to chemical fertilisers. Here, we investigated the capacity of sea minerals to improve grass health and yield of PD-affected soil. The replicate plots were treated with water or with 4 mL/m2 of commercially available sea mineral product to investigate the soil chemistry profile, plant morphometrics, pasture productivity, soil microbiota profile, and microbiota-nutrient interactions. Sea mineral application significantly increased total dry matter 20 weeks after a single application, translating to an additional 967 kg/ha; this benefit was still present at 498 kg/ha six months post a single application. Sea mineral application improved soil microbiota by boosting beneficial taxa while reducing genera associated with arid and toxic soils. Additionally, sea mineral application increased the number of grassroots up to six months post a single application. Our data suggest the benefits of sea mineral application to damaged, unproductive or exhausted soils could be further explored as a natural, affordable, and non-toxic alternative to chemical fertilisers.
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Hunter, R. A. "High-molasses diets for intensive feeding of cattle." Animal Production Science 52, no. 9 (2012): 787. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an11178.
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Northern Australian production of molasses usually exceeds 1 million tonnes per year. Over half of this is exported, mostly from sugar mills in the far north. The establishment of a feedlot industry in northern Australia, based on molasses being the major energy-dense component of diets, is dependent on the formulation of diets that support liveweight gains (LWG) in excess of that achieved on good-quality forage diets. Three experiments were conducted with the aim of achieving LWGs in excess of 1 kg/day, measuring the eating quality of the beef and determining the long-term health of cattle fed high-molasses diets. In the first experiment, the inclusion rates of molasses were 30%, 45%, 60% and 72.5% of dietary DM. All diets were formulated to contain14% crude protein and, apart from the diet with 72.5% molasses, contained at least 12% roughage. The LWGs of Brahman steers, initial mean weight 299 kg, for the first 80 days of the feeding period were 1.3, 1.8, 1.6 and 1.1 kg/day respectively. The gains of the steers fed the 45% molasses diet were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed the 30% and 72.5% diets. Over the entire measurement period of 140 days, the LWGs were 1.2, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.2 kg/day respectively. Subjective assessment of meat eating quality by untrained panellists showed that beef from all treatments groups met the standard for a good everyday eating-quality rating by the Meat Standards Australia grading system. Treatment differences were not significant. No animal health issues were apparent. A second experiment investigated the progressive substitution of molasses by sorghum grain. Mean LWGs of Brahman steers over an 84-day feeding period were 1.2, 1.4, 1.4 and 1.4 kg/day for diets of molasses to grain proportions of 60 : 0, 40 : 20, 20 : 40 and 5 : 55 respectively. There were no significant treatment differences for LWGs, feed conversion efficiencies and meat-eating quality. A third experiment determined that cattle have the capacity to excrete the high potassium (K) load associated with high-molasses diets, with urine being the major route of excretion. It was concluded that high-molasses diets could be used for intensive feeding of cattle.
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Beatty, D. T., A. Barnes, R. Taplin, M. McCarthy, and S. K. Maloney. "Electrolyte supplementation of live export cattle to the Middle East." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47, no. 2 (2007): 119. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea06041.
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Eighty Bos taurus crossbred steers sourced from southern Western Australia were monitored to assess the efficacy of electrolyte supplementation on board a livestock vessel travelling to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer. Electrolytes (1.8 g/L NaHCO3 and 3.5 g/L KCl) were added to the drinking water of treatment steers (n = 39) allocated to three pens on the starboard side of the ship. Control steers (n = 40) were allocated to three pens on the port side of the ship. The combined area of the three treatment and three control pens was 61.1 and 63.6 m2 respectively, giving a stocking density of 1.57 and 1.55 m2 per steer, respectively. Steers were loaded in Fremantle, Western Australia and given 3 days to acclimatise to on-board conditions before being weighed (day 1), after which electrolyte supplementation began while the vessel docked at Port Headland, Western Australia. Feed and water were available ad libitum throughout the experiment. Steers were weighed again on day 18, before discharge in the Middle East. During electrolyte supplementation, wet bulb temperature ranged from 21.3 (day 2) to 31.8°C (day 18). Over the last 3 days of the experiment, wet bulb temperature ranged from 29.0 to 31.8°C with no diurnal variation or night-time cooling. No open-mouth panting was recorded in either group and although animals encountered periods of high heat and humidity (as indicated by increased respiratory rates), the steers were not considered clinically heat stressed during the experiment. After 18 days of electrolyte supplementation, treatment steers had a 2.9 ± 1.7% liveweight advantage compared with control steers (P < 0.001). Urine was collected on days 8 and 16 of the experiment and treatment steers maintained a higher urine pH compared with control steers on both days (day 8; 8.6 v. 8.2 and day 16; 8.2 v. 7.9; P < 0.01). Liveweight advantages and improved regulation of acid–base balance may provide welfare and economic benefits to the live export industry.
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Wales, W. J., L. C. Marett, J. S. Greenwood, M. M. Wright, J. B. Thornhill, J. L. Jacobs, C. K. M. Ho, and M. J. Auldist. "Use of partial mixed rations in pasture-based dairying in temperate regions of Australia." Animal Production Science 53, no. 11 (2013): 1167. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an13207.
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There is a growing diversity and complexity of dairy farming systems in Australia. Feeding systems based on the provision of mixed rations to dairy cows grazing perennial pastures (termed partial mixed rations or PMR systems) have emerged and present the dairy industry with opportunities for improved production and feed efficiency, but also with significant challenges. Early research results are beginning to define the situations in which PMR systems are profitable and the mechanisms responsible for the improved milk responses. This review focuses on the role of PMR feeding systems in temperate dairying regions of Australia, highlights initial research findings, and identifies some of the gaps in current knowledge that warrant further research. The key findings were that, when very low allowances of pasture are offered to cows, milk production responses were driven mostly by increases in dry matter (DM) intake, and there appeared to be a minimal contribution to increased energy supply from improved whole tract DM digestibility. Differences in milk responses became apparent when >10 kg of total supplement DM was consumed (0.75 : 0.25 concentrate to forage) as PMR. There was a consistent maintenance of milk fat concentration when increasing amounts of concentrates were consumed as PMR, in contrast with supplements consumed in the dairy. There was also a consistent finding that replacing some wheat in the PMR with canola meal resulted in cows consuming more grazed pasture despite the limitations of very low pasture allowances (10–15 kg DM/cow.day, expressed to ground level). This was accompanied by further increases in energy-corrected milk yield. The potential to improve DM intake was further highlighted when pasture allowance was increased, with intake increasing from 3.6% to 4.5% of liveweight (from 20 to 25 kg DM/day for a 550-kg cow). There was also an indication that ~50% of the milk production benefit from PMR can be captured by providing the concentrate supplement as a grain mix in the dairy. There did not appear to be negative impacts of PMR systems on the social and grazing behaviour or health of cows.
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Greene, Dermot. "Water in CSG—a case study in collaborative working." APPEA Journal 55, no. 2 (2015): 442. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aj14077.
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Queensland CSG projects require water treatment expertise from clients and consultants to deal with large volumes of associated water. In this extended abstract experiences and lessons from one of these projects is discussed. MWH have been working with Origin Energy for the Australia Pacific LNG Water Treatment Facilities project since 2011. A co-located team drove major benefits to Origin, mainly in ensuring a collaborative working culture. Lessons include MWH adapting to the expectations of oil and gas clients, which differ significantly from municipal clients, thus bridging the cultural gap between oil and gas and water. Although basic infrastructure does not vary significantly from a normal advanced water treatment plant, aspects such as increased reliability (to ensure gas production to port is not interrupted) drive different requirements. The key points to be discussed: Building project culture early through alignment of company cultures, discussing methodologies, expectations, working assumptions and norms to foster a one-team environment, while maintaining alignment across the whole of the project. Setting BOD, concept, FEED and assurance process expectations early. Taking time to build and review contracting plans, project budgets and schedule, and plans to manage suppliers and contractors. Developing technical specifications reflecting the correct balance between the water industry and gas industry requirements—per section of facility. Realising opportunities by setting the correct level of engineering assurance for water treatment plants, as compared to gas facilities. Aligning operating requirements, specifications, pressure system evaluations and piping and instrumentation diagrams through the design/assurance process. Decision-making in this complex environment.
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Chapman, D. F., J. Hill, J. Tharmaraj, D. Beca, S. N. Kenny, and J. L. Jacobs. "Increasing home-grown forage consumption and profit in non-irrigated dairy systems. 1. Rationale, systems design and management." Animal Production Science 54, no. 3 (2014): 221. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an12295.
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The profitability of dairy businesses in southern Australia is closely related to the amount of feed consumed from perennial ryegrass-dominant pasture. Historically, the dairy industry has relied on improvements in pasture productivity and utilisation to support profitable increases in stocking rate and milk production per hectare. However, doubts surround the extent to which the industry can continue to rely on perennial ryegrass technology to provide the necessary productivity improvements required into the future. This paper describes the design and management of a dairy systems experiment at Terang in south-west Victoria (780-mm average annual rainfall) conducted over four lactations (June 2005–March 2009) to compare the production and profitability of two forage base options for non-irrigated dairy farms. These options were represented by two self-contained farmlets each milking 36 mixed-age, autumn-calving Holstein-Friesian cows at peak: (1) well managed perennial ryegrass pasture (‘Ryegrass Max’, or ‘RM’); and (2) perennial ryegrass plus complementary forages (‘CF’) including 15% of farmlet area under double cropping with annual species (winter cereal grown for silage followed by summer brassica for grazing on the same land) and an average of 25% of farmlet area in perennial pasture based on tall fescue for improved late spring–early summer feed supply. The design of these systems was informed by farming systems models (DairyMod, UDDER and Redsky), which were used to estimate the effects of introducing different forage options on farm profitability. The design of the CF system was selected based on modelled profitability increases assuming that all forage components could be managed to optimise forage production and be effectively integrated to optimise milk production per cow. Using the historical ‘average’ pasture growth curve for the Terang district and a mean milk price of $3.71 per kg milk solids, the models estimated that the return on assets of the RM and CF systems would be 9.4 and 15.0%, respectively. The objectives of the experiment described here were to test whether or not such differences in profitability could be achieved in practice, and to determine the risks associated with including complementary forages on a substantial proportion of the effective farm area. Key results of the experiment are presented in subsequent papers.
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Christie, K. M., R. P. Rawnsley, M. T. Harrison, and R. J. Eckard. "Using a modelling approach to evaluate two options for improving animal nitrogen use efficiency and reducing nitrous oxide emissions on dairy farms in southern Australia." Animal Production Science 54, no. 12 (2014): 1960. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an14436.
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Ruminant livestock are generally considered inefficient converters of dietary nitrogen (N) into animal product. Animal nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a measure of the relative transformation of feed N into product and in dairy systems this is often expressed as milk N per unit of N intake (g milk N/100 g N intake). This study was a theoretical exercise to explore the relative potential efficacy and value proposition of breeding versus feeding to improve NUE, reduce urinary N excretion and associated environmental impact in pasture-based dairy systems. The biophysical whole farm systems model DairyMod was used across three dairying regions of south-eastern Australia representing a high-rainfall cool temperate climate (HRCT), a high-rainfall temperate climate (HRT) and a medium-rainfall temperate climate (MRT) to examine the two theoretical approaches of (1) maintaining the same amount of N exported in milk from a reduced N intake; and (2) increasing the amount of N exported in milk for the same amount of dietary N intake. Sixteen scenarios were explored for each site; these include four supplementary feed N (SN) concentrations (ranging from 1% to 4% N) combined with four milk N (MN) concentrations (ranging from 0.50% to 0.65% N). Reducing the SN concentration from 4% to 1% increased the 30-year mean model-predicted NUEs from ~16 g milk N/100 g N intake at all three sites to between 23 and 28 g milk N/100 g N intake, with the least and greatest improvements in NUE occurring for the HRCT and MRT sites, respectively. Corresponding to this improved NUE through reduced SN concentrations, model-predicted N2O emissions declined from 3.0 to 1.3 t carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-e)/ha.annum for the HRCT site, from 4.2 to 2.1 t CO2-e/ha.annum for the HRT site and from 4.4 to 2.1 t CO2-e/ha.annum for the MRT site, representing a decline of between 50% and 57%. In contrast, increasing the MN concentration from 0.50% to 0.65% increased the 30-year mean model-predicted NUEs from 17 to 22 g milk N/100 g N intake for the HRCT site, from 18 to 23 g milk N/100 g N intake for the HRT site and from 18 to 24 g milk N/100 g N intake for the MRT site. Corresponding to the improved NUE through increased MN concentrations, model-predicted N2O emissions declined from 2.3 to 2.0 t CO2-e/ha.annum for the HRCT site, from 3.3 to 3.1 t CO2-e/ha.annum for the HRT site and from 3.4 to 3.2 t CO2-e/ha.annum for the MRT site; representing a decline of between 7% and 11%. These results suggest that improving animal NUE to reduce associated N2O losses holds much more promise if achieved through a reduction in the amount of N in supplementary feed than through increasing N exported in milk. This is an important finding for the Australian dairy industry, since manipulation of dietary N to better balance the energy to protein ratio would be much easier to implement than manipulation of N concentration in milk through genetics.
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Miah, Muhammad Shahin. "Audit Fee Premium for Industry Specialization: A Developed Country Perspective." Journal of Accounting, Business and Management (JABM) 26, no. 2 (October 10, 2019): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.31966/jabminternational.v26i2.409.
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This paper examines the effects of industry specialization (city-level, nationallevel, and joint-level) on audit pricing in the Australia. By using Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listed companies, this study documents that auditors who are industry specialists at both city-and national-level charge significantly higher audit fees compare to those auditors who are specialists either only at city-level or only at national-level industry specialist. However, in further analysis, this study documents that firms who are city-level industry specialists they charge relatively higher audit fees than nationallevel industry specialists, which is consistent with prior research on audit fee premiums studies concentrated in Australia. The greater audit fees charged by city-level industry specialists auditors are possibly attributed to recent changes in accounting regulations environment in Australia (e.g., mandatory adoption of IFRS). Such a significant shift in financial reporting environment due of IFRS adoption can affect audit expertise which may be reflected in this study. This study findings are robust in a set of alternative tests following prior research.
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Lérias, Joana R., Tanya Kilminster, Tim Scanlon, John Milton, Chris Oldham, Johan C. Greeff, Luísa L. Martins, Miguel P. Mourato, and André M. Almeida. "The fat-tail of Damara sheep: an assessment of mineral content as influenced by weight loss." Animal Production Science 56, no. 9 (2016): 1492. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an14852.
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Seasonal weight loss is the major constraint to animal production in the tropics. To counter seasonal weight loss, the use of breeds better adapted to it is of major importance. Damara sheep are an important breed in tropical animal production, as they are not only able to tolerate seasonal weight loss, but also have a characteristic fat-tail adipose tissue, often discarded, but that may be of interest to the food industry. The objective of this work is to determine the effect of weight loss on mineral profiles (zinc, manganese, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium) in the fat-tail of Damara sheep. The trial lasted 42 days and was conducted in Western Australia. Twenty-four Damara sheep lambs were randomly allocated to an underfed (growth rate –100 g/day) and a control group (growth rate 100 g/day). Upon slaughter, fat-tail adipose tissue was sampled and analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for mineral content. The results showed no significant differences regarding minerals concentrations/quantities, with the exception of zinc and calcium concentrations that were higher in the restricted group, likely as a consequence of feed restriction and a decrease in fat tissue amount. In conclusion, we have quantified for the first time several minerals in Damara sheep fat-tail and demonstrated that reducing their bodyweight does not affect mineral quantity in fat-tails of Damara sheep.
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Wolcott, M. L., D. J. Johnston, S. A. Barwick, N. J. Corbet, and H. M. Burrow. "Genetic relationships between steer performance and female reproduction and possible impacts on whole herd productivity in two tropical beef genotypes." Animal Production Science 54, no. 1 (2014): 85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an13141.
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Steer growth and carcass composition, and female reproductive performance have been identified as key aspects of productivity by breeders of tropically adapted beef cattle in Australia. Research has also demonstrated that traits describing meat quality and feed intake and efficiency are of economic importance to Australia’s beef industry. The present study aimed to determine genetic relationships of traits describing steer growth, feed intake and efficiency, carcass composition and meat quality with female reproductive performance in two genotypes of tropically adapted beef cattle. Female reproduction traits describing outcomes of first (Mating 1) and second (Mating 2) annual matings and lifetime reproduction (averaged over 6 matings) were analysed for 1020 Brahman (BRAH) and 1117 Tropical Composite (TCOMP) females. Steer traits were available for 1007 BRAH and 1210 TCOMP half-sibs of the females evaluated for reproductive performance, and measurements of liveweight and body composition for 1025 BRAH and 1520 TCOMP bull progeny of the same females were included in the analysis. Results demonstrated that selection to increase steer carcass weight and eye muscle area and decrease carcass fat depth would have no significant unfavourable impact on female reproductive performance for both genotypes. Measures of liveweight, eye muscle area and P8 fat depth in young BRAH bulls, however, were only moderately correlated with steer carcass equivalents (rg = 0.28 to 0.55) and results showed that selection on the basis of bull measurements alone may negatively affect female lifetime annual calving rate (rg = –0.44 to –0.75) if both were not included in a multi-trait genetic evaluation and considered when making selection decisions. More favourable (lower) net feed intake in BRAH steers was genetically associated with lower Mating 1 weaning rate (rg = 0.76) and higher days to calving (rg = –0.50), although this did not significantly affect lifetime annual calving or weaning rate (rg = 0.10 and 0.29, respectively). For TCOMP, higher steer carcass P8 fat depth was unfavourably genetically associated with female Mating 2 weaning rate (rg = –0.76), although these relationships were not as strong for weaning rate at Mating 1 or when averaged over the animals lifetime (rg = 0.43 and –0.13, respectively). Lower (more favourable) shear force (a measure of tenderness) also displayed a significant genetic association with higher (less favourable) Mating 1 days to calving in TCOMP and, while standard errors were high, tended to be unfavourably associated with other measures of female reproduction evaluated for the present study. Steer growth, carcass composition, meat quality and residual feed intake and female reproduction could be improved simultaneously if measurements describing both are included in a multi-trait genetic evaluation. Results of the present study also showed that expanding female reproduction traits to include descriptors of first and second mating outcomes, as well as lifetime reproductive performance, would allow a fuller account to be taken of genetic relationships of male traits with female reproduction.
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White, C. L., V. E. Staines, and M. vH Staines. "A review of the nutritional value of lupins for dairy cows." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 58, no. 3 (2007): 185. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar06109.
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Australia is the world’s leading source of lupin grain, producing ~1 million tonnes annually, of which 30% is used by the domestic livestock industry and the rest is exported for use in animal diets, including dairy cows. The domestic dairy industry uses ~70 000 tonnes annually, mainly as a supplementary feed source in pasture-based systems. Although much published information exists on the nutritive value of lupins for dairy cows, it tends to be fragmented and, in some important instances, exists only in the form of reports or publications outside the mainstream scientific journals. This paper aims to present a critical assessment of the current knowledge regarding the nutritional value of lupins as a feed for dairy cows, and offers recommendations for future research. For cows grazing pasture or fed diets based on conserved pasture or cereal hay, the mean fractional response to lupin feeding was 0.53 kg milk/kg DM lupins, with a range of 0–0.97 kg/kg. The mean fractional forage substitution rate was 0.54 kg DM/kg lupins, and this appeared to be independent of the type of basal forage. In experiments using cows fed iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic total mixed rations, substituting oilseed protein such as soybean meal with cracked lupin grain had no significant effects on yield of milk, fat, and protein, but it reduced milk protein concentration and had mixed effects on fat concentration. There were no significant differences in milk yield or in fat or protein concentration when lupins were substituted for other pulse grains such as faba beans or peas. Treatment of lupin grain with heat or formaldehyde reduced lupin protein degradability in the rumen, but was not shown to have consistent benefits over untreated lupins in terms of increased milk yield. Substitution of cereal grains with an equivalent weight of lupins in dairy concentrate rations generally resulted in increased yield of milk, fat, and protein, and a higher fat concentration. The higher yield responses in most cases could be explained on the basis of the higher metabolisable energy content of lupins compared with cereal grains, although the contribution from a potentially lower incidence of rumen lactic acidosis could not be discounted. Feeding Lupinus albus lupins to cows significantly increased the concentration of C18 : 1 in milk and reduced that of C12 : 0–C16 : 0, thus shifting the fatty acid profile of milk towards national dietary guidelines for improved cardiovascular health in human populations. Although the review lists some recommendations for improving the nutritive value of lupins, current commercially available cultivars possess characteristics that make them attractive as a feedstuff for dairy cows.
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Knight, Lizzie, and Louise Bell. "Reimagining Australia's shale gas revolution: lessons at home and abroad." APPEA Journal 54, no. 2 (2014): 511. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/aj13084.
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In Australia the shale gas debate has been polarised between those extolling its virtues with unchecked enthusiasm on one side and deep wariness on the other. How can we re-imagine Australia’s energy future and what is the proper place for shale gas? With 396 trillion cubic feet of potential shale gas reserves (CSIRO, 2012), Australia stands on a precipice of a golden age of gas, but only if those reserves can be developed profitably and with a higher level of community support and understanding. The development of a shale gas industry is likely to transform the nation’s domestic gas and export LNG markets, increase energy security, and bolster the Australian economy. Community concern and infrastructure constraints, however, stand as barriers to the realisation of the industry. The US is one of the few countries to have developed shale gas to a commercial scale. Facilitative government policies, extensive infrastructure networks, open-access policies, a favourable regulatory framework, a highly competitive industry, and a strong R&D focus have allowed the shale gas industry to flourish. Meanwhile, the nascent Australian unconventional gas industry grapples with community support, regulatory duplication and delays, conflicts about competing resources, productivity decline, and rising capital and labour costs. The development of major CSG to LNG export projects in Queensland will promote competition for gas between domestic and international customers. The eastern Australia domestic gas market will no longer be insulated from the world gas market and the domestic gas price is likely to rise to meet international prices. A shale gas industry in Australia could provide part of the solution to future domestic gas shortages and price hikes. To develop an Australian shale gas industry, however, proponents will require a social licence to operate and access to infrastructure. Government and industry need to act now to implement a coordinated strategy that will enable proponents to secure and maintain their social licence and obtain adequate access to infrastructure. While the existing Australian unconventional gas industry and overseas shale gas experiences are defined by a specific set of circumstances and differ from the Australian shale gas experience in a number of important respects, lessons from shale gas projects abroad is paramount to shaping a mature debate and ensuring this potential opportunity is realised.