Beef and Sheep Networks – Newsflash
Issue date – 07.11.2011
BESTWOOL / BESTLAMB
This Newsflash email is funded by Australian Wool Innovation and Department of Primary Industries.
Contact details for BWBL
Lyndon Kubeil, Manager BWBL (03) 5761 1649
Wendy Paglia, BWBL Project Support Officer (03) 5731 1206
email: wendy.paglia@dpi.vic.gov.au
BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB New Groups
BWBL warmly welcome a number of new groups this year. Please pass on the contact details to interested persons within the areas below. For further information, please contact the Group Coordinator.
| Group | Coordinator | Contact Number | Email address |
|---|---|---|---|
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Benambra |
Darren Hickey |
0457 609 140 |
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Birchip |
Alison Frischke |
0429 922 787 |
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Boort |
Erica Schelfhorst |
0429 807 689 |
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Bullioh |
Kristy Howard |
0400 282 222 |
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|
Donald |
Kate Reilly |
0488 277 877 |
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Central Murray |
Rick Ellis |
0428 372 357 |
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Giffard/Woodside |
Craig Bush |
0427 943 155 |
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Natte Yallock |
Cameron Morrison |
0408 015 860 |
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Normanville |
Deidre Schlitz |
0409 022 768 |
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North East |
Kristy Howard |
0400 282 222 |
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|
Timmering |
Erica Schelfhorst |
0429 807 689 |
Post Graduate Scholarships - PhD and Masters Degree $30,000 per Annum
PhD and Masters Degree projects are currently available to be conducted at your choice of sites across the CRC network and in faculties and departments best suited to the project area. Flexible opportunities are also available for industry-based professionals seeking high level research qualifications while maintaining their current profession.
To see the full list of potential PhD projects click here.
Preference will be given to students intending to enrol at the CRC partner institutions: The University of New England in Armidale, NSW; Deakin University, VIC; Murdoch University, WA; The University of Western Australia; and The University of Tasmania. Exciting opportunities also exist for projects to collaborate with leading commercial and R&D organisations, including Australian Wool Innovation and Meat & Livestock Australia
The scholarships will provide a tax-free stipend of $30,000 (Masters) or $30,000 (PhD) per annum for two or three years respectively. Applications close 25 November 2011.
Norwegian Woolmark Licensees Win with Merino
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Using Merino wool, two leading Norwegian textile manufacturers have taken out major industry awards in the active/outdoor sector. Both Aclima and Devold are well established design leaders in the growing active/outdoor market but also supply to the important work wear/safety market.
The Devold Air Vest pictured has won the Scandinavian Outdoor Awards Jury’s Choice award for Innovation. The judging panel believe it is the first garment of its kind to use two layers of 100% Merino wool separated by a thin elastic membrane, allowing the wearer to feel comfortable whilst allowing full freedom of movement.
"The sourcing of Merino from Australia has given us a very good and solid platform for delivering high and consistent quality. This has definitely paid off," said Devold sales/marketing manager Trond Sleipnes. Devold has produced high-quality wool clothing since 1853, being the oldest manufacturer of knitted garments in Norway.
The Aclima Warmwool Hoodsweater won the Scandinavian Outdoor Award for best and original design and uses wool in a hoody and sweater one piece design. Read more
Size of AWI Board to be Voted on at AGM
Formal notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) has been posted to shareholders today, with the Annual Report now also available at www.wool.com/agm.
A change in the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, which came into force this July, requires eligible voting shareholders to determine, at the AGM, both the size of the AWI Board and the candidates elected to the Board. The current AWI Board is unanimous in its recommendation to shareholders that the size of the Board, currently set at seven Directors, should remain at this time. It allows for a diversity of skills and experience, limits administrative costs, allows for a clear majority through an odd number of Directors, and maintains the Board’s current flexibility to appoint a further Director if it becomes necessary or desirable. Read more
CSIRO Publishing - Animal Production Science
Pasture Systems to Improve Productivity of Sheep in South-Western Victoria 2.
Animal Production from Ewes and Lambs
Geoffrey Saul, Gavin Kearney and Dion Borg
Many pastures in southern Australia are dominated by volunteer annual species but below optimum soil fertility greatly reduces pasture productivity. Our research at five on-farm locations in southern Victoria showed that overcoming nutrient deficiencies and improving pasture composition and growth doubled the carrying capacity of the paddocks as well as increasing production per head. Upgrading pastures is profitable providing a 27% return on investment to the producer and could double output of meat and wool in the region.
Abstract | Full Text | PDF (225.9 KB)
Medullated Fibres and Fleece Characteristics in Corriedale Hoggets from Two Flocks in Uruguay
I. Sienra, K. Neimaur, R. Kremer and J. I. Urioste
Wool, a natural fibre used for clothing, should not contain medullated fibres, because they are rough and do not stain like other fibres causing visible faults. A study was carried out to quantify its incidence in Uruguayan Corriedale hoggets, finding a high variability of medullated fibre content between animals and families and low associations with wool production traits. These results suggest genetic variations that could be exploited to improve wool quality.
Abstract | Full Text | PDF (202.1 KB)
BetterBeef Network:
This Newsflash email is funded by Meat and Livestock Australia and Department of Primary Industries.
Contact details BetterBeef:
Dougal Purcell, BBN Project Leader, Email: dougal.purcell@dpi.vic.gov.au (03) 5336 6794
Cheriel Tidd, BBN Project Officer, Email: cheriel.tidd@dpi.vic.gov.au (02) 6030 4521
Tech Note: Can we use male indicator traits to improve female reproductive performance?
Can we use male indicator traits to improve female reproductive performance?
The reproductive efficiency of a herd is an important component of beef cattle productivity and profitability. To increase performance in a herd, selection decisions should be based on traits that are heritable, easily measured, of economic importance and where variation exists in the trait.
Bulls generally have the largest impact on herd performance, influencing 100-50 calves in a lifetime, compared to most females producing 4-8 calves as a breeder. Selecting on male traits, particularly those measured early in life, which are genetically correlated to female reproductive performance will enhance the rate of genetic change in beef herds.
Current Fertility Measures
Scrotal circumference (SC) adjusted for age, is still the best method of assessing testicular development due to its moderate heritability and favourable genetic correlations with semen quality traits. Significant progress can be made by selecting bulls at 9, 12 or 24 months (heritabilities ranging from 39% to 75%) to increase the scrotal size of male progeny.
Semen quality assessments are an important component of bull fertility. Improvements can be made in the fertility of a bull’s progeny when selecting bulls that produce sperm at 12 months of age, as well as those with high percentage of normal spermatozoa at 24 months of age. Percent normal and percent motile sperm are still the best practical measures of spermatozoa quality, although their relationship with female fertility requires further investigation.
While studies report favourable genetic relationships between SC and female fertility traits, to date little research has been published on the genetic relationships between other male and female fertility traits.
Potential Fertility Measures
The Beef Cooperative Research Centre (Beef CRC) has developed key research areas based on the understanding of physiological mechanisms controlling male and female fertility. A current study in Australian tropical beef breeds is identifying better predictors of bull fertility to improve reproductive performance of male and female progeny, especially traits assessable early in life.
Earlier age of puberty in females is favourably associated with the following traits in males
- increased percentage of normal sperm at 24 months old
- presence of sperm in the ejaculate at 12 months
- increased insulin-like growth factor -1 (IGF-1) (greater in Brahmans)
- increased scrotal size at 12 months (greater in Brahmans).
Shorter post partum interval (PPI), the time between calving and the next conception, in daughters is favourably associated with
- IGF-1 of her sire at weaning
- sire body condition score at 12 months
- percent normal sperm of sire at 24 months (greater in Brahmans).
The Beef CRC has also identified a number of other useful measures of fertility, although they are less likely to be used by industry in the near future.
More Information
www.beefcrc.com
Tech Note Supplied By:
Melissa Neal
Beef and Lamb Industry Development Officer
DPI – Bendigo
Phone: 03 5430 4374
Mobile: 0447 370 926
Email: Melissa.neal@dpi.vic.gov.au
Calling all West and South Gippsland Beef Producers
Would you like to increase the amount of feed you can grow over the summer months?
BetterBeef will be hosting an information session called "Filling the Gap" - looking at ways beef producers in West Gippsland can utilise fodder crops in their systems to improve productivity over the summer months. Scott Woollard from Seed Force will give us an insight into which are best for beef production and our climate, how we can manage and graze the fodder crop to get the best out of them and importantly, the economics.
There will also be a demonstration on using the MLA Feed Demand calculator and how it can benefit your business.
| Date: | Tuesday, 15 November |
| Time: | 10am-12 noon (morning tea provided) |
| Location: | Community College Gippsland, McMillan Campus, Warragul |
RSVP and further information: Fiona Baker, DPI Ellinbank
Phone: 03 5624 2234
Email: fiona.baker@dpi.vic.gov.au
A fantastic opportunity for Central Gippslanders!
Would you like to know how to improve production on your grazing property and which species will help you do this? Would you like to know more about soil carbon? Would you like to find out how to be involved in a BetterBeef group? There is one starting on your area.
Come along to a field day called "Growing the Farm" being held at Toongabbie. Hear from a local Landmark agronomist Chris Bowlen on:
- which pasture species will help lift production on the host property
- which are best suited to the region and how to manage them for persistence.
Heather Adams (DPI Bairnsdale) will also be discussing soil carbon and how it benefits the system.
This field day is also a great opportunity to meet fellow beef producers from around the region. We are looking at starting a BetterBeef group in the Central Gippsland area, so come along and find out how to be a part of this exciting program and how it can benefit your business.
| Date: | Thursday, 17 November |
| Time: | 1.30pm - 3.30 pm (afternoon tea provided) Please bring a chair to sit on. |
| Location: | Cheryl and Lance Thomas' farm, Baxters Rd, Toongabbie |
RSVP and further information: Fiona Baker, DPI Ellinbank
Phone: 03 5624 2234
Email: fiona.baker@dpi.vic.gov.au
$3000 fine for failing to treat cow with eye cancer
Media release: 31 Oct 11
A Longwarry dairy farmer pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates Court last month to charges of failing to obtain veterinary attention or provide appropriate treatment for a dairy cow with an advanced eye cancer.
The charges, under both the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Livestock Disease Control Act, involved a cow with malignant tumours (cancer) of the eye, for which appropriate care and attention was not provided.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Prosecutor Geoffrey Morsby told the court DPI officers had inspected the animal and saw it was affected by a large eye tumour that had been allowed to develop to an unacceptable, advanced state.
“The accused knew the cow, which was pregnant at the time, was affected by this eye disease and had failed to notify DPI as legally required or take action to alleviate or terminate its pain and suffering by providing appropriate veterinary care,” Mr Morsby said.
“He made the decision to leave the cow to calve down before disposing of her, and allowed the animal to suffer for an excessively long time.
“The accused offered the excuse that he didn’t believe the pregnant cow was suffering and deliberately decided to keep the cow until it could produce a calf.
“Test results confirmed the lesions were malignant tumours.”
The magistrate found the man guilty of three charges including one of aggravated cruelty and one charge of failing to notify the presence of disease in the cow and, without conviction, fined him $3000 as part of an aggregate order.
DPI Principal Animal Health Officer Ben Fahy said the case was another reminder to cattle owners and managers, including those with dairy cattle, that it is an offence to ignore the reporting requirements and appropriate veterinary needs of cattle with cancers of the eye.
“It is known several beef and dairy breeds of cattle are commonly seen to develop eye cancers, and owners or managers of such cattle are expected to be more vigilant in recognising eye cancers at the earliest stage and take prompt action or seek advice from their veterinarian,” Mr Fahy said.
Information on eye cancers in cattle is readily available from DPI Animal Health staff or on the DPI website.
Media contact: Sarah Hetherington 0409 405 639
Beef Australia 2012
Australia's National Beef Exposition is one of the world's great beef cattle events. The exposition attracts more than 75,000 local, interstate and international visitors who come to see for themselves how innovation, collaboration, inspiration and celebration collide for one great week every three years in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
Australia's cattlemen and women bring their top stock to compete in a staggering display of more than 4000 cattle from over 30 breeds. A huge trade fair is also a centrepiece of the exposition which, in addition to seminars, property tours and displays, showcase the innovative and sustainable practices that keep Australia at the forefront of world beef production.
Celebrity chefs will cook up a storm in the Demonstration Kitchen, while premium restaurants on site allow you to sample great beef all week. Concerts, fashion shows and a gala ball round out the outstanding entertainment line up at the expo.
Beef cattle genetics will take centre stage at the 2012 expo via an International Genetics Conference and an on-site Marketplace – a custom built precinct featuring the latest genetics research and developments, a Business Lounge, and technical displays and seminars hosted by Australian and international experts.
Spread the word overseas by sending on our official Beef Australia 2012 international brochure or this media release for international news outlets (now also available in Spanish and Simplified Chinese).
Please explore the website to find out more information about Beef 2012 and the special initiatives outlined above. More details will be added to the site in the lead up to the event, so be sure to visit regularly.
2012 Beef Week: 27 January - 3 February 2012
Beef Week is conducted by a committee appointed by Stud Beef Victoria, a non-profit organisation representing Victoria's beef cattle seedstock producers.
2012 Beef Week Dates
The 2012 Beef Week dates are:
| Day 1 | Friday January 27 |
| Day 2 | Saturday January 28 |
| Day 3 | Sunday January 29 |
| Day 4 | Monday January 30 |
| Day 5 | Tuesday January 31 |
| Day 6 | Wednesday February 1 |
| Day 7 | Thursday February 2 |
| Day 8 | Friday February 3 |
Beef campaign fires up for a long hot summer
MLA Media release: 21.10.2011
MLA launches new summer beef campaign
Free iPhone app helps consumers cook the perfect steak
Winter campaign helped boost beef's share of retail fresh meat category to 37.9%
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched its latest beef marketing campaign to get barbecues firing and tongs turning right through the summer season.
The latest campaign aims to drive consumer demand for beef through television, print and digital mediums and includes a new iPhone app to help consumers cook the perfect steak.
The campaign features the 'Nothing beats beef' television commercial from the 2010 summer beef campaign, as well as an increased outdoor presence. Key capital city sites will promote the message 'Nothing beats beef,' including 33 major billboards and 500 bus stops. To further grab the attention of drivers or passers-by there will be a smoking beef BBQ billboard and bus stops that send out the irresistible scent of a barbecue.
MLA's General Manager Marketing, Glen Feist, said "We want beef to be synonymous with summer and really own the season. This year, we're running the campaign over six months to keep the buzz around beef running for longer and to sustain demand for beef throughout summer."
"Consumers are out and about over summer, so, together with retailers, we're hoping to reach a wider audience by using a greater variety of media outlets, especially outdoors," Mr Feist said.
MLA's latest marketing initiative follows a successful winter beef campaign that was well received by consumers and retailers. Retailers gave the campaign's marketing material the highest rating of any previous MLA promotion.
"This year's winter beef campaign, which ran from June to August, helped to increase beef's share of the retail fresh meat category to 37.9% from 37.1% in winter 2010. Volumes of winter meal beef cuts (diced and roast) also increased by more than 500,000 serves to reach 9.5 million serves per week during the campaign period," he said.
The summer beef campaign will also feature new point of sale marketing material, and over 2.5 million copies of a new ENTICE recipe and tips magazine will be distributed through retailers. There will also be 'pub media,' in 500 hotels including coasters branded with the 'Nothing beats beef' message, a 'beef on the BBQ' competition right across Australia to find our 'tongmaster' and more PR activities.
To view the commercial or for more on the summer beef campaign go to www.mla.com.au/beefcampaigns
Released by: Belinda Roseby, MLA Media Affairs Manager, ph. 02 9463 9269.
What is MSA?
MSA beef is a grading program designed to guarantee tenderness.
Meat Standards Australia (MSA) is a valuable asset to the Australian beef industry, providing opportunities to differentiate product in the market. Unlike existing industry description systems, MSA accurately predicts eating quality for individual beef muscles.
The complex series of factors which result in the eating quality of a beef meal are taken into account in the MSA production and grading process. This solves the longstanding consumer problems of selecting beef and choosing an appropriate cooking method.
All MSA graded beef is labelled with a guaranteed grade and recommended cooking method to identify the eating quality according to consumers. All participants in the program are licensed to use the MSA trademark and certify products via an approved Quality Management System in accordance with the MSA Standards Manual.
To find our more about MSA:
- Grading
- Becoming an MSA registered beef producer
- Managing cattle treated with growth promotants
- And the MSA Beef Information Kit
Go to the MLA website for MSA information Click Here
More on MSA Events:
Woolworths has officially announced their move in January to adopt MSA specifications
Angus Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia and Certified Australian Angus Beef (CAAB) are providing a free ½ day MSA seminar to assist producers with this change.
The seminar will be followed by a delicious CAAB lunch.
The Seminars will be held in Albury, Ballarat and Warrnambool. Week starting Monday, 7 November 2012. For further details see here.
To read more about Woolworths move to MSA. http://www.beefcentral.com/news/article/802
Beef and Sheep News:
Applications Open for 2012 Science Awards
GRANT applications are open for the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. It is an opportunity for people aged 18-35 to apply for up to $22,000 to fund a project on innovative or emerging scientific issues to benefit Australia’s primary industries. More information can be found here.
Applications close 5pm AEDT Friday 18 November 2011.
Bush Tender – Lower Avoca and Loddon Rivers
Expressions of Interest opened 26 September 2011 for landholders across the lower reaches of the Avoca and Loddon Rivers to generate an alternative income through improved native vegetation management and benefit to the environment at the same time. Approximately one million dollars is available for landholder payments with the current Bush Tender bidding round. Places are limited, so be quick and register early. Landholders across the area covering the lower reaches of the Avoca and Loddon Rivers can register for Bush Tender by calling the Department of Sustainability and Environment's Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or email customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au. Click here http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/conservation-and-environment/biodiversity/rural-landscapes/bushtender/bushtender-current-projects for more information.
Help Us Find Your Community’s Voice on Sustainable Resource Funding
The Australian Government is seeking applications from people interested in becoming a community assessor.
Community assessors play a crucial role in environmental and sustainable natural resource management by representing local, community perspectives on a range of funding decisions. They may be involved in assessing funding applications for things like Caring for our Country and Action on the Ground. Click here for more information
Green Snail Pest
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The declared exotic plant pest green snail (Cantareus apertus – formerly H elix aperta) has been detected in Victoria for the first time, near Cobram in the north of the state.
The snail is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. It became established in the Perth metropolitan area in the 1980s, possibly introduced by an overseas traveller.
Click here Green Snail - Department of Primary Industries for more information.
