Differences in feeding practices and supplementation on small ruminant farms in four provinces of Fiji

This research aimed to find out what feed resources and supplements are being used by farmers in the main sheep and goat producing areas of Fiji and investigate possible differences between provinces. Feeding practices and feed resources used on SR farms, and barriers to supplementation on farms were analysed using a structured farmer survey (n = 248) in two major divisions (Northern and Western) and four major sheep and goat producing provinces (Ba, Ra, Bua and Macuata). The study was conducted with three SR enterprise types (sheep only, goat only and dual farms). A total of 85 quantitative and qualitative questions were developed and applied using the kobo toolbox app to collect farm data. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the survey was conducted via telephone during 15–24 December 2021

Jupiter’s auroras during the Juno approach phase as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope

We present movies of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of Jupiter’s FUV auroras observed during the Juno approach phase and first capture orbit, and compare with Juno observations of the interplanetary medium near Jupiter and inside the magnetosphere. Jupiter’s FUV auroras indicate the nature of the dynamic processes occurring in Jupiter’s magnetosphere, and the approach phase provided a unique opportunity to obtain a full set of interplanetary data near to Jupiter at the time of a program of HST observations, along with the first simultaneous with Juno observations inside the magnetosphere. The overall goal was to determine the nature of the solar wind effect on Jupiter’s magnetosphere. HST observations were obtained with typically 1 orbit per day over three intervals: 16 May – 7 June, 22-30 June and 11-18 July, i.e. while Juno was in the solar wind, around the bow shock and magnetosphere crossings, and in the mid-latitude middle-outer magnetospheres. We show that these intervals are characterised by particularly dynamic polar auroras, and significant variations in the auroral power output caused by e.g. dawn storms, intense main emission and poleward forms. We compare the variation of these features with Juno observations of interplanetary compression regions and the magnetospheric environment during the intervals of these observations

Evaluating industry-relevant teaching in agriculture using an authentic alignment framework

CONTEXT The beef cattle feedlot industry contributes $4.6 billion to the Australian economy annually and directly employs 2000 people (Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA), 2019) with recruitment of staff, particularly graduates, a key challenge. A meeting of Meat and Livestock Australia, ALFA and tertiary education providers in 2016 concluded that greater understanding of the industry and career opportunities was needed, as well as the development of graduating students with an understanding of the industry and with industry-relevant skills. Industry exposure, experience and relevance are often left to work placements but, these should also be complemented with traditional academic study to build job competencies (Arnold et al. 1999). To make traditional academic study in higher education more authentic and relevant a framework has been created to align ‘authentic approaches to instruction, learning and assessment that strike a balance between resembling and being relevant for real’ activity (Macht & Ball, 2016). In this presentation a 6-credit point Feedlot Management unit was evaluated using the ‘Authentic Alignment’ (AA) framework which was originally designed by Macht & Ball (2016) for entrepreneur skills in higher education. AIM This research aimed to (i) evaluate the authentic alignment of this unit with industry; (ii) pilot a survey to gain feedback from students on their understanding and perceptions of the feedlot industry, and work-readiness to improve the alignment; (iii) create an action plan to increase unit authenticity where required. APPROACH Firstly, the ‘Authentic Alignment Framework’ for entrepreneurship skills (Macht & Ball, 2016) was used as the basis for evaluating the currency and relevance of the material taught in the feedlot management unit, which was originally created in strong conjunction with industry through the Cooperative Research Centre for the Beef and Cattle Industry. Secondly, an online survey using qualitative and quantitative questions was sent to a small number of students who had completed the feedlot management unit for evaluation of their perceived skills and knowledge development within the unit using multiple formats, including online and in person didactic teaching, guest lectures, field trips, and assessments, before full deployment in 2020 (Ethics Approval No. HE19-203). Thirdly, based on evaluation of the framework and student input, an iterative action plan of improvements has been developed for the immediate term, which will be further refined based on results from the full survey. ACTUAL OUTCOMES The framework provided an excellent starting point for evaluation of the unit content and delivery methods. Although only three students completed the online survey their feedback was very positive and constructive. A compulsory residential school and field trips to working feedlots were commonly identified as teaching modes that improved student perceptions of industry and work-readiness. Assessment tasks received the lowest ranking as contributing activities. An iterative action learning plan has been created and has begun to be deployed. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS Using the AA framework, and pilot responses to the student questionnaire, this unit appears to successfully utilise authentic instruction, with industry and academic teachers who all have practical experience in the field. Authentic learning is delivered by a combination of classroom theory and experiential learning. Visits to working feedlots are a strength of the unit, and there is an opportunity to increase true authenticity for students by reviewing assessment tasks. Further research is needed into how the agricultural sector benefits from engaging with undergraduates, and how delivery of different teaching modes affects student capabilities for work

The case for pre-parturient selenium and iodine supplementation of ewes for improving lamb survival

Lamb survival is an issue of high relevance to the Australian sheep industry, as lamb survival rates have direct bearing on overall reproductive performance of the sheep, and also constitute a main concern from an animal welfare perspective (Mellor and Stafford 2004). Both genetic and management factors play an important role in this complex issue (Hinch and Brien 2014). Ewe nutrition is of particular relevance as the intrauterine growth conditions prepare the lamb for the crucial transition to life outside the uterus. Effects of body condition of the ewe during various stage of the pregnancy have been investigated in detail, yet much less is known about the critical role of micronutrient provision to the ewe. Although several risk factors for Se and I subclinical deficiencies exist in Australia, determining micronutrient status in sheep or pasture is not straightforward

The case for pre-parturient selenium and iodine supplementation of ewes for improving lamb survival

Lamb survival is an issue of high relevance to the Australian sheep industry, as lamb-survival rates have direct bearing on overall reproductive performance of the sheep, and also constitute a main concern from an animal welfare perspective (Mellor and Stafford 2004). Both genetic and management factors play an important role in this complex issue (Hinch and Brien 2014). Ewe nutrition is of particular relevance as the intrauterine growth conditions prepare the lamb for the crucial transition to life outside the uterus. Effects of body condition of the ewe during various stages of the pregnancy have been investigated in detail, yet much less is known about the critical role of micronutrient provision to the ewe. Although several risk factors for selenium (Se) and iodine (I) subclinical deficiencies exist for sheep on pasture in Australia, determining micronutrient status in sheep or pasture is not straightforward. Several studies have separately found effects of Se and I supplementation on lamb survival. Studies investigating the interaction of Se and I supplementation have been few but results have demonstrated an interaction between Se and I. With increased twinning rates as a result of increased selection of numbers of lambs weaned, nutritional demands during pregnancy across flocks are increasing, and effects of micronutrients on lamb health and survival have greater impact. New opportunities in nutritional research are encouraging new studies into the effects of Se and I supplementation on lamb survival

The importance of an audio cue warning in training sheep to a virtual fence and differences in learning when tested individually or in small groups

In previous studies, livestock have been effectively trained to virtual fencing systems by learning an association between an audio cue and an electrical stimulus (collectively, ‘the virtual fence’), however, there was a large variation shown in ability to learn. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of temperament on learning this association, and to determine the importance of the audio warning cue in learning and behavioural responses to the virtual fence. Forty-six ewes underwent temperament testing, and 40 were assigned to one of two groups (n = 20/group), Group 1 (AS) with both an audio cue warning (Audio cue 2 s) and electrical stimulus

B.FLT.1005: Survey of Australian feedlot drinking water quality

High concentrations of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and salts in drinking water, often exacerbated by drought conditions, have been reported to have a detrimental impact on cattle health and performance. This research investigated water quality parameters including TDS and salts (sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, aluminium, zinc, iron, manganese, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulphate, nitrate and nitrite). The project summarised the range of TDS and salts in feedlot drinking water across Australia, thus determining potential impacts on cattle health and production. Additionally, feedlots using surface water sources for drinking water had the cyanobacteria species present identified and quantified. Such a study has not previously occurred in Australia. The study was split into four parts with this report including over 100 historical water samples taken prior to 2018; 68 feedlot managers/owners completed the survey regarding water use delivered in paper and online format; 82 water samples from April to June 2019 from 58 feedlots were analysed for a suite of parameters. Where multiple water sources were used, the source water was analysed, this occurred for 24 samples. Additionally, water samples that included surface water were analysed for cyanobacteria (27 samples). Feedlots participating in the project were equivalent to over 50% of the licenced cattle feedlots. Of the 68 feedlots completing the paper based and online survey, the majority (64%) source their cattle drinking water from groundwater. On a per-head basis, the use of groundwater as a drinking water source became even more important, covering two thirds of surveyed feedlot cattle. Surface water from dams and rivers were also a common source of water, and less common sources included reverse osmosis treated water from coal seam gas operations, tank roof water, and irrigation water. The majority of feedlots (75%) were not aware of any issues with their drinking water quality. Of those that indicated that they had concerns about their water quality, seven feedlots identified cyanobacteria (Blue green algae) and Escherichia coli as an issue; four identified turbidity and scale (likely from calcium build up) clogging floats; and four feedlots reported that they now treat water for use in their boiler, but do not treat for cattle, while one feedlot identified high iron as an issue for boiler water. Among trough water samples analysed for TDS, the majority (86 %) were considered satisfactory for cattle consumption and would not be expected to limit animal performance (≤ 3,000 mg/L). There were, however, cases of poor water quality identified. The highest TDS reported was 11,600 mg/L in groundwater. This water was shandied with surface water and was the maximum in the mixed trough water (5,400 mg/L), which would be expected to limit cattle performance (NASEM, 2016). Chloride was present in the highest concentration of all anions analysed. Nitrate concentrations were highest in the groundwater samples with only one trough sample exceeding the nitrate concentration threshold of 20 mg/L (NASEM, 2016). Sulphate ranged from undetected ( Several water treatment scenarios were investigated with distributors and installers in Australia with reverse osmosis being the most suitable treatment option. As there are no Australian references for the effect of water quality on the performance of the cattle, Patterson et al. (2004), a publication from the USA, was used for the analysis of benefit and cost of water treatment with reverse osmosis. Treatment with reverse osmosis lead to increased, and more cost-effective, cattle productivity. However, the water used in the article by Patterson et al. (2004) had high sulphate concentrations, so the same responses are unlikely with Australian water. Future research testing water quality in the range of variation experienced by Australian feedlots, in a controlled manner, would allow the industry to determine the most relevant animal production gains and thus the benefits of reverse osmosis. In conclusion, water quality was determined to be of suitable quality for the majority of feedlots surveyed. Isolated cases of poor water quality were identified. This project is beneficial to the industry as it has yielded a comprehensive understanding of the current sources and quality of feedlot drinking water for a single point in time. Overall, this project will improve feedlot decision-making regarding the conditions when water quality parameters may impact animal health and production in beef cattle feedlots

Immediate and residual effects of heat stress and restricted intake on milk protein and casein composition and energy metabolism

The effects of heat stress on dairy production can be separated into 2 distinct causes: those effects that are mediated by the reduced voluntary feed intake associated with heat stress, and the direct physiological and metabolic effects of heat stress. To distinguish between these, and identify their effect on milk protein and casein concentration, mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 24) were housed in temperature-controlled chambers and either subjected to heat stress [HS; temperature- humidity index (THI) ~78] or kept in a TH

Increasing the profitability of Indonesian smallholder cattle enterprises by purchasing high quality by-product feeds

For Indonesian smallholders to improve their cattle productivity, profitable feeding systems for fattening cattle based on locally‐available, high‐quality feeds need to be developed. Intake, liveweight gain (LWG), daily feed cost and income over feed cost (IOFC) were measured for Ongole bulls in on‐station and village experiments. On‐station, control group bulls were fed Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) ad libitum (EG). This was compared to two concentratebased diets formulated with differing proportions of tapioca waste (onggok), palm kernel cake and copra (40:20:20 (SF); or 70:15:15 (HO)), fed at 20 g DM/ kg W.day, with elephant grass ad libitum. Similar intakes and LWG were recorded for EG and HO (5.1 kg DMI/day and 0.23 kg LWG/day). Bulls fed SF had higher intake and LWG (7.4 kg DMI/day and 1.0 kg LWG/day). Total daily feed cost was nil for EG, which was harvested free of charge, IDR 9720/bull.day for SF and IDR 5748/bull.day for HO. However, IOFC was greatest for SF, earning a profit of IDR 27512/bull.day, in comparison to IDR 8563/bull.day for EG and IDR 2816/bull.day for HO. Feeding SF to bulls in a village resulted in LWG of 0.82 kg LWG/day and IOFC of IDR 24182/day compared to 0.52 kg LWG/day and IDR 15774/day IOFC from traditionally fed control bulls. In both experiments, the substantially higher LWG for SF was the source of improved profitability. Feeding purchased high quality by-product feeds can be profitable for smallholders as long as LWG is improved to an extent where revenue exceeds the additional feed costs

Immediate, cumulative and residual effects of short-and long-term low plane of nutrition on milk protein and casein composition

Immediate and residual effects of two lengths of low plane of nutrition (PON) on the synthesis of milk protein and protein fractions were studied at the Mutdapilly Research Station, in south-east Queensland. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows, between 46 and 102 days in milk (DIM) initially, were used in a completely randomised design experiment with three treatments. All cows were fed on a basal diet of ryegrass pasture (7.0 kg DM/cow.day), barley-sorghum concentrate mix (2.7 kg DM/cow.day) and a canola meal-mineral mix (1.3 kg DM/cow.day). To increase PON, 5.0 kg DM/cow.day supplemental maize and forage sorghum silage was added to the basal diet. The three treatments were (C) high PON (basal diet + supplemental silage); (L9) low PON (basal diet only) for a period of 9 weeks; and (L3) low PON (basal diet only) for a period of 3 weeks. The experiment comprised three periods (1) covariate - high PON, all groups (5 weeks), (2) period of low PON for either 3 weeks (L3) or 9 weeks (L9), and (3) period of high PON (all groups) to assess ability of cows to recover any production lost as a result of treatments (5 weeks). The low PON treatment periods for L3 and L9 were end-aligned so that all treatment groups began Period 3 together. Although there was a significant effect of L9 on yields of milk, protein, fat and lactose, and concentrations of true protein, whey protein and urea, these were not significantly different from L3. There were no residual effects of L3 or L9 on protein concentration or nitrogen distribution after 5 weeks of realimentation. There was no significant effect of low PON for 3 or 9 weeks on casein concentration or composition