Many exciting pieces of CSIRO research will be displayed at this year's Australian National Field Days in Orange. The field days will be held from Tuesday to Thursday this week.
Some highlights will be ....
1. LIVESTOCK NUTRITION THAT INCREASES FERTILITY
A breakthrough in livestock nutrition that dramatically lifts the number of calves and lambs born is poised to revolutionise Australia's $9 billion meat and dairy industry.
Use of protected feed supplements, developed by CSIRO Animal Production and Rumentek Industries Pty Ltd, has led to a 25 per cent increase in live births in cattle trials conducted by NSW Agriculture.
According to Ms Pat Wilson of CSIRO Animal Production, by protecting essential polyunsaturated fats in the animal's diet against break-down by its stomach bacteria, a cascade of beneficial nutrients is unleashed which triggers the cow's reproductive system.
"This causes a sharp increase in fertility" said Ms Wilson. "It means more calves or lambs on the ground, easier management and a lift in overall herd productivity. All of these can boost farmers' incomes.
"The technology's potential is enormous" she said. "An increase of 25 per cent in pregnancy rates for such a low cost is a truly significant breakthrough. It could make a huge difference to the productivity of sheep, goat and dairy herds."
The benefits of this feed technology will be demonstrated at the CSIRO tent, site D1.
More information: Pat Wilson, CSIRO, (02) 9840 2741 mobile 018 865 298 or Mr Stirling McGregor, Rumentek (067) 527 088
2. LOOKING AFTER OUR LAND
Key actions for the future of Australia's biological diversity will be part of CSIRO's display at the Australian National Field Days.
"Although Australia is generally in better condition than other continents, we cannot afford to become complacent. We have to increase our efforts to turn around the trends in resource decline" said Dr Mark Stafford Smith, one of the authors of the report 'Looking After our Land'.
The report draws together contributions by the CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology on integrating production and conservation in rural areas, as part of the national research effort in this important area.
'Looking After Our Land' focuses on how to maintain Australia's unique biological diversity at the same time as producing goods needed from the land. The report outlines the problems faced, presents some case studies and suggests actions for the future.
"Conservation depends intimately on the efforts of private land managers. These will be most effective when they are integrated with regional and national plans for biological diversity and land management" said Dr Stafford Smith.
"Creating partnerships between individual landholders, communities and all levels of government will help provide a voice in decision-making and planning" said Dr Stafford Smith. "The right mix of incentives and information will empower people to undertake the massive task of conserving Australia's biological diversity."
Orders for the report can be made at the CSIRO stand, site D1.
More information: Dr Mark Stafford Smith (08) 8950 0162 or 0419 212 530 or Fax: (08) 8952 9587 or Ms Robyn Turner, (06) 242 1645
3. EXOTIC DISEASES
Australia cannot take for granted its freedom from many exotic diseases affecting livestock, according to Mr Ian McTaggart from CSIRO's Division of Animal Health.
"Everyone working with animals needs to be vigilant and recognise the signs of exotic disease" he said.
Mr McTaggart said that farmers need to 'think the worst, first'. He said they need to find out more about exotic diseases and get the facts on the British mad cow crisis.
"At the field days we will have the latest information on Johne's disease which is of concern to cattle and sheep producers," he said. "Farmers can also learn more about E coli 111 and rabbit calicivirus." More information: Niall Byrne (052) 27 5426
Other displays in the CSIRO tent will include biological control of weeds; major pests including white fly and red legged earth mite; the value of worms in pasture; termites; stored grain pests and wheat quality. The CSIRO tent will be located at site D1.
More information: Sharon Corey 041 901 6118