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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Drench Resistence : A Large Economic Cost, Brown Besier, Jill Lyon, Norm Mcquade
Drench Resistence : A Large Economic Cost, Brown Besier, Jill Lyon, Norm Mcquade
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Drench restistant worms can cost sheep farmers a lot of money - more than most probably think. Brown Besier, Jill Lyon and Norm McQade discuss some new research that shows the value of conducting routine drench tests to ensure effective worm control.
Sustainable Worm Control In Sheep, Robert Wroth
Sustainable Worm Control In Sheep, Robert Wroth
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Deciding on the best worm control program for your farm can be a complex matter, but guidelines in this article by Robert Wroth should make it simpler.
Virulent Footrot : Mild Or Severe?, Laurie Depiazzi
Virulent Footrot : Mild Or Severe?, Laurie Depiazzi
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
The footrot eradication scheme in Western Australia has resulted in a low prevalence of severe footrot.
To appreciate the achievement, we need to understand what exactly is being eradicated. 'S' strains of Dichelorbacter nodosus, the infectious bacterium of footrot, are the target of footrot eradication. Laurie Depiazzi examines the basis for eradicating 'S' strains.
Today's Woolgrowers : A Profile, Ian Mcfarland
Today's Woolgrowers : A Profile, Ian Mcfarland
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Woolgrowers have been faced with fluctuating prices, a mix of seasons and rising production costs since the demise of the Floor Price Scheme in 1991. despite these difficult times, there are still very large differences in productivity and profitability between wool growing properties in Western Australia. Ian McFarland looksat production levels on wool growing properties in Western Australia and outlines some actions to lift productivity.
Sheep Blowflies Strike Out!, David Cook, Ian Dadour, Ernie Steiner
Sheep Blowflies Strike Out!, David Cook, Ian Dadour, Ernie Steiner
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Woolgrowers are constantly concerned that the sheep blowfly may be able to breed in sheep or other animal carcasses. David Cook, Ian Dadour and Ernis Steiner report on an experiment that answers that question once and for all.
Processing Results Of Western Australian Wool, John Stanton A/Prof, Lindy Coss, Peter Metcalf
Processing Results Of Western Australian Wool, John Stanton A/Prof, Lindy Coss, Peter Metcalf
Technical Bulletins
Despite a perception by some that Western Australian wool "processes poorly", this study found that consignments processed : 1) into long tops suited for worsted weaving 2) into longer than predicted tops 3) with the same consistency as other Australian consignments.
A Measure Of Justice For Western Australian Wools, John Stanton
A Measure Of Justice For Western Australian Wools, John Stanton
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Western Australian wools are sometimes perceived as inferior to those from eastern States, and this perception has often been reflected in price. For the first time a detailed comparison of the characteristics of our wool with the rest of the country has been undertaken. It shows that Western Australian wools are sometimes different from their eastern counterparts, but not necessarily 'inferior'. Overcoming these industry perceptions of inferiority is probably our biggest challenge, according to JOHN STANTON.
Value Of Saltbush Questioned, Brian Warren, Tess Casson, Ed Barrett-Lennard
Value Of Saltbush Questioned, Brian Warren, Tess Casson, Ed Barrett-Lennard
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Over the last 20 years the Department of Agriculture has focused on finding plant species that can grow on salt/and to produce sheep feed, and on techniques for establishing plantations of saltbushes. Some research has been in response to farmer reports of success in using revegetated salt/and to provide autumn forage, while other work has resulted from the apparent importance of saltbushes in rangeland areas.
Objective measurements of wool production have been taken only recently. Three years research at Katanning indicates that while saltbush material is selected and eaten by sheep, its value for wool production is not high. It …
Breeding Sheep For Worm Resistance, John Karlsson, Johan Greeff, Julia Harris
Breeding Sheep For Worm Resistance, John Karlsson, Johan Greeff, Julia Harris
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Sheep production os one of Western Australia's most important agricultural industries. However, it is faced with the serious threat of sheep worm populations becoming increasingly resistant to the available drenches.
Although it's not a 'quick fix' solution, part of the long term answer may be selection for sheep with greater resistance to worms.
Storm : [Wind Erosion In The Great Southern], Dan Carter
Storm : [Wind Erosion In The Great Southern], Dan Carter
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
On Thursday 11 May 1995, a low pressure system with central barometric pressure of 990 hPa formed of south-western Australia. This depression directed gale force winds over the South-West Land Division for some seven hours.
Dan Carter reports on the widespread damage to soils and property, and management practices that would have reduced the problem.
Live Sheep Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1995, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Live Sheep Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1995, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Agriculture reports
This is the ninth report of the Surveillance System that summaries information on the sea transport of livestock from Australia to the Middle East and South East Asia.
Live Sheep Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1994, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Live Sheep Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1994, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Agriculture reports
This report provide summary information about mortalities in sheep and cattle during sea transport.
Other On-Station Activities For Wool Pastoralists, Mark Stevens
Other On-Station Activities For Wool Pastoralists, Mark Stevens
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
The impact of low wool prices has been most severe on specialist wool growers who have little scope for diversification, particularly those in the pastoral area.
Although there are limited opportunities for new enterprises on all pastoral stations, individual pastoralists are examining other on-station activities to determine which ones might be suitable. In doing so, they are evaluating:
• location (proximity to a major highway or population centre);
• natural attractions (coast, gorges, river, wildflowers);
• natural resources (native fauna and flora); and
• water supply (quantity and reliability of good quality water).
Awassi Fat Tails : A Chance For Premium Exports, Fiona Sunderman, Michael Johns
Awassi Fat Tails : A Chance For Premium Exports, Fiona Sunderman, Michael Johns
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Most prople have heard of the Awassi, even if they have never seen one. This unique breed of fat tail sheep, imported into Astralia in 1987, was released from quarantine for commercial development nearly 12 months ago. Its supporters believe Awassis could form the basis of a high-value export industry while replacing imports. Developments over the next few years will test its potential and should result in the Awassi playing an important role in an increasingly diversified Australian farming scene.
Ai : Artificial Insemination Of Sheep, David Windsor
Ai : Artificial Insemination Of Sheep, David Windsor
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Artificial insemination (Al) is used widely in the dairy and beef industries and often performed by farmers themselves. By contrast, sheep breeders generally require assistance from vets when frozen semen is to be used. However, recent experiments with frozen semen are indicating that do-it-yourself Al may soon become a reality.
Lupin Stubbles : Getting The Best With Weaner Sheep, Keith Croker, Colin Mcdonald, Jeremy Allen
Lupin Stubbles : Getting The Best With Weaner Sheep, Keith Croker, Colin Mcdonald, Jeremy Allen
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Sweet lupins are now grown on about a million hectares in Western Australia each year. If half of the State's seven million weaners were grazed as recommended on half of the lupin stubbles, it could generate about $15 million from reduced supplementary feeding, greater wool production and other advantages. But correct management is important, particularly knowing when to take weaners out. Research by the Department over the last five years is now indicating how this should be done.
How Sustainable Is Grazing Sheep On Annual Pastures In The Woolbelt?, Don Mcfarlane, Richard George
How Sustainable Is Grazing Sheep On Annual Pastures In The Woolbelt?, Don Mcfarlane, Richard George
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Low wool prices have reduced the profitability of producing wool from clover-based annual pastures in the south-western woo/belt. The heavy reliance on one commodity is economically unsustainable for many farmers. But we should also consider how ecologically sustainable the practice is.
Shallow-rooted annual pastures contribute to widespread salinity in the area, annual legumes are acidifying the soils and making them water repellent, and bare, detached soils from heavy grazing cause sheet and rill erosion during autumn storms. In addition, stock are degrading remnant vegetation and destroying the soil's structure.
To counteract this degradation, the woo/belt needs more perennial pastures and …
Getting The Best From The Woolbelt, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia
Getting The Best From The Woolbelt, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Articles in this issue of the Journal of Agriculture discuss prospects for the wool industry and strategies for wool growers to increase their income and their long term viability.
The impact of low wool prices is greatest in the 'woo/belt' (see map) and the southern pastoral region. There is a need to boost the profitability of wool production and to increase income from sources other than wool in these regions.
The Productivity and Diversification Initiative for Wool Growers is refocussing Department of Agriculture resources to assist wool growers reduce costs, increase productivity and diversify into alternative enterprises.
The strategies recommended …
Quality Wool Production At Lower Cost, Peter Metcalfe
Quality Wool Production At Lower Cost, Peter Metcalfe
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Low wool prices are forcing farmers to reduce their sheep management costs but, fortunately, cost cutting is not resulting in lower wool production, poorer wool quality or lessened sheep care on the best wool growing properties.
Tough Times Call For A Review Of Farm Business Performance, Martin Van Bueren, John Young
Tough Times Call For A Review Of Farm Business Performance, Martin Van Bueren, John Young
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Most Australian farm businesses specialising in wool production are operating at a loss at current wool prices. After both short term operating and long term costs of capital depreciation are accounted for, only a small number of wool growers are able to make a profit with the wool market indicator below 500c/kg.
Poor prices have stimulated wool growers to review their operations and look to ways of improving cash flow in the short term, such as diversifying into cropping. The downturn should also prompt growers to address the longer term trends of declining terms of trade and historically poor productivity …
Live Sheep Export Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1993, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Live Sheep Export Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1993, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Agriculture reports
This seventh report of the Survelliance system that summaries information on the sea transport of livestock from Australia to the Middle East and South Eats Asia. The main purpose of the Surveillance System is to allow Industry, Government, researchers and other to monitor the mortality trends in the live sheep trade.
Sheep And Wool Industries Need To Improve Their Performance, Rob Kelly, Tim Marshall
Sheep And Wool Industries Need To Improve Their Performance, Rob Kelly, Tim Marshall
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Today in Western Australia, sheep are run at slightly higher stocking rates, are achieving greater lambing percentages (up JO per cent) and higher wool cuts per animal ( up 0. 6 kg greasy) than in the 1960s. When all components of production are considered, the productivity of sheep fanns has increased by 2. 7 per cent per year over the past 35 years.
The challenge of the next decade is to achieve substantially greater rates of improvement than for past years if the sheep and wool industries are to maintain their significant place in Western Australian agriculture.
Do Farmers Really Want To Eradicate Sheep Lice?, Chris Hawkins
Do Farmers Really Want To Eradicate Sheep Lice?, Chris Hawkins
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
With the termination of Western Australia's Sheep Lice Eradication Campaign in 1993 farmers' views about the eradication of sheep lice are of greater relevance now than in the past. Lice control now rests with individual farmers and continuing local lice cell groups .
A recent survey of producers in the Moora Shire provides some key insights into farmers' thoughts about sheep lice and their eradication.
Progress Toward Eradication Of Virulent Footrot, Bob Mitchell
Progress Toward Eradication Of Virulent Footrot, Bob Mitchell
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Western Australia is well placed to eradicate virulent footrot from the State's sheep and goat populations.
Between 1950 and 1993 the proportion of sheep flocks with footrot fell from about 15 per cent to less than 2 percent, and the 1990-92 outbreak has been turned around. One hundred and eighty properties (]. 7 per cent) of flocks, mostly in the high rainfall South-West, are in quarantine for footrot today.
This high level of footrot control is the result of strong support from the sheep industry and years of good cooperation between farmers and the Department of Agriculture.
Western Australia leads …
Live Sheep Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1992, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Live Sheep Trade From Australia Summary Information For 1992, R T. Norris, Greg Norman
Agriculture reports
This report concentrates on the mortalities in the live sheep trade, although information about goats and cattle is also provided.
The Surveillance Of Annual Ryegrass Toxicity In Western Australia October 1991 To May 1992, W D. Roberts
The Surveillance Of Annual Ryegrass Toxicity In Western Australia October 1991 To May 1992, W D. Roberts
Agriculture reports
Between October 1991 and January 1992 (1991 Annual Ryegrass Toxicity(ARGT) season) 89 farms reported a total of 102 outbreaks of ARGT to the Department of Agriculture Western Australia. This second annual report provides summary information on these occurrences. The main body of the report focuses on mortality records collected by Departmental advisory staff when farmers sought information on ARGT during this period.
Are Foxes Serious Predators Of Stock?, Peter Mawson, John Long
Are Foxes Serious Predators Of Stock?, Peter Mawson, John Long
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Commercial farming of goats for mohair, cashmere and meat production is a rapidly developing industry in the south-west of Western Australia.
In this article, the authors discuss the results of two studies conducted by the Agriculture Protection Board in which the levels of predation of kids and lambs by foxes in commercial goat flocks, and an experimental multiple-birth genotype sheep flock in the southwest of Western Australia, were measured.
The Sheep Lice Detection Test, Peter Morcombe
The Sheep Lice Detection Test, Peter Morcombe
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Sheep farmers would agree it is difficult to find sheep lice when carrying out an inspection.
The lice detection test makes this task easier and helps farmers decide how to control lice. The test also helps community liaison groups with eradication of lice infestations in specific areas, and provides data for epidemiologists to monitor changes in prevalence of lice and efficacy of treatments. Tests are much cheaper than flock inspection on the farm.
The present lice detection test was developed by the Australian Wool Testing Authority (A WTA) and introduced as an integral part of the Western Australian Sheep Lice …
What Do Foxes Do At Night?, Peter Mawson, John Long
What Do Foxes Do At Night?, Peter Mawson, John Long
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Foxes are often labelled as ruthless killers of lambs, kid goats and poultry. However, studies of the incidence of predation on lambs and kids have shown that foxes generally kill less than 3 per cent of lambs and 3 to 5 per cent of kids,
Are foxes, therefore, killers of lambs and kid goats, or just timid scavengers?
This article provides an insight into the behaviour of foxes in lambing and kidding paddocks at the Department of Agriculture's Avondale Research Station, Beverley, and near Moora, during 1987 and 1988.
Understanding The Importance Of Eperythrozoon Ovis Infection In Sheep, Marc Kabay
Understanding The Importance Of Eperythrozoon Ovis Infection In Sheep, Marc Kabay
Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4
Assigning priorities for research on sheep diseases relies in part on understanding the prevalence and economic impact of each disease.
Eperythrozoon ovis infection in sheep, for example is a common, but not costly, disease.