Other Animal Sciences Commons^™

Re-Thinking The Summer Drenching Program, Brown Besier

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The summer drenching program has provided highly effective sheep worm control in Western Australia for many years - but recent research challenges its long term sustainability.

Trial results suggest that in large parts of the State, summer drenching is the main factor leading to the development of drench resistant worms. Alternative programs less likely to lead to drench resistance will require greater monitoring of worm burdens and panning pasture moves.

European Wasps : Eradicating An Unwanted Pest, Marc Widmer, John Van Schagen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

European wasps were first found in Western Australis in 1977. Mark Widmer and John van Schagen outline the pest's life history and control progeams which are in place.

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).

Diversification In The Woolbelt, John Allen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The productivity and diversification initiative for wool growers incorporates two leves of diversification.

Greatest emphasis is placed on industry wide increases in cropping intensity and in the range of crop types grown.

The second level involves non-traditional, alternative enterprises, each offering prospects for expansion of a limited number of wool growing businesses, suited to particular parts of the woolbelt.

The alternative enterprises include floriculture, aquaculture, export hay, farm tourism, commercial timber, horticulture and new animal industries.

An Update On The Biological Control Of Rabbits, Stuart Wheeler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

When myxomatosis was introduced into Western Australia in the early 1950s, farmers, pastoralists and government alike thought it was an answer to the rabbit problem.

The disease was devastatingly effective in the short term and initially had a 99 per cent kill rate. With time, the virus declined in strength, and the surviving rabbits have multiplied.

There have been many recent reports about new forms of biological control for rabbits and potential improvements in old ones.

This article summarises each of the prospective methods and improvements, and assesses the potential usefulness of each.

Red Kangaroos Can Set Back Range Regeneration, Andrew Mclaughlin

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

After years of severe drought, stocking rates in Western Australia s arid rangelands have been kept low since the 1970s to allow native pastures to regenerate. As well, extensive re-seeding programs have started and sheep and cattle grazing on these areas has been restricted or eliminated. However, pasture regeneration in the rangelands can only succeed when grazing by all animals - sheep, cattle, kangaroos, goo.ts, camels, brumbies and donkeys - is controlled Many more red kangaroos roam throughout Western Australia's pastoral areas today than 20 years ago. The installation of windmills and troughs to water domestic livestock has allowed kangaroo …

Animal Production From Tagasaste Growing In Deep Sands In A 450 Mm Winter Rainfall Zone, Chris Oldham, Greg Allen, Peter Moore, Bruce Mattinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In 1985, Martindale Pty Ltd, Sir James McCusker's family company, signed a unique research contract with Professor David Lindsay of the University of Western Australia. The aim of the Martindale Research Project was to study ways of increasing farm productivity in the sheep-wheat zone of south-western Australia. A primary focus was the high cost of grain or hay used to fill the autumn feed gap in grazing systems.

However, it was not clear how or if tagasaste might be economically used to replace the grain and/or hay traditionally fed by hand to sheep and cattle in autumn.

Trees And Livestock : A Productive Co-Existence, Richard Moore

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Trees, as part of farming can help to combat land degradation problems and produce a good economic return from timber at the same time. For example, there is now clear evidence that planting trees can help combat salinity by lowering water-table levels. Trees can also substantially improve overall farm productivity by providing shelter for pastures and livestock. The challenge is to find practical and economical methods of integrating trees and farming. A combination of widely-spaced trees and livestock is one promising method. This article describes the benefits of this type of agroforestry to farmers, suitable locations and how to practice …

Veterinary Consultancy Boosts Piggery Profits, Ashley Mercy

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A pilot Pig Herd Health Management Scheme co-ordinated by the Department of Agriculture has stimulated much increased involvement of veterinarians in the Western Australian pig industry. Co-ordinated by Ashley Mercy, principal veterinary officer (epidemiology) horn 1985 to 1989, the scheme demonstrated the value of having regular visits from veterinary consultants and in implementing programs to prevent disease and production problems occurring in herds.

Can Kangaroos Survive In The Wheatbelt?, Graham Arnold

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

One of the costs of agricultural development in Western Australia over the past 100 years has been the loss of most of the native vegetation and, consequently, massive reductions in the numbers of most of our native fauna. Thirteen mammal species are extinct and many bird and mammal species are extinct in some areas. These losses will increase as remnant native vegetation degrades under the impact of nutrients washed and blown from farmland, from the invasion by weeds and from grazing sheep.

Even kangaroos are affected. Unless the community manages remnant vegetation to minimise degradation and enhance the regeneration of …

The Western Australian Pig Health Monitoring Scheme, Ashley Mercy

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Over 30,000 slaughter pigs from 245 Western Australian piggeries have been examined for the presence of 16 diseases since the Western Australian Pig Health Monitoring Scheme (PHMS) started in January 1987. The scheme was developed by the author in conjunction with Dr Chris Brennan, a pig veterinary consultant. Monitoring of slaughter pigs is an important part of providing an effective veterinary service to commercial piggeries. It can be used in accreditation schemes and to help in certifying herds free of particular disease

Direct Selling Is A Plus For Cattle Producers, P G. Frapple

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The aim when marketing cattle is to maximise the net return with the minimum level of risk. To do this a producer needs an accurate description of the stock for sale and information on the likely gross returns and costs of selling through the different marketing systems.

Since producers' selling costs and processors' buying costs are lower in direct sales, it is more likely that net returns from direct delivery will be higher.

The Sandplain Lupin : Its Nutritional Value And Grazing Management, P W. Morcombe

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The sandplain lupin or Western Australian blue lupin (Lupinus cosentinii) was introduced to the West Midlands at the turn of the last century. Since that time it has been used as a self-regenerating summer forage for sheep and cattle.

Being deep rooted, it has adapted well to the sandy soils from Perth to Northampton, and plantings now cover more than 100,000 ha.

As few other improved pasture species will persist on these deep sands the sandplain lupin provides an important source of summer feed for grazing livestock. A stand can be grazed throughout summer at stocking rates of 10 to …

Intensive Animal Industries In The Peel-Harvey Catchment, R W. Payne

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Swan coastal plain to the north and south of Perth is attractive for the intensive production of pigs and poultry for several reasons. It is close to markets, feed manufacturers and labour; has a less extreme climate than inland areas; and is underlain by a large reserve of high quality groundwater.

Because these are all intensive operations, large quantaties of nutrient-rich waste are produced over a very small area. They can severely damage ground and surface waters unless steps are taken to control the wastes which they produce.

This article oulines both the nature of intensive aniamal industries in …

Atrophic Rhinitis In Pigs, A R. Mercy

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Severe atrophic rhinitis in pigs recurred recently in Australia after an apparent absence of some 20 years. The first of these recent cases occurred in a Westerm Australian herd in late 1984 and since then six other local herds have reported the disease. Severe atrophic rhinitis has also been seen recently in South Australia.

Atrophic rhinitis is a complex disease which causes degeneration of the nasal cavity, twisting of the snout and sometimes occasional bleeding from the nose.

It occurs only in pigs and severely affected animals may have a slower growth rate.

Rabbits North Of Carnarvon, D R. King

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In Westeern Australia rabbits are mainly a pest along the south-western coastal parts of the State, but there are populations north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Rabbits after crossing the Nullarbour plain from South Australia and colonising the South-West of the State, were reported to have reached the west coast near Geraldton by 1912 and then spread northwards.

There is little information on the biologhy of rabbits in the northan parts of their range, but pastoralists in some areas are concerned about erosion and damage to vegetation on their stations when rabbits reach high numbers.

The Agricultural Protection Board undertook …

Feral Donkeys : An Assessment Of Control In The Kimberley, S H. Wheeler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Feral donkeys are one of the major limitations to increased pastoral production in many parts of the Kimberley area of Western Australia, where they compete with cattle for food. In addition donkeys are aggressive animals, driving cattle from watering points and better grazing areas. They eliminate perenial plants by overgrazing and therefore reduce the carrying capacity of the range.

Originally introduced as draught animals, donkeys were released when cars arrived; since then they have bred up to large numbers in many areas.

For several years the Agricultural Protection Board has undertaken a programme of donkey shooting from helicopters. Since this …

Lupinosis : A Disease Still With Us, Jeremy G. Allen, P. Mcr. Wood, K. P. Crocker, J. Hamblin

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Current research on lupinosis continues to reveal what a complex problem it is, but the improved understanding should help to reduce losses.

Saving The State From Rabbits, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A thoughtful look at the rise and fall of rabbit populations in Western Astralia and the work done to achive the current levels.

Controlling Annual Ryegrass Toxicity, C H. Trotman

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Eight years of intensive work has changed annual ryegrass toxicity from an unknown killer to a manageable problem.

Economics Of Farm Water Supplies, P P. Eckersley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The economics of farm water supplies can be studied in two ways. One is to compare the costs of alternative ways of supplying a specified quantity of water to a farm. Another is to calcu;ate how mucha farmer can afford or will pay for a water supply.

I propose to look at these questions from the point of vieew of an eastern wheatbelt farmer, assuming that he must pay the full costs of any water supply provided for his property.

Grey Kangaroo Management Programme, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Grey Kangaroo Management Programme, introduced in 1971 by the Department of Fisheries and Fauna, is designed to ensure the long-term conservation of the grey kangaroo, while at the same time recognising the right of the landholder to protect his primary production from damage.

One of the points which has arisen after examination of the programme is that some individual farmers are not fully aware of the requirements of the regulations.

Rural Radio Reports - Animals And Birds Declared Vermin, A R. Tomlinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Animals and birds are declared vermin by the Agriculture Protection Board if they are a threat to primary industry.

Stock Brands And Movement Act, M R. Gardiner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

ALL livestock owners in W.A. should understand the main provisions of the new Stock Brands and Movement Act which comes into force on January 1, 1972.

Thinking Of Pigs To Raise Your Income?, P Mcnamara

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

WHEAT quotas and low wool prices have caused many farmers to look to pigs to consume homegrown grain and to lift their incomes. However, with sow numbers at a record level, is it possible for a wheatbelt farmer to raise pigs profitably?

Because of his access to cheap grain, the wheatbelt farmer may be able to make a good profit on each pig sold. This could make pigmeat production a useful sideline on the farm, providing the farmer produces only lean pigs. There is no market for overfat pigs.

This article gives some hints on production of pigs on cereal …

The Protection Of Primary Production : The Role Of The Agriculture Protection Board Of Western Australia, A R. Tomlinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE main function of the Agriculture Protection Board of W.A. is, as its name implies, "protection", and, in this case, it is the State's primary production which is being protected from pest animals, birds and weeds.

In general, the Board's activities are centred on the prevention, destruction or management of animals and plants which are troublesome to agricultural or pastoral production, or are capable of being troublesome.

Pig Husbandry Research In Western Australia, N W. Godfrey

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

IN the past it has not been possible to undertake research work with pigs on any appreciable scale in Western Australia.

A small herd has been maintained at Denmark Research Station for some years as a demonstration side-line unit, run in conjunction with the dairy herd.

A number of very useful trials have been carried out with the Denmark herd, but its size has limited the comprehensiveness of the type of research work that could be undertaken.

The Western Australian Pig Industry, P Mcnamara

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A look at the pig industry in Western Austrailia.

Hydatid Disease In Western Australia, K J. Austen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

BECAUSE hydatid disease is a disease of humans as well as animals every consideration must be given to its control and to the prevention of any possible increase in incidence.

The incidence of hydatids in Western Australia has not, in the past, been very high.

However, the great increase in sheep numbers which has taken place in recent years and which is expected to continue for many years to come, will produce a situation where it could be expected that the incidence of the disease will rise unless stock owners, particularly sheep owners, take appropriate steps to control the tapeworms …

A Guide To Pig Feeding, P Mcnamara

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

FOOD is by far the greatest cost in pig production, accounting for between 60 per cent, and 75 per cent, of the total cost, and for this reason it is important that the basic principles of feeding be understood.