Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons^™

How Rabbit Poisoning Methods Work, S H. Wheeler

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

While the "rabbit plauges" of the past are a distant memory for most farmers, rabbit numbers must still be controlled in many parts of Western Australia. Rabit control techniques rely heavily on poisoning, which given the right conditions can kill a high percentage of rabbits at risk.

Recent research by the Agricultural Protection Board has been aimed at determining how different poisons, baits and poisoning methods work. By knowing in detail how each method works and what influences its results, we can choose the best control method for a particular place and time, avoid costly failures, and increase the effectiveness …

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 …

The Medina Pig Research Station, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Before the Department of Agriculture's Medina Pig Research Station was established in 1964, pig production research had been carried out on Denmark Research Station, Muresk Agricultural College and in some commercial herds.

However, with increasing specialisation in the pig industry better facilities were needed. Medina Research Station provides such facilities, allowing it to carry out research to provide detailed information of immediate practical value for both extensive and intensive pig production enterprises.

Super Spreader Distributes Snail Baits, G D. Rimes, W. M. O'Donnell

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

THE problem of distributing snail bait on broad acres has been overcome by simple modifications to a conventional super spreader.

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.

Pig Research Projects For W.A, W J O Wilkie

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

The Medina Pig Research Unit now being developed by the Department of Agriculture will be an important addition to pig research facilities in Australia.

The primary function of the unit will be to serve the needs of the pig industry in Western Australia.

In this article, Animal Husbandry Officer W. J. Wilkie, B.V.Sc, discusses some aspects of research to be carried out.

Poisoning Rabbits From The Air, C D. Gooding

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

AERIAL baiting gives spectacular kills of rabbits in country which cannot be effectively treated by conventional means, and has been widely adopted in New Zealand and other States in Australia.

Here Mr. Gooding reports on developments in aerial baiting in Victoria, and suggests practical applications in Western Australia.

The Success Of The Rabbit 'Killer' Trials, A R. Tomlinson

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

SUCCESS well beyond what was anticipated has been achieved in a two year trial of a modified version of the rabbit "killer" method.

In the "killer" method, trained officers are employed to kill rabbits instead of to inspect and supervise the activities of farmers and, in fact, these officers do all the actual work of destruction.

This system was advocated by the W.A. Royal Commission which reported on Vermin Control in this State in 1944, and it was used successfully in New Zealand.

These trials were applied only to poisoning and not to overall destruction measures. The main object was …

Vermin Control In W.A, A R. Tomlinson

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

THE annual report of the Agriculture Protection Board of W.A. for 1958-1959 indicated that while vermin control had continued at a relatively high standard throughout the State, most of the animal and bird pests were at the lowest level within the memory of most people.

However, there were ample warnings that any relaxation in control work could have rapid and serious consequences.

Free Feeding For The Control Of Rabbits, C Marshall

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

IN common with most other farm work, the control of rabbits calls for a high degree of skill, patience and perseverance.

There is no short cut to success, and if results are required we must be prepared to give of our best.

Failures of control works are experienced at various times, and the reasons can generally be traced back to something we have failed to do or some short cut we have tried to take.

However, we should not lose heart from one failure. During normal farming procedure, if a farmer's crop fails he does not give up planting in …