barkly beef · • Measure influence of timing and amount of rainfall on pasture growth and assess...

- 1 -

Volume 6 Issue 3 December 2000

Inside this issue Congratulations Darryl

2

Alice Springs School of the Air

2

The Simple Things 3 Estimating Pasture Yields

4

Bushfires 5 Lake Nash breeder herd efficiency project

6-7

Ode to the Quadrat 7 NT 2000 Hydatid Survey

8

Liver Fluke 9-12 Renewable remote power generation program

13-14

Benefits of Vaccination

15

Odyssey Batteries 16

No doubt it has been a very busy season for all of you, being shortened at both ends by plenty of rain. Hopefully we are in a cycle of many good seasons. A year has passed since I moved to Tennant Creek and the time has gone so fast. It has been an interesting year and I have learned a lot about the district, but still have much to learn! I have managed to meet quite a few of you, either in Tennant Creek or by visiting your property. We are all very proud of Darryl Savage’s achievement in the Young Australian of the Year Awards 2001 where he won the Federal Government’s Regional Initiative Award for his commitment to the Barkly pastoral industry. Darryl was nominated for the award by the NTCA (see article in this issue). I was in Darwin at the time and was able to attend the presentation of the NT awards during a very enjoyable evening.

My thanks to Sherrie & Helen for editing and producing this edition of barkly beef at very short notice. Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2001. Jenny Purdie Regional Director

barkly beef Published by the Department of Primary Industry And Fisheries, Tennant Creek NT Editors – Helen Kempe, Sherrie Stone & Jo Whelan

2 barkly beef December 2000

Congratulations Darryl! Darryl Savage was one of three finalists in the Federal Government’s Regional Initiative Award of the NT section of the Young Australian of the Year 2001 Awards. The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association nominated Darryl for this award. At a function held in Darwin on 3

rd November, attended

by Bob Lee, NTCA Executive Officer, Jenny Purdie, DPIF Regional Director Tennant Creek and members of Darryl’s family from Brisbane, Darryl was presented as the winner of this category.

Darryl conducts research and development activities targeting beef husbandry practices and pasture management strategies designed to improve the sustainable profitability of the region’s beef industry. His sound research and well received training in pasture monitoring and assessment, and cattle nutrition and breeding, have earned Darryl a reputation as a quiet, competent achiever.

Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister Mick Palmer, said "Darryl’s efforts in working with the NT Cattlemen’s Association to promote close relationships between Government and industry led to his nomination by the NTCA. As the main aim of the Regional Initiative Award is to recognise the work of young Australians in regional areas, I am delighted that Darryl’s

achievement has been highlighted. I extend my warmest congratulations to him, and hope he continues the good work in the Barkly region."

Alice Springs School of the Air

50th Birthday Celebrations June 2001

Calling all “old or young” teachers, parents, students, governesses

and home tutors!

The ASSOA 50th Birthday Committee are contacting as many past students, parents, teachers and

home tutors (governess) for their input for the school’s 50th Birthday on the 8

th June, 2001. A week of

celebrations is being planned. The committee would like to contact anyone who who have connections with the school in the past. If you know of any past employees, family members or neighbours who have moved please contact Liz Bird with their address, phone, fax or e:mail : Mrs Liz Bird Indiana Station PO Box 8045 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871

Ph: 08 8956 9779 Fax: 08 89569793 E:mail : [email protected]


The Simple Things

As a wise man once said " bulls plus cows plus rain equals beef ". A simple view with a wealth of merit. We can consider a few simple aspects of beef production. Pasture is a large and cheap source of cattle feed in the extensive grazing areas of north Australia. Awareness by producers of how the quality and quantity of pasture changes during the year is essential to make the most efficient use of this nutrient supply. Rainfall (its amount and timing) is the most important factor limiting pasture production. Why does rainfall have such an impact on pasture quality and quantity? The main objective in the life of plants is to reproduce, not to feed cattle. As the first rains fall the plant registers this as an opportunity to reproduce. Plants begin absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous from the soil and translocating nutrients stored in the roots up into the plant stems and leaves. As rain continues, plants absorb nutrients from the soil and there is proliferation and expansion of new stems, shoots and leaves. Eventually the plant absorbs sufficient nutrients to produce and release seed. Once this occurs the plant has achieved its objective and less nutrients are absorbed and contained in the plant. The relationship between rainfall and pasture quality can be shown using the graph below. This graph has been formed by combining rainfall records and results from monthly pasture samples that have been collected over several years by Tennant Creek Animal Production staff and Barkly Tableland stations.

These rainfall records and pasture samples are a component of larger projects that Animal Production staff have involvement with. The pasture sampling aims to improve knowledge of pasture nutritive values and how they impact on animal performance. Rainfall records enable a relationship between season and pasture and inturn animal performance to be made. For further information contact: Andrew Doust Animal Production Officer, Tennant Creek Ph: 08-8962 4483 Fax: 08-8962 4480 E-mail: [email protected]

The Relationship between Rainfall and Pasture Quality.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct

Pastu

re Q

uali

tyl

(Pro

tein

%)

0

50

100

150

200

250

Rain

fall

(m

m)

Protein %

Rainfall (mm)


Setting stocking rates is the most important factor in grazing management; it has an over-riding effect on pasture stability and animal production (Partridge 1996). Generally, long term stocking rates have been set from local experience, which may not take full advantage of above average seasons or safe guard pastures from overgrazing during drier years. By using cover maps produced from Landsat7 ETM satellite imagery, it is planned to develop a method for estimating pasture yield on a paddock scale and its distribution within that paddock. The aim of the project is to investigate the relationship between aerial cover and standing biomass, and to determine the effectiveness of this technique in assisting land managers to set yearly stocking rates in conjunction with water management. Chris Materne Senior Rangeland Officer ~ Tennant Creek Ph: 08-8962 4492 Fax: 08-8962 4480 E-mail: [email protected]

Estimating Paddock Yield

through Satellite Imagery on the

Barkly Tablelands


It has been a big season for fires on the red country (refer map). Most of the Tanami Desert was burnt along with the land from Lake Nash through to Tennant Creek. Luckily the early aerial controlled burning prevented the fires from jumping the Barkly highway and threatening the Barkly Tablelands. Alroy staff did fight fires on the Northern side of the Barkly highway and prevented the fire from getting on the Black soil. Thanks and congratulations go out to the Tennant Creek Volunteer Bushfire Brigade and Northern Territory Fire Service who were outstanding in their efforts to contain the fires around Tennant Creek. Bushfires would like to also commend all station staff involved in fighting fires throughout the season. The early rain has meant that the country is looking extremely green, especially the areas that experienced fires. It has also served to suppress the fire season, however if given a long enough period without rain the country will still burn. In fact some stations are now undertaking some burning programs to reduce fuel loads and promote fresh growth.

Level one Training was completed for the year. A total of 68 participants successfully completed the course and by all accounts the training proved invaluable for containing fires. Geordie Akeroyd has started as the new Barkly Regional Fire Control Officer. His efforts to visit stations have been hamstrung due to the rain, but he will be visiting as soon as roads are passable.

For further information contact Brett Stephens and Geordie Akeroyd

Bushfires Council Tennant Creek. Ph: 8962 4522 or 8962 4577

Bushfires Council NT – Tennant Creek Fire Update


Lake Nash Breeder Herd Efficiency Project.

Ray Jansen, Sandi Jephcott (Stanbroke Vet) and the staff at Lake Nash are conducting a major research project in cooperation with DPIF, Tennant Creek. There are several aspects to this work that is hoped will prove to be most useful research for the wider pastoral industry.

(L to R) Darryl Savage, Andrew Doust (DPIF), Ray Jansen (Manager Lake Nash) The project is funded by Stanbroke Pastoral Co., DPIF, CSL Veterinary, Meat and Livestock Australia and the supplement manufacturer Ridley Agri-products. By under-taking this work, we aim to: • Identify exact level of losses from

conception to branding and isolate any reproductive diseases that may be causing the losses.

• Assess cow performance under wet season, wet plus dry season and nil supplementation.

• Measure influence of timing and amount of rainfall on pasture growth and assess the use of satellite imagery as a predictor of pasture growth.

• Assess the use of monthly pasture and faecal sampling as management tools.

There are three paddocks each comprising pure-bred Santa Gertrudis breeding cows and bulls. Each paddock is subject to two 'rounds' of mustering. At each round breeders have their weight, pregnancy status, lactation status (wet or dry) and their body condition score (1 to 9, 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese) recorded. All calves and weaners on these trial cows are weighed, have their sex and estimated age recorded. Blood samples are taken from 100 of the trial cows and analysed for a range of diseases that may affect reproductive performance. Faecal and pasture samples are collected monthly and analysed for nitrogen (protein) and phosphorous levels. Rainfall is also constantly measured using a tipping bucket rain gauge and recorded using a data logger measuring the timing, intensity and duration of rainfall. So of what use is all of this data collected? As the saying goes, " You cannot improve what you do not measure". Examining data collected from the animals will identify specific areas of the production cycle where improvements may be possible. For example identifying that portion of calf loss that may be disease related. Analysis of these blood samples and swabs for diseases such as Leptospirosis, Akabane, Mucosal disease, IBR, Vibriosis,


Trichomoniasis and Bovine Ephremeral Fever (3-day) known to impact on reproductive performance may help to determine the level which these diseases may be afflicting Barkly herds. Monthly pasture samples are analysed for phosphorous, nitrogen and digestibility and will provide an estimate of nutrient deficiency trends in the pasture. The fresh faecal samples aid in determining the relationship between nitrogen and phosphorous levels in faeces and pasture. It is this relationship that assists in planning supplementation

strategies.

Results that will arise from assessment of the rangeland/pasture condition and its relationship with herd performance and rainfall patterns at Lake Nash will improve industry knowledge and inturn the beef industry. For further information contact: Darryl Savage Senior Animal Production Officer, Tennant Creek Ph: 08-8962 4487 Fax: 08-8962 4480 Email: [email protected]

ODE TO THE QUADRAT By Andrea Johnson

When god made Rangeland technicians He certainly did not have in mind, The possibility of so many Dragging metre squares behind. Though, they certainly make it handy For estimating yield, They're the hardest things to carry When traipsing through the field. They're the rudest field assistants Ever to go out bush, They'll poke and stab and clang and bang Trip you over on you toosh. Now for us who work in the tropics We have pea bush to contend, So when walking through with our squares It drives wits to their end. When packing the Toyota They're the hardest to fit in, And if they aren't packed snugly They'll make an awful god damn din. And when you find you need them They're right under all your gear, So you have to drop all side rails Just to slide them out the rear.

If someone spots you from the road They ask in their own way, "What the hell's that metal thing?" And I know I'd like to say…

"Integral calibration tool"

But from underneath my hat, I just say in simple monotones "It's a square that we look at." The quadrat stands for many things And patience is not one, TSDM, cover, comp and green The work is never done. So damn these bloody objects We must use every day, Their size and obtrusive shape Means they're always in the way. You can squash and bend and bang them Or kick them 'til you bleed, But no matter how much we hate them They're something we will always need!


NT 2000 Hydatid Survey

Producers in southern Australia will be familiar with hydatid disease in sheep, but the north Australian cattle producer might not have thought much about this disease. However, hydatid cysts are found in Australian cattle exported overseas, and this has been raised as a concern. Hydatid cysts are caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. Hosts for the adult stage of this tapeworm in Australia are the dog, dingo and possibly the fox. The larval stage can be found in wallabies, kangaroos and sheep, with occasional spill-over into cattle, pigs or humans. Cattle can become infected with the larval stage, but because development of fertile cysts is rare (between 1 and 4% of cattle cysts are fertile), propagation of the life cycle through these animals would not be expected. It has generally been accepted in the Northern Territory that hydatids do not have a dingo-wallaby cycle, because environmental conditions are unfavourable for the survival of the eggs of E. granulosus. Therefore, spill-over into Northern Territory -bred cattle is not expected. However, freedom from hydatidosis in cattle is a condition of a few health certification requirements. The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries therefore carried out a survey this year to gather information that would determine if hydatid cyst infection occurred in Northern Territory -bred cattle. The information could then be used to substantiate claims of hydatid cyst freedom in Northern Territory cattle for trading purposes. The prevalence of hydatid cysts in the Northern Territory has been reported as low. Surveys conducted over thirty years ago in abattoirs reported no evidence in cattle or pigs slaughtered in Darwin and an incidence of 2% in Alice Springs. No surveys have been conducted since then in the Northern Territory. Submissions over the past few years to Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories (BVL) have identified hydatid cysts in livers from cattle. Although these have been traced back to animals bred outside the Northern Territory, this survey was conducted to confirm that a cycle has not established involving Northern Territory bred cattle. No surveillance has been

conducted in the Northern Territory for the presence of E. granulosus adults in dingoes or dogs, or for the hydatid cysts in wallabies/kangaroos. As a first step in confirming that E. granulosus does not cycle in the Northern Territory, surveillance of cystic lesions in cattle killed at the abattoir in Katherine was conducted between June and September , 2000. All cyst-like lesions in the liver and lungs of cattle were collected and submitted to BVL for microscopic and histological examination to determine whether they were hydatid cysts. Records of the property of breeding for the cattle examined were an integral component of the survey, and brand details for each animal were recorded as they entered the killing area. A total of 4348 animals were examined, with 84% being Northern Territory bred animals. The remaining animals were from Queensland or had brands that could not be read. The cattle came from 62 properties, mainly in the northern half of the Northern Territory. As expected, the survey found hydatid cysts in cattle imported from Queensland to the Northern Territory. The prevalence in Queensland bred animals was 5%. The good news for Territory producers is that in over 3500 Northern Territory -bred animals, only one hydatid cyst was linked to a NT bred animal. Due to sampling problems the day that cyst was collected, we can't confirm the cyst as coming from an Northern Territory bred animal. Follow up work will be conducted to confirm that this is a sampling error. Even if this cyst was from a Northern Territory -bred animal, the prevalence would only be 0.03%, and this provides strong evidence to support the lack of an established E. granulosus life cycle in the Northern Territory. Acknowledgment We would like to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of staff at the Consolidated Meat Group abattoir at Katherine, the AQIS meat inspectors and the Katherine stock inspectors.

Lois Small and Diana Pinch Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories

8999 2245


The RSI’S Desk

As many of you are aware Western Australia has quite stringent rules for the introduction of livestock especially in relation to LIVER FLUKE. During October, myself and other NT Stock Inspectors, met with three blokes from WA to have the new rules explained. In this issue of Barkly Beef there is a simplified version of WA import requirements for your enjoyment. I know it looks complicated but if you have trouble with it, give myself, Dave Russell, Blue Lunn or Graeme Coleman a ring and we will do our best to become confused with you. The other good news is that the size of the document has not been changed. If all else fails, the guys to contact are:

Tony Tulley (Regional Veterinary Officer) and

Dave Muirson (Regional Stock Inspector) Phone 08 9166 4011 or 08 9166 4000

It is important that WA receive prior notice of your intention to import stock. There have been a few inquiries about HGP’s recently. Pastoralists have certain obligations regarding the use/purchase of HGP’s. This information is available from our office in the form of Ag-notes or talk to Andrew Brown, the Regional Vet. Officer. The season has been busy between the end of May until the beginning of October. During that time we dipped 15,043 head to various destinations, did 8 disease investigations, audited the brands directory for our region and hand sprayed 267 horses. Since October most of us have grown webbed feet, which look OK when you get used to them. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every body for their help and cooperation

during the last year and to wish you all

Compliments of the Season and the Best for 2001

Ted Martin Regional Stock Inspector - Tennant Creek Ph: 08-8962 4490 Fax: 08-8962 4480 E-mail: [email protected]


Draft Table 1. Liver Fluke – equines


Draft Table 2 – Liver Fluke – Ruminants/Camelids


Map


SUPPORTING THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR REMOTE POWER GENERATION

Renewable energy is a viable alternative to diesel generated electricity in those areas of Australia not serviced by a main electricity grid. The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP), funded by the Commonwealth Government, will provide support for conversion of diesel based electricity supplies to renewable energy technologies. The objective of the RRPGP is to increase the uptake of renewable energy technology in remote areas of Australia, which will: (a) help in providing an effective electricity

supply to remote users;

(b) assist the development of the Australian renewable energy industry;

(c) help meet the energy infrastructure

needs of indigenous communities; and (d) lead to long term greenhouse gas

reductions. The program will be funded from excise paid on diesel used to generate electricity by public generators. The Northern Territory’s share is estimated to be approximately $7m pa for the four-year program. The funds will be used to provide rebates for the installation of renewable remote area power supplies.

POTENTIAL APPLICANTS Off-grid users, including the following, will be eligible for rebates: • Pastoral properties • Indigenous communities • Roadhouses/Wayside inns

• Householders • Parks and Wildlife sites • Tourism operations

As funding under the RRPGP is limited, rebates can only be approved up to the funding limit. THE REBATE Eligible Expenditure Under RRPGP rebates of up to 50% may be paid for renewable energy components such as batteries, photovoltaics (solar panels) wind turbines and inverters. Payment of rebates will be for eligible capital expenditure on renewable energy technology, which may include:

(a) renewable energy generating equipment such as photovoltaics, wind turbines, biomass conversion equipment and hydro plants;

(b) essential enabling equipment such as

inverters, control and monitoring

RENEWABLE REMOTE POWER GENERATION

PROGRAM


equipment and batteries including provision of metering necessary for required data collection and not otherwise part of a system; and

(c) essential non-equipment expenditure such as installation (including travel), design, Project commissioning (up to a maximum of 12 months) and Project management costs.

Non-Eligible Expenditure RRPGP funding will not be available for: (a) solar hot water systems; or, (b) renewables used primarily for

agricultural water pumping; or

(c) diesel (or other fossil fuel) backup systems

PROPOSED SCHEME DETAILS The Department of Mines and Energy is preparing guidelines and rebate application forms. The requirements for all Projects funded by RRPGP will include the following. The owner of a proposed Project will be: (a) for households, the owner of the land

where the proposed Project will be based. Ownership is any form of tenure that allows occupancy on the land for at least five years;

(b) for businesses, such as pastoral

properties, tourism operations, and the Power and Water Authority, the owner or management authority of the business; and

(c) for indigenous and other communities,

the governing authority of the community however constituted.

For more information contact: The Department of Mines and Energy 4th Floor, Centrepoint Building, Smith Street, The Mall GPO Box 2901, Darwin NT 0801 Phone (08)8999 5440 Fax (08)8999 5530

The Project owner will be required to: (a) ensure that all equipment funded

under the RRPGP remains at the installation site for at least five years, with the exception of batteries that may have reached the end of their life;

(b) provide the Department of Mines and

Energy with an annual report, describing the system’s operation. The Department may request additional information;

(c) provide satisfactory evidence of a

maintenance plan to keep the system operational; and

(d) provide satisfactory evidence that

appropriately qualified personnel will carry out design and installation of the system.


Fo

r Mo

re In

form

atio

n C

on

tac

t Ern

ie H

olt o

n

Ph

:(08

) 89

64

55

64


If undelivered, return to

PO Box 159, TENNANT CREEK NT 0861

barkly beef · • Measure influence of timing and amount of rainfall on pasture growth and assess...

Documents

Transcript of barkly beef · • Measure influence of timing and amount of rainfall on pasture growth and assess...