RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008 - 2009

and Research in Progress as at June 2009

RIRDC Publication No. 09/099

RARE NATURAL FIBRES

RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008- 2009 and Research in Progress as at June 2009

RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES

July 2009 RIRDC Publication No 09/099

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© 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 656 0 ISSN 1440-6845 RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008 - 2009 and Research in Progress as at June 2009 - 2.6 Rare Natural Animal Fibres Publication No 09/099 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.

The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.

This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165.

RIRDC Rare Natural Animal Fibres Research Manager Dr Peter McInnes RIRDC Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 08 8556 7331 Fax: 08 8556 7289 Email: mcinnes2@comstech.comWeb: www.rirdc.gov.au RIRDC Publications Manager Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4165 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Electronically published by RIRDC in July 2009 Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 1300 634 313

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Foreword RIRDC produces Research in Progress summaries of continuing projects and those completed during 2008-2009. Our intention is to:

• give stakeholders early access to the results of ongoing and completed work to inform their decisions, and

• to inform researchers of results to shape research directions

The complete report on all programs is on our website at http:www.rirdc.gov.au Rare Natural Animal Fibres Research in Progress, June 2009, contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2008-2009. This program aims to facilitate the development of new and established industries based on rare natural fibres. There are three program objectives. These are: • develop new opportunities • stimulate industry partnerships and adoption • increase competiveness, capability and capacity This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1800 research publications, which are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.

Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES

COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROJECT NO

PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE NO

Stimulate industry partnerships and adoption PRJ-002779 Analysing Mohair Benchmarking

DataBruce McGregor (03) 9386 3102 Bruce McGregor 1

2.6 RARE NATURAL ANIMAL FIBRES

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT NO

PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE NO

Develop new opportunities PRJ-000054 Advancing artificial insemination in

camelids, particularly the alpacaChis Maxwell (02) 9351 4864 University of Sydney 3

PRJ-000059 Feeding alpacas to enhance both reproduction and fleece quality

Dominique Blache (08) 6488 3587 University of Western Australia

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PRJ-000060 Inheritance of white colour in alpacas: identifying the genes involved

Kylie Munyard (08) 9266 7519 Curtin University of Technology

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Increase competitiveness, capability and capacity PRJ-002498 ACGA Merrrit - Cashmere

Estimated Breeding Value Program - phase 2

Andrew James (07) 3214 2278 Australian Cashmere Grower’s Association Ltd

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PRJ-002521 Improving production efficiency, quality and value-adding of rare natural fibres

Xungai Wang (03) 5227 2894 Deakin University 8

Stimulate industry partnerships and adoption PRJ-000457 National evaluation of sires for the

production of quality cashmereStephen Gray (08) 9573 6219 University of Western

Australia 9

Completed Projects – 2008-2009 Stimulate industry partnerships and adoption Project Title

Analysing Mohair Benchmarking Data

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002779

Start Date: 14/01/2008 Finish Date: 29/05/2009 Researcher: Bruce McGregor Organisation: Bruce McGregor Phone: 03 9386 3102 Email: bmcgregor@sub.net.au Objectives

Successful completion of this project would see industry adoption of benchmarking within the mohair industry by providing a greater focus on commercial mohair production. To achieve this outcome the project objectives are to: • facilitate producer-led financial and fleece production benchmarking for

commercial mohair production by completing a DPI project commenced in 2006.

Background

The mohair industry has the infrastructure in place and a strong record of research and development to provide the foundation for the establishment of modern production systems. There has been a lack of credible financial comparisons between mohair and other mainstream animal enterprises which has prevented people from determining and gaining confidence in the financial feasibility of mohair production.

Research

The project aimed to increase producers’ knowledge of the operation and benefits of enterprise benchmarking by collecting, evaluating and documenting the enterprise inputs and outputs, and gross margins. The project had two components: farm financial benchmarking based on financial records of commercial farm enterprises; and on-farm benchmarking with a focus on animal performance. Comparisons were made between the financial returns from mohair and from wool and also between mohair production and quality from long-term studies of industry based research flocks and commercial flocks of Angora goats.

Outcomes

There was considerable variation in the key performance indicators for mohair enterprises. Over three years the financial returns from mohair enterprises exceeded that from wool enterprises. This was achieved despite the mohair enterprises grazing their goats far less intensively and by using far less phosphate fertilizer compared with the grazing intensity of sheep and phosphate use on the wool enterprises. These differences were counterbalanced by much higher average prices for mohair compared with fine wool. Average mohair prices were similar to those from 19 µm wool. Mohair gross margin was not related to stocking rate or weaning performance but was related to mohair income and supplementary feeding expenses. Mohair income and average mohair prices were lower on farms with a higher proportion of does in the flock as the proportion of lower value fleece was higher. Mohair fibre diameter increased rapidly as goats gained live weight. There were significant differences between farms in the amount of increase in fibre diameter as goats aged.

Implications

There is significant scope for mohair enterprises to increase their profit. Benchmarking mohair enterprises helps improve profit. The mohair industry should use these findings to attract investment into mohair from industries where the financial performanc is lower. A greater focus on producing higher value mohair will considerably increase mohair profitability. Mohair producers are not maintaining the phosphate balance on their farms and need to improve management of kids.

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Publications

McGregor, B.A. (2007). Mohair benchmarking. Department of Primary Industries, Attwood, Victoria, Australia. McGregor, B.A. (2008). Using Benchmarking to Improve the Financial and Social Sustainability of Commercial Goat Meat, Cashmere and Mohair Farms in Australia. Proc. 9th International Conf. on Goats, Mexico, pp. 95.

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Research in Progress – 2008-2009 Develop new opportunities Project Title

Advancing artificial insemination in camelids, particularly the alpaca

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000054

Start Date: 31/05/2007 Finish Date: 1/08/2010 Researcher: Chis Maxwell Organisation: The University of Sydney Phone: (02) 9351 4864 Fax: (02) 9351 3957 Email: chism@vetsci.usyd.edu.au Objectives

The main aims of this project are to identify the sources and constituents of the viscous seminal plasma; and investigate ways of reducing the viscosity of camelid seminal plasma. The project also aims to continue the work of RIRDC project US-138A and AAA-1A. Considerable progress was made during RIRDC project US-138A and we have clearly demonstrated: • Addition of a diluent to the container during semen collection increases

semen quality • Ejaculated sperm can remain viable for up to 96 hours during liquid

storage 3. Epididymal sperm tolerate liquid storage, freezing and thawing procedures and retain their function better than ejaculated sperm

• Enzyme addition to semen reduces seminal plasma viscosity but alters membrane properties of sperm

• Mechanical separation of sperm from the viscous seminal plasma is effective, but recovery rates are low (40-60 %)

Nevertheless, the key problem for storage of semen from all camelids remains the viscous seminal plasma. If the industry is to achieve the practical application of liquid and frozen sperm storage, and a viable system of artificial insemination (AI) in camelids, particularly llamas and alpacas, the following basic questions must be answered: • What are the sources and constituents of the viscous seminal plasma? and • What is the basic protein content, structure and function of camelid

seminal plasma? Analysing the source and constituents responsible for semen viscosity is critical to developing methods to overcome or circumvent the deleterious effects of the seminal plasma. This has been achieved in other species with problematic seminal plasma, for example the goat, but has either been ignored or considered too difficult in camelids. The proposed project aims to answer the two questions using modern proteomic analysis techniques, further determine the effects of seminal plasma on the viability and integrity of ejaculated and epididymal sperm, and investigate several methods (both surgical and non-surgical) to overcome/circumvent the deleterious effects of seminal plasma on the integrity and longevity of sperm. In addition, the project will also further refine the techniques for liquid and frozen storage of alpaca sperm (established during RIRDC project US-138A) so that rapid progress in the development of AI technology can occur after the characterisation of the viscous seminal plasma.

Current Progress

Ethics approval has been granted for vasectomy. Camel seminal plasma has been imported from Dubai. Fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACs) has been developed to assess alpaca sperm viability, acrosome integrity, capacitation status and DNA integrity. A computer-assisted sperm analyser protocol has also been developed to assess alpaca sperm motility. Epididymal spermatozoa were incubated with seminal plasma to investigate the effect of seminal plasma on

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sperm function and integrity. Preliminary data suggest that seminal plasma reduces the longevity of epididymal spermatozoa. This research is on going and its completion is dependent on the availability of testes. Glycosaminoglycans in alpaca and ram seminal plasma, testes, bulbourethral and prostate glands were determined by assay and histology. Glycosaminoglycan concentrations in alpaca seminal plasma are almost double that in the ram, implicating GAGs in seminal plasma viscosity. In alpaca, GAGs are predominantly expressed in the bulbourethral gland. The effect of GAG enzymes on seminal plasma viscosity is currently being investigated. As bulbourethral and prostate glands have been sourced from abattoir material we can determine the source of the viscous seminal plasma without the surgical removal of bulbourethral glands from male alpacas. Consequently, we request the removal of this objective from our initial research proposal, as it is unnecessary, on ethical grounds. Protein analysis using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis has been hindered by the high GAG content in the samples. Using GAG enzymes and utilising protein exclusion protocols had little effect on the success of 2DGE. A recently published protocol for ram seminal plasma is to be tested and shows promise. We anticipate that the proteins responsible for seminal plasma viscosity and the source of these proteins will be determined within the next six months.

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Project Title

Feeding alpacas to enhance both reproduction and fleece quality

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000059

Start Date: 30/05/2007 Finish Date: 30/11/2010 Researcher: Dominique Blache Organisation: University of Western Australia Phone: (08) 6488 3587 Fax: (08) 6488 1040 Email: dbla@animals.uwa.edu.au Objectives

This project aims to develop feeding strategies to improve wool production and reproductive performance of alpacas. Alpacas produce glucose from degradation of amino acids. This may limit the use of strategies developed for others ruminants, but enables the design of specific and low-cost feeding strategies.

Current Progress

Expt 2 "Energy X Protein": was completed by the end of January 09. Fibre and blood samples have been analysed. Some further analyses are to be completed before the final statistical analyses are carried-out. Expt 3 "Methionine": was conducted by Kirrin Lund, PhD student, and Kelsie Moore, a Year 4 Honours project. Fibre, feed and blood samples have been collected and are being analysed. Expt 4 “Libido”: After discussions with George and Jenny Jackson (Banksia Park Alpaca stud), this experiment will be conducted on their property. We have requested approval from the UWA Animal Ethics Committee and are awaiting a final decision. Mr Daud had submitted his PhD proposal and will start this experiment as part of his PhD program next month. Expt 5 "Gestation length": A second set of data form 100 females has been received from Canchones Alpaca Stud. The initial data set indicates the final dataset should have enough variability for multivariate analysis. Kirrin Lund has written a draft of a paper for review by the research team before submission to Small Ruminant Research. We are in discussion with the Editor of the AAA magazine to make a press release.

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Project Title

Inheritance of white colour in alpacas: identifying the genes involved

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000060

Start Date: 30/05/2007 Finish Date: 30/12/2010 Researcher: Kylie Munyard Organisation: Curtin University of Technology Phone: (08) 9266 7519 Fax: (08) 9266 2342 Email: k.munyard@curtin.edu.au Objectives

This project is designed to collate and analyse information that will lead to an understanding of the genetics and genetic mechanisms that produce white fibre in alpacas. The project aims are to: • determine the mendelian inheritance of white (and as a side product, other

colours) in alpacas, and then • apply this information to molecular studies of the genes involved in

determining fibre colour. Current Progress

A paper describing the discovery of a marker for a loss of function MC1R allele has been accepted by the journal Animal Production Science. Natasha, a project researcher, is in discussions with another laboratory regarding a collaboration to perform a functional assay to determine if the marker is a cause of the loss of function in MC1R. Sequencing of TYRP1 is continuing; PCR primers for all exons of this gene have been obtained. Twelve animals (4 white, 4 brown and 4 black) are in the initial study group being analysed at this gene. A method for the chemical analysis of melanins in fibre has been trialled and is working well. We are in negotiations with the AAA WA Central Region Health Committee to arrange the collection of a large number of samples so that we can perform a definitive analysis of the melanin type and content of different coloured alpacas. Rhys has been able to develop primers for the last two exons (2 and 6) of the MATP gene and he is in the process of completing the genotyping of the 24 animals in that study group. All three project researchers have submitted papers to, and will be attending the AAABG conference in September.

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Increase competitiveness, capability and capacity Project Title

ACGA Merrrit - Cashmere Estimated Breeding Value Program - phase 2

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002498

Start Date: 1/09/2008 Finish Date: 1/08/2011 Researcher: Andrew James Organisation: Australian Cashmere Growers' Association Ltd Phone: (07) 3214 2278 Fax: (07) 3214 2272 Email: Andrew.James@csiro.au Objectives

• To expand the participation in ACGA Merrrit ~ the Cashmere Industry's

low-cost across-herd performance recording and estimated breeding value (EBV) system.

• To bring into ACGA Merrrit additional genetic linking data from the WA sire reference scheme and the UNE worm project as it becomes available.

• To perform analysis of performance data at least quarterly, report results to participating cashmere growers and to assist with data interpretation and understanding.

• To communicate results to the wider cashmere producing industry and to the agriculture sector more broadly.

Current Progress

The project is proceeding according to plan. Linking data from the WA sire reference scheme has been imported into the database along with new data from participating growers and EBVs calculated. In addition, four new growers have committed their data to the program. The web-based data upload system is online and data is being progressively uploaded to http://acga.org.au/ACGAmerrrit/index.php. This website is public access so anyone can look at the performance records of the animals. Trait leader lists have been published in the industry magazine 'Cashmere Australia' along with instructions on how to participate. The first performance recording workshop for this project was held in Melbourne.

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Project Title

Improving production efficiency, quality and value-adding of rare natural fibres

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002521

Start Date: 30/05/2008 Finish Date: 30/09/2012 Researcher: Xungai Wang Organisation: Deakin University Phone: (03) 5227 2894 Fax: (03) 5227 2539 Email: xwang@deakin.edu.au Objectives

This project has three main objectives: • to assist the local rare animal fibre industries in the key areas of efficient

fibre production, improved fibre quality, cost-effective fibre processing and new product development; and to

• retain and further grow the pool of expertise in the rare animal fibre area for the long term benefit of the rare animal fibre industries; by

• funding Dr. Bruce McGregor’s continued R&D for the Australian Speciality Fibre industries. Specifically, this project will help maintain and significantly enhance the R&D capacity in Australian rare natural fibre industries, through strategic support for the Centre for Material and Fibre Innovation at Deakin University, including funding for the Centre to appoint Dr Bruce McGregor as a Senior Research Fellow to continue and grow his research into rare natural fibres, in collaboration with Professor Xungai Wang. Successful completion of this project would see increased knowledge and development of technology to improve efficient fibre production, improved fibre quality, cost-effective fibre processing and new product development with Australian rare natural fibres.

Current Progress

Since Dr McGregor’s appointment, a review of issues relating to organic pathways for the production of rare natural fibres was circulated. A critical review of cashmere nutrition experiments and suggestions for the design and conduct was published in Small Ruminant Research. The review overturns misinformation and misinterpretation on this critical management issue. The amino acid composition of cashmere from various sources was determined. The impact on cashmere quality, and photo-oxidation (yellowing) was quantified. Collaborative research is analysing these samples to identify chemical signatures. Other reports accepted for publication were: Wear properties of cashmere knitted fabrics blended with wools, Textile Research Journal; Variation of staple length across mohair fleeces: implications for selection and evaluation, Journal Agricultural Science; Implications from sources of variation contributing to cashmere fibre curvature, Small Ruminant Research. Presentations were made to the 4th International Cashmere Determination Symposium in China. A report was published in Cashmere Australia. ‘Research and the Australian Mohair Industry: past funding and priorities’ was published in Mohair Australia Four other manuscripts were submitted to scientific journals. Assistance was provided for the National Cashmere Conference at Deakin University in June. Training was provided to Melbourne University agriculture students at two campuses.

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Stimulate industry partnerships and adoption Project Title

National evaluation of sires for the production of quality cashmere

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000457

Start Date: 1/09/2004 Finish Date: 1/09/2009 Researcher: Stephen Gray Organisation: University of Western Australia Phone: (08) 9573 6219 Fax: (08) 9573 7033 Email: alandale@cyllene.uwa.edu.au Objectives

Our key strategy is to identify superior sires by central progeny evaluation and provide estimated breeding values (EBVs) for industry to enable them to produce more quality cashmere. It will also foster a national approach for Australian production of more quality cashmere by communicating the outcomes to industry.

Current Progress

Regular bodyweighing of the last group of animals (2007 drop) produced for the project continues. These animals will be shorn this winter in what will be the last shearing for the project. Articles on the Sire Referencing Scheme (SRS) were published in the Summer 2009 edition "Cashmere Australia". The Cashmere SRS website is up to date where; all EBV’s on traits measured have been posted.

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RIRDC Publication No. INSERT PUB NO. HERE

RARE NATURAL FIBRES

Rare Natural Animal Fibres Research in Progress, June 2009, contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2008-2009. This program aims to facilitate the development of new and established industries based on rare natural fibres.

There are three program objectives. These are:• develop new opportunities• stimulate industry partnerships and adoption• increase competiveness, capability and capacity

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) manages and funds priority research and translates results into practical outcomes for industry.

Our business is about developing a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector. Most of the information we produce can be downloaded for free or purchased from our website: www.rirdc.gov.au, or by phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).

RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia

Contact RIRDC:Level 2

15 National CircuitBarton ACT 2600

PO Box 4776Kingston ACT 2604

Ph: 02 6271 4100Fax: 02 6271 4199

Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.auweb: www.rirdc.gov.au

Most RIRDC books can be freely downloaded or purchased from www.rirdc.gov.au or by phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).

www.rirdc.gov.au

RIRDC Publication No. 09/099