R&D update
R & D breakthrough on alternative mulesing technology announced at AWI AGM
A simple clip, providing Australian sheep producers with an alternative to mulesing, could be commercially available as soon as next year.
The clip is one of a number of alternatives to mulesing being developed by Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI).
Speaking to sheep and wool producers at the AWI Annual General Meeting (AGM), AWI Wool Production General Manager Ian Rogan said trial results to date were "very positive" and an animal welfare study confirmed that clipping was less stressful to lambs than mulesing.
"In commercial trials the clips produced a bare area on the breech of the lambs that was slightly narrower than mulesing, however still significantly wider than unmulesed sheep," he said.
"The concept of clipping came from the idea that it may be possible to create the same effect as surgical mulesing without creating an open wound."
Work on the clips began in early 2005 and in June 2005 AWI successfully filed a provisional patent for the clipping.
Development work so far has focused on identifying the optimal design, production materials and methods of application, as well as evaluating how well the process works and the advantages in terms of animal health and welfare.
Mr Rogan said application of the clips during trials had been relatively quick and practical.
Development of the clips is now focused on three areas:
• identifying the most suitable biodegradable materials for the clips;
• developing a shorter clip for use on the thicker skin over the tail; and
• ongoing work on placement of clips and applicators.
Mr Rogan said that subject to the outcome of the ongoing development of the clips, AWI was reasonably confident the clips could be commercially available in 2006.
"If trial results confirm the effectiveness of the clips over mulesing, then the clips can be brought to market relatively quickly. There is no registration process required because the clips are non-invasive."
Still on the AGM, the AWI Board elections were completed this week. Ian McLachlan, Kevin Bell and Peter Sykes were re-elected. The results were a strong endorsement of the Board’s performance and the initiatives of the Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce.