R&D update
Australian Wool Innovation trials mulesing alternatives
As the results of trials for alternatives to current mulesing practices come in, it has become apparent to Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) that solutions need to be put into place to account for the different types of Merino sheep in Australia.
The woolgrowers who took part in the first trials were positive with the results of both the clip and injection alternatives. But as Project Manager of Blowfly Control at Australian Wool Innovation, Jules Dorrian points out, more needs to be taken into consideration:
“The first trials of the clips in 2006 involved 86 woolgrowers around Australia. Issues thrown up in the trials included clip design, size of sheep, and degree of wrinkling in the skin.”
With the hopes of assessing various Merino types across all geographic locations in Australia, Australian Wool Innovation is asking for as many Merino woolgrowers to take part as possible, assessing performance as trials are carried out.
“The results from the large-scale trials will give us a clearer picture of how woolgrowers can best manage the impact of the sheep blowfly after 2010 when the current mulesing procedure has been phased out,” said Ms Dorrian.
She also pointed out that there was no single solution to the management of flystrike, but that there were a number of precautions that had to be put in place.
“Growers currently use a number of control measures in conjunction with mulesing, depending on their location. These include jetting, crutching, flytraps and higher levels of flock inspection during peak periods of blowfly activity.”
The extensive trials by Australian scientists and woolgrowers into mulesing alternatives demonstrate Australia’s commitment to phasing out the practice by 2010.