R&D update
Trials of mulesing alternatives identify issues for further development
12 March 2007
Preliminary field trials of two potential alternatives to replace conventional mulesing have highlighted the need to have solutions which can cope with the variability in Merino sheep across the country. The next step in the development of the alternatives will require both the expertise of the commercial partners' registration and marketing abilities and the commitment of woolgrowers willing to offer animals for large-scale initial market sector trials.
Project Manager of Blowfly Control at Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Jules Dorrian, said that woolgrowers involved in the first round of trials of both the clips and the intradermal injection were generally very positive about the results achieved. However, the trials did identify a number of issues that needed continued research and development work.
"The first trials of the clips in 2006 involved 86 woolgrowers around Australia. Issues thrown up in the trials included clip design, size of lamb, and degree of wrinkle.
"Further work has been undertaken to address these issues and AWI is now preparing for a controlled release trial in 2007.
"We are inviting Merino woolgrowers to participate in the trials, with the aim of assessing the performance of the alternatives across a wide range of Merino types and geographic conditions.
"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."
Ms Dorrian said that whatever the eventual outcome of the various strands of the sheep blowfly control R & D program, there would never be one "silver bullet" solution to the management of blowfly.
“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.
"An integrated approach will need to continue beyond 2010. However growers will have the assistance of progress in areas of biotechnology and genetics which will deliver better tools for blowfly control and the potential to breed sheep with less wool coverage in the breech.
"These longer term results from the R & D program will complement the delivery of alternative mulesing procedures like the clips and intradermal injection."
Woolgrowers wanting to find out more about participating in the controlled release trials in Spring 2007 can contact AWI on the Helpline number, 1800 070 099.