TOP PADDOCK Newsletter 29 June 2002

Editors: Karen Richardson & Gehan Jayawardhana Department of Business, Industry & Resource Development GPO Box 3000, Darwin NT 0801 Phone (08) 8999 2133 ISSN: 1320-727X

Changes to Brands Regulations (g) the owner of a 3 letter brand may brand his and horses with one numeral brand to denote Cross Branding Simplified the year of their birth. Stock owners can now crossbrand stock by placing (2) [Omitted] their brand in any of the positions specified in Schedule 3 of the Brands Regulations. (3) Owners shall notify the Registrar of the position in which they have decided to place the first 3 letter This replaces the previous regulations which brand or distinctive brand and shall not vary the required a crossbrand to be placed in the position position of the brand without the permission of the next following the existing brand. Registrar. (4) Brands on cattle and horses shall be made or impressed in a manner which, so far as is Cheek Branding no longer available practicable, is clear, legible and permanent. The cheek position has been removed from the schedule of available positions and there are no Position of Brands on Horses brands remaining registered in the cheek position in  Embracing near neck the .  Embracing near shoulder

 Embracing near quarter

 Embracing off neck Extract from Brands Regulations  Embracing off shoulder

 Embracing off quarter 12. Positions for brands

(1) Brands on cattle and horses shall be made or Position of Brands on Cattle impressed as follows:  Embracing off neck (a) the first 3 letter or distinctive brand made or  Embracing off shoulder impressed on cattle shall be made or impressed in  Embracing off ribs one of the positions specified in Schedule 3;  Embracing off rump, hip or thigh  Embracing near neck (b) a subsequent 3 letter or distinctive brand made  Embracing near shoulder or impressed in any position specified in Schedule  Embracing near ribs 3;  Embracing near rump, hip or thigh (c) - (d) [Omitted] For any further clarification of these changes, stock (e) the first brand made or impressed on a horse owners should consult with their local Stock Inspector. shall be made or impressed in one of the positions specified in Schedule 2; Kel Small (f) a 3 letter brand or distinctive brand made or Regional Veterinary Officer impressed on a horse shall be made or impressed by a subsequent owner of the horse in any position specified in Schedule 2;

Control of Gamba Grass on Progress to Date, March 2002

Roadsides The combined efforts have virtually eliminated gamba grass on the south of Hayes Introduction Creek Inn. It has been reduced to a small number of locations on the east of the The control of gamba grass along major roads in Adelaide River, on the Stuart Highway between the Top End shows that the consistent effort of a Livingstone Road and Coomalie Creek, on Cox small number of people can lead to a successful Peninsula Road and on . The amount of outcome. gamba grass and number of locations where it is found have been greatly reduced on the other As there were many reports from Department staff, roads. This has reduced the potential of the grass councils and industry that gamba grass was difficult to be spread by road maintenance operations. to control and kill, Pasture Development Section and John Pitt of Weeds Branch conducted research during the 1998/99 wet season on its control. The The Future research showed that gamba grass can be killed at any time during the wet season, November to May, It is expected that the amount of gamba grass and by spraying with glyphosate at 1%, plus a wetting the number of locations where it is found will agent such as LI-700 at 0.1%. The sticker is gradually decrease as locations are treated and essential to ensure that the glyphosate gets into the eliminated. The length of each road free of gamba plant. grass will increase until the distribution is reduced to the major infestations. Manual removal has also proven to be an effective method for control of isolated plants and small As more people take the time to control even small groups of plants. amounts of gamba grass, the task will become easier for everyone.

Control demonstration on major roads Arthur Cameron Principal Agronomist Pasture Development Since April 1998, Pasture Development Section staff, Edmund Pickering, Barbara Ross, Greg Hore and myself, have conducted a survey and control demonstration on major roads in the Top End. Roads surveyed include the Stuart Highway south of Adelaide River and between Livingstone Road and Coomalie Creek, the Arnhem Highway east of the Adelaide River, , Dorat Road, Oolloo Road and Point Stuart Road. The process involves travelling along the roads, recording where the grass is present, removing single plants and small groups, and noting the location of larger groups which need to be sprayed later.

Other Agricultural Development staff, Graham Schultz and Barry Lemcke, have contributed to the effort by treating with herbicides or manually removing isolated plants and small groups of plants each time they travel out of Darwin. Specialist Weed Control, the weed control contractors for the highways and the Coomalie and Litchfield Shire Council weed control contractors have treated substantial amounts of gamba grass around road furniture on highways and roads during recent wet Roadside gamba killed by spraying Glyphosate seasons.

Page 2 Selection Criteria for Groups  Groups must be willing to be responsible for their own strategic vision, set goals and achieve these goals with limited outside direction and facilitation.

 There should be a willingness to communicate with and share knowledge and learning BEEFPLAN: Are you interested activities, with other producers in their district. in starting a BeefPlan Group?

What is BeefPlan MLA Support and Expectations

Following a three-year experiment by MLA in Support cooperation with northern producers, the Northern Beef Program of Meat & Start-up Phase (MLA) is to extend the success arising In the first six months, MLA will fund each group to from the BeefPlan project. use a professional facilitator, undertake strategic planning and training in personal development, BeefPlan is a non-traditional approach to learning group administration and group dynamics. where groups of like-minded beef producers, acting together as a management team, focus on property Project Phase management outside of a defined training curriculum. Following the start-up phase, the project will be supported for an initial three-year period. This will Since 1998, MLA has progressively supported five take the form of limited funding on an annual basis. beef producer groups in Queensland and the These funds will be available from MLA on a group Northern Territory to improve their business case-by-case basis for additional training and profitability and sustainability. The pilot BeefPlan planning. The groups will be assisted to actively groups have clearly demonstrated that producers seek funds from other recognised funding bodies to know their business needs better than anyone and it meet training and planning needs. is attitude and ownership of change that is important for continual improvement. Expectations Each group member will contribute their own time The approach is unique to northern Australia. The and normal travel expenses to attend group groups are genuinely producer driven and aim to meetings and property visits. In addition, after the look at the whole beef business and not single first six months, each business will contribute an issues of management. annual dollar amount per year to the group's operating expenses. The size of this contribution Do you believe: will be determined by the group and should be large  That producers can influence the future of the enough to signal individual commitment to the industry? project. The producer’s contribution will add to MLA funds and funding grants from other fund sources.  That producers know what is relevant and best

for their businesses? Expressions of Interest  That true learning results from the initiative of the learner? Please contact the BeefPlan project coordinator who can provide you with more information and put Do you like the concept of: you in touch with an existing Territory BeefPlan group member.  A friendly support group to share information, ideas and learnings with? Steve Banney  Closer contact and communication with MLA? Project Coordinator  Opportunities to participate in workshops you PO Box 852 can initiate or choose? KURANDA QLD 4872

BeefPlan Vision Phone / Fax: (07) 4093 9284

To provide the opportunity for northern beef Email: [email protected] producers to gain a greater control of their future through personal development and improved business management.

Page 3 Buffalo Update 50% females and this causes problems with close to term pregnancies at marketing weight. There have been some recent encouraging Pregnancy also eliminates their entry to the Brunei developments in the Buffalo Industry that are supermarket trade. In previous years it has always noteworthy. The first sales of purebred Riverine been easier to get the females up to TenderBuff fat from Beatrice Hill occurred in March specifications than entire males. Castration 2002. Both bulls were owned by Alan and Sherrie increases fat levels which allows more males Fisher of Swim Creek Station and bred at Beatrice available to go before age specifications are Hill Farm. The first went to Kempsey in NSW, exceeded. We have been using different methods which is where John Lloyd currently has his herd. It such as castration rings to castrate or to make will ultimately go to Queensland to be part of a dairy cryptorchids – the testes are pushed up high and project being set up by Mitch Humphries at Laurel the rubber applied as high as possible to exclude Park Dairying near Millaa Millaa in North the testes from the scrotum. Others have been Queensland. Mitch has also agreed to purchase 10 castrated with a knife. It is too early to report on the ¾ Riverine females from Beatrice Hill to kick-start differences between these three methods and it is the project. There are also discussion on sending unfortunate that we can’t throw in a comparison, some F1 females, as part of a cooperative project to particularly to measure fat differences. A small pilot test their milk production between the dairy and the trial on 20 head from Maud Creek a few years ago NT BIC and DBIRD. The presence of two cheese indicated that there was little different in turn off making factories in the vicinity of Laurel Park is also weights between the 10 head from each group. an added bonus for his project. The second bull has gone to Robyn Richmond at Koondrook in Victoria. Robyn was a past present of VIC BIC.

On the same truck another ¾ Riverine bull was sent interstate to Graham Manwell in Tamworth NSW. Graham runs a chain of up-market restaurants that use progeny from his swamp herd on the menu – a great case of vertical integration.

Another milestone in the cross breeding project is that the first 15/16 Riverine buffalo was born on 22 March 2002. This is the 4th generation since the delivery of the first pure bulls back in 1994 (eight years). This demonstrates the ability of these buffalo to produce a calf within 2 years. The next Purchased local buffalo at Berrimah Farm at the generation in the back cross can be regarded as end of the Wet Season – ready to go to the being purebred. In another 5 years this will TenderBuff market at over 400kg and above 4mm significantly boost the number of purebreds in the of P8 fat. herd that will be available for sale. When a breeder group of 30-40 head of 15/16 females is assembled and producing annually, this will greatly increase the purebred output.

Currently Beatrice Hill Farm is concentrating on increasing the consumption of TenderBuff in the Darwin market by supplying its best stock for this market. Only those which don’t comply with TenderBuff specifications will be exported as supermarket buffalo. DBIRD has been purchasing yearlings in the dry season and bringing up their weight and condition over the following wet season. We need to purchase young animals so they have sufficient time to respond to the improved pasture diet, particularly over the wet. They then maintain condition and weight in the dry season on floodplain country. Pasture ponding has enabled us to turn off F1 weaners at 12 months of age at Beatrice Hill virtually all year round. One strategy which appears showing quite a bit of phenotypic variation to be paying off is the castration of all males in an effort to reduce the number of pregnancies in females. When purchasing stock we often get up to

Page 4 A possible alternative to castration would of course Pink copies of waybills can be sent to: be to Willis spay the females. Unfortunately at present there is no one currently practised in this Regional Stock Inspector, Darwin technique in the buffalo industry. Department of Business Industry & Resource Development Segregation would also be an alternative if fence GPO Box 3000 security was reliable with as bigger distances DARWIN NT 0801 between sexes as possible. Feral bulls would be the worry with female groups. BSE Surveillance and You!! As mentioned previously, weaning of buffalo is recommended at the beginning of the wet season The National Transmissible Spongiform each year so that calves can be weaned on to good Encephalopathy Surveillance Program is on again quality green feed. The practice of leaving as one this year!! Across Australia, cattle and sheep with herd and drafting off market animals at each muster specific clinical signs are investigated as part of is not an efficient use of resources. At weaning or surveillance for BSE (Mad Cow Diseases and at no greater than 300kg liveweight weaners should scrapie, both of which are transmissible spongiform be separated and grown out, the tops can be taken encephalopathies (TSEs). out of the groups as they grow to maturity. They should also be given first access to the best quality The numbers of investigations required are based pasture paddocks to enable them to grow quickly on standards developed by the international animal without setbacks. If they are not mixed with health organisation, OIE. Maintenance of these breeders they can be given mustering practice and numbers allows Australia to demonstrate that we yard practice to ensure better temperament when are free from BSE and other TSEs. they finally go to market – most bad temperament problems can be traced back to being taught by Being able to demonstrate freedom from these their mums if left with them too long. Weaning diseases allows significant market benefits. This is training is an important management tool in particularly so since both consumers and authorities producing better quality livestock for the market. have become increasingly sensitive to the risks and consequences of TSEs.

The Program is largely funded by industry, as they are the major beneficiaries. Meat processors (through the Australian Meat Council), cattle producers (through the Cattle Council of Australia), and sheepmeat producers (through the Sheepmeat Council of Australia) contributed over $430 000 in 2001-02.

How can you help? If you have a beast showing Purebred River Bull - “Son of Diego” – used to mop signs of a disease affecting the nervous system (eg up after AI in the purebred river group at Beatrice odd or altered behaviour, paralysis, difficulty walking Hill Farm. properly), then contact your local departmental Veterinary Office and talk to one of the vets or

stockies. If the animal ends up being post-

mortemed as part of the Program, there is a $150 Reminder to Stock Owners 'incentive payment' to the owner.

It is a requirement under section 21 of the Stock Find more information from the internet: Routes and Travelling Stock Act that when an www.aahc.com.au/surveillance/ntsesp/index.htm owner of stock issues a waybill he shall Help Australia retain its beef markets!!  Send a copy to the Chief Inspector within 28 days of the issue of the waybill; and

 Retain a copy in the waybill book provided

Offences relating to this section carry a penalty of up to $1,000.00.

Page 5

A Landmark Agreement for the 2001 NT Hay & Seed Production Northern Territory Livestock DPIF conducted a survey again this year to Industry estimate of hay and seed production in the Northern Territory. These figures include the significant The Minister for Primary Industries, Paul amount of mulching hay made in the Darwin Rural Henderson, has welcomed the Emergency area. The figures are tabulated below. Animal Disease Response Agreement announced by the Chairman of Animal Health The production of hay increased and seed Australia at the National Press Club in Canberra decreased this year. Total hay production was up today. approximately 2,000 tonnes to 38360 tonnes and seed production down 38 tonnes to 47.9 tonnes. The Agreement between Australia’s major The 3.0 tonnes of seed recorded as miscellaneous livestock industries peak councils and State, is seed of native grass species harvested from Territory and Commonwealth Governments natural grass stands. The value of the hay establishes a partnership and sets parameters for produced is estimated at $5.350 m and the seed at the funding of the initial response to exotic $0.519 m. disease incursions or outbreaks. Diseases such as foot and mouth and BSE or “mad cow” These figures represent the majority of the disease are covered by this agreement. production in the NT this year. We have not been able to contact all producers of seed and hay. Minister Henderson said “We are fortunate that Australia’s geographic position and its quarantine Hay & Seed Production in the NT by District barriers provide good protection from exotic diseases. An outbreak of a disease such as foot District Feed Mulch Seed and mouth in the Northern Territory would be Hay Hay (tonnes) catastrophic and would jeopardise valuable (tonnes) (tonnes) national and international trade.” Adelaide River 3620 0.1 Alice Springs 610 Barkly Tableland 4730 The cattle industry’s contribution to the Northern Batchelor 250 Territory economy is significant. Between Darwin 1690 1220 January and December 2000 the Northern Darwin River 140 1500 Territory’s cattle industry production was valued Douglas Daly 11250 6.0 at more than $175 million, over 200 000 head of DPIF 420 10 3.4 cattle were exported to seven countries while our Finniss 440 33.4 cattle trade to the rest of Australia was valued Katherine & VRD 12300 2.0 over $53 million. Mary River 180 Miscellaneous 3.0 Mr Henderson said, "This announcement will TOTAL 35630 2730 47.9 assist with initiatives that the Territory Government is putting in place to ensure the These figures were compiled with the assistance of expansion of this important industry" Joanne Akeroyd, Ben Beumer, Phil Hausler, and Daryl Parker. Mr Henderson said, “The Agreement allows for a Arthur Cameron swift response to exotic disease outbreaks. This Principal Agronomist Pasture Development will mean remedial action will be immediate, the cost associated with the action will be minimised and there will the earliest possible return to normal operations for the livestock industry.”

Page 6 Information on TB Surveillance product unless any issues identified in the lapsed review of this product are addressed in a manner Property and area TB status relies on continuing that satisfies the NRA's concerns. surveillance after the eradication phase to demonstrate that TB does not exist. What are the alternatives to clear ticks from Surveillance is achieved by abattoir inspection cattle? and/or TB testing. Copies of waybills sent to the (a) Use a plunge dip (Bayticol Cattle Dip and department within 30 days of a trucking provides Spray® , Barricade 'S' Cattle Dip and data on turnoff. Spray®, Amitraz)

Veterinary Officers or Stock Inspectors will visit all (b) If no plunge dip is available, other pour-on or properties during 2002 to discuss TB surveillance injectable products such as Acatak® or the and determine if additional TB testing is required to Macrocyclic lactones could be used. supplement abattoir turnoff. Acatak® It is likely that little field TB testing will be required in Acatak® would need to be used 3 to 4 weeks before the southern two thirds of the Northern Territory. the cattle are presented for inspection.

However, in the northern third of the Northern Territory due to the export market and closure of Macrocyclic Lactones (MLs) abattoirs, it is most likely that some TB testing will be required on most properties. These products are useful but may not provide 100% clearance of ticks. Products containing the It is regrettable that further TB testing will be active ingredients Ivermect in, Moxidectin, necessary. However, until there is adequate Doramectin or Ivomectin c laim to cont rol ticks. slaughter at Australian abattoirs, there is no alternative. Treat stock 6 to 9 days bef ore inspection for ticks. Dr Brian Radunz For improved efficiency treat 4 weeks p rior to Chief Veterinary Officer inspection and re-treat 6 to 9 days prior to inspection. This double treatment is only possible with the pour-on moxdectin (Cydectin® ) because it has a nil withholding perio d. Bayticol Pour-On Withdrawn Kel Small From The Market Regional Veterinary Officer - Darwin Phone 8999 2 034 Bayer Animal Health has decided to voluntarily withdraw the registration of its pour-on tickicide, Bayticol Pour-On®. The product contains the active ingredient Flumethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is not registered in the United States. The United States may begin testing for flumethrin in 2002 and the acceptable levels of flumethrin in tested meat is set at zero.

Pursuant to 5.55(2)(e) of the Agvet Codes, the National Registration Authority (NRA) has issued the following instructions for dealing with the product Bayticol Pour-On® Tickicide after 31 March 2002; Composite Bulls For Sale

(a) Consumers who have possession of the 2 x composite bulls from Geoff Maynard. 2 years of product must not use it after 31 March 2002; age – 25% Africander, 25% Tuli, 12.5% Brahman, (b) Consumers must not have possession or 12.5% Charolais, 12.5% Shorthorn, 12.5% custody of the product after 31 August 2002. Hereford.

The review of Bayticol Pour-On® previously $1,900 each. Presently at DDRF on consignment. announced on 4 December 2001 has now elapsed Semen tested and vibrio vaccinated. and the NRA would not be prepared to revive the registration of this product or to accept any Contact Gehan Jayawardhana on 8999 2224, applications using this product as a reference mobile 0409 699 544 or 8927 1617 (ah).

Page 7 Mad Cow Disease and New Feed principles will reduce stress and increase productivity. Bans Genetics With Mad Cow Disease (BSE) devastating the Genetics plays a very important role in bull Japanese cattle/beef industry, and previous BSE behaviour and will modify handling techniques crises in the UK and Europe, additional steps have accordingly. Genetic factors and previous been taken to prevent this disease in Australia to experience interact to determine an animal’s protect our multi-billion dollar cattle and sheep behaviour under any particular circumstance. industries to maintain our BSE-free status (1 of only a handful of countries). Cattle with excitable, flighty temperaments have less tolerance for sudden novelty than animals with To protect our beef and dairy industries, in 1988 calm genetics. Tropical breed (Bos indicus) bulls Australia banned the import of embryos and live have a reputation of being more alert than animals from BSE affected countries. The temperate breeds of cattle and quickly become importation of foodstuffs for human consumption, recalcitrant when stressed (1). feedstuffs and blood and bone meal was also stopped. Some dairy breed bulls are noted for their aggressive behaviour and if given the opportunity Legislation has been in place since 1997 to ban will attack humans who enter their space. This is a feeding ruminant based stock feeds to ruminants sex phenomenon and is common to many Bovidae except milk and milk products, tallow and gelatin. In family males (2). 1999 the ban was extended to all mammal-based materials. This ban has now been extended to Culling for undesirable temperament traits is a vital include poultry and fish based feeds as the tool in improving docility and ease of handling in infectivity of the BSE agent may not be restricted to bulls. Temperament is highly heritable with some just mammals. estimates as high as seventy percent (3). Consequently culling bad tempered bulls will result Restricted animal material contains material of in quieter calves. mammal, bird or fish origin. Training All stock feeds must have a label that says “This Bulls as calves or weaners should receive normal product does not contain restricted animal training and behavioural backgrounding as for the material” or "This product contains restricted rest of the herd. Gradually accustoming cattle to animal material. DO NOT FEED TO CATTLE, handling will enable them to be worked SHEEP, GOATS DEER OR OTHER RUMINANTS". subsequently with minimal stress. Reducing the flight distance, strengthening herding and following ONLY FEED YOUR CATTLE STOCKFEEDS THAT instincts and exposure to novelty are important HAS A LABEL - This product does not contain components of any training program. restricted animal material While in controlled situations, bulls should be Kel Small exposed to a broad range of novel experiences in Regional Veterinary Officer preparation for future ease of handling.

Handling Bulls Young cattle should be handled by people on foot, on horses and in vehicles to accustom them to a Paper by Gehan Jayawardhana & Dennis Thomson variety of different situations. It is important that the for the Australian Association of Cattle Veterinarians first experience is positive (4). Training Bos indicus Conference. calves by walking quietly amongst them in a yard, working them through yards and races and Bulls are in general handled in a similar manner to teaching them to follow a lead horseman results in other classes of cattle, however their superior size, quieter, easier to handle adults (5). strength, disposition and potential aggression require some modifications to ensure minimisation This is particularly important for bulls as many of of stress and optimum handler safety. them will be sold to people who may handle them differently to where they were raised. Where a Genetic selection, background training, group of bulls are bought from a vendor with infrastructure design and appropriate handling different handling processes to the destination techniques are critical to successful bull husbandry. property, a re-training program similar to that done Whether producing feeder or breeder bulls, using on weaners can be useful. handling techniques based upon behavioural

Page 8 Every time bulls are handled they are being trained. race but allow them to enter the crush from the They can be trained to be wild and stressed, or to forcing pen one at a time. be calm and quiet (6). Bull Paddocks Yard design Bull paddocks should be isolated by distance and Cattle yards for bulls need to be strong, designed to sight, if possible, as bulls kept away from females take account of cattle behavioural principles and will remain quieter and ride and fight less (11). Bull work without excessive noise. Mangates, under groups should similarly be isolated from other bull bottom rail exits or other handler escape devices groups. such as hand rails and toe gaps should be mandatory. Where possible handlers should work As young bulls start to mature they should be from outside the system to prevent injury especially drafted into mobs of similar age to allow hierarchical with extensively raised cattle. However, cattle order to develop. They should be run in a paddock become quieter when handlers walk quietly of sufficient size to encourage exercise and reduce amongst them. confrontations between bulls. The paddock size is of particular importance for bulls returning from Fully sheeted races that are curved sufficiently to breeding as they take some time to adapt to their allow bulls to see the rear of the third animal in front competitors being in close proximity. Given time and of them provide the optimum effectiveness to foster isolation from females the `fight' distance will reduce following behaviour. Crushes should also provide considerably. This distance is also a crucial factor sheeting or louvres where possible so that bulls when handling bulls through the yards where cannot visualize people within their flight zone (7,8). hierarchical order and space are both important.

Circular forcing pens and curved races are faster Social ranking of bulls can influence their sexual when animals are awaiting treatment in a squeeze activity when run in multiple sire herds , so to avoid crush and can reduce time spent moving cattle up dominance problems, bulls of the same size and to 50% (9). age should be used together and not be expected to compete with older bulls (11). The libido of Bos When an animal is being brought forward in a race, indicus bulls run in large mixed age groups was the gate in front of it should be opened so that it can significantly lower than when run in small groups of see somewhere to go. When shown ‘daylight’ cattle, the same age (12). especially Bos indicus, will often walk forward without being pushed. Seeing the animal in front Handling walking away will draw cattle forward too. When Cattle usually behave in predictable ways and they enter the crush, the gate can be shut in front of handlers should be able to predict the animal’s most them. Gates can be opened or closed in front of likely behaviour (10). them, to make cattle move faster or slower through a race. This method causes less stress than Grandin (2000) feels that electric prods should not goading to make cattle enter crushes. be used on Bos indicus breeders. A stick with plastic ribbons tied on the end is recommended. Cattle have a visual field of over 300 degrees thus However, in the cases where this is ineffective, a detecting a wide range of items and movements. well chosen goading device such as a slapper or These can distract or frighten them and cause electric prod may be necessary. This should be baulking as can shadows, bright spots, changes in applied dispassionately, with the minimum force floor surface and sudden changes of colour (cattle necessary to start the animal (10) and should be have colour vision). Consequently solid-walled, stopped immediately the animal begins to move in single colour facilities are best (10). the desired direction.

Improperly designed facilities can result in difficulty Where negative procedures such as moving animals through and thus an increased level electroejaculation are regularly done, the judicious of goading (10). use of electric prods can be invaluable. They should only be used as a training aid and the animal More space should be given to bulls than other is always given a warning tap before the electricity classes of cattle. Only half filling the forcing pen is is turned on. Bos indicus cattle in a race will often recommended with all classes of cattle. Try not to move when they see the cattle prod being picked up force bulls as much as other classes of cattle and because of previous training experiences. It is rare do not expect them to stand up in the race as well that the electric pulse actually has to be used on either. Some bulls in a race will drive with force onto cattle that are accustomed to the procedures. the bull in front with possible injury. For this reason many operators do not allow bulls to line up in a If substitutes exist for negative procedures, the kinder procedure should be used wherever

Page 9 possible. For example, cattle are very aversive to Flight zone can be reduced with correct handling as nose tongs. Consequently, where bulls need head animals become accustomed to the handler’s restraint, it is preferable to use a halter or rope (7). presence. Where young bulls are brought into a yard their flight zone can be reduced from fifteen Cattle are herd animals and become stressed and metres to one to five metres (depending on agitated when isolated (10). Wherever possible temperament) by feeding hay in a large yard and they should be penned with at least one other gradually walking amongst them till the quietest can animal. Occasionally older, very aggressive bulls be touched. A relaxed, slouching, side-on body need to be penned separately from other bulls. In stance with smooth sliding feet movement will get mixed herds, they can be safely penned with other closer than an upright, front-on stance with classes of cattle or younger bulls. However, in bull exaggerated feet movement. only groups of the same age, where this is not possible, increased stress levels occur . The most efficient way to move cattle is by working at the edge of the flight zone. The animals will Bulls are used to submitting to their hierarchical move away when the handler moves into the flight superiors in the herd and often will submit to zone and stop when the handler retreats (4). The humans who establish and exert dominance over speed of movement can be increased and them (10). Young bulls can be trained to submit to decreased by increasing and decreasing human dominance easier than older bulls. It is penetrations into the flight zone. important for people raising young bulls to be aware of the importance of the human being the “boss An animal’s point of balance is at its shoulder. bull”. Animals can be moved forward by moving into their flight zone behind the shoulder and they can be Handlers can exert dominance with eye contact, moved back by moving towards them in front of the forcing the bull to look away. If the bull continues to shoulder (13). Cattle are aware of small nuances in stare at the handler, a step in its direction can make body position. For example when an animal is in a it turn away. Holding a stick up to increase the race with the handler at the edge of its comfort zone handler’s height can help too. diagonally in front of it, a movement towards its head will cause it to move backward while a Care must be taken with aggressive, older bulls who movement toward its middle will cause it to move have prevailed against humans in the past, as a forward. perceived threat can provoke an attack. Conversely, in situations such as serving capacity testing, where In a yard situation, an animal’s body position can be the bull is required to perform dominant actions varied by slow movements at the edge of its flight such as mounting, the handler should be careful not zone. For example a single animal can be walked to directly eyeball the bull and to avoid square-on out of a group of cattle in a yard and be put through aggressive stances. a gate by using position and limited incursions into its flight zone. If it becomes anxious the handlers Flight Zone step back and let it look for a way out without further The flight zone is an animal’s personal space, the pressure. Attempting to scare an animal into going size of which is determined by the wildness of the through a gate is counter-productive as it will often animal (13). The size of the flight zone is the break back past the handlers. Even if it does go distance the animal will allow you to approach through the gate, the negative experience will make before moving away (14). it more difficult to handle the next time. In this situation extensively raised cattle work better with Cattle move away when humans enter their flight the minimum number of handlers. zone. Extensively raised range cattle have a flight distance of 60m versus 1.5 to 7.6m in feedlot cattle Positive Reinforcement and Socialization and none in dairy cows(4, 10). Cattle subjected to Rushen (16, 17) found sheep which had been shorn gentle handling will have a significantly smaller flight or electro-immobilised at the end of a race were zone than cattle subjected to abusive handling (4). more difficult to drive down the race on later occasions than those run through without a negative Too deep a penetration of the flight zone can lead to stimulus. This effect also occurs in cattle and a free bolting away or running back past the handler if the run through the race, without negative stimulus, animal is cornered (10, 13). If an animal starts to after a negative procedure makes future handling turn back the handler should retreat instead of easier. rushing up closer (15). Once the handler is at the edge of the flight zone the animal is unlikely to Hutson (18) found that provision of a barley food deepen penetration of the zone by moving towards reward to sheep after exiting from a procedure the handler. made them easier to handle. Grandin (4) recommends walking cattle through a facility and

Page 10 feeding them as part of the training process. before the fear and flight caused by an actual attack Brahman bulls fed hay after electroejaculation are (6). quieter and more readily work through the facility than unfed bulls. In general it is recommended that The speed of movement is the key. If horsemen cattle be provided with hay when in the yards as it move faster than a walk they are acting like an gives a more positive experience, which makes attacking predator which precipitates a fear and them easier to yard in the future. flight response and causes wild uncontrolled movement. Consequently trotting and galloping Animals should not be rushed during movement as should be avoided round cattle wherever possible. this increases fear and negative reactions (19). Slow movements bunch the cattle without stress. Handlers should aim at making cattle walk as fast Once the cattle are bunched the group can be as possible without allowing them to jog, trot or pointed in the direction they need to go and the lead gallop. The time lost by slower movement is gained horseman can get into place as the group moves by lack of setbacks, such as losing the whole mob. off. Bulls, generally, work better when more loosely clustered than other classes of cattle. Kind, gentle care (socialisation) has many production benefits. Socialised animals are easier Once cattle are used to this method they learn not to work with, have improved feed efficiency to be anxious as the pressure never increases and (productivity), are more adaptable to adverse learning behaviour will take over rather than pure environments, are more resistant to diseases and natural instinct (6). produce better immunity. The attitude of handlers is an essential factor in the health and wellbeing of Bos indicus cattle have a much stronger following animals (20). instinct than Bos taurus and will follow a lead horseman or dog (1, 4). They are more content The increased profitability of quiet, well handled following a lead and generally walk faster when cattle is evident where there is no time wasted by being led. Furthermore, the mob is more animals that run away while mustering, fight controllable when a lead horseman or dog is handlers in force pens or turn upside down in races. present as the leaders can be slowed down if The major time losses in cattle operations occur in necessary. If the horse in the lead moves faster the these instances. cattle will often increase speed similarly. This effect can even be seen when the lead horse is unsettled Mustering and begins to jog. When cattle are being mustered, it is best to ride up to the group from one direction at a walk rather than When yarding bulls, dominance rankings can attempting to surround them, like a predator. When become an issue as a submissive bull will often be the animals have observed the approach and raised afraid of a dominant one. If a dominant bull stops in their heads, as their flight zone is neared, the a gate, the submissive one will run back past the horsemen should stop and allow the cattle to horsemen rather than risk a confrontation by become accustomed to their presence. This takes attempting to pass. Handlers need to be aware of under a minute with quiet cattle. If cattle have been and control these situations. spoiled by bad handling, they may bolt on sighting a horseman. It is then necessary to block them first Bull Aggression and hold them in a mob till they quieten and All bulls are potentially dangerous. Even quiet bulls habituate to the presence of horsemen. can suddenly become dangerous and turn on their handlers and have been known to seriously injure or Once the animals have seen the horsemen, they kill humans. can be gathered calmly into a mob to enable mustering. This should be done at a walk with the The major behavioural activities related to bulls are horsemen zig-zagging across the back of the herd threat displays, challenges, territorial activities, at the level of the last animals. This will encourage female seeking and directing and female tending movement into a tighter group (6). (2). When paddocked in bull only groups, male to male mounting, agonistic behaviour and pasture Bud Williams, the well known Canadian cattle damage from pawing and persistent group mounting handling expert, uses the stimulus-response occurs (21). behaviours from the primeval relationship of cattle to predators. A “stimulus” would be a person Bull calves, bottle-fed or played with when young, simulating the predatory stalking behaviour of slowly are particularly prone to serious aggression as they circling a herd before an attack. This elicits mature. Bull calves should never be played with, “avoidance behaviour” in cattle where slight anxiety teased or patted on the head as this encourages causes them to become uneasy and loosely bunch butting behaviour. They can be stroked under the together. This uneasiness and slight anxiety comes jaw to simulate grooming behaviour (2) and should

Page 11 always view the handler as highly dominant. The are advised to ensure that if they enter the bull’s calf should never see the handler as a playmate space they can exit safely if necessary. who will be a target for a dominance battle as the calf ages. Handlers unlucky enough to get caught are advised to use bull fighting tactics such as initially keeping Threat displays occur when a bull is considering the body still and using an object such as a hat attacking something that has or is close to invading waved with one arm to keep the bull’s attention its flight zone. The display begins with the bull away from the body, evasive sharp turns to keep broadside to its antagonist with back arched to inside of the bull’s turning circle and a planned show greatest profile. The head is lowered, often retreat to the nearest exit. If jumping up onto shaken rapidly from side to side, the eyeballs panels, handlers must ensure that the lower parts of protrude and pilo-erection of backline hair occurs. the body are not crushed against the panel by the This is followed by a direct head-on threat with head charge of the bull. lowered, shoulders hunched and neck curved to the side towards the antagonist. Pawing the ground Conclusion with the forefeet and sending earth flying behind as The correct training, socialisation and handling of well as head rubbing or horning the earth is then bulls make stockwork easier for both humans and followed by flight or fight. Handlers should rapidly cattle. Increased profitability results from more exit the yard if these behaviours occur as an attack productive animals and timesaving due to a can follow (2). smoothly cycling operation with no setbacks.

Often these behaviours can be stopped by striking Acknowledgments the bull with a stick and chasing it away at the first The authors would like to thank Brian Gough, sign of aggression before the bull is sufficiently Shane Izod and Mike and Rory O’Brien for primed to attack. However, these threat postures discussions on quiet cattle handling methods and are a sign of a problem as they should never occur Karen Richardson for typing this manuscript. where the stockman has always been dominant to the bull and is aware of subtler signs such as eye References contact. 1 Lapworth JW (2001) handling: An Introduction. http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/beef/1341.html The practice of using sticks to encourage docility in 2 Albright JL (2000) Dairy cattle, in Grandin T (ed) Livestock Handling and types was recorded by Kelley (22) prior to the Transport 2nd edition. CAB International, University Press, Cambridge. importation of Brahmans into Australia. He noted 3 Burrow HM (1997) Measurements of temperament and their relationship that both Kankrej cattle (a zebu type) in India and with performance traits of beef cattle. Animal Breeding Abstracts 65: 478- in Egypt were handled from a young age by 495. herd boys with sticks, who belaboured the calves 4 Grandin T (2000) Behavioural principles of handling cattle and other when they attempted to break away from the herd. animals under extensive conditions, in Grandin T (ed) Livestock Handling and Consequently when these calves were adult bulls Transport 2nd edition, CAB International, University Press, Cambridge. they never attempted to break past someone with a 5 Fordyce G (1987) Weaner training. Queensland Agricultural Journal 113: stick as close handling precluded a fear response 323-324. and constant dominance by their handlers 6 Grandin T, Lanier J and Deesing M (2002) Low stress methods for moving precluded an aggression response. cattle on pastures, paddocks and large feedlot pens. http://www.ansci.colostate.edu/ran/behavior/B_Williams.html

Handler Safety 7 Grandin T (1997) The design and construction of facilities for handling cattle With properly designed, modern infrastructure, Livestock Production Science 49: 103-119 direct exposure of personnel to danger from 8 Grandin T (2000) Handling facilities and restraint of range cattle, in Grandin aggressive or nervous bulls should be very rare. T (ed) Livestock Handling and Transport 2nd edition, CAB International, University Press, Cambridge. Unfortunately most cattle handling facilities are neither properly designed nor modern and handlers 9 Vowles WJ and Hollier TJ (1982), The influence of cattle yard design on are often in yards with possibly savage bulls. movement of animals. Proc Australian Society of Animal Production 14, 597.

10 Curtis HE (1995) Bovine behavior: Key to handling cattle. Proceedings Handlers should approach bulls with due caution 27th Annual Convention American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. and take careful note of the behaviour of the animal whenever entering its flight zone. Bulls are however 11 Selk G (2000) Management of beef bulls. Oklahoma State University Extension Facts F-3254. very unpredictable and do not always exhibit all the premonitory signs of an impending attack. 12 Macfarlane JS (1974) The effect of two post-weaning management systems on the social and sexual behaviour of zebu bulls. Applied Animal Ethology 1, 31-34. Most bulls are now polled or dehorned when calves so that the dangerous horns should not be a 13 Grandin T (2002) Understanding flight zone and point of balance. http://www.ansci.colostate.edu/ran/behavior/behaviour/principles/flight.zone. problem in the majority of situations. Even without html horns a bull can be very hazardous and handlers

Page 12 14 Grandin T (1997) Using Behavioural Principles to Reduce Stress. Brahmans. When these are combined 50% of the Cattle Practice 5(3):229-233. composites and 11% of the Brahmans were pregnant. 15 Williams C (1978) Livestock consultant, personal communication in Grandin T (1980) Observations of cattle behavior applied to the design of cattle-handling facilities. Applied Animal Ethology 6: 19-31. If the whole weight advantage of the crossbred calves is due to heterosis and the second generation cross 16 Rushen J (1986) The validity of behavioural measures of aversion: a review. Applied Animal Behavioural Science 16, 309-323. retains 64% of heterosis as predicted, the combination of fertility and weight advantage will be as follows. 17 Rushen J (1986) Aversion of sheep for handling treatments: paired When calves are usually marketed at 300kg liveweight choice experiments. Applied Animal Behavioural Science 16, 363-370. at $1.50 per kg, each two year old composite heifer 18 Hutson GD (1985) The influence of barley food rewards on sheep will produce an extra $183 per head in turnoff progeny movement through a handling system, Applied Animal Behaviour Science 14, 263-273. than the Brahmans. This is a significant increase in profitability. 19 Gonyou HW (1993) Behavioural principles of animal handling and transport, in Grandin T (ed) Livestock Handling and Transport. CAB International, University Press, Cambridge.

20 Gross WB and Siegel PB (1993) General principles of stress and Bull Exposure Prior to Mating welfare in Grandin T (ed) Livestock Handling and Transport. CAB International, University Press, Cambridge. Increases Pregnancies

21 Jago JG, Bass JJ and Matthews LR (1997) Evaluation of a vaccine to control bull behaviour. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Bull exposure is where cows and heifers are run Production 57, 91-95. together with bulls after calving, before the cows return

22 Kelley RB (1959) Native and Adapted Cattle. Angus and Robertson, to normal heat cycles. In species such as pigs, it is well Halstead Press, Sydney. known that exposure to boars will cause sows to cycle.

Research at the University of Nebraska has found that Multibreed Cross Cattle Improve cows exposed to vasectomised bulls from calving till the start of the breeding season return to heat 11 days Productivity at Douglas Daly (1991 trial) to 20 days (1983 trial) earlier than their counterparts kept away from bulls till the start of the Multi breed composites retain larger percentages of breeding season. This would translate into higher heterosis (hybrid vigor) in future generations than calving percentages and heavier calves. The effect is the old style two breed ones such as most important in later calving cows as the early calving Droughtmasters, Brafords and Charbrays. They cows have generally begun to cycle by joining time also combine the good points of more different anyway. cattle types. Most of the large cattle companies such as Napco, AA Company and Stanbroke are The recommended method of using bull exposure shifting to multi breed composites. would be to run the cow herd with vasectomised or penis-deviated bulls after calving. A couple of cheaper A composite of 56.3% Brahman, 12.5% Africander, alternatives would be possible. One would be to run 12.5% Tuli, 6.3% Shorthorn, 6.3% Hereford and the later calving cows with normal bulls after calving, as 6.3% Charolais is being compared to the Brahman these are unlikely to become pregnant until about six at Douglas Daly Research Farm. This cross gives a weeks post calving. Another alternative would be to mix that is 81% tropically adapted and 19% use bulls with severely prolapsed prepuces for this unadapted Bos taurus and can be expected to purpose as they would be unable to serve. retain about 64% of heterosis in the second generation onwards. They were created by In controlled mated herds bull exposure would be crossing Brahman cows to half Belmont Red, important for all females. In uncontrolled herds it would quarter Tuli, quarter Charbray bulls sourced from be important in segregated heifers who have been Geoff Maynard in Queensland. separated from bulls since weaning.

The first drop of calves are presently yearlings. In In summary, exposure to bulls prior to joining results in November 2001, in comparison to the Brahmans, higher calving rates and earlier, heavier calves. the first generation composite bulls were on average 16 kg heavier (240 vs 224 kg), had References testicles 3.5 cm larger (26.3 vs 22.8 cm) and had 22.5% (5 times) more normal sperm (28.1 vs 5.6%). A Cupp, M Robertson, T Stumpf, M Wolfe, L Werth, N Kojima, R Kittok and J Kinder (1991) Exposure to bulls of different ages on duration of pospartum anestrus in beef cows. Beef Cattle Report. MP 56:5. University of Newbraska- In November 2001 more composite heifers (79.7%) Lincoln. were heavy enough to join as yearlings, at over 220 G Selk (2000) Management of beef bulls. Oklahoma State University Extension kg, than the Brahmans (58.5%). The composite Facts F-3254. pregnancy rate was 63% compared to 20% for the Gehan Jayawardhana Livestock Management

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Northern Territory Rural College A College of the Northern Territory University

Industry specific courses on offer - June, July August 2002 Savanna Burning – Understanding and Using Fire The Northern Territory Rural College is increasing in North Australia its delivery of courses specific to the Beef Cattle Industry during the next three months. Published by the Tropical Savannas CRC, 136 pp colour illustrations throughout. In partnership with the NT Rural College, Jeff Toomby a renowned trainer of horses and dogs will Every year thousands of square kilometres of be conducting another two courses at the College grasslands in northern Australia go up in flames and during his mid year visit to the Northern Territory. smoke. Is this wanton destruction or part of the Horsemanship participants need to supply their own natural ecosystem of tropical savannas? What are horse, tack and feed for the course while those the benefits and what is the damage? How can land taking part in the working dog school need to bring managers use fire more effectively to maintain the their own dog or dogs. Programs are based on natural resource? training both the participant and their animal. Savanna Burning describes the effects of fire on If you are considering getting your property these vast ecosystems. The contents include: Cattlecare accredited it would be advisable to attend the two day Cattlecare Course to be held at . Introducing savanna landscapes the College in August. As ChemCert accreditation . Fire regimes is a prerequisite to Cattlecare accreditation it would . The ecological effects of fire be advisable to complete the July ChemCert Course . The traditional use of fire and get your chemical records in order before . Detection and monitoring of fires undertaking Cattlecare. If you would like to have . Wildfires and their control the ChemCert training conducted in your workplace . The use of fire in land management arrange for a group of ten participants and then . Future trends contact the College for further information on delivery arrangements. The book’s contributors have a wealth of experience in managing and researching fires in north Australia Increase the safety in your workplace through and include rural fire agency staff, fire researchers, completing the chainsaw operations and pastoralists and aboriginal fire managers. It should maintenance course being held in June. be a valuable source of information for those who Tasmanian Forestry Board Accreditation is available need to manage fires in north Australia such as with this course. rural fire agencies and fire volunteers, pastoral land managers, park managers and rangers and Accommodation and meals are available at the Aboriginal land managers. It should also be a College for wishing to stay on campus for the valuable reference for students, land management duration of either of the above upcoming programs. policy makers and planners in north Australia.

 Chainsaw Operator Course – June 24 to 28 To order a copy, contact:  ChemCert – July 4 and 5 and 6 (practical rd assessment is conducted on the 3 day) Melissa Tang  Horsemanship Course - July 16, 17 and 18 Tropical Savannas CRC  Working Dog School - August 7, 8 and 9 Darwin Office  Cattlecare Course – August 14 and 15 Telephone: (08) 8946 6764 For further information contact: Fax: (08) 8946 7107 The Training Coordinator NT Rural College, PMB 155, Katherine NT 0852 Email: [email protected] or Course info 1800 779 577 [email protected] Phone: 08 89738311 Web: http://savanna.ntu.edu.au Fax: 08 8973 8300 Email: [email protected]

Page 14 Bud Williams Stockmanship more dignified than running around flapping your arms like a chicken trying to get airborne.” School The schools are taught in the classroom using videos, instruction and diagrams. Mr Williams will run a two-day school in Katherine on 6th & 7th July.

For more information or to register, please contact Pam McCosker at RCS on 1800 356004. Visit the website: http://stockmanship.com/

Cost: $650 + GST (1st person) Do you work in cattle yards or “battle” yards? $490 + GST (extra persons same business) $490 + GST (Bud Williams Stockmanship If your cattle yards have become a battle School repeat participants ground, perhaps it’s time to take a different tack. What you will learn Renowned United States low stress stock handler, Bud Williams, will tour Australia mid-year as the How, when, where and why to apply friendly guest of national consulting firm, Resource pressure and when to release this pressure. Consulting Services. Bud Williams is regarded as the best livestock handler there is. Being largely How to: self-taught, Bud’s unique and unorthodox methods . Convey to the livestock that you are not a come from his ability to observe and learn from predator livestock. . Place livestock and have them stay where you Mr Williams says, “In order for you to be able to want them work animals the way I do, you must change your . Have the right attitude when working livestock basic attitude about livestock. This will probably be . Learn to herd livestock rather than scatter them the most difficult thing I will ask you to do. We want to make animals do things. Anytime that I need an . Decrease disease in your livestock animal to do something, if I position myself properly, . Position yourself to let livestock move the way I can let it do it.” Mr Williams says that one thing you want which gives people problems about his method of . Work quietly with livestock working livestock is telling them not to push from behind an animal. He says this doesn’t mean that . Increase weight gains of livestock by better you can’t apply some pressure from behind, only stockmanship that it’s not the best place to pressure from. During . Determine the livestock’s flight zone the Bud Williams Stockhandling School, Bud will explain why better results will be achieved if the . Determine an animal’s reaction to man’s pressure is applied from the side. presence and position . Reduce livestock deaths in a herd The Bud Williams Stockhandling School will . Contain animals without fences introduce a way of handling livestock that not only reduces stress on the stock and people, but also . Achieve better feed conversion and improves their productive capacity. “Effective stock consumption handling skills are very important to good . Achieve better utilisation of pastures management and profits. And besides, it’s a lot . Reduce animal stress during transport, & more.

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