Latest news with #MurdochUniversity
ABC News
4 days ago
- Science
- ABC News
What's in your freezer?
Move the peas over to find that Australian freezers have seals, kangaroo penises and the DNA of 'the Chanel of goats.' Featuring: Dr Natalie Warburton, Murdoch University. Dr Natalie Warburton, Murdoch University. Dr Jillian Garvey, La Trobe University. Dr Jillian Garvey, La Trobe University. Dr Nicola Rivers, Monash University. Dr Nicola Rivers, Monash University. Dianne Hakof, Hospital Manger Animal Health Department Zoos SA Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer. Petria Ladgrove, Producer. This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people. Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.
SBS Australia
21-07-2025
- Science
- SBS Australia
Tidal Moon leveraging traditional knowledge to bring banc Australia's first ever export the sea cucumber
Tidal Moon draws on traditional knowledge to harvest sea cucumbers one by one, the marine animal will soon be dried and processed at a brand-new export facility in the West Australian town of then they're sent to a Singaporean partner for export across South East Asia Gathaagudu is home to the planet's largest reserve of seagrass both a food source for marine life and a carbon storage powerhouse. Tidal Moon is leading one of the world's largest seagrass restoration projects. While scouring the seafloor for sea cucumbers, the divers also replant seagrass reserves. "One of the key things that we're trying to do is keep the carbon captured in the sea floor. So without seagrass restoration, you have these carbon bombs that go off and there's about 40 million tons of CO2 that are at risk in Shark Bay" Jennifer Verduin, a marine scientist at Perth's Murdoch University, agrees that the relationship might be 'mutually beneficial,' saying sea cucumbers are 'the worms of the ocean.'
West Australian
19-07-2025
- Science
- West Australian
‘Advantage to beef farmers': New cattle breed set to boost industry for WA
They are a long way from where researchers hope they might end up but these calves — the first of a breed new to WA born here — could offer bright change for the State's beef industry. Murdoch University is looking into whether Nguni cattle, which are indigenous to southern Africa and renowned for maintaining optimal production even under harsh conditions, could be suitable alternative for WA farmers to breed, feed and send to market. The first eagerly anticipated calves in its program were born just two months ago at the university's Whitby Falls Farm, about an hour away in Mundijong. Dean of veterinary medicine Henry Annandale said it was the first time Nguni cows had been bred in WA and they were now being studied for their growth and development in comparison to traditional breeds. There are 32 newcomers in the Whitby Falls paddock, including a set of twins. 'This breed offers the opportunity of a unique, economically sustainable advantage to beef farmers,' Dr Annandale said. 'Nguni cattle are an ancient breed acknowledged for optimal production under harsh conditions and sustainable breeding, with a lower methane output than other breeds. 'Having acclimatised over centuries to extreme environments, Nguni cattle have proven to be the ultimate survivors, thriving despite challenges such as infectious diseases, drought and tick infestations.' Veterinary student Caitlin Cooper said it was exciting to carry out research that ultimately might lead to changes within WA farming. 'Studying Nguni cattle will give us the chance to learn about the animals but also to share what we learn to help the local farming industry, and perhaps to undercover information, which will impact the industry in years to come,' Ms Cooper said. 'And seeing the calves right from the beginning of their lives is certainly a special experience for me as a student.' Nguni cattle are characterised by multicoloured skin that can present in various patterns. They are medium sized, with bulls growing to 600kg, and can be both dairy and beef cattle.
Perth Now
19-07-2025
- Science
- Perth Now
New cattle breed a boost for WA farmers
They are a long way from where researchers hope they might end up but these calves — the first of a breed new to WA born here — could offer bright change for the State's beef industry. Murdoch University is looking into whether Nguni cattle, which are indigenous to southern Africa and renowned for maintaining optimal production even under harsh conditions, could be suitable alternative for WA farmers to breed, feed and send to market. The first eagerly anticipated calves in its program were born just two months ago at the university's Whitby Falls Farm, about an hour away in Mundijong. Dean of veterinary medicine Henry Annandale said it was the first time Nguni cows had been bred in WA and they were now being studied for their growth and development in comparison to traditional breeds. A Nguni calf at Whitby Falls Farm. Credit: supplied / Murdoch University There are 32 newcomers in the Whitby Falls paddock, including a set of twins. 'This breed offers the opportunity of a unique, economically sustainable advantage to beef farmers,' Dr Annandale said. 'Nguni cattle are an ancient breed acknowledged for optimal production under harsh conditions and sustainable breeding, with a lower methane output than other breeds. 'Having acclimatised over centuries to extreme environments, Nguni cattle have proven to be the ultimate survivors, thriving despite challenges such as infectious diseases, drought and tick infestations.' Veterinary student Caitlin Cooper said it was exciting to carry out research that ultimately might lead to changes within WA farming. Veterinary student Caitlin Cooper and Associate Professor Pete Irons at Whitby Falls Farm. Credit: Suppled / Murdoch University 'Studying Nguni cattle will give us the chance to learn about the animals but also to share what we learn to help the local farming industry, and perhaps to undercover information, which will impact the industry in years to come,' Ms Cooper said. 'And seeing the calves right from the beginning of their lives is certainly a special experience for me as a student.' Nguni cattle are characterised by multicoloured skin that can present in various patterns. They are medium sized, with bulls growing to 600kg, and can be both dairy and beef cattle.
ABC News
14-07-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Hardy, 'eco-friendly' Nguni cattle may be a value breed as climate changes
Farmers and researchers hope the birth of a new generation of hardier, more heat-resistant cattle on a West Australian farm will spur the breed's adoption across the country. Originally from Eastern Africa, Nguni cattle are bred to survive in tough landscapes, which advocates say makes them ideal for regional Australia. The new herd was born on Whitby Falls Farm, run by Murdoch University south of Perth, to educate veterinary students and research the breed. Murdoch University animal reproduction expert and research lead Pete Irons said Nguni cattle had adapted over many centuries to harsh environments. "They're very light on the land … they're very efficient at utilising resources … their ability to conserve nitrogen [and] recycle nitrogen in their bodies is all very highly developed," he said. The cattle's skin contains an oily substance that reflects the sun's rays, and they are also able to regulate their body temperature very effectively. Dr Irons said these characteristics contributed to the breed's ability to tolerate tough conditions, making them a desirable livestock option in drought and heatwave-prone regions like WA. "[They're also] highly disease resistant and very fertile," he said. "So despite being in very harsh environments, they're able to breed and reproduce very successfully." Nguni breeder Ed Rous said they produced less methane than other breeds, and were the best cattle for any sustainable farming operation. The red-meat industry recently abandoned its target of net-zero emissions by 2030, claiming the goal was not possible. However, Dr Irons said the beef industry needed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and the Nguni offered an environmentally friendly step in the right direction. "Anything we can do to address [those emissions] by creatively using different breeds of animals with unique genetics like this and farming efficiently … that will, by its very nature, reduce methane emissions," he said. "This breed has real advantages here in Western Australia that the farming community should take seriously, especially as we move more and more into drought conditions [and] resource constraints. "We think it's a breed we should be looking at." Mr Rous said while interest in breeding Nguni cattle had been growing, the market remained focused on larger breeds such as Angus and Hereford. "I feel the place in the sun for the Nguni is definitely more sustainable operations where people are farming paddock to plate because of their good meat … you can value-add by selling the product directly yourself," he said. Mr Rous said he hoped research, like the studies being done by Murdoch University, would raise awareness about the breed. "I have no doubt that they are capable of doing exceptionally well and they've proven to me that they [can], but I'm hoping we get more and more Australians interested in them," he said. Murdoch student vet Caitlin Cooper said she expected the breed to have a "huge impact" moving forward. "They truly are [the ultimate survivors] … they're tick resistant, heat resistant and in this current climate we need a resistant breed," she said. "It's just about getting the word out about the Ngunis because I think that's the way into the future."
