SCIENTIFIC research has the potential to make big advances in farming systems, according to researcher Greg Sawyer.
Mr Sawyer, who works in western NSW, is studying through Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, to find ways to lift reproduction levels.
His project aims to address the issues of low lambing rates and the need to search for stock.
While looking at internal body temperatures of ewes, Mr Sawyer found there was a connection between that and fertility.
He tested more than 500 ewes at the time of artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
“We found there is a correlation that once you reach a certain temperature, then good, transferable, eggs start to decline,” he said.
“My vision is that we will be able to pick up body temperature using the science now, and place that into an eartag.
“And if we can do that, why can’t we include a GPS?”
Mr Sawyer said this would allow graziers to manipulate body temperature, in the same way as they manipulate feed and other health issues, to improve reproduction.
“It’s really gone from pie in the sky thinking to being investigated by scientists for rangeland production,” he said.
Mr Sawyer set himself a time frame of 18 months to develop the idea to completion.
“It’s where the science is heading,” he said.
He said there were already ways the science could be used, including ensuring shade in paddocks during joining to enable ewes to thermoregulate their body temperatures.
He said graziers traditionally had good paddocks for lambing, but there also needed to be consideration for shelter during joining.
Another big science advance that can aid rangeland producers is drones, according to Mr Sawyer.
He said the drones can aid in checking water points, in monitoring for predation and surveying nutrients in paddocks.
“These can save time, effort and money in long run,” he said.
Mr Sawyer said the results of research had made big steps in recent years.
“Technology today includes much more than our forefathers ever considered,” he said.
“Drones were always used by military, and now they’re used by farmers.
“Science and research is working together to produce results practical for graziers.”
Technology today includes much more than our forefathers ever considered.
- GREG SAWYER
