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New research conducted by a collaborative team from CQUniversity, the University of Queensland, and funded by Meat & Livestock Australia has shed light on the impact of climate on extensive grazing, particularly focusing on the behaviour of cows under high temperatures. Preliminary findings reveal that cows experience a significant decrease in rumination when daily temperatures exceed 31°C, leading to a reduction in feed intake and potential production impacts.
The trials carried out over the summers of 2022/23 and 2023/24, utilised on-animal sensors to capture data on cow behaviour. These sensors provided valuable insights into how cows respond to heat stress in pasture environments, a relatively underexplored area compared to research conducted in feedlots and the dairy industry.
Professor Mark Trotter, leading the precision livestock management team at CQUniversity, emphasised the novelty of their research, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how grazing cattle cope with increasing temperatures. He noted that while the immediate effects of heatwaves are evident, it’s the subtle changes in behaviour at moderate temperatures that could have significant long-term implications for production.
The implications of this research extend beyond immediate production concerns. If predictions of rising temperatures hold true, there may be a need to reconsider how heat stress is managed in breeding cattle. Prof. Trotter suggested that by comprehensively analysing the data, they could discern how different breeds respond to increasing temperatures and explore the potential for genetic selection of more heat-tolerant cattle.
Furthermore, the research team is investigating how heat stress affects calves at Belmont Research Station using GPS tracking and accelerometer sensors. This aspect of the study aims to understand the impact of heat stress on calf survival and growth up to weaning, providing valuable insights into the vulnerability of young livestock to changing climatic conditions.
During the property tour program at Beef Australia, participants will have the opportunity to explore various on-animal sensors used in the research. Researchers will provide insights into the performance and value of these smart tags for monitoring stock location, behaviour, and wellbeing, as well as water and feedbase usage.
Additionally, attendees will learn about innovative technologies aimed at mitigating methane emissions from cattle. Collaborative efforts with DIT Agtech have resulted in the development of an additive delivered in combination with a nutrient supplement through drinking water, which has been shown to reduce methane emissions by 15%.
The research conducted at CQUniversity encompasses a wide range of studies, including the evaluation of new dual-purpose crops and tropical legumes, as well as precision feeding technologies tailored to individual animal requirements. Attendees interested in genetic technologies will receive a presentation from ST Genetics, highlighting recent advancements in semen sexing to support the northern beef industry.
The research initiatives at CQUniversity underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation in addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the livestock industry.
Recent research found that the global livestock monitoring market, valued at US$5.6 billion in 2022, is projected to reach US$23.35 billion by 2032, with a 15.4% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. Smart IoT sensors are revolutionising animal agriculture through precision livestock farming.
Livestock management employs IoT-enabled sensors to monitor cattle health, integrating with network protocols for data exchange. On-site tracking devices supplement farmer observation by providing data on animal whereabouts and conditions. Sensors and wearables monitor vital signs, alerting farmers to emerging illnesses.
These solutions are crucial amid rising animal disease outbreaks, facilitating prompt treatment and containment. Government initiatives promote the adoption of traceability programs and hardware options like injectables and RFID tags.
