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The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, and the rust red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, are two major beetle pests commonly found infesting stored products worldwide. Both species can cause severe economic damage and their management is complicated by their potential to develop resistance to several of the limited chemical options available. However, pest management strategies can be improved by understanding the ecology of the pest insect. To determine the spatiotemporal activity of R. dominica and T. castaneum, we conducted a trapping study over two years in a temperate region of south-eastern Australia, with traps located near grain storages and fields. We captured higher numbers of R. dominica than T. castaneum, and both species were more prevalent in traps located close to grain storages. Similar and consistent seasonal patterns were displayed by both species with activity ceasing during the winter (June–August) months. We found linear correlations between maximum daily temperatures and trap catches, and minimum threshold temperatures for flight activity were 14.5 °C and 15.6 °C for R. dominica and T. castaneum, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to the ecology of these pests along with their implications for pest management.
Joanne C. Holloway; Gregory J. Daglish; David G. Mayer. Spatial Distribution and Flight Patterns of Two Grain Storage Insect Pests, Rhyzopertha dominica (Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidae): Implications for Pest Management. Insects 2020, 11, 715 .
AMA StyleJoanne C. Holloway, Gregory J. Daglish, David G. Mayer. Spatial Distribution and Flight Patterns of Two Grain Storage Insect Pests, Rhyzopertha dominica (Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidae): Implications for Pest Management. Insects. 2020; 11 (10):715.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoanne C. Holloway; Gregory J. Daglish; David G. Mayer. 2020. "Spatial Distribution and Flight Patterns of Two Grain Storage Insect Pests, Rhyzopertha dominica (Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidae): Implications for Pest Management." Insects 11, no. 10: 715.
The effects of lucerne (Medicago sativa) post-grazing residual pasture height on pasture utilisation (vertical and horizontal), pasture intake and animal production were investigated in a sub-tropical partial mixed ration dairy system. The study took place at the Gatton Research Dairy, Southeast Queensland (−27.552, 152.333), with a 26-day adaptation period followed by two 8-day measurement periods during August and September 2018. A quantity of 30 multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered two levels of mixed ration, 7 and 14 kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day for low and high levels respectively, and five levels of pasture allocation, to achieve decreasing residual pasture heights. Pasture allocations measured from 5 cm above ground level for the low mixed ration groups averaged 12.7, 15.9, 19.8, 35.3 and 49.2 kg DM/cow/day, and for the high mixed ration groups averaged 5.0, 8.3, 10.3, 18.6, and 25.2 kg DM/cow/day, respectively. As pasture allocation decreased, cows were forced to graze further down into the pasture sward, and therefore residual pasture height declined. Total intake (kg DM/cow/day) declined as residual pasture height (expressed as % of the initial height) declined, irrespective of mixed ration level, decreasing by 0.5 kg DM/cow/day for every 10% decrease in residual pasture height. Low total intakes were associated with high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels in plasma, indicating mobilisation of fat tissue to maintain milk production. In the high allocation treatments, an area of pasture remained ungrazed and cows were only grazing the top leafy stratum where pasture intake rate and intake were highest. Therefore, to maximise intake in sub-tropical partial mixed ration (PMR) systems, lucerne pasture should be allocated so that cows are always grazing the top leafy stratum. This can be achieved by ensuring the pasture around faecal patches remains ungrazed.
Kieran A. D. Ison; Marcelo A. Benvenutti; David G. Mayer; Simon Quigley; David G. Barber. Maximising Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 2—The Effect of Post-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level. Animals 2020, 10, 904 .
AMA StyleKieran A. D. Ison, Marcelo A. Benvenutti, David G. Mayer, Simon Quigley, David G. Barber. Maximising Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 2—The Effect of Post-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level. Animals. 2020; 10 (5):904.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKieran A. D. Ison; Marcelo A. Benvenutti; David G. Mayer; Simon Quigley; David G. Barber. 2020. "Maximising Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 2—The Effect of Post-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level." Animals 10, no. 5: 904.
The effect of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) pre-grazing pasture height on pasture intake and milk production was investigated in a sub-tropical partial mixed ration (PMR) dairy system in south-east Queensland, Australia. The experiment involved a 26-day adaptation period followed by an eight-day measurement period during April and May 2018. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered a mixed ration at either 7 (low) or 14 (high) kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day and allocated pastures at pre-grazing heights ranging from 23 to 39 cm. The targeted pasture intake was 14 and 7 kg DM/cow/day for cows offered the low and high mixed ration allowances respectively, with a total intake target of 21 kg DM/cow/day. Pasture structure did not limit pasture intake as the all groups left at least 12% of the allocated area ungrazed, and therefore could selectively graze pasture. There was no significant difference in intake between mixed ration levels, however intake had a positive linear relationship with pre-grazing pasture height. For every one cm increase in pasture height, intake increased by 0.3 kg DM/cow/day. Using a grazing strategy that ensures the some pasture remains ungrazed and the pre-grazing height of lucerne is approximately 39 cm above ground level will maximise pasture intake in sub-tropical PMR dairy systems.
Kieran A. D. Ison; Marcelo A. Benvenutti; David G. Mayer; Simon Quigley; David G. Barber. Maximizing Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 1-the Effect of Pre-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level. Animals 2020, 10, 860 .
AMA StyleKieran A. D. Ison, Marcelo A. Benvenutti, David G. Mayer, Simon Quigley, David G. Barber. Maximizing Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 1-the Effect of Pre-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level. Animals. 2020; 10 (5):860.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKieran A. D. Ison; Marcelo A. Benvenutti; David G. Mayer; Simon Quigley; David G. Barber. 2020. "Maximizing Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 1-the Effect of Pre-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level." Animals 10, no. 5: 860.
Annual forecasts for the Australian macadamia crop have been issued since 2001, with varying (and not always improving) degrees of accuracy. Regression models using climate variables have formed the basis for these forecasts, with general linear model (GLM) ensembles being adopted more recently. This has proven to be a challenging task, as there are only a small number of observations (18) combined with a large number (90+) of independent variables – these being different climate measures for different times of the year (representing ‘key physiological periods for macadamia trees’). Also, these ‘assumedly-independent’ variables contain various degrees of correlation. This study uses cross-validation, with the most recent data for the two dominant production regions of Australia (Lismore and Bundaberg), to investigate the relative performance of alternate modelling methods. These modelling methods were GLMs, partial least squares (PLS) regression and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) penalised regression. Model ensembles, which have been shown to be beneficial in many alternate disciplines, are used to advantage. Both GLMs and PLS produced quite-disappointing results, failing to meet the project's benchmarked accuracy of ±10% error. The optimal LASSO models performed notably better, with a further improvement when ensembles were incorporated. The lowest mean absolute error (MAE) rates here were 9.0% for Lismore and 5.9% for Bundaberg. Hence LASSO ensembles will be adopted for future forecasts of the Australian macadamia crop.
David G. Mayer; Kerri A. Chandra; Jolyon R. Burnett. Improved crop forecasts for the Australian macadamia industry from ensemble models. Agricultural Systems 2019, 173, 519 -523.
AMA StyleDavid G. Mayer, Kerri A. Chandra, Jolyon R. Burnett. Improved crop forecasts for the Australian macadamia industry from ensemble models. Agricultural Systems. 2019; 173 ():519-523.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid G. Mayer; Kerri A. Chandra; Jolyon R. Burnett. 2019. "Improved crop forecasts for the Australian macadamia industry from ensemble models." Agricultural Systems 173, no. : 519-523.
Pasture meters are typically calibrated to estimate total pasture mass (TPM). Recent studies have shown that animal productivity was driven by the level of utilisation of the top leafy stratum (TLS) rather than the TPM. A study of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pasture conducted on two farms located in southeast Queensland, Australia assessed whether pasture mass of the TLS, bottom stemmy stratum (BSS) and TPM can be more accurately estimated by using not only pasture surface height but also pasture density derived from height data captured by a laser sensor. The results indicated that there was a notable improvement of the pasture mass estimates when density was included in the calibration equations. The study also compared the accuracy of the pasture mass estimates between the laser sensor and mechanical pasture meters (rising plate meter and ruler). The results indicated that all devices provided reasonable estimates of pasture mass for TLS, BSS and total (R2 ≥ 0.75). However, pasture mass was estimated with slightly higher level of accuracy when using the laser sensor in comparison with the other pasture meters, particularly for the top leafy stratum (R2 = 0.81 vs R2 ≤ 0.77).
M.A. Benvenutti; D.G. Barber; D.G. Mayer; K. Ison; M.V. Colman; C. Findsen. Comparison between a laser sensor and mechanical tools to estimate pasture mass in strata of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pastures. Animal Feed Science and Technology 2019, 249, 31 -36.
AMA StyleM.A. Benvenutti, D.G. Barber, D.G. Mayer, K. Ison, M.V. Colman, C. Findsen. Comparison between a laser sensor and mechanical tools to estimate pasture mass in strata of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pastures. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 2019; 249 ():31-36.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM.A. Benvenutti; D.G. Barber; D.G. Mayer; K. Ison; M.V. Colman; C. Findsen. 2019. "Comparison between a laser sensor and mechanical tools to estimate pasture mass in strata of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pastures." Animal Feed Science and Technology 249, no. : 31-36.
Campylobacter is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses both in Australia and internationally, and is frequently found in poultry. There is a need for sustainable options to support current farm management strategies that address food-safety. The use of bacteriophages provides a safe biocontrol option. A collaborative study by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD), the University of Nottingham (UK) and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (NZ) is focused on the control of Campylobacter in broiler chickens. Campylobacter bacteriophages were sourced from Queensland poultry farms and following extensive screening, suitable candidates to be used in cocktails were identified. This followed an on-farm proof of concept study on a small sample of chickens, using selected cocktail candidates, to provide an understanding of the hurdles for practical application. The trial demonstrated a 2-log CFU/g reduction of Campylobacter in the caeca of treated birds compared to non-treated (p < 0.05). Another important finding of this study was the absence of bacteriophage resistance, a concern with phage therapy. Work at ESR has addressed approaches to select and adapt bacteriophage cocktails to particular hosts, which included screening against NZ and Australian hosts. This approach enabled the formulation of high performing bacteriophage cocktails for Australian and international markets. Work in the UK is exploring the understanding of the host-bacteriophage relationships to ensure safety to meet regulatory requirements and support potential scale-up options. In summary, the work in progress via international collaborations is aimed at delivering a safe biocontrol option that can meet both commercial and regulatory needs aiming at controlling on-farm Campylobacter.
Nalini Chinivasagam; Wiyada Estella; Samuel Cockerill; Lance Maddock; David Mayer; Craig Billington; Aruni Premaratne; Lu Liang; Phillipa Connerton; Ian Connerton. A Biocontrol Option to Control a Foodborne Pathogen; Using Campylobacter Bacteriophages to Control Campylobacter in Poultry. Proceedings 2019, 36, 162 .
AMA StyleNalini Chinivasagam, Wiyada Estella, Samuel Cockerill, Lance Maddock, David Mayer, Craig Billington, Aruni Premaratne, Lu Liang, Phillipa Connerton, Ian Connerton. A Biocontrol Option to Control a Foodborne Pathogen; Using Campylobacter Bacteriophages to Control Campylobacter in Poultry. Proceedings. 2019; 36 (1):162.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNalini Chinivasagam; Wiyada Estella; Samuel Cockerill; Lance Maddock; David Mayer; Craig Billington; Aruni Premaratne; Lu Liang; Phillipa Connerton; Ian Connerton. 2019. "A Biocontrol Option to Control a Foodborne Pathogen; Using Campylobacter Bacteriophages to Control Campylobacter in Poultry." Proceedings 36, no. 1: 162.
Flies are important arthropod pests in intensive animal facilities such as cattle feedlots, with the potential to cause production loss, transmit disease and cause nuisance to surrounding communities. In the present study, seasonal population dynamics of three important nuisance flies, namely house flies (Musca domestica L.), bush flies (M. vetustissima Walker) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), were monitored on cattle feedlots in south-eastern Queensland, Australia, over 7 years. Musca domestica was by far the dominant species, comprising 67% of the total flies trapped. Models were developed to assess the relationship between weather parameters and fly abundance and to determine whether population trends could be predicted to improve the timing of control measures. For all three species, there were two main effects, namely time-of-year (mainly reflected by minimum temperatures and solar radiation) and rainfall. The abundance of all three species increased with increasing temperature and rainfall, reaching a peak in summer, before decreasing again. Rainfall events resulted in significantly elevated numbers of M. domestica for up to 5 weeks, and for 1 week for M. vetustissima. Peak fly numbers were predicted by the model to occur in spring and summer, following 85–90-mm weekly rainfall. The population dynamics of S. calcitrans were least influenced by rainfall and it was concluded that weather variables were of limited use for forecasting stable fly numbers in this environment and production system. The models provide a useful tool for optimising the timing of fly-control measures, such as insecticide or biopesticide applications, adding to the efficiency of integrated control programs.
R. M. Godwin; David Mayer; G. W. Brown; D. M. Leemon; P. J. James. Predicting nuisance fly outbreaks on cattle feedlots in subtropical Australia. Animal Production Science 2018, 58, 343 .
AMA StyleR. M. Godwin, David Mayer, G. W. Brown, D. M. Leemon, P. J. James. Predicting nuisance fly outbreaks on cattle feedlots in subtropical Australia. Animal Production Science. 2018; 58 (2):343.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. M. Godwin; David Mayer; G. W. Brown; D. M. Leemon; P. J. James. 2018. "Predicting nuisance fly outbreaks on cattle feedlots in subtropical Australia." Animal Production Science 58, no. 2: 343.
Jodie A. Haig; Gwladys I. Lambert; Wayne D. Sumpton; David G. Mayer; Jonathan M. Werry. Habitat features influence catch rates of near-shore bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) in the Queensland Shark Control Program, Australia 1996–2012. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 2018, 200, 289 -300.
AMA StyleJodie A. Haig, Gwladys I. Lambert, Wayne D. Sumpton, David G. Mayer, Jonathan M. Werry. Habitat features influence catch rates of near-shore bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) in the Queensland Shark Control Program, Australia 1996–2012. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 2018; 200 ():289-300.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJodie A. Haig; Gwladys I. Lambert; Wayne D. Sumpton; David G. Mayer; Jonathan M. Werry. 2018. "Habitat features influence catch rates of near-shore bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) in the Queensland Shark Control Program, Australia 1996–2012." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 200, no. : 289-300.
J. C. F. Melo-Júnior; S. S. Dornelles; A. D. Viana; A. A. Ribeiro; A. M. Ruthes; A. Aviz; B. C. Fernandes; B. C. Reginato; B. L. Duarte; C. I. Telles; D. G. Mayer; G. Teixeira; G. H. D Ambrosio; G. Lamin; G. M. Castilho; G. C. Mussoi; H. S. Devigili; J. B. Lopes; J. A. Falletti-Netto; J. M. Conrado; L. S. Bianchini; M. F. Goulart; M. C. Brand; T. S. Steffens; V. F. Silveira. Influence of Soil Fertility on Herbaceous Community Structure in Dunes and Swamps of the Coastal Plain of Laguna, South Brazil: An Ecological Approach. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 2017, 20, 1 -11.
AMA StyleJ. C. F. Melo-Júnior, S. S. Dornelles, A. D. Viana, A. A. Ribeiro, A. M. Ruthes, A. Aviz, B. C. Fernandes, B. C. Reginato, B. L. Duarte, C. I. Telles, D. G. Mayer, G. Teixeira, G. H. D Ambrosio, G. Lamin, G. M. Castilho, G. C. Mussoi, H. S. Devigili, J. B. Lopes, J. A. Falletti-Netto, J. M. Conrado, L. S. Bianchini, M. F. Goulart, M. C. Brand, T. S. Steffens, V. F. Silveira. Influence of Soil Fertility on Herbaceous Community Structure in Dunes and Swamps of the Coastal Plain of Laguna, South Brazil: An Ecological Approach. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science. 2017; 20 (4):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. C. F. Melo-Júnior; S. S. Dornelles; A. D. Viana; A. A. Ribeiro; A. M. Ruthes; A. Aviz; B. C. Fernandes; B. C. Reginato; B. L. Duarte; C. I. Telles; D. G. Mayer; G. Teixeira; G. H. D Ambrosio; G. Lamin; G. M. Castilho; G. C. Mussoi; H. S. Devigili; J. B. Lopes; J. A. Falletti-Netto; J. M. Conrado; L. S. Bianchini; M. F. Goulart; M. C. Brand; T. S. Steffens; V. F. Silveira. 2017. "Influence of Soil Fertility on Herbaceous Community Structure in Dunes and Swamps of the Coastal Plain of Laguna, South Brazil: An Ecological Approach." International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 20, no. 4: 1-11.
SUMMARY Sugarcane is an important forage resource in sub-tropical and tropical areas as it is used during the winter or dry season when the growth rate of pastures is significantly reduced. The current research study assessed the effect of four vertical sections of sugarcane in a pen trial and the level of sugarcane utilization in a grazing trial on the ingestive behaviour and forage intake of two age groups of steers (1 and 2 years old). The pen trial was comprised of two simultaneous 4 × 4 balanced Latin square designs (one for each age group of animals) of four periods, four animals and four feeding treatments, which consisted of four equal vertical sections of sugarcane. Dry matter (DM) and digestible DM (DDM) intake per kilogram of metabolic weight declined gradually from top to bottom of the sugarcane, with no significant differences between the age groups of steers. This difference in intake was associated with a decline in intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) as a proportion of the liveweight of the animal and an increase of total chewing time per kilogram of DM or NDF from top to bottom of the sugarcane. It was concluded that the toughness of plant material played a significant role regulating intake, which was higher for the top sections of sugarcane. In the grazing trial, steers of both age groups grazed down sugarcane in three plots over 9 days. Steers grazed up to four distinctive grazing strata. Digestible DM intake (DDM intake) was high at low levels of horizontal utilization of the top grazing stratum but DDM intake started to decline sharply when this stratum was removed in 0·92 of paddock area (i.e. equivalent to 0·08 of the pasture area remaining un-grazed). It was concluded that the proportion of un-grazed area of the pasture can be used as a grazing management strategy to control forage intake for sugarcane.
M. A. Benvenutti; D. R. Pavetti; D. P. Poppi; D. G. Mayer; I. J. Gordon. Ingestive behaviour and forage intake responses of young and mature steers to the vertical differentiation of sugarcane in pen and grazing studies. The Journal of Agricultural Science 2017, 155, 1677 -1688.
AMA StyleM. A. Benvenutti, D. R. Pavetti, D. P. Poppi, D. G. Mayer, I. J. Gordon. Ingestive behaviour and forage intake responses of young and mature steers to the vertical differentiation of sugarcane in pen and grazing studies. The Journal of Agricultural Science. 2017; 155 (10):1677-1688.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. A. Benvenutti; D. R. Pavetti; D. P. Poppi; D. G. Mayer; I. J. Gordon. 2017. "Ingestive behaviour and forage intake responses of young and mature steers to the vertical differentiation of sugarcane in pen and grazing studies." The Journal of Agricultural Science 155, no. 10: 1677-1688.
Pteropid bats (flying-foxes) are the natural reservoir of Hendra virus, an emergent paramyxovirus responsible for fatal infection in horses and humans in Australia. Pteropus alecto (the Black flying-fox) and the paraphyletic P. conspicillatus (the Spectacled flying-fox) appear to be the primary reservoir hosts. Previous studies have suggested that physiological and ecological factors may underpin infection dynamics in flying-foxes, and subsequent spillover to horses and in turn humans. We sought to examine temporal trends in urinary cortisol concentration in wild Australian flying-fox populations, to elucidate the putative relationship between Hendra virus infection and physiological stress. Pooled and individual urine samples were non-invasively collected from under roosting flying-foxes at two latitudinally disparate regions in the eastern Australian state of Queensland. Hendra virus detection, and (in individual urine samples) sex and species determination were PCR-based. Urinary cortisol measurement used a validated enzyme immunoassay. We found no direct correlation between increased urinary cortisol and Hendra virus excretion, but our findings do suggest a biologically plausible association between low winter temperatures and elevated cortisol levels in P. alecto in the lower latitude Southeast Queensland roosts. We hypothesize an indirect association between low winter temperatures and increased Hendra virus infection and excretion, mediated by the physiological cost of thermoregulation. Our findings and our approach are directly relevant to elaboration of the disease ecology of Nipah virus and other emerging henipaviruses in bats. More broadly, they inform investigation of emerging disease infection dynamics across the wildlife/livestock/human interface.
Lee McMichael; Daniel Edson; Craig Smith; David Mayer; Ina Smith; Steven Kopp; Joanne Meers; Hume Field. Physiological stress and Hendra virus in flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.), Australia. PLoS ONE 2017, 12, e0182171 .
AMA StyleLee McMichael, Daniel Edson, Craig Smith, David Mayer, Ina Smith, Steven Kopp, Joanne Meers, Hume Field. Physiological stress and Hendra virus in flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.), Australia. PLoS ONE. 2017; 12 (8):e0182171.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLee McMichael; Daniel Edson; Craig Smith; David Mayer; Ina Smith; Steven Kopp; Joanne Meers; Hume Field. 2017. "Physiological stress and Hendra virus in flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.), Australia." PLoS ONE 12, no. 8: e0182171.
Objective To determine the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Australian‐registered insecticide formulations against Old World screwworm (OWS) myiases for potential use in screwworm containment and eradication programs. Methods The longevity of protection provided by six insecticidal formulations (subcutaneous ivermectin, doramectin and abamectin, a topically applied aqueous formulation of spinosad, ivermectin controlled‐release capsule and a dicyclanil spray‐on formulation) was tested using implants of 1st‐instar OWS larvae on Javanese thin‐tail sheep. Therapeutic efficacy of four formulations (topical ivermectin, chlorfenvinphos/cypermethrin mixture, aerosol spinosad formulation and a formulation containing propetamphos and eucalyptus oil) was tested against 2‐ and 4‐day‐old OWS strikes. Results Both the ivermectin capsule and dicyclanil spray‐on formulation gave 100% protection against screwworm implants for the full 12 weeks of the study. Ivermectin, doramectin and abamectin administered SC all gave 100% protection at 3 days post‐treatment, but at 2 weeks the protection had become incomplete. Spinosad dipping did not give complete protection at any time. All four therapeutic treatments gave complete resolution of 2‐day‐old strikes and topical ivermectin, spinosad and chlorfenvinphos/cypermethrin, but not the propetamphos/eucalyptus oil formulation, gave complete resolution of all 4‐day‐old strikes. Conclusion Dicyclanil spray‐on and ivermectin capsule formulations, both registered for use in sheep, but not for cattle or other livestock species, gave much longer protection against screwworm implants than the currently recommended SC ivermectin. Pre‐emptive action to facilitate rapid deployment of these formulations in the event of a screwworm incursion is urgently needed.
P J James; A H Wardhana; G W Brown; D G Mayer; R Urech. Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Australian-registered insecticide formulations against Old World screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana ) infestation. Australian Veterinary Journal 2017, 95, 265 -272.
AMA StyleP J James, A H Wardhana, G W Brown, D G Mayer, R Urech. Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Australian-registered insecticide formulations against Old World screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana ) infestation. Australian Veterinary Journal. 2017; 95 (8):265-272.
Chicago/Turabian StyleP J James; A H Wardhana; G W Brown; D G Mayer; R Urech. 2017. "Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Australian-registered insecticide formulations against Old World screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana ) infestation." Australian Veterinary Journal 95, no. 8: 265-272.
Male fruit fly attractants – cue-lure and methyl eugenol (ME) – have been used successfully for decades in the monitoring and control of species of Dacini (Dacinae) fruit flies (Bactrocera, Zeugodacus and Dacus). However, many species, including several pests, are non-responsive to these lures. Field tests of new compounds are therefore worthwhile, particularly in areas of high species diversity where multiple species attractions can provide additional information on lure function. Recent field tests of new male attractants (isoeugenol, dihydroeugenol, methyl-isoeugenol and zingerone) and food- and host-based lures (cucumber volatile blend and Cera Trap®) in Australia resulted in discoveries of lure responses for ‘non-responsive’ species. In this study, these new lures were field tested for the first time in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for attractiveness to ‘non-responsive’ species, including the guava pest Bactrocera obliqua and cucurbit pests Zeugodacus atrisetosus and Z. decipiens. Testing was conducted in the National Capital District (NCD) and Kerevat on the island province of East New Britain. Of the ‘non-responsive’ pest species, B. obliqua was trapped three times at isoeugenol and once at methyl-isoeugenol. This is the first record of B. obliqua responding to male lures. Zeugodacus decipiens was significantly attracted to Cera Trap. Five undescribed species responded to zingerone and one to the eugenol analogues. The ME-responsive B. musae and B. umbrosa responded differently to the three eugenol analogues in Kerevat and NCD, with both species responding more strongly to methyl-isoeugenol in NCD, although their response to ME was similar in both locations. Intraspecific differences in lure response were also noted between this study and that recorded previously in other countries. The cue-responsive B. frauenfeldi, B. neohumeralis and Dacus axanus were previously trapped at zingerone in Australia, and the ME-responsive B. dorsalis was trapped at zingerone in Malaysia, but these species, while caught at their respective lures, were not recorded at zingerone in this study. The findings from this study have implications for quarantine monitoring for the ‘non-responsive’ B. obliqua and Z. decipiens in Australia, highlight that there may be intraspecific variation in male lure response and provide further information on these novel male lures' activity.
Jane E Royer; Sharon Agovaua; John Bokosou; Kiteni Kurika; Amanda Mararuai; David G Mayer; Benjamin Niangu. Responses of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) to new attractants in Papua New Guinea. Austral Entomology 2017, 57, 40 -49.
AMA StyleJane E Royer, Sharon Agovaua, John Bokosou, Kiteni Kurika, Amanda Mararuai, David G Mayer, Benjamin Niangu. Responses of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) to new attractants in Papua New Guinea. Austral Entomology. 2017; 57 (1):40-49.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJane E Royer; Sharon Agovaua; John Bokosou; Kiteni Kurika; Amanda Mararuai; David G Mayer; Benjamin Niangu. 2017. "Responses of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) to new attractants in Papua New Guinea." Austral Entomology 57, no. 1: 40-49.
Bats of the genus Pteropus (Pteropodidae), colloquially known as flying foxes, are recognized as the natural reservoir of Hendra virus, a zoonotic paramyxovirus responsible for mortality in horses and humans. Some previous studies have suggested that physiologic and ecologic factors promote Hendra virus infection in flying foxes, and by extension, spillover to horses and humans. However, the impact of Hendra virus infection on relevant physiologic biomarkers in flying foxes has not been measured. Over 12 mo in eastern Australia, we captured and sampled 446 individual black flying foxes (Pteropus alecto), a putative primary reservoir host species, and measured a suite of hematologic, plasma biochemistry, and urinary biomarkers. All mean hematologic and biochemical values in both Hendra virus–positive and virus–negative cohorts were within the published reference ranges for black flying foxes. We found no association between Hendra virus infection (as indicated by PCR detection of Hendra virus RNA) and biomarkers for nutritional stress, reproductive stress, or extreme metabolic demand. However, we identified associations between several other biomarkers and Hendra virus infection, which may partly elucidate the physiologic effects of Hendra virus infection in flying foxes. Our findings highlight the need for critical evaluation of putative risk factors for infection in flying foxes and provide insights for future epidemiologic studies of Hendra virus and related viruses in the Pteropus species.
Lee McMichael; Daniel Edson; David Mayer; Alice Broos; Steven Kopp; Joanne Meers; Hume Field. PHYSIOLOGIC BIOMARKERS AND HENDRA VIRUS INFECTION IN AUSTRALIAN BLACK FLYING FOXES (PTEROPUS ALECTO). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 2017, 53, 111 -120.
AMA StyleLee McMichael, Daniel Edson, David Mayer, Alice Broos, Steven Kopp, Joanne Meers, Hume Field. PHYSIOLOGIC BIOMARKERS AND HENDRA VIRUS INFECTION IN AUSTRALIAN BLACK FLYING FOXES (PTEROPUS ALECTO). Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 2017; 53 (1):111-120.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLee McMichael; Daniel Edson; David Mayer; Alice Broos; Steven Kopp; Joanne Meers; Hume Field. 2017. "PHYSIOLOGIC BIOMARKERS AND HENDRA VIRUS INFECTION IN AUSTRALIAN BLACK FLYING FOXES (PTEROPUS ALECTO)." Journal of Wildlife Diseases 53, no. 1: 111-120.
SUMMARYHendra virus (HeV) was first described in 1994 in an outbreak of acute and highly lethal disease in horses and humans in Australia. Equine cases continue to be diagnosed periodically, yet the predisposing factors for infection remain unclear. We undertook an analysis of equine submissions tested for HeV by the Queensland government veterinary reference laboratory over a 20-year period to identify and investigate any patterns. We found a marked increase in testing from July 2008, primarily reflecting a broadening of the HeV clinical case definition. Peaks in submissions for testing, and visitations to the Government HeV website, were associated with reported equine incidents. Significantly differing between-year HeV detection rates in north and south Queensland suggest a fundamental difference in risk exposure between the two regions. The statistical association between HeV detection and stockhorse type may suggest that husbandry is a more important risk determinant than breedper se. The detection of HeV in horses with neither neurological nor respiratory signs poses a risk management challenge for attending veterinarians and laboratory staff, reinforcing animal health authority recommendations that appropriate risk management strategies be employed for all sick horses, and by anyone handling sick horses or associated biological samples.
C. S. Smith; A. McLaughlin; H. E. Field; D. Edson; D. Mayer; S. Ossedryver; J. Barrett; D. Waltisbuhl. Twenty years of Hendra virus: laboratory submission trends and risk factors for infection in horses. Epidemiology and Infection 2016, 144, 3176 -3183.
AMA StyleC. S. Smith, A. McLaughlin, H. E. Field, D. Edson, D. Mayer, S. Ossedryver, J. Barrett, D. Waltisbuhl. Twenty years of Hendra virus: laboratory submission trends and risk factors for infection in horses. Epidemiology and Infection. 2016; 144 (15):3176-3183.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. S. Smith; A. McLaughlin; H. E. Field; D. Edson; D. Mayer; S. Ossedryver; J. Barrett; D. Waltisbuhl. 2016. "Twenty years of Hendra virus: laboratory submission trends and risk factors for infection in horses." Epidemiology and Infection 144, no. 15: 3176-3183.
Exposure to hot environments affects milk yield (MY) and milk composition of pasture and feed-pad fed dairy cows in subtropical regions. This study was undertaken during summer to compare MY and physiology of cows exposed to six heat-load management treatments. Seventy-eight Holstein-Friesian cows were blocked by season of calving, parity, milk yield, BW, and milk protein (%) and milk fat (%) measured in 2 weeks prior to the start of the study. Within blocks, cows were randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: open-sided iron roofed day pen adjacent to dairy (CID) + sprinklers (SP); CID only; non-shaded pen adjacent to dairy + SP (NSD + SP); open-sided shade cloth roofed day pen adjacent to dairy (SCD); NSD + sprinkler (sprinkler on for 45 min at 1100 h if mean respiration rate >80 breaths per minute (NSD + WSP)); open-sided shade cloth roofed structure over feed bunk in paddock + 1 km walk to and from the dairy (SCP + WLK). Sprinklers for CID + SP and NSD + SP cycled 2 min on, 12 min off when ambient temperature >26°C. The highest milk yields were in the CID + SP and CID treatments (23.9 L cow−1 day−1), intermediate for NSD + SP, SCD and SCP + WLK (22.4 L cow−1 day−1), and lowest for NSD + WSP (21.3 L cow−1 day−1) (P < 0.05). The highest (P < 0.05) feed intakes occurred in the CID + SP and CID treatments while intake was lowest (P < 0.05) for NSD + WSP and SCP + WLK. Weather data were collected on site at 10-min intervals, and from these, THI was calculated. Nonlinear regression modelling of MY × THI and heat-load management treatment demonstrated that cows in CID + SP showed no decline in MY out to a THI break point value of 83.2, whereas the pooled MY of the other treatments declined when THI >80.7. A combination of iron roof shade plus water sprinkling throughout the day provided the most effective control of heat load.
T. M. Davison; N. N. Jonsson; D. G. Mayer; J. B. Gaughan; W. K. Ehrlich; M. R. McGowan. Comparison of the impact of six heat-load management strategies on thermal responses and milk production of feed-pad and pasture fed dairy cows in a subtropical environment. International Journal of Biometeorology 2016, 60, 1961 -1968.
AMA StyleT. M. Davison, N. N. Jonsson, D. G. Mayer, J. B. Gaughan, W. K. Ehrlich, M. R. McGowan. Comparison of the impact of six heat-load management strategies on thermal responses and milk production of feed-pad and pasture fed dairy cows in a subtropical environment. International Journal of Biometeorology. 2016; 60 (12):1961-1968.
Chicago/Turabian StyleT. M. Davison; N. N. Jonsson; D. G. Mayer; J. B. Gaughan; W. K. Ehrlich; M. R. McGowan. 2016. "Comparison of the impact of six heat-load management strategies on thermal responses and milk production of feed-pad and pasture fed dairy cows in a subtropical environment." International Journal of Biometeorology 60, no. 12: 1961-1968.
Limitations in quality bedding material have resulted in the growing need to re-use litter during broiler farming in some countries, which can be of concern from a food-safety perspective. The aim of this study was to compare the Campylobacter levels in ceca and litter across three litter treatments under commercial farming conditions. The litter treatments were (a) the use of new litter after each farming cycle; (b) an Australian partial litter re-use practice; and (c) a full litter re-use practice. The study was carried out on two farms over two years (Farm 1, from 2009–2010 and Farm 2, from 2010–2011), across three sheds (35,000 to 40,000 chickens/shed) on each farm, adopting three different litter treatments across six commercial cycles. A random sampling design was adopted to test litter and ceca for Campylobacter and Escherichia coli, prior to commercial first thin-out and final pick-up. Campylobacter levels varied little across litter practices and farming cycles on each farm and were in the range of log 8.0–9.0 CFU/g in ceca and log 4.0–6.0 MPN/g for litter. Similarly the E. coli in ceca were ∼log 7.0 CFU/g. At first thin-out and final pick-up, the statistical analysis for both litter and ceca showed that the three-way interaction (treatments by farms by times) was highly significant (P < 0.01), indicating that the patterns of Campylobacter emergence/presence across time vary between the farms, cycles and pickups. The emergence and levels of both organisms were not influenced by litter treatments across the six farming cycles on both farms. Either C. jejuni or C. coli could be the dominant species across litter and ceca, and this phenomenon could not be attributed to specific litter treatments. Irrespective of the litter treatments in place, cycle 2 on Farm 2 remained Campylobacter-free. These outcomes suggest that litter treatments did not directly influence the time of emergence and levels of Campylobacter and E. coli during commercial farming.
H. N. Chinivasagam; W. Estella; H. Rodrigues; D. G. Mayer; C. Weyand; T. Tran; A. Onysk; I. Diallo. On-farm Campylobacter and Escherichia coli in commercial broiler chickens: Re-used bedding does not influence Campylobacter emergence and levels across sequential farming cycles. Poultry Science 2016, 95, 1105 -1115.
AMA StyleH. N. Chinivasagam, W. Estella, H. Rodrigues, D. G. Mayer, C. Weyand, T. Tran, A. Onysk, I. Diallo. On-farm Campylobacter and Escherichia coli in commercial broiler chickens: Re-used bedding does not influence Campylobacter emergence and levels across sequential farming cycles. Poultry Science. 2016; 95 (5):1105-1115.
Chicago/Turabian StyleH. N. Chinivasagam; W. Estella; H. Rodrigues; D. G. Mayer; C. Weyand; T. Tran; A. Onysk; I. Diallo. 2016. "On-farm Campylobacter and Escherichia coli in commercial broiler chickens: Re-used bedding does not influence Campylobacter emergence and levels across sequential farming cycles." Poultry Science 95, no. 5: 1105-1115.
Bats of the genus Pteropus (Pteropodidae) are recognised as the natural host of multiple emerging pathogenic viruses of animal and human health significance, including henipaviruses, lyssaviruses and ebolaviruses. Some studies have suggested that physiological and ecological factors may be associated with Hendra virus infection in flying-foxes in Australia; however, it is essential to understand the normal range and seasonal variability of physiological biomarkers before seeking physiological associations with infection status. We aimed to measure a suite of physiological biomarkers in P. alecto over time to identify any seasonal fluctuations and to examine possible associations with life-cycle and environmental stressors. We sampled 839 adult P. alecto in the Australian state of Queensland over a 12-month period. The adjusted population means of every assessed hematologic and biochemical parameter were within the reported reference range on every sampling occasion. However, within this range, we identified significant temporal variation in these parameters, in urinary parameters and body condition, which primarily reflected the normal annual life cycle. We found no evident effect of remarkable physiological demands or nutritional stress, and no indication of clinical disease driving any parameter values outside the normal species reference range. Our findings identify underlying temporal physiological changes at the population level that inform epidemiological studies and assessment of putative physiological risk factors driving Hendra virus infection in P. alecto. More broadly, the findings add to the knowledge of Pteropus populations in terms of their relative resistance and resilience to emerging infectious disease.
Lee McMichael; Daniel Edson; David Mayer; Amanda McLaughlin; Lauren Goldspink; Miranda E. Vidgen; Steven Kopp; Joanne Meers; Hume Field. Temporal Variation in Physiological Biomarkers in Black Flying-Foxes (Pteropus alecto), Australia. EcoHealth 2016, 13, 49 -59.
AMA StyleLee McMichael, Daniel Edson, David Mayer, Amanda McLaughlin, Lauren Goldspink, Miranda E. Vidgen, Steven Kopp, Joanne Meers, Hume Field. Temporal Variation in Physiological Biomarkers in Black Flying-Foxes (Pteropus alecto), Australia. EcoHealth. 2016; 13 (1):49-59.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLee McMichael; Daniel Edson; David Mayer; Amanda McLaughlin; Lauren Goldspink; Miranda E. Vidgen; Steven Kopp; Joanne Meers; Hume Field. 2016. "Temporal Variation in Physiological Biomarkers in Black Flying-Foxes (Pteropus alecto), Australia." EcoHealth 13, no. 1: 49-59.
D.G. Mayer; R.A. Stephenson. Statistical forecasting of the Australian macadamia crop. Acta Horticulturae 2016, 265 -270.
AMA StyleD.G. Mayer, R.A. Stephenson. Statistical forecasting of the Australian macadamia crop. Acta Horticulturae. 2016; (1109):265-270.
Chicago/Turabian StyleD.G. Mayer; R.A. Stephenson. 2016. "Statistical forecasting of the Australian macadamia crop." Acta Horticulturae , no. 1109: 265-270.
Managing and measuring the grazing and nutrition of cattle are required to improve the productivity and profitability of beef businesses in northern Australia. The quality and composition of the diet selected by cattle grazing in three stocking methods (continuous, extensive rotation and intensive (cell) rotation) on nine commercial properties in Queensland were estimated using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy analyses of fresh faeces; 585 faecal samples were analysed between 2005 and 2009. Sites were in two regions (north and south Queensland) and on two vegetation communities, namely brigalow (Acacia harpophylla F. Muell. ex Benth.) on clay soils and eucalypts on light-textured soil types. Pastures were dominated by perennial sown exotic grass species, predominantly Cenchrus ciliaris L. (buffel grass) at five sites and Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack.) (Sabi grass) at one site, and by native perennial tussock grasses at three sites. Seasonal profiles of dietary crude protein, dry matter digestibility, faecal nitrogen concentration, proportion of non-grass, ratio of crude protein to digestibility and an estimate of liveweight gain are presented for each stocking method. Overall, dietary crude protein, digestibility, faecal nitrogen, the crude protein : digestibility ratio and liveweight gain were significantly higher for animals grazed continuously, with short rest periods, than for animals in extensive or intensive rotations. There was a significant interaction between stocking method and pasture growing conditions, measured as a simulated growth index, for dietary crude protein and faecal nitrogen. There was no difference between stocking methods during periods when the index was 0.5), crude protein and faecal nitrogen were higher with continuous grazing than in the extensive and intensive rotations. For cattle producers considering alternative stocking methods, the results suggest they can obtain similar ecological responses under any of the three methods and diet quality will be higher during the pasture growing period in continuously grazed pastures.
Trevor J. Hall; John G. McIvor; Paul Jones; David R. Smith; David Mayer. Comparison of stocking methods for beef production in northern Australia: seasonal diet quality and composition. The Rangeland Journal 2016, 38, 553 -567.
AMA StyleTrevor J. Hall, John G. McIvor, Paul Jones, David R. Smith, David Mayer. Comparison of stocking methods for beef production in northern Australia: seasonal diet quality and composition. The Rangeland Journal. 2016; 38 (6):553-567.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTrevor J. Hall; John G. McIvor; Paul Jones; David R. Smith; David Mayer. 2016. "Comparison of stocking methods for beef production in northern Australia: seasonal diet quality and composition." The Rangeland Journal 38, no. 6: 553-567.