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2 Project Objectives
The objectives of the project were to:
Identify and quantify the livestock export market preference for entire males, in particular bulls, rams and billy goats, and the basis of this preference e.g. lean meat or cultural
requirements.
Identify and make recommendations on the options along the entire live export chain to supply entire males to Australia’s live export customers. The recommendations must improve
the animal welfare of the animals while taking into account market sensitivities, production and commercial implications.
3 Methodology
3.1 Background data reviews and situation analyses
In undertaking the project, information on the background to the livestock export trade was reviewed, data on time trends and the extent of the trade for each species were analysed and, where
available, published information on overall death rates and death rates in entire males was collated and analysed
.
3.2 Discussions with industry and stakeholders.
The consultancy team of Keith Entwistle and Sandi Jephcott participated in the MLALIVECORP LiveExport RD Forum in Brisbane in late May 2005, which provided an opportunity to meet with a
number of key people in all sectors of the export industry. Extensive discussions were then undertaken with over 85 individuals and organisations involved in the live export trade in order to
draw on evidence and experience which could be used to develop options for modifications of aggressive behaviour in exported entire males. Opinions were also sought on future prospects for
the trade overall and for entire males specifically. Visits were also made to South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory as well as visits to other individuals and organisations
in Queensland and New South Wales. Contacts are listed in Appendix 1.
3.3 Review of Literature
An additional component of the project was to undertake a review of scientific literature on behavioural characteristics in entire males, and on options for modifications of aggressive
behaviour. However, because of the paucity of objective data in some areas, this review is not a traditional review of the scientific literature. Rather, it is a combination of relevant published scientific
information, extrapolations from accepted biological principles, together with considerable anecdotal information derived from the experience, judgements and assessments of a range of individuals,
commercial organisations and RD groups involved in the live export trade. Wherever possible, an attempt was made to verify the latter type of information against published information, but some
subjective judgements by the authors have been necessary.
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4 Results and Discussion
4.1 Situation analyses in relation to death rates in exported entire male livestock
