Kangaroos to the Rescue

Gus McFarlaneHasitha PriyashanthaAdriana Llopis

What Australia Faces

• Driest continent on earth – 80% desert and semi-arid.

• History of extensive beef farming practices.

• Global warming poses a serious threat to livestock production.

Predicted decline by 2030 (%) Predicted decline by 2050 (%)0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

19

33.5

Beef Production decline in Queenslands%

dec

line

in b

eef p

rodu

ction

Predicted decline by 2030 (%) Predicted decline by 2050 (%)0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

19.5

33.2

Beef Production decline in Northern Territory

% d

eclin

e in

bee

f pro

ducti

on

Current Issues with Kangaroo Industry

• All wild culled, therefore inconsistent supply• Tough meat – most used as pet food• Inconsistent slaughter practices and processing• Never been commercially domesticated

Consumption of Kangaroo meat is healthier and more sustainable than eating beef or lamb

Source : www.dynamicexport.com.au

Low CH4 emmission

Source: ‘Kangaroos to the Resuce’ New Scientist 20-27 December pp. 48-50

Naturally adapted

• Distributed all over the Australian contient • Well adapted to dry/harsh conditions

Source : www.awt.com.au

Grow well in range environments

• Eat less than cow or sheep

• Can eat lower quality foods than sheep and cattle

• Feed on native vegetation

• Very low water requirements

• Would require minimum farming inputs

More gentle - soft feet, less trampling

Hooves cause damage to vegetation and cause compaction of soils,which leads to erosion. Kangaroos have padded feet, which are much gentle on the land

Healthy meat

• Low in saturated fat, and is 98% fat free • High in iron, protein, zinc and B-group

vitamins• Good source of omega-3 fats, which help

reduce the risk of heart disease• Contains conjugated linoleic acid and

antioxidant

Action Plan

Develop a genetically superior line of meat kangaroos that prospers in semi-intensive farming systems of Australia.

Measured Traits Feed conversion ratio Growth rate (indirectly tenderness) Carcass yield Conformation Temperament Mothering ability

Breeding Technologies Develop both a sire and dam line Cross-breeding for hybrid vigour Artificial insemination Selective mating

Genetic Technologies QTL – Quantitative Trait Loci MAS – Marker Assisted Selection

Semi Intensive Farming System Large fenced areas Water supply Ensure adequate food is available all year round

KANGAROO BREEDING PROGRAM

Plan Milestones

Phase 1

• Experimental herd (e.g. 10 males and 40 females) • Identify feasibility for further development

Phase 2

• Investment in semi-intensive farming system• Continue to grow herd size and improve genetics

Phase 3

• Commercialisation and expansion• Sale of genetics and meat

Risk Assessment

• Genetically superior kangaroos could escape and decimate the wild population.

• Many years before a return on investment is achieved.

• Risk of breeding out nature adaptation to environment.

Thank you for listening