The IndoBeef program provides opportunities for postgraduate research candidates to complete research relevant to the CropCow and PalmCow projects.
This adds value to IndoBeef research outcomes, helps build research capacity within Indonesian research institutions, and provides candidates with access to IndoBeef researchers and networks.
Understanding the effects of Leucaena leucocephala toxicity on reproduction.
The forage tree legume Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) is a high quality feed which can improve the nutrition of ruminant livestock in tropical countries. However, the use of this legume is restricted for breeding animals due to the presence of secondary toxic compounds (mimosine and DHP) in all parts of the plant. These compounds may have a deleterious effect on reproduction. Several studies using rodents indicate that leucaena toxicity could damage the reproductive performance of male and female animals including low conception rates, embryonic and foetal death, malformation, decreased libido and reduced sperm quality. There are several physiological mechanisms, such as hypothyroidism, competitive inhibition of enzyme pathways, and oestrogenic activity, by which the leucaena toxins might be responsible for reproductive failure in livestock. As the lack of knowledge regarding the effects on reproduction and the proper management to avoid toxicity are a limiting factor to increased adoption of leucaena, the following areas are priority objectives for addressing this issue: (a) to investigate the phase of pregnancy that is most affected by toxicity of leucaena; (b) to address the gaps of knowledge about the best management practises to feed leucaena successfully; and, (c) to determine the best strategy to cope with leucaena toxicity in the breeding females.
Impact evaluation of livestock management on productivity and environmental sustainability of cattle - oil palm integrated systems in Indonesia.
The goal of this project is to provide guidelines on livestock management in order to realise the most beneficial cattle – oil palm integration approach.
The “most beneficial” system will be determined based on palm and cattle productivity and on the environmental sustainability score of alternative livestock management systems. These livestock management systems could for example be intensive or extensive systems, and these in turn could be high- or low-input.
To complete this research, Jori will be performing a modelling study using the APSIM framework (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator), linking livestock, soil, crop and forage modules to simulate a cattle – oil palm integrated system in Indonesia.
The University of New England’s Doctor of Philosophy (Innovation) PhD.I is a unique, project-based, higher research degree. It involves context-based research on a research project that develops one or more tangible or process-based innovations that have identifiable impacts when implemented. This doctorate suits anyone wishing to carry out project-based research on an Innovation within their field of expertise. The University of New England is providing several fully-funded scholarships to Indonesian candidates to complete PhD.I higher research degrees in support of the IndoBeef program.
UNE PhD.Innovation Research Award Scholarships (UNE PIRA) are currently available. Applications close 1st March, 2019.
Current Innovation projects include:
A community engagement approach to increase farmer-level adoption of breeding tool to boost reproductive performance of Bali Cattle (Bos javanicus) in Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), Indonesia.
Febri’s research seeks to encourage smallholder farmers to apply simple tools and technologies to assess body condition score, oestrus of cows and soundness of bulls, and keep records of the resulting data to allow farmers to manage cattle breeding more efficiently. Developing an understanding of farming communities and the challenges they face in cattle management will be vital to ensuring the success of community engagement in this project.
A risk-based evaluation toolkit for effective and efficient beef safety inspection at traditional abattoirs in Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB).
Safety and hygiene in local manually-operated abattoirs is a significant challenge. Issues include lack of knowledge, poor facilities and infrastructure, inadequate enforcement of regulations, and improper control assessment. Fuji’s research will explore the problems and constraints faced by both meat safety inspectors and slaughterhouse operators in establishing food safety management and control systems. She will also develop a participatory risk-based evaluation toolkit to address prevailing issues and improve the effectiveness of current inspection processes.
New product development strategy for selling high value Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) beef in selected urban markets in Indonesia.
The focus of Tian’s research is on identifying an alternative marketing strategy for selling NTB beef products as a differentiated beef product in urban markets in Indonesia, and looking for opportunities in the NTB local market. He is seeking to determine consumer preferences relating to a number of key attributes of beef products, as well as the price consumers may be willing to pay for different attributes associated with product quality.
Development of an inclusive business model for the Indonesian beef industry.
This research is about understanding smallholder constraints with regard to cow and calf production, and examining the innovative practices that are already occurring in this context. From these, the goal of Zenal’s Innovation project is to create new business models that address smallholder constraints. The model will be created from combinations of the already occurring innovation practices by smallholders and other actors of the value chain. This will ultimately involve collaboration with those smallholder stakeholders who see opportunities in this area. The new business models will aim to improve profitability for smallholders by facilitating the creation of a value proposition, a value architecture and a financing mechanism.