The effectiveness of mineral supplements for sheep and the claimed link between soil acidity, nutritional conditions and Ovine Johne’s Disease will be studied in New South Wales.

Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson announced the research projects during a visit to Wagga Wagga last week.

“The first of these exciting new projects is a pilot study to investigate the potential claimed link between soil pH, nutritional conditions and the clinical expression of Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD),” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The results from this trial will then determine if further research in this area is warranted.

“The second project will look at the effectiveness of vitamin and mineral supplements commonly used in sheep in NSW.

“This research will provide sheep producers with unbiased scientific information to help them decide if vitamin and mineral supplements are effective and economically worthwhile.

“The results from this new research will provide valuable information to NSW sheep producers and ensure sustainable and profitable production into the future.”

The research project will be financed by the NSW Sheep Industry Fund and undertaken by researchers at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

Research is part of NSW Agriculture Industry Action Plan

Ms Hodgkinson said the initiative delivers on Goal 1 of the NSW Agriculture Industry Action Plan launched last year – to maintain a responsive and flexible industry.

“This strategic roadmap was developed between industry and the NSW Government and ensures the continued growth of the State’s $12 billion primary industries sector,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The funding for these research projects is an excellent example of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government supporting the future growth of the State’s sheep industry.”

NSW advisory group supports new research projects

NSW Sheep Advisory Group chair Andrew Martel said the group provides advice to the Minister on proposals for the use of the funds.

“The NSW Sheep Industry Fund is used for research, extension or surveillance projects with outcomes that deliver practical benefits to NSW sheep producers,” Mr Martel said.

“The Sheep Advisory Group believe the research to be undertaken in the two projects announced today will clearly benefit the industry.”

Applicants seeking funding from the NSW Sheep Industry Fund for research, extension or surveillance projects may apply using the application form on the Department of Primary Industries website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/health/images/information-by-species/sheep/ojd/fund

Sources: NSW Department of Primary Industries