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Research Questions/Objectives:
Brief Description of the Project: Faecal seeding is a common methodology in practice which can be utilized to introduce legumes into grazed pastures. However, there is very little data regarding species in northern Australia, and whether hard or soft Desmanthus seeds are more likely to survive the gastrointestinal tract, and how many of those seeds remain viable for germination in the paddock afterward.
Background and Significance of the Research Question to drought risk, vulnerability, preparedness, or resilience: The pasture legume Desmanthus is a drought hardy species which can improve biodiversity of the northern Australia rangelands and productivity of the livestock raised there. In drought prone semi arid regions graziers are seeking inexpensive ways to enhance drought resilience and productivity, and faecal seeding is a potential tool to assist them.
Desmanthus seed is very hard seeded and will pass through cattle digestive system and remain viable. It is already known that Desmanthus seeds will survive in dung after faecal seeding up to 9yrs later, and a follow up study is required to determine whether which species is best suited to survive digestion. In a pen study we will feed seeds to cattle and test hard versus scarified seed for passage time and viability.
Thus, informing graziers and seed merchants if they should feed hard or scarified seed in their supplements for best germination and ultimately legume establishment. We will also be able to definitively establish how many of the seeds fed to cattle survive, allowing producers to be more accurate and efficient when using faecal seeding to establish legumes in their paddocks.
Academic and research experience relevant to the honours project:
James Cook Uni Veterinary Science 3rd year (TV3002) literature review and research project re: faecal seeding and seed recovery from dung in 2022.
– Abstract published and findings presented at NABRUC 2023 in Darwin on the viability of Desmanthus after 9yr drought simulation.
– Current veterinary undergraduate student (due for graduation Dec 2024) and pursuing extra-curricular research opportunities alongside Chris Gardiner.
Principal Supervisor’s skills and experience in relation to this project topic:
I’m a 5th year Veterinary Science student at James Cook University, and the aim of my research is to improve knowledge and confidence around the use of faecal seeding to assist legume uptake in northern Australia. There are so many innovative producers who are looking to increase the protein content of their pastures, and all they need is the tools to make the best choice. I love when agriculture and science work together to find the most effective solutions to an industry problem. I’ve always loved the medical and scientific fields and worked in healthcare for years. However, growing up in agriculture meant I was always secretly wishing I was back in the paddock and cattle yards, so returning to study vet science in Townsville allows me to live out both passions.
Future Career Goals:
After graduation this year I am aiming to work in a mixed practice in northern Australia, where there are significant vet labour shortages and I could be of use. This would also allow me to be remain connected to the producers and their issues, and potentially continue research where it is needed most.
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