PDS: Impact of Spring Active Dung Beetles on Pasture Growths
| Project start date: | 01 August 2017 |
| Project end date: | 31 May 2020 |
| Publication date: | 31 May 2019 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle |
Summary
This project sits under MLA's Producer Demonstration Sites program.
The aim of this demonstration site project was to determine if spring active dung beetles persist and thrive in the Riverina Highlands, recycling dung and improving pasture dry matter production by up to 30% in spring.
The project was terminated within the first year due to the following:
- The new dung beetles being imported from France were not ready for widespread distribution
- It was recommended that the group look to use Bubas Bison, a winter active rather than spring active dung beetle
- This species once released will not be active for 18 months and therefore the demonstration will not be able to demonstrate any change
- There is some evidence that this species is already in the area.
More information
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
