Here are a selection of current stories from agridata.co.nz New TB test developed for cattle Scientists in the US have developed an antibody-based test for bovine tuberculosis (bTb) reports The Beef Site. The new multiplex antibody test is able to detect antibody activity to 25 antigens at one time, something that was previously not possible. The new test may one day replace the current skin and gamma interferon tissue culture tests. Currently there is no effective treatment for bTb, so early diagnosis is critical. This new test can detect the disease faster and with great accuracy. Dr William Davis, professor in Washington State University's Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology department said: "Our test can provide results in a matter of hours rather than days with current methods. It also has increased specificity and is highly sensitive, so there are fewer false positives." Read the rest of this entry »
Wool sale affected by volume and shipping New Zealand Wool Services International reports that prices eased for most types at recent wool sales. In the combined auction of North and South Island wool in Napier and Christchurch, 81 per cent of the wool on offer sold. However, at 28,000 bales, this offering was 28 per cent above the original rostered quantity, which had an impact on prices. Compared to the previous sale, on 18 February, the New Zealand dollar has eased in value against a weighted indicator of the main international wool trading currencies, but the increased volumes coming forward neutralised the currency effect. A shortage of shipping capacity, caused by freighting providers slashing their services in response to the global recession, means wool exporters are unable to secure sufficient space, which in turn restricts their ability to purchase wool on the local market. According to the company, a small offering of finer crossbred fleece resisted this trend and stayed generally firm to six per cent dearer, with the very fine types benefiting the most. For detailed sale data look here » Read the rest of this entry » Agriculture and soil scientists not happy Outgoing AgResearch chief executive Andy West is not surprised by a survey which showed high levels of job dissatisfaction among agricultural and soil scientists. The survey, conducted by Professor Jack Sommer of the University of North Carolina for the New Zealand Association of Scientists, found more than 61 per cent of agricultural and soil scientists questioned were concerned with the direction funding of scientific research was heading. More than half (51.6 per cent) felt secure in their jobs but 48 per cent said job satisfaction had decreased since the last survey five years before reports The Waikato Times. Only 42 per cent would recommend science as a career. Dr West, who leaves the job on June 30 after announcing his resignation this month, is looking at the private sector and offshore for his next role. "Presently, there is too much competition for funding. However, I am hopeful that a better balance between contest and stability will be introduced in the near future," Dr West said. Read the rest of this entry » For up-to-date schedule and saleyard prices, see - Bulls - Steers - Lamb - Wool - Dairy cows - Stags
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