Understanding the effect of moisture on the mechanical properties of treated and untreated fodder for ingestion by cattle

Overview

Crop residues such as wheat straw, rice straw and sugar cane tops and trash are a major source of feed for ruminant livestock for small scale producers in the tropics during both typical dry seasons and droughts, but they are of poor quality and often have less than 30 per cent digestibility.  A current QUT project funded by the Gates Foundation is measuring the digestibility and ease of ingestion for cattle, months or years after the residues are baled and treated with ammonia.  The aim is to  increase the availability and nutritional values of livestock feed in tropical and sub-tropical regions through, for example, Africa, India and Australia.

Part of the project involves the use of a mechanical tester originally from the soil mechanics discipline, forming a multi-disciplinary approach involving herbivory and engineering.

It is known that moisture content is an important parameter in both the treatment with ammonia and mechanical properties of the plant material, however the details are poorly understood.  This VRES project aims to improve the understanding of moisture content, drying and re-wetting on the mechanical properties relevant to cattle ingestion.

Research engagement

The student will carry out a literature search on the effects of moisture on fodder properties and will carry out physical testing and analyses at the QUT Banyo testing facility.

Research activities

Computer searches and documentation, mechanical testing using an existing compression and shear equipment,  simple thermographic  analysis, analysis of the data and compilation of a report and presentation poster.

Research skills

Searching, communication, mechanical testing, data analysis,  use of excel and statistics software, reporting and presentation skills.

Outcomes

An enhanced understanding of the effect of moisture content and drying on the treatment and mechanical behaviour of  fodder residues for improved ingestion by cattle.

Skills and experience

Areas of interest would be livestock primary production, engineering application.

Start date

24 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

QUT Banyo testing facility

Additional information

Mechanical testing, computer hardware and software facilities, supervision and technician support will be available.

Keywords

• fodder
• ingestion
• ammonia treatment
• mechanical testing

Contact

Floren Plaza

0731381239

f.plaza@qut.edu.au