W.APG.2501 - Young Applied Ruminant Nutrition Network (YARNN)

Summary

The YARNN program was rolled out in Vietnam and the Philippines. In partnership with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), a practical feedlot nutrition course was rolled out to feedlot industry representatives, academics and students. The goal of the program is to enhance knowledge of best practice feedlot management and to add to the sustainability of the trade by upskilling academics/students who can enter the commercial sector.

Objectives

Improve understanding of key topics around feedlot nutrition and maximising feedlot profitability as per the below overarching topics (further information in the additional details section): 

Ruminant nutrition (Biology) 

Feedlot economics 

Ingredients and formulations 

Conduct physical reviews of feedlot operations and rations and provide recommendations and education to support process improvement and production efficiency at a minimum of three feedlots across Vietnam and the Philippines (feedlot participants selected by MLA).  

Promote through data driven insights and experience the profitable use of Australian cattle throughout South-East Asian supply chains.  

Prepare training materials for participants and provide these resources to MLA.

Key findings

Course delivered more quickly than intended. Need to add more practical elements at feedlots.

Benefits to industry

Increased practical feedlot knowledge amongst industry in Vietnam. Ability to increase productivity in feedlots. 

Increased knowledge of academics and students from the Vietnam national university – part of a broader strategy to increase sustainability of the trade by ensuring practical knowledge for university graduates with the potential to enter the feedlot industry.

MLA action

Content developed for the course is held by MLA and provided to other in-market staff to pass on where necessary.

Future research

The LEP is looking into the next stage of the YARNN program for FY26 onwards. Potential to expand this further across markets and with greater practical elements.