This paper describes the progress towards developing a practical and cost effective alternative to the water trough currently used in extensive sheep operations. Though functional, troughs are not very efficient as significant amounts of water are lost during routine cleaning and evaporation. Further, troughs require constant monitoring and maintenance to ensure they operate effectively. Nippidrink technology may prove to be a practical and cost effective alternative. The device consists of stainless steel nipples, similar to those used in the pig rearing industry, connected in series to a water delivery pipe. It is recognised rangeland applications will need to operate under conditions considerably different to those in a rearing shed, but the proposed Nippidrink system may provide a reliable supply of fresh water and be virtually maintenance free. Further, Nippidrink may greatly enhance the control and dispensing of nutritional/medicinal products and soluble lures (aniseed/salt) to keep stock on waters equipped with trap yards all year round, even when there is large amounts of paddock surface water. Nippidrink may also promote the control of small feral pests that threaten biodiversity as elevated nipple height may prevent them from exerting adequate nipple pressure to effect water let down. Protocols have been developed to help rangeland sheep learn to use Nippidrink and development work to obtain the optimal design specifications for various types and classes of livestock is in progress.
Kalgoorlie, Western AustraliaÂ
ISSN 0-9596923-3-9
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.