Grazing animals alter the amount and composition of what they eat by selecting different species and different plant parts. Since this affects nutrient intake, diet selection is very important for the growth of animals being prepared for a given market. Based on the use of alkane research to quantify nutrient intake, pasture systems can be developed that enable a farmer to supplement animal diets more effectively to meet nutrient requirements. This research may ultimately help conserve Australian wildlife. By using the alkane method to determine the wombats' diet, better management techniques are now being implemented to preserve the species.
Studies are in progress to examine the diets of possums, wild and domestic goats, horses and cattle.
Dr Hugh Dove and team have recently extended the alkane method to estimate simultaneously the diet composition, herbage intake and the intake of supplementary feeds. The Australian component of this collaborative research between Australia and Scotland was funded by woolgrowers through the Woolmark Company. The development of an alkane method for supplement alkane intake was funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.