Table 1: Suggested approach for describing project activities in accordance with eligibility requirements Project activity Corresponding activity in the emissions intensity reference period How is this a new practice not previously undertaken or a variation of a previous practice? How the project activity can reasonably be expected to reduce emissions Supporting evidence of the potential effect on emissions Evidence to verify the action was undertaken* Supplement feeding Pasture feeding only Feed is purchased and supplied to the herd during the dry season, improving the diet compared to the previous practice of providing pasture only. Improved diets, particularly in the dry seasons, can increase LWG and prepare cattle for market at an earlier age. Better nutrition also improves animal health, survival and reproduction; reducing the proportion of unproductive animals in the herd. Industry guidance documents Journal papers Documented consultant advice Invoices and receipts from feed suppliers Management records of feeding Phosphorus supplements as required Little or no Phosphorus supplementation Phosphorus supplementation in the diet delivers productivity benefits particularly in young stock. Supplementation in phosphorus deficient areas improves growth rate, reducing time to slaughter. It increases heifer survival, reduces the average age of the herd and improves survival to weaning. It also results in a change in herd structure that increases the proportion of animals in the herd with higher LWG rates. Documented consultant recommendation Journal papers Industry guidance documents Invoices /receipts from feed suppliers Management records of the amount and timing of feeding Installation of new fences to enable improved management of joining time Minimal fencing and limited management of joining time New fences allow bulls to be separated from heifers and more effective control over joining. By controlling joining calves can be born when feed is available increasing survival of heifers and calves to weaning. Survival of heifers/calves reduces the average age of the herd. State or territory government information materials Invoices/ receipts for purchase of fencing materials Invoices from fencing contractor
Greater density of watering points Low watering point density resulting in overgrazing areas close to water and uneaten feed at the outer limits of stock movement. The rate of watering point establishment is increased, improving access to a wider feeding area and providing faster turnoff. More watering points allow the herd to graze over a greater distance, increasing the rate of feed intake and reducing wasted energy in seeking water and feed. The outcomes reduce the time to slaughter, increase survival of calves and heifers, resulting in a reduced average age of the herd and a higher proportion of animals with higher LWG rates. Published industry case studies Invoices/ receipts for purchase of materials used to store or distribute water Invoices from contractor Date-stamped photographs of watering point installation Use of Estimated Breeding Values to select bulls Use visual, subjective assessment for selection. Increased efficiency of feed conversion to reduce the average number of days from birth to slaughter in the herd. Bulls selected using estimated breeding values will produce progeny with more efficient feed conversion, reducing number of days from birth to slaughter. Published research Invoices/receipts and catalogues with genetic information on bulls