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Dr Kieren McCosker
Dr

Kieren McCosker

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Overview

Background

Kieren McCosker has expertise in tropical beef production. Kieren completed an Agriculture Science - Animal Science degree (University of Queensland) and later a PhD (School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland) deteriming the factors associated with reproductive performance in northern Australia beef cows, otherwise known as the Cash Cow project while working in the Agriculture Division of the Northern Territory Government's Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. In 2021, Kieren commenced working with the Centre of Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture, Food and Innovation and comes with approximately 20 years of experience investigating production issues across many facets of the northern beef production system and south-east Asia. Some of his current projects examine the impact of shade and paddock infrastructure on calf mortality, and utilising remote technologies to remotely detect key production events, such as calving and associated maternal behaviours.

Availability

Dr Kieren McCosker is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Agricultural Science, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Member, Australian Association of Animal Sciences, Australian Association of Animal Sciences

Works

Search Professor Kieren McCosker’s works on UQ eSpace

105 works between 2003 and 2024

41 - 60 of 105 works

2022

Other Outputs

Investigating the causes of calf losses in extensive pastoral systems - Calf watch

Schatz, Tim, McCosker, Kieren, Wheeler, Jack, Fordyce, Eleanor, Glasson, Georgia, Wooderson, Melissa and Boughton, Raoul (2022). Investigating the causes of calf losses in extensive pastoral systems - Calf watch. Final Report Sydney, NSW, Australia: Meat and Livestock Australia.

Investigating the causes of calf losses in extensive pastoral systems - Calf watch

2022

Conference Publication

The Easy P Project: evaluating a Phosphorus supplementation strategy that is easy to implement in areas that are difficult to access during the wet season in northern Australia

Schatz, T. J., McCosker, K. D. and Maxwell, C. (2022). The Easy P Project: evaluating a Phosphorus supplementation strategy that is easy to implement in areas that are difficult to access during the wet season in northern Australia. 34th Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences , Cairns, Australia, 2-7 July 2022. Australian Association of Animal Sciences.

The Easy P Project: evaluating a Phosphorus supplementation strategy that is easy to implement in areas that are difficult to access during the wet season in northern Australia

2021

Journal Article

Defining the primary business measure of liveweight production for beef cows in northern Australia

Fordyce, Geoffry, Barnes, Tamsin S., McGowan, Michael R., Perkins, Nigel R., Smith, David R. and McCosker, Kieren D. (2021). Defining the primary business measure of liveweight production for beef cows in northern Australia. Animal Production Science, 63 (4), 395-409. doi: 10.1071/AN20096

Defining the primary business measure of liveweight production for beef cows in northern Australia

2021

Conference Publication

Feed intake and live weight gain of Brahman steers fed diets containing cassava in the Northern Territory

McCosker, K., Roberio, G., Mello, H., Quigley, S. P. and Poppi, D. P. (2021). Feed intake and live weight gain of Brahman steers fed diets containing cassava in the Northern Territory. 33rd Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences, Fremantle, WA Australia, 1-3 February 2021. Orange, NSW Australia: Australian Association of Animal Science.

Feed intake and live weight gain of Brahman steers fed diets containing cassava in the Northern Territory

2021

Conference Publication

The effect of shade on GPS collar-recorded temperature and grazing behaviour of heifers during summer in the Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory

McCosker, Kieren and Jenner, Dale (2021). The effect of shade on GPS collar-recorded temperature and grazing behaviour of heifers during summer in the Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory. 33rd Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences, Fremantle, WA, Australia, 1-3 February 2021. Orange, NSW, Australia: Australian Association of Animal Science.

The effect of shade on GPS collar-recorded temperature and grazing behaviour of heifers during summer in the Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory

2020

Journal Article

Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 2. Descriptive analysis of monitored reproductive performance

McCosker, K. D., Fordyce, G., O'Rourke, P. K. and McGowan, M. R. (2020). Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 2. Descriptive analysis of monitored reproductive performance. Animal Production Science, 63 (4), 311-319. doi: 10.1071/AN17495

Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 2. Descriptive analysis of monitored reproductive performance

2020

Journal Article

Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 8. Impact of rainfall and wild dog control on percentage fetal and calf loss

Allen, Lee R., Barnes, Tamsin S., Fordyce, Geoffry, McCosker, Kieren D. and McGowan, Michael R. (2020). Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 8. Impact of rainfall and wild dog control on percentage fetal and calf loss. Animal Production Science, 63 (4), 388-394. doi: 10.1071/an19430

Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 8. Impact of rainfall and wild dog control on percentage fetal and calf loss

2020

Journal Article

Epidemiology and management of BVDV in rangeland beef breeding herds in Northern Australia

McGowan, Michael, McCosker, Kieren, Fordyce, Geoff and Kirkland, Peter (2020). Epidemiology and management of BVDV in rangeland beef breeding herds in Northern Australia. Viruses, 12 (10) v12101063, 1063. doi: 10.3390/v12101063

Epidemiology and management of BVDV in rangeland beef breeding herds in Northern Australia

2020

Other Outputs

Vaccination of calves and weaners for Clostridial diseases

McCosker, Kieren (2020). Vaccination of calves and weaners for Clostridial diseases. Final Report North Sydney, NSW, Australia: Meat and Livestock Australia.

Vaccination of calves and weaners for Clostridial diseases

2020

Journal Article

Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 1. Survey of nutritional, breeding and herd health management practices and of the environment

McCosker, K. D., Jephcott, S., Burns, B. M., Smith, D. R., Fordyce, G., O'Rourke, P. K. and McGowan, M. R. (2020). Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 1. Survey of nutritional, breeding and herd health management practices and of the environment. Animal Production Science, 63 (4), 301-310. doi: 10.1071/AN17494

Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 1. Survey of nutritional, breeding and herd health management practices and of the environment

2019

Conference Publication

Calf Watch – developing a system to remotely monitor calving and study calf loss in extensive situations in Northern Australia

Schatz, T., McCosker, K., Wooderson, M., Bailey-Preston, G. and Boughton, R. (2019). Calf Watch – developing a system to remotely monitor calving and study calf loss in extensive situations in Northern Australia. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Park Ridge, QLD Australia: North Australia Beef Research Council .

Calf Watch – developing a system to remotely monitor calving and study calf loss in extensive situations in Northern Australia

2019

Conference Publication

Supplementation effects on growth and fertility in lactating Bos indicus cows in the Katherine region, Northern Territory

McCosker, Kieran D., Monk, B. and Lynch, Dan (2019). Supplementation effects on growth and fertility in lactating Bos indicus cows in the Katherine region, Northern Territory. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2018. Brisbane, QLD Australia: Northern Australia Beef Research Council.

Supplementation effects on growth and fertility in lactating Bos indicus cows in the Katherine region, Northern Territory

2019

Conference Publication

Phosphorus supplementation and female PiP levels in the VRD, NT

Schatz, T. and McCosker, K. (2019). Phosphorus supplementation and female PiP levels in the VRD, NT. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Park Ridge, QLD Australia: North Australia Beef Research Council.

Phosphorus supplementation and female PiP levels in the VRD, NT

2019

Conference Publication

A single-shot 5-in-1 vaccination at the time of dehorning/castration and prevalence of ‘missing’ animals at future mustering events

McCosker, K. D., Ward, J. and Douglas, J. (2019). A single-shot 5-in-1 vaccination at the time of dehorning/castration and prevalence of ‘missing’ animals at future mustering events. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2021. Brisbane, QLD Australia: North Australian Beef Research Council .

A single-shot 5-in-1 vaccination at the time of dehorning/castration and prevalence of ‘missing’ animals at future mustering events

2019

Conference Publication

Brahman and F1 Senepol x Brahman heifer performance in the NT

Schatz, T., McCosker, K., Wheeler, J. and Dollemore, W. (2019). Brahman and F1 Senepol x Brahman heifer performance in the NT. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Park Ridge, QLD Australia: North Australia Beef Research Council.

Brahman and F1 Senepol x Brahman heifer performance in the NT

2019

Conference Publication

Effect of Phosphorus supplementation on female reproductive performance in phosphorus deficient country in the NT

Schatz, T., McCosker, K. and Thomas, S. (2019). Effect of Phosphorus supplementation on female reproductive performance in phosphorus deficient country in the NT. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Park Ridge, QLD Australia: North Australian Beef Research Council.

Effect of Phosphorus supplementation on female reproductive performance in phosphorus deficient country in the NT

2019

Conference Publication

Risk factors of cows associated with plasma inorganic P concentration of calves at weaning

McCosker, K. D. and Schatz, T. (2019). Risk factors of cows associated with plasma inorganic P concentration of calves at weaning. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Brisbane, QLD Australia: North Australian Beef Research Council.

Risk factors of cows associated with plasma inorganic P concentration of calves at weaning

2019

Conference Publication

Finding the ‘Sweet Spot’ for reproductive performance in north Australian beef herds

Cowley, Robyn, McCosker, Kieren D., Pahl, Lester, Smith, Dave, Whish, Giselle, Wooderson, Melissa, Fordyce, Geoffry, Holloway, Christopher, Jenner, Dale and Materne, Christopher (2019). Finding the ‘Sweet Spot’ for reproductive performance in north Australian beef herds. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Brisbane, QLD Australia: North Australian Beef Research Council.

Finding the ‘Sweet Spot’ for reproductive performance in north Australian beef herds

2019

Conference Publication

“Paddock Power”: unlocking the secrets to sustainable and profitable intensification

Walsh, D. and McCosker, K. (2019). “Paddock Power”: unlocking the secrets to sustainable and profitable intensification. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Park Ridge, QLD Australia: North Australia Beef Research Council.

“Paddock Power”: unlocking the secrets to sustainable and profitable intensification

2019

Conference Publication

Shifting cattle from grazing extensive pastures to floodplain pastures in the Northern Territory: effect on rumen microbial communities

Gilbert, Rosalind, Ouwerkerk, Diane, Negara, Windu, Schatz, Tim, Kleive, Athol and McCosker, Kieren (2019). Shifting cattle from grazing extensive pastures to floodplain pastures in the Northern Territory: effect on rumen microbial communities. Northern Beef Research Update Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 19-22 August 2019. Brisbane, QLD Australia: North Australian Beef Research Council.

Shifting cattle from grazing extensive pastures to floodplain pastures in the Northern Territory: effect on rumen microbial communities

Funding

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Supply chain best practice to improve the health and welfare of free-range buffalo harvest in Arnhem Land - Northern Territory.
    CRC for Developing Northern Australia
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    North Queensland cotton-grains-cattle farming systems
    CRC for Developing Northern Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Reducing methane emissions and improving profitability in Northern Australian beef
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    The Sweet Spot: Improving breeder herd performance through optimal pasture utilisation (Northern Territory Dept of Industry, Tourism and Trade administered MLA project)
    Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    NB2: Assessing practical interventions to reduce calf wastage and herd mortality in northern systems
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2025
    Digital Agriculture project to integrate satellite imaging of pasture biomass and on farm sensors
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Product development of an Australian trichomoniasis vaccine: Pilot trial
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Cool Calves: Reducing calf loss from exposure (MLA project administered by NTDITT)
    Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Paddock Power: increasing reproductive productivity through evidence-based paddock design - a pilot study (MLA project administered by NTDITT)
    Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Usuckled: Detection of maternal behaviours associated with suckling in beef cattle (MLA project administered by NTDITT)
    Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    Improving fertility in northern cattle through host and pathogen molecular diagnosis
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Kieren McCosker is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reducing methane emissions and improving profitability in Northern Australian beef

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Ben Hayes

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding body temperature regulation in grazing cattle and the effects on production

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor John Gaughan, Dr Angela Lees

  • Doctor Philosophy

    PhD Analgesia and Haemostasis to achieve high standards of beef calf welfare in northern Australia

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Alan Tilbrook

  • Master Philosophy

    Ability of on-animal sensors to estimate individual intake of supplements in beef cattle

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Sarah Meale, Associate Professor Luis Prada e Silva

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Kieren McCosker's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au