NSW Department of Primary Industries senior principal research scientist, Cowra-based David Hopkins said this is the first time the International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores and International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology (ISNH/ISRP) have been run together.

"With registrations from 45 countries to date, the event offers opportunities for Australians who work and study in the field to meet with others and explore multiple facets of animal production at global and local levels," Dr Hopkins said.

"Bringing people from so many countries together allows us to examine strategies which look after the planet and our environment in the face of increased demand for food.

"Energy use, better use of limited resources, optimising production, enhanced animal health, welfare and food safety, and healthier food for a hungry world are the major themes we will be exploring."

INSH/ISRP 2014 will run in conjunction with the Biennial Australian Society of Animal Production Conference and the line-up of local and international speakers has already attracted more than 400 registrations.

Dr Hopkins said specialised tours on September 12 will give local producers and processors the opportunity to meet with visiting researchers.

"Places are available for those who can't attend the conference in the three tours which will highlight dairy, beef, sheepmeat and wool production," he said.

"These tours are designed to show our international visitors how NSW producers manage sustainable production systems to meet market demand and give the locals some insights into what their neighbours are doing."

It's not just meat, milk and fibre produced by cattle and sheep enterprises, production and management of ruminants and herbivores from kangaroos to buffaloes will feature on the program.

Registration and program details are available online for the September 8-12 event, http://www.herbivores2014.com/registration.html or by contacting the ISNH/ISRP 2014 conference secretariat, (02) 9254 5000, registration@herbivores2014.com