@article {3672,
	title = {Analysis of ewe body condition scores from selected flocks in the North Island of New Zealand},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {82},
	year = {2022},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {28-32},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {<p>Ewe body condition score (BCS) is known to be associated with many ewe production traits. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were undertaken on existing datasets comprising 266,405 BCS observations from 86,444 individual two-tooth and mixed-age ewes on six commercially managed sheep farms in the North Island of New Zealand. The BCS observations were collected at pre-breeding, pregnancy diagnosis, set-stocking and weaning between the years 2009-2021. Overall, the majority of BCS observations were 2.5 or 3.0 while 9.7\% were BCS \&lt;2.5. At the key management times of pre-breeding and set-stocking, when it is recommended that ewes should be BCS 3.0 and above, 39\% and 50\% respectively of ewes were BCS \&lt;3.0. Mixed-age ewes had greater odds of being BCS \&lt;2.5 compared with two-tooth ewes, but with variation between BCS observation time, farm and year. While these data are from only six farms, if they are indicative of other North Island sheep farms they demonstrate significant room for improvement in individual ewe BCS for optimal production.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ridler AL and Flay KJ and Kenyon PR and Lawrence KE and Corner-Thomas RA}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {A comparison of the performance Romney and Wiltshire cross lambs to weaning},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {82},
	year = {2022},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {45-49},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {<p>New Zealand coarse-woolled sheep farmers today barely recover the costs of shearing. One option is to introduce a self-shedding breed such as the Wiltshire. A strategy to transition to a Wiltshire flock is to cross a ewe flock with Wiltshire rams and in subsequent years backcross with Wiltshire rams. The first year of a long-term study found the performance of first cross Wiltshire progeny were not different to the base Romney flock in terms of birth weight and growth to weaning. The ewe lambs from this first breeding were then bred as ewe lambs to Wiltshire rams in late April 2021 to generate {\textthreequarters} Wiltshire lambs. There were no differences (P\&gt;0.05) in fertility or fecundity between the {\textonehalf} Wiltshire cross or Romney ewe lambs. There were no differences in birth, docking or weaning weight with the exception that single-born {\textthreequarters} Wiltshire cross lambs had higher growth (P\&lt;0.05) from birth to weaning than their Romney counterparts. This effect was not (P\&gt;0.05) observed in twin lambs. Combined these results indicate to date that there are no negative impacts of introducing Wiltshire rams to a mixed-age Romney ewe flock in relation to ewe performance to 15 months of age and the performance of their {\textthreequarters} progeny to weaning.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Ridler AL and Kenyon PR and Andrews CJ and Burnham DL and Blair HT and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Drinking behaviour of ewes with access to a water trough during summer and autumn - a preliminary examination},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {82},
	year = {2022},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {69-76},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Three observational studies were conducted to determine the water intake behaviour of ewes during the summer of 2017 and autumn of 2018 in the Manawatu and summer of 2021 in the Wairarapa. In each study, ewes were offered ad-libitum access to water from reticulated water troughs with video cameras recording footage of ewe drinking behaviour. Ewes were fitted with a uniquely numbered collar and spray marked with an identification number on their flank. Proximity of ewes to the water trough was determined using Bluetooth technology. Maximum daily temperatures ranged between 17.2 and 25.5{\textdegree}C in study 1, 9.9 and 23.6{\textdegree}C in study 2 and 16.0 and 28.1{\textdegree}C in study 3. Pasture moisture content was greater than 70\% in both the Manawatu studies and less than 60\% in the Wairarapa. Eighty percent of ewes in 2017 and 45\% in 2018 were not observed to drink from the water trough at any time in the Manawatu, although, there was considerable intra-animal variation. In the Wairarapa, all ewes were observed to drink during the study on between one and 14 occasions. These studies suggest that ewe drinking behaviour showed considerable variation between individuals and is likely dependent on the environmental conditions and pasture moisture content.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas and Bunyaga AS and Draganova I and Burkitt L and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {A comparison of the ewe reproductive performance of Romney ewes bred to Romney or Wiltshire rams and the growth of their  progeny to weaning},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {81},
	year = {2021},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {136-140},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {This study reports the results of the first cross breeding of Romney ewes with Wiltshire rams as part of a grading-up transition. Romney mixed-age ewes were bred to either Romney (n=200) or Wiltshire rams (n=349) in March 2020. Ewe breeding pattern (cycle bred), reproductive performance (pregnancy and fecundity rates) and lambing performance (lambing rate, lamb birth and weaning live weight and lamb survival) were recorded. The reproductive performance of ewes bred to either Romney or Wiltshire rams showed few differences. There were no differences (P>0.05) in pregnancy, fecundity or lambing rates of ewes bred to either Romney or Wiltshire rams although minor differences (P<0.05) in the breeding pattern were observed. Lamb live weights at birth and in mid-lactation did not differ (P>0.05) among single, twin and triplet lambs sired by either Romney or Wiltshire rams, however at weaning Romney-sired triplet lambs were heavier than Wiltshire triplets (P<0.05). At weaning, a small percentage (1.6\%) of Wiltshire lambs showed early signs of fleece shedding. Combined, these results suggest that in this flock there was little
impact of introducing Wiltshire rams to a mixed-age Romney ewe flock on ewe reproductive performance and the growth of the F1 progeny to weaning. 

Keywords: Wiltshire; Romney; reproduction; growth; shedding},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Ridler AL and Kenyon PR and Blair HT and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Effects of alternative forages on nitrate leaching under intensive sheep grazing},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {81},
	year = {2021},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {146-152},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {There is increasing interest in the use of alternative forages to improve animal performance and reduce nitrogen (N) leaching on farms. A system-scale field trial, which included 20 hydrologically isolated drainage plots (800 m2 /plot) was carried out at Massey
University{\textquoteright}s {\textquoteleft}Keeble{\textquoteright} farm to investigate the effects of forage type on ewe and lamb performance and the quantity of N lost in drainage. Four forage types (treatments) were studied: perennial ryegrass/white clover (RGWC), plantain/WC (PWC), Italian ryegrass/WC (IRWC) and swedes (Brassica). The forage types were included as ~24\% area of a self-contained farmlet, with the remaining area (~76\%) being RGWC. Ewes were weighed at mating, pre-lambing and weaning, and lambs were weighed at weaning. Drainage (mm) from each plot was measured using a tipping-bucket flow meter and sub-samples of water were analysed for nitrate-N, ammonium-N and total-N losses. The forage types had no effect (P>0.05) on ewe or lamb live weight at any occasion. The average nitrate-N losses for RGWC (0.77 kg N ha-1), PWC (0.45 kg N ha-1) and IRWC (0.56 kg N ha-1) treatments did not differ (P>0.05) and was lower than the brassica treatment (6.36 kg N ha-1). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Maheswaran S and Cranston LM and Millner JP and Horne DJ and Hanly JA and Kenyon PR and Kemp PD}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Body condition scoring of sheep: intra- and inter-observer variability},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {107-112},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Body condition scoring (BCS) is a hands-on tool that farmers can use to make decisions about their animal feeding and management.
BCS, however, is a subjective measure of the muscle and fat cover of the lumbar spine. Observers, therefore, may show variability
in scores both across time and from other observers. This study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-observer variation of both
farmers and research technicians as part of a learning exercise of a farmer-learning group based at Massey University between
2011 and 2015. Nineteen farmers and three research technicians condition scored 45 mixed-age ewes on two consecutive days.
Data from both farmers and technicians were analysed to determine the intra- and inter-observer variability using a weighted
kappa. The results indicate that the majority of farmers and technicians had {\textquoteleft}excellent{\textquoteright} agreement (21 of the 22 observers had
kappa values greater than 0.75) between days. Similarly, among pairs of observers the agreement was also {\textquoteleft}excellent{\textquoteright} (212 of
231 comparisons had kappa values greater than 0.75). The distribution of scores that contributed to each median condition score,
however, indicated that lower scores (1, 1.5 and 2) has less variability than did higher scores (2.5 or greater). These results suggest
that BCS is a robust farm-management tool that can be used with a high degree of repeatability.
Keywords: body condition scoring; intra-observer variability, inter-observer variability},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Sewell AM and Kemp P and Wood BA and Gray DI and Morris ST and Blair HT and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The behaviour of sheep around a natural waterway},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {124-127},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Access of cattle to waterways has been shown to be a potential cause of poor-water quality, due to nutrients and pathogens
deposited via urination and defecation. In addition, cattle can pug the banks of waterways and, thus, cause sediment loss. Although
government-imposed regulations to fence waterways currently only applies to dairy cattle in New Zealand, it is likely that some
exclusion restrictions will apply to sheep and beef in the future. This is a concern, as there is very little research examining the
behaviour of sheep around natural waterways in NZ. Video recordings were made to observe the interaction of mixed-age Romney
ewes (n=40) with a natural waterway at Massey University{\textquoteright}s hill-country farm Tuapaka. Ewe behaviour and movements were
monitored continuously for two weeks using GPS devices and motion-activated trail cameras. Ewes were offered reticulated water
(week 2) or were restricted from accessing the water trough (week 1). Riparian zones were accessed by some ewes (n=20) whose
behaviours observed appeared to be influenced by time of day and environmental temperature. When in the riparian areas, ewes
spent 68\% of their time grazing, 15.9\% stationary and 2.2\% drinking. Access to the water trough had no effect (P>0.05) on the
drinking behaviour of ewes. It was concluded that, during winter, although only a small number of sheep drank from waterways,
ewes accessed riparian zones to graze.

Keywords: behaviour; ewes; waterways; riparian areas},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Bunyaga AS and Corner-Thomas RA and Burkitt LL and Draganova I and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Associations of body condition score and change in body condition score with lamb production in New Zealand Romney ewes},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {91-94},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Body condition score (BCS) is an on-farm subjective measurement used to inform feed management decisions in sheep. This study determined the associations of BCS and changes in BCS on production. Ewe BCS was recorded four times annually in a flock of 2534 Romney ewes aged one-five, first bred at eight-months of age. Production was measured as the number of fetuses scanned (NLS), number of lambs weaned (NLW), average weight of lambs weaned (WWT) and total weight of lamb weaned (TLW). Ewe BCS was greatest at lambing and lowest at weaning. At pregnancy scanning (at an average of 75 days of pregnancy),  two weeks prior to lambing, and at weaning, BCS >=4.5 was associated with the lowest NLS and NLW, but the greatest WWT. Ewes with a BCS <=2.5 at weaning were associated with the greatest TLW, suggesting these ewes had utilised their stored body fat to achieve high milk yields. Ewes that decreased BCS between lambing and weaning produced greater (P<0.05) TLW compared with ewes which maintained or gained BCS indicating their body reserves were acting as a buffer for milk production. The results of the current study showed that there was an effect of BCS on NLS, NLW, WWT and TLW. The change in BCS from scanning to weaning is an important determinate of NLW, WWT and TLW. A further study with more focus on the change in BCS is, therefore, warranted.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tait IM and Kenyon PR and Garrick DJ and Lopez-villalobos N and Pleasants AB and Hickson RE}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Comparison of meat quality characteristics of lambs weaned at eight or 14 weeks of age grazing perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture or a plantain-clover mix},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {159-161},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {This study compared the meat quality of lambs grazing either perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture or a plantain-clover mix (plantain, red clover, and white clover) from eight to 14 weeks of age followed by a six-week finishing period on perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture. Ewes and their lambs were allocated to four treatments: 1) lambs weaned early (eight weeks of age) on a plantain-clover mix (EARLY), 2) lambs with dam grazing a plantain-clover mix (HERB), 3) lambs with dam grazing pasture  >1200 kgDM/ha (HIGH), and 4) lambs with dam grazing pasture <1200 kgDM/ha (LOW). Following the treatment period, all lambs weighing a minimum of 35 kg were sent for slaughter and all remaining lambs were managed and finished as one mob on perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture for a further six weeks. Lambs that reached a minimum 35 kg live weight were slaughtered and meat samples from each lamb were analysed for ultimate pH, meat colour (L*, a*, b*), drip loss and shear force but, no difference was found in objective meat quality characteristics of lambs from different treatments.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kok JC and Schreurs NM and Cranston LM and Corner-Thomas RA and Ekanayake WEMLJ and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Does stocking rate of singleton ewes during lambing and lactation affect performance?},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {95-97},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {The impact of singleton-ewe stocking rate (SR, 11, 13, 15 ewes ha) during lactation on ewe and lamb performance to weaning was examined over three years. Pasture mass before lambing in 2014 was considerably higher than that in both 2015 and 2016.  At weaning in 2014 there was no effect (P>0.05) of SR on ewe live weight, while in 2015 and 2016, SR 11 ewes were heavier (P<0.05) at weaning than both SR 13 and 15 ewes.  Lamb live weight during lactation was not affected (P>0.05) by SR in any year.  Combined, these data suggest that when pasture mass is high, SR of up to 15 ewes per ha can be utilised but at lower pasture covers increasing SR will negatively affect ewe, but not lamb live weight.  Farmers, therefore, need to consider carefully if they should utilise higher SR under these circumstances. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Corner-Thomas RA and Cranston LM and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Impacts of live weight of ewe lambs at mating on their reproductive performance},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {87-90},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {This experiment investigated the impacts of heavier live weight of twin-born ewe lambs at mating on reproductive performance. Romney ewe lambs (n=270) were allocated to one of two groups: {\textquoteleft}Heavy{\textquoteright} (48.0{\textpm}3.8 kg), had been preferentially fed from weaning to breeding, or {\textquoteleft}Control{\textquoteright} (44.8{\textpm}3.5 kg). Both groups were exposed to crayon-harnessed vasectomised rams for 68 days before breeding, and then were bred to entire Romney rams for 34 days. Crayon marks were recorded every 17 days. Heavy ewe lambs were more likely to be mated in the first 17 days of breeding (69.9\% vs. 54.8\%, P<0.05), mated in the entire breeding period (85.1\% vs. 69.4\%, P<0.01) and had a greater litter size (0.99 vs. 0.65; P<0.01) than did Control ewe lambs. Heavier live weight at mating improved reproductive performance of ewe lambs. These results emphasise the importance of an adequate live weight at breeding for reproductive success in ewe lambs.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Haslin E and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Pettigrew EJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Meat quality of light-weight, yearling steers of dairy origin},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {156-158},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Loline, an alkaloid produced by Neotyphodium endophytes in pastoral grass species with potential antimicrobial properties, has several known derivatives; N-formyl loline (NFL), N-acetyl loline (NAL), N-acetyl norloline (NANL), N-methyl loline (NML), and loline base, though the availability and form during rumen fermentation and digestion is unclear. Festuca pratensis seeds either with (LOL) or without (NIL) lolines (150-200 {\textmu}g/mL) were incubated in either sterile or viable rumen fluid or in either HCL/pepsin (pH 2) or water (pH 7). At 72 hours LOL in sterile rumen fluid had 23\%, 26\%, and 45\% more NFL (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.04), and loline base (P=0.01) respectively, with 27\% more total loline present (P=0.06), and 65\% more NML (P=0.09) compared with LOL in viable rumen fluid. Loline tended to alter the fermentation pattern as NIL produced 11\% more ammonia (P=0.07), and 5\% less propionate (P=0.06) than LOL. In HCL/pepsin there were 38\%, 49\%, and 39\% more total lolines (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.02), and NFL (P=0.04) respectively, compared with water. Rumen and abomasal digestion appear to have a small effect on loline{\textquoteright}s form and concentration with only slight alteration to the rumen fermentation pattern. Presence of lolines had little evidence of an antimicrobial effect.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pike SJ and Schreurs NM and Hickson RE and Hunt JJ and Kenyon PR and Garrick DJ and Blair HT and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Relative cost of producing carcasses from dairy-origin steers slaughtered at 8 {\textendash} 12 months of age in New Zealand},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {153-155},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Loline, an alkaloid produced by Neotyphodium endophytes in pastoral grass species with potential antimicrobial properties, has several known derivatives; N-formyl loline (NFL), N-acetyl loline (NAL), N-acetyl norloline (NANL), N-methyl loline (NML), and loline base, though the availability and form during rumen fermentation and digestion is unclear. Festuca pratensis seeds either with (LOL) or without (NIL) lolines (150-200 {\textmu}g/mL) were incubated in either sterile or viable rumen fluid or in either HCL/pepsin (pH 2) or water (pH 7). At 72 hours LOL in sterile rumen fluid had 23\%, 26\%, and 45\% more NFL (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.04), and loline base (P=0.01) respectively, with 27\% more total loline present (P=0.06), and 65\% more NML (P=0.09) compared with LOL in viable rumen fluid. Loline tended to alter the fermentation pattern as NIL produced 11\% more ammonia (P=0.07), and 5\% less propionate (P=0.06) than LOL. In HCL/pepsin there were 38\%, 49\%, and 39\% more total lolines (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.02), and NFL (P=0.04) respectively, compared with water. Rumen and abomasal digestion appear to have a small effect on loline{\textquoteright}s form and concentration with only slight alteration to the rumen fermentation pattern. Presence of lolines had little evidence of an antimicrobial effect.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hunt JJ and Tozer PR and Kenyon PR and Schreurs NM and Pike SJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT and Garrick DJ}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Characterisation of the nutritional composition of plant components of a herb-clover mix during November to May in New Zealand},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {162-167},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Animal performance on herb-clover mixes (containing plantain, chicory, red clover and white clover) can be inconsistent. Potentially this could be due to variation in botanical and nutritional composition of plant components affecting animal selectivity and, thus, performance. Herbage samples were collected monthly from November 2016 to May 2017, from 3 paddocks located at Massey University{\textquoteright}s Keeble farm, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Quadrat-cut samples were used to determine the herbage mass and botanical composition. Hand-plucked samples of each plant components were analysed for the nutritional composition. The botanical composition of the herb-clover mix differed over time (P<0.05). The percentage of chicory stems increased (9.2 to 16.2\%) and plantain stems decreased (14.7 to 1.0\%, P<0.001). Overall, the crude protein and metabolisable energy of white clover, red clover, plantain and chicory leaves were higher (P<0.05) than those of plantain and chicory stems in each month except in November. These data indicate that a higher proportion of chicory and plantain stems in a herb-clover mix would reduce overall metabolisable energy and crude protein. This information can be useful for farmers to manipulate both the botanical and nutritional composition of herb-clover mix to optimise animal performance.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ekanayake WEMLJ and Corner-Thomas RA and Cranston LM and Hickson RE and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {The effect of herbage type prior to fasting on the rate of liveweight loss during fasting in ewe lambs},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {131-134},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Animal performance on herb-clover mixes (containing plantain, chicory, red clover and white clover) can be inconsistent. Potentially this could be due to variation in botanical and nutritional composition of plant components affecting animal selectivity and, thus, performance. Herbage samples were collected monthly from November 2016 to May 2017, from 3 paddocks located at Massey University{\textquoteright}s Keeble farm, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Quadrat-cut samples were used to determine the herbage mass and botanical composition. Hand-plucked samples of each plant components were analysed for the nutritional composition. The botanical composition of the herb-clover mix differed over time (P<0.05). The percentage of chicory stems increased (9.2 to 16.2\%) and plantain stems decreased (14.7 to 1.0\%, P<0.001). Overall, the crude protein and metabolisable energy of white clover, red clover, plantain and chicory leaves were higher (P<0.05) than those of plantain and chicory stems in each month except in November. These data indicate that a higher proportion of chicory and plantain stems in a herb-clover mix would reduce overall metabolisable energy and crude protein. This information can be useful for farmers to manipulate both the botanical and nutritional composition of herb-clover mix to optimise animal performance.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Semakula J and Corner-Thomas RA and Morris ST and Blair HT and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Farm-management tools: reasons for the decision not to use specific tools},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {125-130},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {There are a large number of management tools available to farmers, however, some are utilised by only a small percentage. The reasons behind the choice not to use a particular tool were investigated using a postal questionnaire that was distributed to all New Zealand sheep farmers in 2014. Farmers were asked first to indicate from a list of 40 farm-management tools those they had used in the previous three years. For tools they had not used, they were asked to select one from a list of eight reasons. A total of 1659 usable questionnaires were received. The most commonly cited reason for not using any given tool was {\textquotedblleft}not relevant to my situation{\textquotedblright} (50.3\%) followed by {\textquotedblleft}benefits not apparent{\textquotedblright} (15.3\%) and {\textquotedblleft}it{\textquoteright}s an unwanted complication{\textquotedblright} (15.0\%). Demographic factors (age, education, gender, farm type and flock size) influenced the reasons for non-use of 20 of the 22 tools. Reasons for non-use of fecundity-boosting vaccine or quarantine treatment for footrot were not influenced (P>0.05) by any demographic factors. The results suggest that although many farmers do not see the relevance of particular tools to their enterprise, demographic factors can influence their reasons for not using a tool.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Ridler AL and Hickson RE and Greer AW and Logan CM and Blair HT}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Impact of maternal plane of nutrition, ewe weight and twinning on fetal mammary gland development in sheep},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {183-185},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {This study evaluated the effects of maternal nutrition, weight and gestation rank on fetal mammary gland development. Light
(L) and heavy (H) single- and twin-bearing ewes were fed ad libitum (A) or maintenance (M) nutritional regimens from day
21 to day 140 of gestation and euthanised for tissue collection. Plane of maternal nutrition or maternal weight did not affect
histomorphometry of fetal mammary glands. Singleton fetuses had 43\% greater total duct area (P<0.05), 62\% greater secretory cell
area and 32\% fewer ducts (P<0.05) but similar total lumen area, cell size and total cell number than twins. These results indicate
that twinning reduces area of mammary ducts and secretory cell area while maternal weight and plane of nutrition from day 21
have little impact on mammary morphology at day 140 of gestation.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McCoard SA and Adiletta AM and Jenkinson CMC and Peterson SW and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Differences in birth weight and neonatal survival rate of lambs born to ewe hoggets or mature ewes},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {16-20},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {This experiment investigated differences in birth weights and survival in lambs born to hogget and mature ewes. It included 1082 mature ewes with a scanning rate of 1.87 fetuses per ewe joined and 1026 hoggets with a scanning rate of 0.80 fetuses per hogget joined, that were bred together, and lambed separately, under commercial farming conditions. At lambing, birth weight, lamb vigour score, and ewe maternal behaviour score were recorded. Lambs born to hoggets were lighter and less vigorous than lambs born to mature ewes (P<0.05). Single-born lambs were heavier at birth (P<0.05), and had greater survival at birth (P<0.05) than did twin-born lambs. Twin-born lambs were heavier (P<0.05) at birth, and had greater survival at birth (P<0.05) than triplets. There was an interaction of dam age and birth rank on lamb survival to weaning (P<0.01). At all birth ranks lambs born to hoggets had lower survival to weaning than lambs born to mature ewes, and the difference in survival increased with increasing birth rank. Lambs that had a vigour score of 1 had lower survival (83.5\%; P<0.05) than lambs that had a vigour score of either 2 or 3 (88.6- and 91.4\%, respectively). Maternal behaviour score did not affect lamb survival (P>0.05). Lambs born to hoggets are at greater risk of mortality, so farmers need to prioritise their time and resources towards hoggets at lambing time.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pettigrew EJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT and Griffiths KJ and Ridler AL and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Effects of early weaning onto herb-clover mixes on lamb carcass characteristics},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {189-193},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Ewes and their twin lambs (weighing at least 16 kg) were allocated to three treatments: lambs with dams on ryegrass-white clover
(RG-WC) pasture until 15 weeks of age (GRASS) (lambs; n=50), lambs with dams on herb-clover mixes (plantain, chicory, red
and white clovers) until 15 weeks of age (HERB) (lambs; n=50), and lambs weaned early (8 weeks old) onto herb-clover mixes and
dams on RG-WC pasture (EARLY) (lambs; n=50). Average daily gain, GR soft-tissue depth and muscularity of lambs in EARLY
and GRASS were lower than those in the HERB treatment (P<0.05). The muscle to bone ratio of lambs in HERB treatment was
higher than those in the EARLY treatment (P<0.05). Lambs can be weaned at 8 weeks of age onto herb-clover mixes to achieve
similar carcass characteristics compared to lambs weaned at 15 weeks of age on RG-WC pasture. Lambs weaned early onto herbclover
mixes had lower growth rates than the lambs not weaned early on herb-clover mixes. There were no negative effects on
lamb carcass characteristics and lean-meat yield (LMY) when lambs were slaughtered at a set weight.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wong HX and Schreurs NM and Corner-Thomas RA and Ekanayake WEMLJ and Cranston LM and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Effects of lamb live weight, sex and forage type (grass or plantain-clover mix) on lamb growth during summer},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {199-203},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Two studies were carried out, over consecutive summers, to examine the effect of lamb sex and initial live weight on liveweight
gain when grazing a grass-based sward (undeveloped hill country pasture) or a plantain-clover mix (plantain, red clover and white
clover sown on cultivatable hill country). There were no interactions (P>0.05) between the sex of the lamb, initial live weight
or forage type on lamb liveweight gain. In year 1, ewe lambs grew at a slower rate than wethers (169 vs 181 g/day; P<0.01), but
there was no difference between the two sexes in year 2 (P>0.05). In both years lambs with a lighter initial liveweight profile were
also lighter (P<0.001) at the end of the study, but there was no difference (P>0.05) in the liveweight gains of the light and heavy
lambs. In both years lambs grazing the plantain-clover mix grew 47-141 g/day faster than did lambs grazing the grass-based sward
(P<0.001). This indicates that the plantain-clover mix can be utilised for a range of lamb classes, with similar positive results.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cranston LM and Schreurs NM and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Lamb castration and tailing practices in New Zealand: results of a questionnaire},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {96-99},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {There is a large body of literature that has examined the impacts of castration and tailing on lamb behaviour, stress response,
pain and productivity (Fisher et al. 2010; Kent et al. 1993; Mellor et al. 2002; Mellor \& Stafford 2000). Recently, Kerslake
et al. (2015) investigated lamb tail docking, residual tail length and the reasons behind farmers{\textquoteright} choice to dock. There is little
information available, however, regarding castration methods and reasons for the choice of leaving lambs entire, castrated or
short-scrotumed. A printed questionnaire was distributed to ~12,000 farmers on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand database. The
questionnaire contained 30 questions on aspects of management of flystrike, louse control, tailing and castration. Information
was sought regarding percentage of lambs tail docked, method used to remove tails, reason for the tailing decision, proportions of
male lambs left entire or castrated or short scrotumed, the method used to castrate or short-scrotum, and the reason for choice of
male lamb type. A total of 1253 (10\%) of questionnaires were returned. Of the farmers that responded, the most commonly used
tailing method was a hot iron (61\%), followed by rubber rings (31.4\%). Lamb growth was the primary reason that farmers gave
for leaving lambs entire, and to a lesser degree short-scrotum. The reason behind the decision to castrate was most commonly
related to lamb behaviour, however, a number of reasons had similar frequencies (lambs stay cleaner, infertility and meat quality).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Ferguson MB and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and Pomroy WE}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Effect of cow body condition score on inter-calving interval, pregnancy diagnosis, weaning rate and calf weaning weight in beef cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {23-28},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {The aim of this study was to describe the effect of cow body condition score (BCS) on pregnancy rate, inter-calving interval, wean-ing rate and birth and weaning weights of calves. Measurements of BCS in a herd of mixed age (2-10 years), predominantly Angus, beef cows were recorded annually four times between November 2012 and March 2015, at joining/rebreeding (November), wean-ing/pregnancy diagnosis (PD, March), winter (June) and calving (August). Year influenced BCS (P<0.05) and BCS was greatest at weaning 2014. Two-year-old cows had greater BCS (P<0.05) than three-year-old and the mixed age cows. Pregnancy rate was no different (P>0.05) between BCS at calving, joining and PD. Cows that increased BCS from joining to PD had lower pregnancy rate than cows that maintained or decreased BCS during this period, although it is unclear whether this association reflects an influence of BCS on pregnancy rate, or whether the BCS change was a result of differing pregnancy status. Greater BCS at joining was associated with lower calf birth weights. Body condition score at each event was not associated with inter-calving interval or calf weaning weight. Further research is still required to determine the optimum BCS at each stage of the production cycle.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tait IM and Morris ST and Kenyon PR and Garrick DJ and Pleasants AB and Hickson RE}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of grazing ewe lambs on lucerne (Medicago sativa) prior to breeding on aspects of reproductive performance},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {55-60},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {Ewe lamb breeding can result in low and variable reproductive performance which is one of the reasons given by farmers for not breeding their ewe lambs. Ewe lamb twinning rates are known to be increased with greater ewe liveweight gain in the weeks leading up to the introduction of the ram. The hypothesis was that offering lucerne for a one-month period that ended 14 days prior to breeding would alter the pattern of breeding (i.e. cycle of conception) and pregnancy and reproductive rates of ewe lambs. Of-fering lucerne had no effect (P>0.05) on the pattern of breeding in both years of the study, respectively. Offering lucerne, however, resulted in a greater percentage of ewe lambs diagnosed with twin-fetuses compared to those offered unimproved ryegrass pastures in 2015 (35\% vs. 18\%, respectively). In 2016, however, there was no effect of grazing lucerne on reproductive rate. The difference between years was likely the result of lower lucerne masses offered in 2015 than in 2016. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Panns JM and Kemp PD and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of live weight at weaning on liveweight gain of early weaned lambs onto a herb-clover mixed sward},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {37-42},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {Twin lambs that weighed a minimum of 16 kg (n=134 in 2014 and n=124 in 2015) were randomly allocated to one of three treat-ments: (i) Early weaning (54 and 46 days after the midpoint of lambing in 2014 and 2015, respectively) onto a herb-clover mixed sward (plantain, chicory, red clover and white clover) (HerbEW); (ii) Lambs + dams unweaned on a herb-clover mixed sward until conventional weaning at approximately  13 weeks of age  (HerbCW); and (iii) Lambs + dams unweaned on a grass-clover mixed sward until conventional weaning (GrassCW). In 2014, overall greater (P<0.05) liveweight gains were found in HerbCW lambs followed by HerbEW and GrassCW lambs. In 2015, liveweight gains of HerbCW and GrassCW lambs did not differ (P>0.05), but were greater than gains of HerbEW lambs (P<0.05). In 2014, HerbEW lambs that were > 20 kg grew more quickly than HerbEW lambs that were <18 kg (P<0.05). In 2015, HerbEW lambs had similar rate of liveweight gain irrespective of their live weight at treatment allocation (P>0.05). Lambs can be weaned early onto herb-clover mixed swards and achieve greater liveweight gains after wean-ing compared to lambs unweaned on grass-clover mixed sward. Weaning lambs less than 20 kg onto herb-clover mixed sward, however, can result in lower lamb liveweight gain compared to heavier lambs.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ekanayake WEMLJ and Corner-Thomas RA and Cranston LM and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of mid-pregnancy nutrition and body condition score on the behaviour of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {143-148},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {Nutrition of ewes during pregnancy may affect the behaviour of ewes and their lambs in the first few days of life. In this experiment, triplet-bearing ewes were allocated {\textquoteleft}medium{\textquoteright} (pasture mass 800-1200 kg DM/ha) or ad-libitum nutrition (pasture mass 1500-2000 kg DM/ha) from day 93 until 114 of pregnancy. Both treatments included ewes of body condition score (BCS) <=2.0, 2.5 or >=3.0 as measured on day 92 of pregnancy. Behaviours of ewes and lambs were recorded in the paddock at tagging and a subset of lambs was subjected to a maternal-recognition test. Within the BCS<=2.0 ewe group, lambs born to ewes on the medium treatment emitted more high-pitched bleats and lower low-pitched bleats than lambs born to ewes on the ad-libitum treatment. In the paddock, there was no effect of ewe feeding treatment or BCS group on the median time taken for the lambs to stand, make contact with, suck from or follow their dam. In the maternal-recognition test, the median time taken for the lambs to reach the dam and the time the lambs spent with her was not affected by ewe BCS or feeding treatment. Overall the results indicate that feeding triplet-bearing ewes above pregnancy requirements has minimal effect on lamb behaviours. There is, however, some evidence to suggest that lambs born to ewes in the BCS<=2.0 group offered the medium treatments may have experienced a weaker ewe-lamb bond. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gronqvist GV and Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Stafford KJ and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Days to calving and intercalving interval in beef and dairy-beef crossbred cows},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {31-33},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {One important attribute of a beef-breeding cow is the
ability to wean a calf every year. Furthermore, an earlierborn
calf is likely to be heavier at weaning and its dam has
more opportunity to conceive again during the following
breeding season. In a spring-calving system under the
seasonal pastoral-grazing system in New Zealand, a 365-
day intercalving interval is desirable. A normal gestation
length is 280 days leaving 85 days for a cow to resume
oestrous cycles and conceive again to maintain the 365-
day calving interval. Literature estimates of the interval
between calving and the first oestrous cycle post-calving
are 53-82 days for mixed-aged beef-breeding cows and
81-95 days for first-lactation beef-breeding cows (Hickson
et al. 2012; Knight \& Nicoll 1978; Morris et al. 1978;
Smeaton et al. 1986), indicating that a 365-day calving
interval is difficult to maintain.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris ST and Hickson RE and Martin NP and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Does Viagra protect fetal lambs against maternal pregnancy toxaemia?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {172-174},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {Poor fetal growth is commonly caused by placental
insufficiency. In sheep, multiple fetuses have relatively small
placentae with fewer cotyledons than singletons, limiting
blood flow to the placenta, especially in late gestation
when fetal growth rate is highest. Factors that reduce fetal
growth, such as maternal genotype, nutrition, age, parity,
fetal number, or environmental temperature, typically
reduce placental size and are associated with lower rates
of fetal oxygen and nutrient uptakes and placental blood
flow (Reynolds \& Redmer 2001). Further, circumstances
that influence placental vascular development have a
dramatic impact on fetal growth and development, and
affect neonatal survival and growth (Borowicz et al. 2007;
Satterfield et al, 2010).
Sildenafil citrate (SC, trade names Viagra or Avigra)
increases vasodilatation of uteroplacental vessels (Wareing
et al. 2005) and may represent a novel therapy to improve
fetal lamb growth. Sildenafil citrate has successfully
increased birth weight in rodent models and singleton bearing
ewes (Satterfield et al. 2010; Miller at al. 2009).
There is no published information regarding the use of SC
in multiple-bearing ewes. The objective of this trial was to
determine if SC administration to triplet-bearing ewes in
late gestation could increase lamb birth weight. In addition,
the influence of SC on the incidence of pregnancy toxaemia
is also reported here.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and Pain SJ and McCoard SA and Oliver M and Baker PN and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The use of farm-management tools by New Zealand sheep farmers: changes with time},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {78-80},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {The utilisation of farm-management tools by New
Zealand sheep farmers can support on-farm decision
making, thus facilitating improvements in productivity and
profitability of the farming enterprise. There are numerous
management tools available to farmers, for example, a
recent report identified 127 tools that were available to
New Zealand farmers (Allen \& Wolfert 2011). Although
a large number of tools are accessible to farmers, a survey
of sheep farmers conducted in 2012 by Corner-Thomas
et al. (2015) identified many that were utilised by only a
small percentage of farmers. This indicates that there is the
potential for increased uptake of management tools which,
if relevant, may lead to benefits in on-farm productivity.
The aim of the current study was to determine for
sheep farmers in New Zealand, if use of farm-management
tools had changed over a two-year period.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Ridler AL and Hickson RE and Greer AW and Logan CM and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Does ewe nutrition during pregnancy affect the neonatal behaviour of twin-born lambs?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {8-13},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {In this experiment the effects of feeding treatments from mid pregnancy until lambing on the behaviour of twin-bearing ewes and their lambs were investigated. Fifty seven four-year-old Romney ewes were offered a medium (1164 {\textpm} 31.6 and 819 {\textpm} 16.0 kg DM/ha pre- and post-grazing pasture mass, respectively) or ad libitum (2181 {\textpm} 47.6 and 1431 {\textpm} 24.6 kg DM/ha pre- and post-grazing pasture mass, respectively) feeding treatment from day 76 of pregnancy until after lambing. At ear-tagging the time taken for the lambs to stand, make contact with, suck from and follow their dam was recorded. A maternal behaviour score based on the distance the ewe moved away from her lambs during tagging was also recorded. Survival analysis showed that lambs born to ewes offered the medium feeding treatment from mid pregnancy until lambing were quicker to stand, suck and follow compared with lambs born to ewes offered the ad libitum feeding treatment (P<0.05). It is unclear whether these behaviours indicate that lambs born to ewes in the medium treatment were more vigorous or that they had unmet needs that prompted the apparent increase in vigour. Ewe feeding treatments did not affect the maternal behaviour of the ewes.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gronqvist GV and Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Growth of early weaned lambs on a plantain-clover mix compared with lambs suckling their dam on a plantain-clover mix or a grass based sward},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {65-68},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {Plantain-clover mixes have high metabolisable energy content and have been shown to support greater liveweight gains in lambs
both pre- and post-weaning when compared with grass. The aim of this experiment was to determine if a plantain-clover mix
could be used as a means to wean lambs earlier. Twin-bearing ewes (n=67) with both lambs at a minimum live weight of 16
kg each were allocated to one of three treatments; 1) ewe and lambs together on grass, 2) ewes and lambs together on plantain-
clover mix, 3) lambs weaned at approximately 8 weeks of age onto a plantain-clover mix and ewes on grass. Lambs that
were weaned early were lighter (P<0.05) at approximately 14 weeks of age than those which remained with their dam on either
a plantain-clover mix or grass (32.3{\textpm}0.43 vs 34.7{\textpm}0.44 vs 33.7{\textpm}0.45 kg, respectively). However, ewes which had their lambs
weaned early were heavier (P<0.05; 79.7{\textpm}1.73 vs 75.5{\textpm}1.68 vs 75.9{\textpm}1.64 kg, respectively) and in better body condition score
(P<0.05; 3.1{\textpm}0.05 vs 2.9{\textpm}0.05 vs 2.9{\textpm}0.05, respectively) than those which remained with their lambs on either a plantain-clover
mix or grass. This suggests early weaning improved ewe condition but did not improve lamb performance},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cranston LM and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The influence of age and breed of cow on colostrum indicators of suckled beef calves},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {163-168},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {Rearing a calf to weaning is a key measure of performance in a beef breeding cow herd. Adequate intake of colostral antibodies
by the calf in the first few hours of life is important for passive transfer of immunity, and so is beneficial for calf survival. This
experiment aimed to examine the role of udder conformation, maternal age and breed-cross on the colostral status of suckled
calves. Udder conformation of Angus, Angus-cross-Friesian, Angus-cross-Jersey and Angus-cross-Kiwicross cows was scored
according to Animal Evaluation Limited and BreedPlan standards, and colostral status of calves was determined based on gamma
glutamyltransferase activity, immunoglobulin G and total protein concentrations at 24-48 hours of age. Udder conformation was
similar (P>0.05) among breed-crosses except Angus cows had looser front udder attachment, lower rear udder attachment and less
desirable udders overall than Angus-cross-dairy cows (P<0.05). Most udder conformation scores did not affect colostral status of
calves. The exception was teat placement score, for which more outward-pointing teats were associated with improved colostrum
status of calves (P<0.05). Survival to weaning was greater for calves with adequate compared with inadequate colostral status
(P<0.001).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Back PJ and Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Reproductive performance of singleton and twin female offspring born to ewe-lamb dams and mature adult dams},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {151-154},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {This study was undertaken to compare the reproductive and live weight performance of female singleton and twin ewes born to either
mature or young dams from 18 months to 2.5 years of age. One hundred and fifteen singleton- and twin-born female offspring
born to either ewe-lamb (8 months at breeding) or adult ewe dams were maintained as one cohort under commercial New Zealand
grazing conditions. Ewe live weights and body condition scores were recorded, as were ovulation rates at a synchronised breeding
and number of fetuses present at pregnancy scanning. The live weight of ewes born to ewe-lambs were lighter (P<0.05) than those
born to adult ewes at breeding and during their first pregnancy but not (P>0.05) at the weaning of their lambs. Twin-born ewes
were lighter (P<0.05) than their singleton-born counterparts. There was no difference in corpora lutea number (P>0.05) at breeding
or number of fetuses at pregnancy scanning. Lambs whose grand dam was a ewe-lamb were heavier at birth (P<0.05) but not at
weaning (P>0.05) compared to those lambs whose grand dams was an adult ewe. This data suggests there are few negative impacts
from selecting progeny born to ewe lambs as replacement ewes. However, before this hypothesis can be supported, lifetime data
of these ewes needs to be collected.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Loureiro MFP and Pain SJ and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Beef cattle wintering systems: effects on cattle and pasture.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {167-171},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { The wet winter months are a risk period for damage to pasture under grazing systems in New Zealand. The use of stand-off pads
and alternative forages and grazing systems may alleviate these risks, but may also impact on the performance and welfare of
cattle. This experiment compared four wintering systems for growing beef calves (9{\textendash}11 months old, n=103) in terms of growth
rate and welfare of calves, and damage to pasture. Treatments were a forage crop of oats, set-stocked grazing on pasture, breakfed
on pasture, and break-fed on pasture with use of a concrete feedpad and wood-shavings stand-off area when the soil was wet.
Liveweight gain was greatest (P<0.05) for the set-stocked (0.81{\textpm}0.02 kg/day) and break-fed calves (0.52{\textpm}0.02 kg/day), and least
for the calves in the feedpad (0.19{\textpm}0.02 kg/day) and crop treatments (0.10{\textpm}0.02 kg/day). The percentage of calves lying down was
least in the break-fed and oats treatments (P<0.05) but faecal corticosterone concentration was greatest in the feedpad treatment
(P<0.05). Pasture damage was greater under rotational grazing (score 3.8/5) than set stocking (score 2.9/5), but use of the feedpad
did not prevent damage to pasture (score 3.4/5). Set-stocking had the best outcomes for calves and pasture.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Little CL and Hickson RE and Martin NP and Beausoleil NJ and Cockrem JF and Kenyon PR and Horne D and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Composition of milk sampled from beef-cross-dairy cows unaccustomed to milking.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {260-262},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Back PJ and Coleman LW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Walking distance and energy expenditure of beef cows grazing on hill country in winter},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {164-166},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Martin NP and Hickson RE and Draganova I and Horne D and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of dam age on ewe offspring productive performance and efficiency},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {239-242},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { productive performance and efficiency of singleton ewe offspring to four years of age. Live weight was recorded every two months
from birth to four years of age for singleton ewe progeny born to either ewe-lamb dams or adult ewes (ewe-lamb progeny: ELP,
n = 20; adult-ewe progeny: AEP, n = 25). The number of lambs born and weaned, and weight (kg) of lamb born and weaned were
determined for each ewe for each productive year and as a combined total. Ewe production efficiency was calculated for each year
and as a combined total. Results show that AEP were heavier at birth and remained heavier until one year of age (P<0.05). Live
weight was again greater (P<0.05) for AEP in mid-pregnancy in 2010 and at weaning in 2011. The number of lambs born and
weaned and the weight of lamb born and weaned per ewe did not differ in any of the three productive years or for the combined
total. Ewe production efficiency was not affected by dam age, with similar efficiencies reported for ELP and AEP. The results from
this study show that despite experiencing a weight penalty, the productive performance and efficiency of singleton ewe progeny
born to ewe-lamb dams, if conventionally bred themselves as 18 months of age, appears to be similar to that of singleton ewe
progeny born to mature adult ewes.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pain SJ and Loureiro MFP and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Effect of dam age on the growth and body composition of singleton ram offspring to 11 months of age},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {231-234},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Studies in sheep suggest that ewe-lamb dams produce smaller offspring compared to mature adult ewes. This study was designed
to examine the growth trajectory, body composition and carcass characteristics of 48 singleton Romney male progeny born to
either ewe-lambs (ELP; n = 17) or adult ewes (AEP; n = 21). Both dam groups were maintained together under commercial
grazing conditions during breeding, pregnancy and lactation. After, weaning the ram lambs continued to be managed together
under commercial conditions. Ram offspring were weighed and measured at birth. They were subsequently weighed every two
months until 11 months of age (d322). At d322, nine ELP and 10 AEP were euthanised and several body-size and composition
measurements were taken. The ELP were lighter and smaller (P<0.05) at birth compared with AEP and they remained significantly
(P<0.05) lighter until d218. After d218 this difference in live weight became a tendency (P<0.1). Slaughter data revealed that ELP
tended (P<0.1) to have more visceral fat than AEP (P<0.05). Similarly, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed
on the left hind-leg and showed that AEP tended to have greater (P<0.1) lean mass compared with ELP. Despite the liveweight
differences and the tendency towards differences in adiposity observed at slaughter, ram lamb carcass weight and dressing-out
percentage were unaffected indicating that ram offspring meat production from ewe-lamb dams is similar to that from mature
adult ewes.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Loureiro MFP and Pain SJ and Kenyon PR and Firth EC and Rogers CW and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of ewe nutrition and body condition score during very late pregnancy and the perinatal period on the behaviour of twin-bearing ewes and their lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {219-222},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Nutrition of ewes during pregnancy may affect the behaviour and survival of lambs. In this experiment, ewes were allocated {\textquoteleft}low{\textquoteright}
(pasture mass 800-1000 kg DM/ha), {\textquoteleft}medium{\textquoteright} (pasture mass 1200-1400 kg DM/ha) or {\textquoteleft}high{\textquoteright} nutrition (pasture mass 1500-1700
kg DM/ha) from day 141 of pregnancy until weaning. All treatments included ewes of body condition score (BCS) 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0
as measured on day 98 of pregnancy to give a 3x3 factorial design. Behaviours of ewes and lambs were recorded in the paddock
at tagging 3-18 hours after birth. Lambs born to ewes on the high treatment were quicker to stand than those on the low treatment
(median time 15.5 versus 53.5 seconds; P<0.05), but neither group differed from lambs on the medium treatment (16.5 seconds;
P>0.05). There were no differences among treatments or BCS groups in time taken for the lamb to make contact with dam, suck
from dam or follow their dam. Maternal behaviour score of the ewes was not affected by BCS or treatment. The percentage of
lambs that bleated was similar for lambs from all BCS groups and treatments. BCS and nutrition of ewes in late pregnancy and
during the neonatal period had little influence on the behaviour of ewes and lambs.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gronqvist GV and Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Growth rate and carcass characteristics of Simmental- and Angus-sired steers born to Angus and Angus-cross-dairy cows},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {15-19},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Traditionally, British breeds have been the main source of beef produced in New Zealand. Recently the use of dairy breeds has
increased. This experiment evaluates the growth rate and carcass characteristics of steers (n=64) born to straightbred Angus
(AA), Angus-cross-Holstein Friesian (AF), Angus-cross-Jersey (AJ) or Angus-cross-Kiwicross (AK) dams, and sired by Angus
(A) or Simmental (S) bulls. This created eight crossbred treatments: A-AA (n=10), A-AF (n=9), A-AJ (n=10), A-AK (n=5),
S-AA (n=11), S-AF (n=3), S-AJ (n=11) and S-AK (n=5). Live weight between 329 days of age and slaughter, and ultrasoundderived
and slaughter-day carcass characteristics were measured. At 400 and 600 days of age, respectively, Simmental-sired steers
were 22 kg and 37 kg heavier than Angus-sired steers (P<0.05). All steers had a similar intramuscular fat percentage (P>0.05).
Simmental-sired steers had greater eye-muscle area than Angus-sired steers (P<0.05). Simmental-sired steers had heavier and
longer carcasses, and greater dressing-out percentages than Angus-sired steers (P<0.05). Simmental sires produced fast-growing
progeny with heavier carcasses than Angus sires for all dam lines. Angus-cross-dairy cows produced steer progeny with similar
carcass characteristics to those from Angus cows bred with beef bulls.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Collier KJD and Hickson RE and Schreurs NM and Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The influence of hogget liveweight change during their first lactation on pregnancy rates at the subsequent breeding period},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {247-250},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Breeding ewe lambs can have a negative effect on subsequent two-tooth breeding weights which may impact on subsequent
reproductive rates. The impact of ewe lamb breeding can be alleviated by providing ewes with forages with high nutritive value
such as lucerne or a herb mix such as chicory, plantain, red clover and white clover. In a study conducted over two breeding
seasons ewe lambs were offered a ryegrass and white clover pasture, a herb mix or lucerne from one week prior to the expected
start of lambing until weaning. The impact liveweight change during lactation, and from weaning until breeding as a two-tooth, on
pregnancy and fecundity rates was examined},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Relationships among skin thickness, fat depth and eye muscle depth in sires and their progeny, and the breeding value for survival of their progeny},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {243-246},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Lamb survival to weaning is an important determinant of farmer income and an animal welfare issue. The aim of this study
was to determine whether skin thickness, fat depth and eye muscle depth (EMD) of the sires were related to skin thickness, fat
depth, EMD and survival estimated breeding value (eBV) of their progeny. Data from a total of 19,436 lambs born between
2010 and 2013 inclusive were obtained from four farmers who comprise the Terminal Romneys for Increased Genetic Gain
(TRIGG) group. Records included weaning weight, flock, sex, birth rank, date of birth, dam identity, sire identity and live weight
at ultrasound measurement; skin thickness, fat depth and EMD measured using ultrasound at eight-months of age; and the survival
eBV. Heritabilities for weaning weight, skin thickness, fat depth and EMD were 0.60{\textpm}0.08, 0.21{\textpm}0.07, 0.25{\textpm}0.08 and 0.61{\textpm}0.23
respectively. Skin thickness and EMD of the sire were positively correlated with progeny survival eBV while sire fat depth was
negatively correlated with lamb survival eBV. Skin thickness, EMD and fat depth showed promise as indirect selection criteria for
improved lamb survival. Additional data are required to confirm this.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tait IM and Hickson RE and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Stayability of beef-cross-dairy breeding cows to six years of age},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {159-163},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { The use of dairy-beef crosses is widespread throughout the New Zealand beef industry. Cattle originating from dairy herds make
up 50 {\textendash} 55\% of New Zealand beef exports by weight (Morris \& Kenyon 2014). However, there is little information available
regarding the use of beef-cross-dairy cows as breeding cows in terms of reproductive success and stayability in the herd. A study
was conducted to investigate the pattern of cow culling and stayability from eight months of age until marking of the fifth calf of
straight-bred Angus and Angus-cross-Friesian, Angus-cross-Jersey and Angus-cross-Kiwicross cows. The results showed that the
stayability of these breeding cows was low, however, there were no differences in the stayability of straight-bred Angus or beefcross-
dairy cows.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Lopez-Villalobos N and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {Alternative forages for livestock production},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {85},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {In the New Zealand sheep, dairy and beef cattle industries, pastures are predominantly perennial ryegrass-white clover with some brassica and maize crops grown. There has, however, been increased interest in pure swards of alternative legumes such as lucerne and red clover, or forage herbs such as plantain and chicory.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {Alternative method to measure herbage dry matter (DM) mass in plantain and chicory mixed swards grazed by lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {115-120},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Calibration equations are available to determine the dry matter (DM) mass of pasture using either sward height or plate meter readings. Currently there are no methods available for determining DM in a herb-clover mix other than using quadrat cuts. The objective of this research was to determine the relationships between herbage DM mass as measured by quadrat cuts vs sward height and plate meter readings for herb-clover mixes during four seasons from early spring to autumn. Pre- and post-grazing herbage DM masses (kg/ha) in the plantain mix (plantain (Plantago lanceolata), white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (T. pratense)) and in the chicory mix (plantain, chicory (Cichorium intybus), white clover and red clover) were estimated by collecting quadrat cuts. For each quadrat cut, a plate meter reading and five sward height measurements were also recorded. Separate regression equations were then developed for quadrat herbage DM mass vs sward height and plate meter readings. In addition, data from the plantain and Chicory mixes were pooled to obtain a data set for a combined herb-clover mix. The individual R 2 values were significant for all three relationships and ranged from 0.49 to 0.86. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for all three relationships fell between 0.56 and 0.94. The relative prediction error (RPE) for all three relationships varied between 18 and 29\%. The regression equations developed by these non destructive methods, would enable farmers to obtain a reliable estimate of the herbage DM mass, with a level of precision sufficient for making day-to-day grazing management decisions on farm. The data do suggest different regression equations need to be utilised for different seasons of the year.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Somasiri SC and Kenyon PR and Morel PCH and Kemp PD and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Are fetal programming effects, due to maternal early pregnancy nutrition, evident in adult male offspring in sheep?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {209-211},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Manipulation of fetal development processes via maternal nutritional intervention can affect the physiology and cellular function of adult offspring through a process known as fetal programming (Harding \& Johnson 1995). Nutritional status of the dam in the first trimester of pregnancy is crucial to fetal development because, although fetal energy requirements in early pregnancy are relatively small, and thus, total nutrient demand is typically low, fetal metabolic activity is very high and organogenesis is occurring (Harding \& Johnson 1995)...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pain SJ and Asmad K and Fermin LM and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Comparison of early embryo development in Cheviot and Suffolk breeds of sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {202-204},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Maternal constraint is the major non-genetic factor determining the size of the fetus at term (Gluckman \& Hanson 2004). Previous studies in various animal models have reported the effect of maternal size on birth size and postnatal growth, (Allen et al. 2002; Gardner et al. 2007) whereby fetal development and birth weight are reduced in a restricted maternal uterine environment, while enhanced in a luxurious uterine environment...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Fermin LM and Pain SJ and Blair HT and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3728,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Developmental programming in sheep due to early pregnancy nutrition alters milk yields of adult female offspring but not of grand-offspring},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {212-214},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Two long-term studies by our group have shown that nutrition of the pregnant dam altered the growth and development of the ewe offspring, and their subsequent lactational performance (van der Linden et al. 2009; Paten et al. 2013a). These effects were attributed to developmental programming possibly via epigenetic changes. Epigenetic regulation, such as histone modifications and chromatin condensation, has been implicated in the short- and long-term control of transcription in mammary epithelial cells (Kress et al. 2010)...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and Pain SJ and Jenkinson CMC and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Does feeding level of ewe lambs affect their response to vasectomised rams?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {76-78},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Exposure of ewe lambs (also known as hoggets or yearlings) to vasectomised rams (teasing) has increased breeding activity early in the breeding period in some but not all studies (Hudgens et al. 1987; Kemp et al. 1991; Ungerfled 2007; Cave et al. 2012; Kenyon et al. 2012, 2014). Additional effects reported include increased overall pregnancy rates and number of foetuses per ewe lamb (Kenyon et al. 2014). It would be of benefit if the cause of the variation among studies in the ewe lamb response to teasing could be identified.

In mature ewes, nutrition has been reported to influence the teasing response when it is used to advance the breeding season (Scaramuzzi \& Martin, 2008). Therefore, the present study aimed to test the hypothesis that ewe lambs offered an unrestricted level of pastoral nutrition would have an enhanced response to teasing.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Vi{\~n}oles C and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Effect of early life diet on lamb growth and organ development},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {205-208},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Neonate lambs are pre-ruminants until approximately 3 {\textendash} 4 weeks of age (Treacher \& Caja 2002) and therefore their dam{\textquoteright}s milk is key to their survival and growth. During this period, their digestive system is relatively immature. Attempts have been made to evaluate the effects of early weaning on lamb growth performance with few data available at ages earlier than 4 weeks (Brown 1964; Large 1965; Walker \& Hunt 1981; Lane et al. 1986). These early studies show that lambs can be weaned at two to three weeks of age, however, they often result in growth rate checks. These findings suggest lambs require liquid diet for a minimum of two to three weeks. Nevertheless, rumen development is essential to enable lambs continue a normal growth trajectory when milk consumption ceases (Poe et al. 1969). Our objective was to examine the impacts on lamb growth and organ development when pellets are added to the milk diet of lambs in very early post birth life. Furthermore, lamb growth rates have improved by 50 g/day since the 1980s (Bray 2004). This may imply that the efficiency of lambs in utilising energy in their diet for growth and maintenance has altered. Thus, in addition to the growth performance, the utilisation of metabolisable energy (ME) in the diet for maintenance and growth was also examined.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Danso AS and Morel PCH and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Ewe ultra-sound pregnancy diagnosis and its use by New Zealand farmers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {65-67},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Ultra-sound pregnancy diagnosis can be a valuable management tool for sheep farmers. The benefits include early identification of non-pregnant (dry) ewes which can be culled, freeing up valuable feed for pregnant ewes (Blair 1986) and the identification of single, twin and triplet fetuses, allowing ewes to be fed based on their specific nutritional requirements during pregnancy (Garrick 1998). In addition, selection of lambing paddocks can be made based on the number of fetuses identified (Garrick 1998).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Ridler AL and Hickson RE and Greer AW and Logan CM and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Grand-dam age has no effect on ram lamb live weight and carcass characteristics},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {196-198},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Breeding ewe lambs at 7 to 9 months of age can increase their lifetime productivity and profitability (Young et al. 2010; Kenyon et al. 2011, 2014). Further, in theory, increased genetic gain can be made from selecting progeny born to ewe lambs as replacement ewes. However, little is actually known about the long-term phenotypic impacts of such a management option. Loureiro et al. (2012) examined the reproductive and lactational performance of 18-month-old ewes born to either ewe lambs or mature ewes and reported little difference. They did, however, report that in one of two years, lambs born to dams who themselves were born from ewe lambs (i.e., the grand-offspring) were slightly heavier at weaning than grand-offspring from mature ewes. If this apparent effect was found to be consistent after weaning, and also to affect carcass characteristics, it might indicate a potential advantage of selecting replacement ewes born to ewe lambs. To date, these relationships have not been examined. Therefore, the present study examined the live weight and carcass characteristics of two cohorts of male lambs born to ewes that themselves were born to either mature ewes or ewe lambs...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Burnham DL and Kenyon PR and Pain SJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Inter-generational effects on male offspring born to ewes whose dams were offered varying feeding levels in pregnancy},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {199-201},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {There is a growing body of evidence to indicate that pregnancy nutrition can affect the productive performance of the offspring in sheep (Kenyon \& Blair 2014). Recently we demonstrated that pastoral-based feeding of the ewe (G0) can affect the milk production of the ewe offspring (G1) and the growth and live weight of the grand-offspring (G2) to weaning (van der Linden et al. 2009; Paten et al. 2013). An effect of feeding on grand-offspring is termed an inter-generational effect, and while these effects have been reported in species such as mice and rats, their occurrence in the sheep literature is rare.
There is some evidence to suggest feeding of the ewe in pregnancy can alter the growth and carcass characteristics of her offspring (see review Greenwood et al. 2010) but there is no data available on potential inter-generational effects. The aim of the present study was to determine if feeding of the ewe (G0) in either early- or mid- to late-pregnancy could alter the live weight and slaughter characteristics of male grand (G2) offspring...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Burnham DL and Kenyon PR and Pain SJ and Hickson RE and Peterson SW and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Quality of meat from steers born to beef-cross-dairy cows and sired by Hereford bulls},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {229-232},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {The dairy industry is playing an increasing role in beef production in New Zealand. It is estimated that 65\% of the beef produced in New Zealand originates from dairy herds in the form of Friesian bull beef, first-cross dairy-beef cattle, or cull cows (Morris 2008). The dairy herd has a role in the generation of beef-cross-dairy breed heifers that are used as beef breeding cows. Dairy cattle genetics are not orientated towards meat production and this raises the question as to the suitability of beef-cross-dairy breed cows for producing progeny that are slaughtered for meat production. The quality of meat from the progeny of first-cross dairy-beef cows is largely unknown.
The main dairy breed used in New Zealand is the Holstein-Friesian and the Jersey breed is also very predominant. To take advantage of hybrid vigour, the Friesian-Jersey cross is commonplace in the New Zealand dairy herd. The Friesian-Jersey cross is now considered as a breed in itself and called the {\textquotedblleft}Kiwi-cross{\textquotedblright} or {\textquotedblleft}Kiwi{\textquotedblright} breed (Garrick \& Lopez-Villalobos, 1998). Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the quality of meat from steers which had an Angus (AA), Angus-cross-Friesian (AF), Angus-cross-Kiwi (AK) or Angus-cross-Jersey (AJ) dam. The steers were sired by Hereford bulls and so, the straight-bred Angus dams (AA) provided steers with beef-only genetics for comparison....},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Schreurs NM and Hickson RE and Coleman LW and Kenyon PR and Martin NP and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Utilising a plantain, red clover and white clover mix - A farmer{\textquoteright}s perspective},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {73-75},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Cheltenham Downs is located in the Manawatu district of the North Island of New Zealand. The farm was purchased by Landcorp in early 2011. It has a total area of 1427 ha, of which 1237 ha are effective. The farm is primarily utilised as a lamb-finishing enterprise. The property is located in a relatively summer safe area, with a mix of soil types (Rangitikei Sandy Loam and Milton, Te Arakure, Halcombe, Kiwitea, Ohakea, Milson and Manawatu Silt Loams) and has a flat to easy contour. The average rainfall is 1150mm per annum, evenly spread throughout the year. The majority of the farm is in ryegrass-white clover-based pastures. Each year, on average, 100 ha of Hunter brassica and 40 ha of kale are planted. Currently, the farm has 144 ha of the plantain, red clover and white clover mix.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Brown IC and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {The Farmer Learning Project: Improving the design of agricultural extension to promote learning},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {166-172},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {New Zealand has played a key role in developing innovative extension models designed to support farmers to adopt new, evidence-based, farming practices. However, this momentum has been lost over recent years. A fresh and innovative model of extension is needed to ensure that New Zealand farmers learn about highly-effective technologies. The Farmer Learning Project, now in its third year, is a multi-disciplinary research venture that aims to find out how to promote farmers{\textquoteright} learning and adoption of evidence-based practices. This paper provides an overview of the Farmer Learning Project at Massey University and its innovations designed to promote learning about herb-mix pastures containing chicory, plantain and red and white clover. Five critical success factors shown to support the farmers{\textquoteright} learning are discussed. These include the importance of participation in a sustained and inquiry-focused farmer-scientist learning community, and their engagement in a variety of repeated and relevant learning experiences that are aligned to science. Underpinning these success factors are seven educational principles that need to inform design innovations in agricultural extension. Early findings are also shared from the second phase of the project, which investigates the farmers{\textquoteright} practice change as a result of their learning about herb pastures and its ability to create high performance sheep grazing systems.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sewell AM and Blair HT and Grey DI and Hartnett M and Kemp PD and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Wood BA}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {Farmer learning, successful technology transfer and agricultural extension},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {164-165},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Agriculture has played and will continue to play an important role in the New Zealand economy. New Zealand earns $30 billion a year from its primary industries, which make up over 70\% of New Zealand{\textquoteright}s merchandise export earnings (Ministry for Primary Industries 2013). The primary sector as a whole had a 3.3\% annual compound growth rate during the period 1984 to 2007, while forestry was at 1.6\% and the wider economy at just 1.0\% (Morris 2013). Further, productivity of the primary industries has increased 2.5 times from 1978 to 2009, almost twice as much as the wider domestic economy (Ministry for Primary Industries 2013)...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Corner-Thomas RA}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {From Extension to Distributed Learning: The Embedding of Agricultural Scientists in Farmer Knowledge Networks},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {173-178},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {This paper reports on the social structures of an ongoing learning group in which 17 farmers and five agricultural scientists are collaboratively undertaking a three-year farmlet experiment that investigates the performance of {\textquoteleft}herb mix{\textquoteright} pastures. Network analyses have been undertaken of the history of prior contact between the group{\textquoteright}s 22 members and of the 223 contacts made by the participating farmers to develop their herb pasture knowledge. The results show that networking by farmer members radically increases the ability of science to reach other farmers. These farmer networks have distributed structures characterised by dense, decentralised and equitable ties between the participants. The power to authorise agricultural knowledge is pluralised by numerous self-reinforcing relationships grounded in everyday farming practices. The paper concludes by discussing the relevance of such distributed learning for current attempts to replace linear extension with a more productive approach to agricultural knowledge.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wood BA and Blair HT and Grey DI and Hartnett M and Kemp PD and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Sewell AM}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Is it time for changes in the New Zealand Society of Animal Production?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {1-4},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {At approximately ten year intervals, the President{\textquoteright}s address includes a review of society{\textquoteright}s activities (Andrews 1963; Everitt 1973; Smith 1984; Nicol 1992; Morrow 2004). Therefore, it is appropriate that I do so again. In addition, the society is facing the reality of falling paper numbers and attendance at conferences. Coinciding with this is a change in the generation of active scientific members within the society. Therefore, my address will also outline my thoughts on these issues moving forward.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {Summer lamb production and grazing management of pure swards of plantain (Plantago lanceolata)},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {94-101},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Plantain is a productive and persistent pasture species known for its capacity to feed livestock over summer, but there has been limited research published on grazing management and lamb production from Tonic plantain in summer without irrigation. Farmlet scale (individual plots ranged from 0.44 {\textendash} 0.75 ha over the three years), randomised and replicated experiments, with grazing lambs on pure swards of Tonic plantain were undertaken over three summers. The treatments were sward height at pre- and post-grazing and stocking rate. Study one was in a wet summer and the plantain was not water-stressed, whereas in study two, it was mainly dry and the plantain was regularly under stress, and in study three, the summer rainfall was erratic, resulting in a period of water stress at the beginning of the experiment. The average daily weight gains (ADG) of the lambs ranged from 81 to 219 g/day across the three studies. The highest ADGs were when soil moisture was not limiting plantain growth and post-grazing sward height was greater than 5 cm (approximately 1500 kg DM/ha). The crude protein concentration of plantain was low (156 -175 g/kg DM) when plants were water stressed and high (236 g/kg DM) when rainfall was adequate. It was concluded ADG of lambs grazing Tonic plantain in summer was greatest when pre- and post-grazing sward heights were 8 and 5 cm, respectively (2000 and 1500 kg DM/ha herbage mass) and the plantain was not water stressed. It is recommended that Tonic plantain be sown with pasture legumes to increase its feeding value and crude protein concentration.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kemp PD and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Johnston T and Appleton H and Best HK}
}
@conference {89224,
	title = {A comparison of aspects of the reproductive success of ewe lambs and mixed age ewes joined over the same period},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {76-78},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Ewe lamb breeding at 7 to 8 months of age in extensive production systems, such as utilised in New Zealand, has a number of advantages including higher net profit from lamb production, improved utilisation of spring herbage, improved ewe lifetime performance and improved reproductive rate throughout the flock (Kenyon et al. 2012). However, in comparison to mature ewes there are limitations to ewe lamb breeding which include a lower lambing percentage, lower lamb birth weight\&nbsp; and lower lamb survival (Annett \&amp; Carson 2006; Kenyon 2012).</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner RA and Blair HT and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {89265,
	title = {Effect of dam size and nutrition during pregnancy on fetal testicular development in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {41-44},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>In male sheep, testicular development is almost complete at birth. Testicular cells start to differentiate as early as Day (D) 27 of gestation followed by steroidogenesis and the activation of associated enzyme systems (Rhind 2004). Sertoli cells are present at around D34 and replication continues postnatally (Hochereau-de Reviers et\&nbsp; al. 1987). Seminiferous cords that will develop into tubules appear between D35 and D40 (Sweeney et al. 1997; Rhind et al. 2001). By D70 the rete testis is organised in the centre of testis (Sweeney et al. 1997) and between D35 and D85 the GnRH neuronal system develops in the hypothalamus (Caldani et al. 1995). Testicular gonocytes are typically observed between birth and 25 days after birth, and then progressively differentiate into spermatogonia up to 70 days after birth (Sharpe et al. 2003).</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Asmad K and Kenyon PR and Parkinson TJ and Pain SJ and Lopez-Villalobos N and Blair HT}
}
@conference {89221,
	title = {Effect of different herbage mixes on lamb meat quality},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {65-67},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>In New Zealand there is increasing use of alternative forage species for finishing lambs. The alternative forages have a higher feeding value as a consequence of the dry matter yield and chemical composition providing for greater intakes and a higher nutritive value (Kemp et al. 2010). Each forage species is unique in its nutrient composition and may provide an advantage for animal production at different times of the year (de Ruiter et al. 2007). To take advantage of the unique attributes of individual forage species, herbage mixes have been proposed to further boost lamb growth.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Schreurs NM and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Blair HT and Somasiri SC and Kemp PD}
}
@conference {89258,
	title = {Efficiency of beef breeding cows that vary in live weight and milking potential},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {11-16},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Size and milking potential of beef breeding cows affect their productivity and efficiency. This experiment compared the productivity and efficiency of straightbred Angus (AA) (high live weight, low-milk potential), Angus-cross-Holstein Friesian (AF) (high live weight, high-milk potential), Angus-crossKiwicross (AK) (moderate live weight, high-milk potential) and Angus-cross-Jersey (AJ) cows (low live weight, high-milk potential). High-milk lines produced heavier calves at weaning than the low-milkproducing AA. AF and AK cows weaned the heaviest calves at 225 {\textpm} 3 kg and 224 {\textpm} 4 kg respectively. These calves were heavier than those weaned by AJcows (212 {\textpm} 3 kg). All of these three genotypes weaned heavier calves than AA cows (197 {\textpm} 3 kg). In turn, all three high-milk lines had greater weaning efficiency ((weaning weight of calf/weight of cow at calf weaning) x100) than AA cows which had an efficiency of 36.7 {\textpm} 0.7\%. AJ and AK cows were the most efficient at 46.7 {\textpm} 0.7\% and 46.0 {\textpm} 1.0\%, respectively. AJ cows were also more efficient than the AF cows (44.0 {\textpm} 0.8\%). Increased milking potential and decreased live weight of breeding cows increased their efficiency of production.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Law NL and Hickson RE and Lopez-Villalobos N and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {89240,
	title = {Ewe live weight and body condition in mid-to- late-pregnancy does not affect the maximum heat production capacity of its lamb at birth},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {143-145},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Under pastoral conditions, lambs are often exposed to wind, cold and rain that result in neonatal mortality. Thus any improved thermoregulatory response has the potential to increase lamb survival. Especially in light lambs, there is a strong negative relationship between birth weight and mortality (Everett-Hincks \&amp; Dodds 2008). Birth weight also regulates the lamb{\textquoteright}s thermoregulatory capability (Kerslake et al. 2010). Lamb birth weight is influenced by ewe live weight, ewe bodycondition score and the variation in these parameters (Everett-Hincks \&amp; Dodds 2008; Schreurs et al. 2012). Therefore, ewe live weight and ewe body condition score may influence the thermoregulatory capability of the newborn lamb and its survival to weaning.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Hickson RE and Kerslake JI and Morris ST}
}
@conference {89227,
	title = {Uterine expression of oestrogen receptor alpha in Suffolk and Cheviot ewes at Day 19 of pregnancy, following embryo transfer},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {86-89},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Whilst it is recognised that maternal uterine capacity has a marked influence on offspring birth weight and size (Walton \&amp; Hammond 1938; Allen et al. 2002; Jenkinson et al. 2007, 2012; Sharma et al. 2012), Sharma et al. (2010) demonstrated in reciprocal embryo transfer experiments that the maternal uterine environment exerts an effect on embryonic growth by Day 19 in early gestation, when maternal uterine capacity is not a limiting factor.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sequeira M and Pain SJ and Sartore I and Meikle A and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {79021,
	title = {Effect of the maternal environment on fetal growth at mid-gestation in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {205-209},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Our group has previously shown that maternal size can affect embryonic development by Day 19 of gestation and lamb birth weight. This study set out to investigate the effect of the maternal uterine environment on fetal growth at mid-gestation. Pure-breed single embryos were transferred within and reciprocally between large (Suffolk: S) and small (Cheviot: C) breeds of ewes to establish four maternal environments; SinS, SinC, CinS and CinC. On Day 90 of gestation, 37 single-bearing recipient ewes (10 CinC, 7 SinC, 10 CinS and 10 SinS) were euthanased. Fetal body weight, fetal body dimensions and fetal organ weights, and placentome number and total weight were measured. Body weight was significantly (P < 0.001) smaller in Cheviot compared to Suffolk fetuses. However, Cheviot fetuses had heavier (P < 0.05) kidneys and liver than Suffolk fetuses. SinC fetuses had heavier (P < 0.05) pancreas than those from all other pregnancy groups. CinS fetuses tended to have longer (P < 0.10) fore- and hind-leg lengths than CinC fetuses. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in placental parameters between the pregnancy groups. The maternal uterine environment had no major effect on fetal weight, fetal dimensions and fetal organ mass at mid-gestation.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Jenkinson CMC and Sharma RK and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {78985,
	title = {Effects of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on the growth and reproductive development of male sheep: a meta-analysis},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {51-57},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {<p><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: ARIAL;">Nutrient supply to the fetus is one of the crucial factors in the regulation of fetal growth and reproductive development. The effect of maternal nutrition can be exerted at all stages of fetal development, from conception until birth. A meta-analysis of maternal nutrition effects on the growth and reproductive development of male sheep offspring was undertaken using sixteen sheep studies. Eleven studies were included for prediction of the growth curves using a logistic growth model, and eleven studies were included for reproductive development and analysed using a mixed model. The meta-analysis suggested that, male sheep offspring undernourished during gestation had a significantly slower growth and lower testosterone levels while there were no statistically significant effects on testis weight, seminiferous tubule diameter or Sertoli cell count. The lack of a statistical effect on seminiferous tubule diameter and Sertoli cell count may be due to the limited number of studies examining the effects of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on male sheep offspring reproductive development. The meta-analysis reported here suggests that additional studies are warranted to more conclusively determine whether maternal nutrition during pregnancy effects male sheep growth and reproductive development.</span></p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Asmad K and Nakagawa S and Lopez-Villalobos N and Kenyon PR and Pain SJ and Blair HT}
}
@conference {78981,
	title = {Expression of uterine progesterone receptor in Suffolk and Cheviot ewes at Day 19 of pregnancy, following embryo transfer},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {35-37},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Many animal studies have shown that uterine capacity has a marked influence on birth weight and size (Walton \& Hammond 1938; Allen et al. 2002; Jenkinson et al. 2007; Sharma et al. 2012). However, in reciprocal embryo transfer experiments ... },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sequeira M and Pain SJ and Sartore I and Meikle A and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {79023,
	title = {Relationship between profiles of free amino acids in fetal and maternal plasma with those in skeletal muscle, in twin and single fetuses from ad-libitum fed ewes in late gestation},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {213-215},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Skeletal muscle growth depends on amino acid (AA) availability, not only as building components, but also as regulatory signals for protein accretion (Wu 2009). However, their signalling role for muscle growth in ruminants is poorly understood. We have previously reported that lower muscle weight in twin compared to single fetuses in late gestation, is associated with changes in the profile of specific intracellular muscle free AA (FAA), when ewes are fed a maintenance plane of nutrition during gestation (Pacheco et al. 2010a). This suggests that some AA may regulate muscle growth during fetal life.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sales FA and Treloar BP and Pacheco D and Blair HT and Kenyon PR and Nicholas G and Senna Salerno M}
}
@conference {75922,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Effect of gender and prior exposure on the intake and preference of sheep for plantain post-weaning},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {278-280},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {Animals are exposed to a sensory learning environment both pre- and post-birth birth (Nicolaidis, 2008). Numerous experiments with rats (Smotherman, 1982), chickens (Porter \& Picard, 1998; Sneddon et al., 1998) and sheep (Nolte et al., 1992; Schaal et al., 1995; Simitzis et al., 2008) have demonstrated prenatal... Continued},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pain SJ and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Kemp PD}
}
@conference {75879,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The effect of dam age and lamb birth rank on the growth rate, faecal egg count and onset of puberty of single and twin female offspring to 12 month of age},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {83-85},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {Breeding ewe lambs at eight to nine months of age has gained popularity on New Zealand sheep farms in recent years. This is predominantly because of the many production advantages it offers: greater net profits, increased number and weight of lambs produced per ewe productive lifetime, better use of spring herbage, early recognition of fertility potential, increased rates of genetic gain and... Continued},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Loureiro MFP and Paten AM and Asmad K and Pain SJ and Kenyon PR and Pomroy WE and Scott I and Blair HT}
}
@conference {75873,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The effects of dam nutrition during pregnancy on the postnatal growth and puberty attainment of ewe progeny},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {56-58},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {In New Zealand{\textquoteright}s pastoral sheep-production systems, feed can become limiting during winter, when breeding ewes are pregnant. Ewes are often restrictively fed during early-gestation (Kenyon \& Webby, 2007) to enable greater levels of nutrition in late-gestation. Many studies have demonstrated that dam nutrition during various stages of pregnancy can program the...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Paten AM and Asmad K and Loureiro MFP and Kenyon PR and Pain SJ and Peterson SW and Pomroy WE and Scott I and Blair HT}
}
@conference {75874,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The effects of dam nutrition during pregnancy on the growth of male offspring},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {59-61},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {During pregnancy, nutritional status of the ewe is crucial because of its potential effect on fetal development, subsequent lamb survival and reproduction post-birth (Rhind et al., 2001). Manipulation of the progress of fetal development can affect the structure and physiology of adult offspring through the process of fetal programming (Barker et al., 1993). Epidemiological data... Continued },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Asmad K and Paten AM and Loureiro MFP and Kenyon PR and Pain SJ and Parkinson TJ and Pomroy WE and Scott I and Blair HT}
}
@conference {75871,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The influence of a herb and legume sward on maternal behaviour and lamb colostrum intake and thermoregulation},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {50-52},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {Nutrition of the ewe in late pregnancy is known to affect colostrum production, lamb live weight, survival to weaning (Kenyon \& Webby, 2007; Kerslake et al., 2009), and maternal behaviour (O{\textquoteright}Connor et al., 1985). Kenyon et al. (2010) reported that offering a mixed herb sward containing... Continued},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hutton PG and Kenyon PR and Bedi MK and Kemp PD and Stafford KJ and West DM and Morris ST}
}
@conference {75924,
	title = {Physical and physiological factors associated with twin- and triplet-born lamb heat production at 24 to 36 hours of age},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {286-290},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {This study attempted to identify physical and physiological factors of twin- and triplet born lambs within the first 24 to 36 hours of life which are associated with maximum heat production on a per lamb basis (W/lamb) and a per kg of birth weight basis (W/kg). Multiple regression analyses revealed that lamb birth weight accounted for 34 percent of the variation in maximum heat production on a per lamb basis (P <0.001), whereas, inclusion of plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; P <0.01), tri-iodothyronine (T3; P <0.05) and glucose concentrations at 24 to 36 hours of age (P <0.05) increased the accountability to 59 percent. Multiple regression analyses also revealed that plasma NEFA concentrations at 24 to 36 hours of age accounted for 15 percent of the variation in maximum heat production on a per kg of birth weight basis (P <0.01), whereas, inclusion of plasma T3 at 24 to 36 hours of age increased the accountability to 22 percent (P <0.05). Overall these results suggest that having greater lamb birth weights, plasma thyroid hormone, glucose and NEFA concentrations at 24 to 36 hours of age is beneficial for twin- and triplet-born lamb thermoregulation during periods of cold stress.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kerslake JI and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Stafford KJ and Morel PCH}
}
@conference {75878,
	title = {Is there any advantage of early weaning of twin lambs born to yearlings?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {79-82},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of weaning twin lambs born to yearlings at 9, 11 or 13 weeks of age on the live weight of the yearling and her lambs. The yearlings and the lambs were allocated to one of three weaning treatment groups (9-week versus 11-week versus 13-week) on Day 1. Each treatment group was balanced for yearling and lamb live weight. At Week 13, all lambs were removed from the remainder of the experiment but the yearlings were monitored for a further six weeks. The yearlings and lambs were offered ad-libitum levels of herbage throughout the experimental period and the pre- and post-grazing mass was monitored weekly. The yearlings and lambs were weighed on Days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 while yearlings were weighed again on Days 35, 42 and 70. Pre- and post-grazing mass was monitored weekly. Yearling live weight did not differ (P >0.05) between treatment groups on Days 1, 35 or 70. Lamb live weight did not differ (P >0.05) on Days 1, 14 or 28. These results indicate that there is no advantage of early weaning of twin lambs born to yearlings on the live weight of the yearling or her lambs.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Mulvaney FJ and Morris ST and Kenyon PR and Morel PCH and West DM}
}
@conference {69484,
	title = {Do fetuses from primiparous one-year-old ewes differ from those of multiparous mature ewes?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {118-120},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {The number of ewe-lambs (8 to 9 months of age) mated in New Zealand has increased to approximately 33\% over the last 15 years (Anon, 2009). There are many potential advantages to ewelamb breeding including higher net profits, more lambs produced per ewe productive lifetime, better use of spring herbage, increased efficiency, early recognition of fertility potential and increased rates of genetic gain (Hight, 1982). However, little is known about the long term impacts of selecting progeny born to these young ewes as replacement animals. There is some evidence from human studies to suggest that there may be negative impacts for both the offspring and to the first parity young mother (Lucas et al., 1999).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Loureiro MFP and Pain SJ and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {69498,
	title = {Do lambs within twin- and triplet-born litter produce different amount of heat during a cold stress event?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {171-174},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Triplet-born lambs have been shown to have lighter birth weights (Morris \& Kenyon, 2004; Kerslake et al., 2005; Everett-Hincks \& Dodds, 2008), lower rectal temperatures (Dwyer \& Morgan, 2006; Stafford et al., 2007), lower plasma fructose (Stafford et al., 2007) and greater plasma lactate concentrations within five minutes of birth (Stafford et al., 2007; J.I. Kerslake, Unpublished data) than twin-born lambs. In addition to this, within a tripletborn litter, the lightest lambs have been shown to have lower rectal temperatures and greater plasma lactate concentrations within five minutes of birth (Stafford et al., 2007; J.I. Kerslake, Unpublished data) than the heaviest lambs. Light birth weights, low rectal temperatures and greater plasma lactate concentrations within five minutes of birth have been used as indices for placental insufficiency, acute intra-partum hypoxemia and inadequate thermogenesis after birth (Barlow et al., 1987; Mellor, 1988).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kerslake JL and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and Morris ST and Morel PCH}
}
@conference {69481,
	title = {Effect of birth weight on survival of lambs born to ewe lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {101-103},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Benefits of ewe lamb mating (at 8 to 9 months of age) include improved lifetime production, increased rates of genetic gain and higher net profits (Kenyon et al., 2008 and references therein). These benefits of ewe lamb mating are only achieved if the ewe lamb successfully rears its offspring to weaning. For mature ewes, a reduction of mortality before weaning by 1\% is equivalent to an extra $10 gross margin per hectare (Morel \& Kenyon 2006). To maximise farm profits it is necessary to understand the factors that influence pre-weaning mortality of lambs born to ewe lambs so that appropriate management strategies can be implemented.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Schreurs NM and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Morel PCH}
}
@conference {69479,
	title = {Effect of nutrition around the time of breeding and during pregnancy on yearling liveweight change, pregnancy loss and liveweight and survival of of their offspring},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {91-95},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {This experiment investigated the effects of differing nutritional levels on yearling pregnancy loss, and the live weight and survival of their offspring to weaning. Yearlings were offered either Medium or Ad-libitum levels of herbage from four days prior to breeding (P-4) until P145. Nutrition during pregnancy had no effect on pregnancy loss or lamb live weight from Day 0 of lactation (L0) until L55. Lambing percent was higher (P <0.05) in the Ad-libitum treatment compared to the Medium treatment. Single born lambs were heavier (P <0.05) than twin born lambs at L0 and at L55. Ad-libitum treatment yearlings were heavier (P <0.05) than Medium treatment yearlings at L55. Modelling of the live weight trends indicated that from P-4 until P145 the pregnant yearlings in the Medium and Ad-libitum treatment groups consumed 8.1 and 14.4 kg DM/kg of lamb live weight at L55. This indicates that the greater yearling live weight gain in the Ad-libitum group utilised more herbage during the yearling{\textquoteright}s first winter without any increase in the performance of their offspring. The extra 9 kg gained by the yearlings fed Ad-libitum may have positive effects on future performance as they will gain a suitable live weight for breeding as a two year old earlier.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Mulvaney FJ and Morris ST and Kenyon PR and West DM and Morel PCH}
}
@conference {69500,
	title = {Effects of restricted fetal nutrition in utero on mTOR signaling in ovine skeletal muscle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {180-182},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {High prolificacy (twins and triplets) is a desirable trait in sheep under intensive management systems. However, multiple-born lambs have lower birth weights resulting from placental insufficiency (McCoard, 1997), and carryover detrimental effects on lean deposition, feed efficiency, and lifelong performance compared to singletons (Greenwood et al., 1998; De Blasio  et al.,2007), suggesting differential nutritional programming in utero.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sciascia Q and Pacheco D and Bracegirdle J and Berry C and Kenyon PR and Blair HT and Senna Salerno M and Nicholas G and McCoard SA}
}
@conference {69504,
	title = {Intracellular concentrations of free amino acids are reduced in skeletal muscle of late gestation twin compared to single fetuses},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {199-201},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {A cost-effective way toincrease productivity measured as kg lamb weaned per ewe, from sheep farming is to increase lambing percentage. However, late fetal and early neonatal twin lambs have reduced body weight (McCoard et al., 2000) and ~20\% less skeletal muscle mass than singletons (McCoard et al.,2001) with carryover effects on post-natal growth performance (Afolayan et al.,2007; De Blasio et al.,2007), and thus profits. Increased knowledge of the impact of nutrition and other environmental factors on the mechanisms regulating fetal growth, in particular skeletal muscle growth, is essential in order to develop new strategies to enhance meat production performance.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pacheco D and Treloar BP and Kenyon PR and Blair HT and McCoard SA}
}
@conference {69525,
	title = {Preference of lambs for novel pasture herbs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {285-287},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {There is strong evidence that sheep show a preference for some plant species over others (Parsons et al.,1994; Concha \& Nicol, 2000; Foster et al., 2002; Rutter, 2006; Corkran, 2009). Differences among ruminant species in forage selectivity, offers a unique opportunity to manipulate utilization of pastures. Recently, increased milk yields and higher weaning weights of lambs have been shown to occur, when grazing a mixed herb sward containing chicory (Cichorium intybus), red and white clover (Trifolium pratenseand T. repens) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata) (Golding, 2008).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pain SJ and Hutton PG and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Kemp PD}
}
@conference {69503,
	title = {Preliminary investigation of milk production in Angus heifers exposed to different nutrition in utero},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {194-198},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Milk yield (MY) and composition were measured on one day in Weeks 7, 9 and 11 in 17 offspring of Angus cows fed for high (1.2 kg/d; HB) or medium (0.5 kg/d; MB) liveweight gain (LWG) for 10 days before insemination and medium (0.5 kg/d; MA) or low (0.01 kg/d; LA) LWG during gestation. Mean MYs in the progeny were; Week 7: 5790 {\textpm} 420 g/d, Week 9: 7418 {\textpm} 447 g/d, Week 11: 6244 {\textpm} 392 g/d. Better feeding before mating had little effect on MY or milk crude protein (CP\%) in the progeny but tended to reduce the milkfat\% (Week 9; HB (n = 8) 3.50 {\textpm} 0.17\% versus MB (n = 8) 3.74 {\textpm} 0.22\%) (P <0.19), casein (Week 11; HB 2.59 {\textpm} 0.03\% versus MB 2.68 {\textpm} 0.04\%) (P = 0.11) and lactose (Week 11; HB 5.18 {\textpm} 0.13\% versus MB 5.42 {\textpm} 0.05\%) (P = 0.075). Better feeding of the dam after artificial insemination did not significantly increase MY of the progeny (Week 9; MA (n = 9) 7972 {\textpm} 378 g/d versus LA (n = 8) 6794 {\textpm} 826 g/d) (P = 0.23), or milkfat\%, decreased CP (Week 9; MA 3.22 {\textpm} 0.07\% versus LA 3.41 {\textpm} 0.08\%) (P <0.09) and casein\% (at Weeks 7 and 9 identical values of MA 2.52 {\textpm} 0.06\% versus LA 2.69 {\textpm} 0.07\%), but increased lactose\% after the peak of lactation (Week 11 MA 5.42 {\textpm} 0.06\% versus LA 5.15 {\textpm} 0.14\%) (P <0.08). Feeding before and after conception may affect the nutrition of the grand generation},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and Jenkinson CMC and Hickson RE and Morris ST and Blair HT and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {69475,
	title = {Use of novel pasture species to reduce methane emissions from New Zealand grazing ruminants},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {77-79},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {In New Zealand, methane (CH4) accounts for approximately 38\% of greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of this methane, approximately 98\%, is from ruminants (Waghorn \& Woodward, 2006). New Zealand{\textquoteright}s ruminant production industry relies heavily on a pasture-based system and depends on efficient utilisation of pasture. Variation between plant species in their nutritional and chemical composition provides an opportunity to manipulate rumen fermentation patterns and increase the utilization of pastures, while potentially reducing ruminant livestock CH4emissions. Preliminary findings are reported from a pilot study which investigated the effects of nutritional composition of a range of forage species on the short-term in vitro production of CH4.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Roca FJ and Hutton PG and Pain SJ and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {60955,
	title = {The effect of fasting on live weight in hogget wethers and pregnant mature ewes : Brief Communication},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {112-114},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Withholding of food and water, or fasting, of sheep for up to 24 hours is a practice commonly employed in the agricultural industry and research sectors. Farmers routinely fast sheep before shearing, pregnancy scanning and transport. Further, with relatively large numbers of animals involved in some experiments, duration of weighing and manipulation time can vary, which may interfere with a comparison of live weight measurements. The determination of the rate of liveweight loss will allow live weights to be corrected to... Continued },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Burnham DL and Morel PCH and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Stafford KJ}
}
@conference {60945,
	title = {The effect of weaning at 10 or 14 weeks of age on liveweight changes in the hogget and her lambs : Brief Communication},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {68-70},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Kenyon et al. (2004) revealed via a survey, that a major reason why New Zealand farmers do not breed ewe hoggets (7-9 months old) is perceived detrimental effects on two-tooth breeding live weight, resulting in reduced two-tooth reproductive performance. Kenyon et al. (2008) confirmed this by showing hoggets that lambed had reduced two-tooth live weight and condition score at breeding. A potential means of minimising any potential negative effects on... Continued},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Mulvaney FJ and Morris ST and Kenyon PR and West DM and Morel PCH}
}
@conference {60947,
	title = {Effects of birth weight on survival in twin born lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {75-79},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Lamb survival to weaning decreases as litter size increases (single > twin > triplet > quads), with birth weight being a major factor affecting survival. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of birth weight (BWT) and related traits on survival in twin born lambs. Data from a total of 3,834 twin lambs born to mixed aged ewes were analysed. For statistical analysis the lambs were allocated according to birth weight (BWT) within litter to three groups (Light = Lightest lambs within pairs, Equal = Lambs of similar weight within pairs and Heavy = Heaviest lambs within pairs). The survival rates differed (P <0.05) between Light, Equal and Heavy (80\%, 89\% and 83\%, respectively). BWT was positively related (P <0.001) to survival in the Light group, but not in the other two groups. The smaller the difference in BWT between siblings, the higher the likelihood of the Light lambs surviving. Therefore, reducing the difference in BWT within a set of twins will have the potential to increase overall lamb survival. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morel PCH and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {60962,
	title = {Lancorp Farming Lecture: {\textquoteright}Clean, green and ethical{\textquoteright} animal reproduction: extension to sheep and dairy systems in New Zealand},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {140-147},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {In this paper, we present our approach for {\textquoteright}clean, green and ethical{\textquoteright} (CGE) management in small ruminants and dairy cattle, in a context that is relevant to New Zealand livestock industries. We will focus in particular on reproduction and nutrition aspects, with several possibilities for CGE management: 1) control of the timing of reproductive events by using socio-sexual signals (the {\textquoteright}male effect{\textquoteright}) to induce synchronised ovulation in females; 2) {\textquoteright}focus feeding{\textquoteright} - short periods of nutritional supplementation that are precisely timed and specifically designed for each event in the reproductive process; 3) {\textquoteright}nutritional pharmacology{\textquoteright} - a term that reflects the possibility of using forages containing {\textquoteright}bioactive{\textquoteright} compounds to improve rumen health and efficiency with environmental benefits through the reduction of methane emissions from ruminants; 4) maximizing offspring survival by a combination of management and nutrition; 5) genetic selection for fertility, fecundity and temperament. These tools involve novel ways of manipulating the endogenous control systems and production of animals. Ultimately, the CGE tools can be cost-effective, increase productivity and, at the same time, greatly improve the image of meat and milk industries in society and the marketplace. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Martin GB and Durmic Z and Kenyon PR and Vercoe PE}
}
@conference {60931,
	title = {Maternal environment as a regulator of birth weight and body dimensions of newborn lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {10-14},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {The present research study was undertaken to investigate the effect of maternal uterine environment on birth weight of lambs. Embryos were transferred within, and reciprocally between, Suffolk and Cheviot sheep to establish four groups of pregnancies: Suffolk in Suffolk (SinS; Large control), Suffolk in Cheviot (SinC; Restricted uterine environment) Cheviot in Suffolk (CinS; Luxurious uterine environment) and Cheviot in Cheviot (CinC; Small control). Birth weight and other morphological characteristics of lambs such as head width, head length, crown-rump length, heart girth, fore leg length, hind leg length and femur length were recorded within 24 h of birth. Various placental parameters were also recorded at lambing. Birth weight of SinC lambs (5.04 {\textpm} 0.20 kg) was significantly (P <0.05) lower than SinS lambs (5.93 {\textpm} 0.19 kg). All of the body dimensions were also significantly (P <0.05) reduced in SinC compared with SinS lambs. However, neither birth weight nor other morphological parameters were significantly different (P >0.05) between CinC and CinS lambs. Among placental parameters, cotyledon number was significantly (P <0.05) lower in CinS (57.48 {\textpm} 6.27) than SinS group (74.17 {\textpm} 5.88). These results indicate that a restricted maternal uterine environment affects birth weight probably via alteration to placental characteristics. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sharma RK and Jenkinson CMC and Blair HT and Kenyon PR and Parkinson TJ}
}
@conference {42045,
	title = {Liveweight and body condition of single- and twin-bearing Merino ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {67-68},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {<p class="rtejustify"><span itemprop="text">While dairy cows are generally milked twice-a-day (TAD) in New Zealand, more farmers are adopting a once-a-day (OAD) milking routine to improve their lifestyle, reduce farm costs and improve animal welfare. Clark <i>et al.</i> (2006) reported that the yield of milksolids (MS) from Jersey cows was less affected (-19.9\%/cow) by OAD milking than the MS yield from Holstein-Friesian cows (-29.4\%/cow). Jersey cows milked OAD in Taranaki between 2000 and 2004 averaged 222 kg MS/cow and 979 kg MS/ha (Clark <i>et al.</i>, 2006). In the 2006/07 season ...Continued </span></p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {van Reenen EH and Kenyon PR and Sherlock RG and Hickson RE and Morris ST}
}
@conference {42067,
	title = {A review of in-utero environmental effects on sheep production},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {142-155},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {There has been recent interest in potential intragenerational and intergenerational effects due to pre-natal programming and the implications these may have on production animals, such as the sheep. Evidence for intergenerational effects has been apparent for a significant period of time. The available data indicate that dam nutrition, age, parity, pregnancy rank, live weight, body condition, genotype and fetal genotype, and environmental conditions can all affect fetal development with potential post natal intra-generational consequences. However it is also clear that many of the observed effects in the fetus and young animal do not translate to productive effects in the adult although some models do exist. It is often difficult to compare studies due to differences in the; timing of the manipulation being investigated, live weight and condition of the dam, nutrition of the dam after the manipulation, and management of the young animal post birth. In the future it is probable that farmers will use this information to manipulate the dam in pregnancy to affect the productive performance of future generation(s). Currently few if any models of intergenerational effects exist. Further studies are required to identify consistent intragenerational and intergenerational models which affect productive performance in the adult and that identify the mechanisms responsible for the observed effects. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {41711,
	title = {The effect of maternal liveweight gain of 15-month-old beef heifers on foetal weight},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {117-120},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {Dystocia in 2-year-old beef heifers is a major factor limiting the willingness of farmers to breed 15-month-old heifers in New Zealand. Foetal oversize relative to the size of the heifer is a contributor to dystocia. This study aimed to determine the effect on foetal weight of maternal liveweight change during joining and early pregnancy. Sixteen 15-month-old Angus heifers were allocated to moderate (444 {\textpm} 30 g/day) or low (109 {\textpm} 28 g/day) liveweight-gain treatments for 21 days prior to and 91 days after insemination. Gravid uteri were recovered on day 91 of pregnancy. Foetuses from the low-fed heifers tended to be heavier than foetuses from the moderate-fed heifers (215.6 {\textpm} 6.7 g and 198.4 {\textpm} 6.8 g, respectively; P=0.09). Foetal weight per 100 kg maternal weight was greater (P<0.01) in foetuses from the low treatment (58.9 {\textpm} 2.5 g/100 kg) than in foetuses from the moderate treatment (47.4 {\textpm} 2.6 g/100 kg). Weight of foetal membranes was greater (P<0.05) in the low treatment (262 {\textpm} 16 g) than the moderate treatment (213 {\textpm} 16 g). Foetal weight was correlated with cotyledon weight (r=0.59; P<0.05). Moderate compared with low maternal liveweight gain reduced foetal weight relative to maternal live weight.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Lopez-Villalobos N and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41965,
	title = {The effects of ewe size and nutrition during pregnancy on growth and onset of puberty in female progeny},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {126-129},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {In 2005, {\textquoteleft}heavy{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}light{\textquoteright} Romney ewes were selected, synchronized and artificially inseminated. Half of the ewes in each weight group were fed ad libitumand the other half were restricted to maintenance from days 21-140 of pregnancy, resulting in fourgroups: {\textquoteleft}heavy{\textquoteright}-maintenance (HM), {\textquoteleft}heavy{\textquoteright}-ad libitum(HA), {\textquoteleft}light{\textquoteright}-maintenance (LM) and {\textquoteleft}light{\textquoteright}-ad libitum(LA). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ewe size and nutrition during pregnancy on growth and onset of puberty in female progeny. Lamb birth weights were recorded. After weaning, the progeny were managed as one flock and weighed monthly. Crayon-harnessed teaser rams were joined with the lambs to investigate the onset of puberty. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy affected live weight of lambs from 22 days of age till weaning (100 days of age) (P<0.05). During the first 22 days of life, the growth rate of lambs born to LM was lower (P<0.05) compared with the other groups (215 {\textpm} 8.2, 261 {\textpm} 8.0, 250 {\textpm} 7.9, 275 {\textpm} 7.3 grams/day, for lambs born to LM, LA, HM and HA ewes respectively). From weaning until one year of age lambs born to LM dams were lighter than lambs born to HM dams (P<0.05). No differences in the age of onset of puberty were found among the four groups. Singletons reached puberty earlier than twins (P<0.01). At 13 months of age, no long-term effect of maternal nutrition on the live weight of resulting ewe offspring was found, although dam size had a significant effect on live weight and growth rate. However, neither dam nutrition nor size had any effect on the age of onset of puberty.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {van der Linden DS and Kenyon PR and Jenkinson CMC and Peterson SW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Blair HT}
}
@conference {41977,
	title = {Maternal constraint in sheep breeds with diverse birth weight},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {187-191},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {Reciprocal crosses of Shire and Shetland ponies and transferring embryos between small and large breeds of horses and pigs have shown that maternal size, ratherthan foetal genotype, is the primary determinant of birth size. In the present study, 40 Cheviot (C) ewes and 40 Suffolk (S) ewes were split into two groups. Each group was mated to either two Suffolk rams or two Cheviot rams to generate CC, CS, SC and SS lambs. Birth weights differed significantly (P<0.01) between the four lamb genotypes (CC 4.12 {\textpm} 0.21; CS 4.43 {\textpm} 0.23; SC 5.08 {\textpm} 0.19; SS 5.17 {\textpm} 0.19, kg). Furthermore, lower birth weight was significantly (P<0.01) associated with lower maternal circulating plasma placental lactogen (oPL) concentrations in the Cheviot dams at days 90 (C 25.8 {\textpm} 10.0 vs. S 71.8 {\textpm} 11.6, ng/ml) and 110 (C 84.5 {\textpm} 16.8 vs. S 175.9 {\textpm} 19.0, ng/ml) but not at day 130 of gestation. These results indicate that the size of the ewe affects the intrauterine development of her lamb. Moreover, the lower concentrations of oPL in the Cheviot dams may have contributed to the constraint observed in foetal growth.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Jenkinson CMC and Kenyon PR and Blair HT and Breier BH and Gluckman PD}
}
@conference {41964,
	title = {Summer lamb finishing on forage crops},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {121-125},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {The objective of this study was to compare lamb growth and performance on three forages over summer in a large scale, replicated experiment. The three forage treatments were new spring-sown pasture (cv.Bealey perennial ryegrass and cv.Apex white clover), hybrid leafy turnip (cv.Hunter), and a predominant white clover sward. The study was conducted over 28 days, with 28 days preceding the study as the herbage adjustment period. Entire male lambs (n=270) were allocated to one of the three treatments, balanced for live weight at day -28 (D-28). Live weights and liveweightgains were measured at D-28, -14, 0, 14 and 28. Herbage heights were measured pre- and post-grazing toensure lambs were receiving a herbage allowance of at least three times their potential intake. Herbage quality parameters were also measured post-grazing. Liveweight gains were different (P<0.05) between treatment groups, being 311{\textpm}10.2, 222{\textpm}10.1, and 160{\textpm}10.2 g/day for clover, Hunter, and new pasture, respectively. The results showed that Hunter and clover produced superior lamb growth compared to new pasture over summer for the 28 day trial period.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Lindsay CL and Kemp PD and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41699,
	title = {To wether - short scrotum or leave lambs as entire rams ? Revisiting an old question using new genetics},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {44-47},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {A comparison of wethers (WTH), short scrotum (SSC) and rams (RAM) was made on 552 7/16 Romney, 
3/16 Poll Dorset, 3/16 Texel and 3/16 East Friesianlambs. Lambs were drafted for slaughter using 
commercial criteria on weight and condition score at weaning (D81), D120, D154 and D192. Due to faster 
growth rates, by the end of the 2nd kill (D120) approximately 31\% of RAM and SSC lambs were slaughtered 
compared with 16\% of WTH lambs (P<0.01), although the difference was no longer significant by the end of 
the 4
th
kill. The carcass weight of WTH (17.6kg) was significantly heavier (P<0.01)than the RAM (17.2kg) 
but not significantly different to the SSC (17.5kg), despite similar kill liveweights, due to the increased 
dressing out percentages of the WTH lambs (43.6\%, 43.1\% and 42.5\% respectively; P<0.05). Based on GR, 
8.7\% of WTH carcasses graded overfat, compared with only 0.6\% of RAM and SSC carcasses (P<0.001). 
Over the kill period the price schedule ($/kg carcass weight) dropped, so for the WTH given their longer 
time to slaughter and poorer grading due to over fat carcasses the price for WTH carcasses ($49.16) was 
lower (P<0.01) than RAM or SSC carcasses ($50.37 and $50.70). When the added cost of feeding and 
drenching was taken into consideration, the net value of the WTH was evenless. Composite wether lambs of 
still potentially present an opportunity cost, except incertain situations where the management benefits 
outweigh the direct financial cost. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {PL Johnson and Kenyon PR and Burnham DL and West DM}
}
@conference {41942,
	title = {Do ewes with twin and triplet lambs produce different yields of milk and does the grazing behaviour of their lambs differ?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {444-449},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {This trial was designed to determine if ewes with triplets produce more milk than those with twins, and, if not, do triplet lambs compensate by extra grazing. Milk yield (MY) of ewes with twin (n=13) and triplet (n=8) lambs, grazing pasture in spring was measured four, seven and ten weeks postpartum. Ewes and lambs were separated in the morning and MY was measured by the oxytocin method. MY did not differ in ewes with triplets (2525 {\textpm} 243 g/d) from that in ewes with twins (2204 {\textpm} 149 g/d) at week four, week seven (1847 {\textpm} 238 versus 1684 {\textpm} 111 g/d), or at week ten (1448 {\textpm} 139 versus 1264 {\textpm} 85 g/d). NIRS analyses showed no significant consistent difference in fat (triplet: twin 7.7: 7.5 {\textpm} 0.4\%), protein (4.4: 4.3 {\textpm} 0.2\%), lactose (4.71: 4.72 {\textpm} 0.03\%) and total solids (17.48: 17.36 {\textpm} 0.35\%) composition of milk from ewes with triplet or twin lambs (data are means of all samples). Mammary gland dimension B, the distance across the gland next to the teats, was better correlated (R2 0.31, P<0.05) with MY than other dimensions tested. Behaviour observations (whether the lamb was grazing or suckling) were made weekly 3-9 weeks postpartum. The time spent grazing by triplets (39.4 {\textpm} 1.94 \% on lactation day 29) was significantly greater (P<0.05) than the time spent grazing by twins (37.7 {\textpm} 1.94\% on lactation day 29) on three observation days and, overall, triplet lambs spent more time grazing than twin lambs. Birth weight of twin lambs (4.39 {\textpm} 0.14 kg) was not significantly greater than that of triplets (4.00 {\textpm} 0.20 kg), but they grew significantly faster (P<0.05) from week four till week ten, gaining 17.0 kg compared to 14.9 kg for triplets. Triplets suffer a relative lack of available milk nutrients compared to twins and are not able to completely compensate for this by increasing grazing time. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41940,
	title = {The effect of maternal nutrition during gestation on the reproductive success of female progeny as 2-tooths},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {434-438},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {The inter-generational effect of birth rank and nutrition during pregnancy was assessed by examining the reproductive success of female progeny at their first mating at 2 years of age. Fifty-six ewes born as a twin or triplet and whose dam was maintained on 2 or 6 cm sward height from mid-pregnancy to parturition were synchronised and bred to Romney rams. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted using ultrasound on day 71 from the start of mating (P71). All ewes were maintained as one mob under commercial farming conditions throughout pregnancy. Within 12 hours of birth lambs were ear tagged, weighed and body dimensions (CRL, girth, forelimb and hind limb lengths) were recorded. Lamb live weights were also recorded at day 48 after the mid-point of lambing (L48). Fifty-one ewes lambed of the 56 ewes that were bred. Twin-born ewes had significantly longer gestation lengths (by 1.3 days) than triplet-born ewes. Singleton lambs born to triplet-born ewes were significantly (P<0.05) lighter (4.6 kg) at birth than singleton lambs born to twin-born ewes (5.1 kg). Singleton lambs whose grand-dams were maintained on 2cm pastures during pregnancy and whose dam was born as a twin had significantly (P<0.05) longer hind limbs than their counterparts whose grand dam was maintained on 6 cm and whose dam was born a triplet but they did not differ in birth weight. Dam birth rank and the nutritional treatment of their grand-dam had no significant effect on twin-lamb live weight and body dimensions at birth. These results suggest that selecting triplet ewe lambs for breeding could have detrimental effects on flock productivity. In addition a previous study involving the same animals reported triplet born ewes displayed poorer maternal behaviour. To the authors knowledge this is the first finding of this kind and could have implications for ewe selection on New Zealand farms. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and West DM and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41689,
	title = {The effect of nutrition during pregnancy on the behaviour of adolescent ewes and their lamb(s) within 12 hrs of birth},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {439-443},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Hogget mating has become more common in recent times as a management strategy to produce additional lambs. The productivity of hogget mating is limited by low lamb birth weights and poor lamb survival. A study has shown that maternal nutrition during pregnancy in hoggets had no effect on the birth weight or survival of lambs. This study investigated the effect of nutrition during pregnancy on the post-parturient behaviour of hogget ewes and their lambs. On day 13 after the mid-point of breeding hogget ewes were stratified by breed and live weight and randomly allocated to one of three feeding regimes: Low (gained 10kg of live weight by parturition), Medium (20kg) and High (30kg). Within 12 hours of birth lambs were ear tagged and the maternal behaviour of hogget ewes was recorded using a maternal behaviour score (MBS) a five point measure of a ewe{\textquoteright}s response to the handling of her lambs. Behavioural observations of the hogget and her lamb(s) were made for 5 minutes after the completion of tagging the lamb. Singleton-bearing hogget ewes fed on the high plane of nutrition had significantly (P<0.05) greater maternal behaviour scores than singleton-bearing hoggets fed on low or medium planes. In the low fed group, significantly (P<0.05) fewer hoggets bleated in response to their lamb (60\%) compared with medium (73\%) and high (85\%) fed hoggets. Of the lambs that bleated, those born to hoggets in the medium fed group bleated significantly (P<0.05) more than lambs born to hoggets in the low or high fed groups. Feeding hogget ewes on a high level of nutrition had a positive impact on hogget and lamb behaviour within 12 hours of birth. A high level of nutrition during pregnancy may result in behaviours that increase survival of lambs born to hogget ewes. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and West DM and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41691,
	title = {Milk production in Romney ewes lambing out of season},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {450-455},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Milk yield (MY) of groups of Romney ewes lambing at 3 times of the year: January (n=9), March (n=14) and June (n=13)) was measured on alternate days in the first week postpartum and at weekly intervals for nine weeks. Twin-bearing ewes produced significantly more milk than single-bearing ewes during the first week and during the whole of lactation (63 days) (P<0.05), except in the January-lambing group, in which ewes with single lambs produced more milk then those with twins during the first week. The shape of the lactation curve for ewes with singles or twins differed significantly (P<0.01) between lambing groups, reflecting that single- and twin-bearing ewes responded differently in January, but the number of twinbearing ewes was small (n=4) in that month. MY differed significantly (P<0.01) among groups lambing in January (single MY {\textpm} SEM: twins MY {\textpm} SEM) (1605 {\textpm} 57: 1402 {\textpm} 71 g/d), March (1425 {\textpm} 38; 1802 {\textpm} 46) and June (1520 {\textpm} 43: 1951 {\textpm} 54). Despite having the lowest (P<0.05) mean pre-lambing live weight (62 {\textpm} 3 kg), ewes lambing in June produced the highest overall mean MY (1735 {\textpm} 48 g/d), whilst ewes lambing in March and January had mean pre-weaning live weights of 70 {\textpm} 2 kg (in both groups) and produced 1613 {\textpm} 42 g/d and 1504 {\textpm} 64 g/d respectively. The June{\textendash}lambing ewes gained weight (1.38 {\textpm} 1.19 kg) and condition score (0.39 {\textpm} 0.16 /d) whilst weight loss was significant (P<0.05) in the March (-9.82 {\textpm} 1.15 kg) and January (-7.78 {\textpm} 1.44 kg) groups between pre-lambing and weaning, as was change in condition score (March: -0.49 {\textpm} 0.16; January: -0.63 {\textpm} 0.19). Lamb birth weights did not differ between seasons but ADG (g/d  {\textpm} SEM) was highest (P<0.01) in June (0.262 {\textpm} 0.008), followed by March (0.238 {\textpm} 0.008) and January (0.202 {\textpm} 0.009). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and Morel PCH and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41678,
	title = {Sensitivity analysis of weaner lamb production in New Zealand},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {377-381},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Many factors contribute to the profitability of sheep farms. A sensitivity analysis, using a simulation model, was conducted to investigate the impact of changes in pasture growth, ewe live weight, conception rate, ewe prolificacy (EP), lamb survival, lamb growth rate and lamb price on farm gross margin (FGM). The model simulated herbage growth and flock energy requirement on a daily basis over a one-year period starting on the 1st January and calculated gross margins for a 500 ha farm, using average Manawatu herbage growth rates. Ewe energy requirements were calculated as a function of live weight, lambing percentage, week of pregnancy or lactation and milk production and lamb energy requirements as a function of live weight, growth rate and body composition. The pre-weaning survival rate and lamb daily growth rate were adjusted for litter size. For each simulation, stocking rates were adjusted so that the pasture cover at the beginning and the end of the year was 1200 kgDM/ha. Simulations were conducted for different farm productivity levels ({\textquoteleft}Low{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}Medium{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}High{\textquoteright}). Results of the simulations show that, over all farm productivity levels, lamb price and growth rate had the largest impact on FGM followed by ewe liveweight, EP, conception rate and herbage growth. However, the ranking and the effect of these parameters on FGM varied across farm types. For example in "Low productivity farms" a 1 \% increase in lamb growth rate has the same impact on FGM as a 1 \% increase in EP (+$5.4 / ha vs +$5.9 / ha) and in "High productivity farms" a 1 \% increase in lamb growth rate is equivalent to a 3 \% increase in EP (+$11.2 / ha vs +$11.1 / ha). This illustrates that for each specific farm production level there are different management strategies to optimize FGM. It was also found that the relationship between EP and FGM was not linear. Across the liveweight ranges a one percent increase in EP between 140\% and 160\% increases FGM by $3.95 /ha, between 160\% and 180\% by $2.51 /ha, between 180\% and 200 \% by $1.33 /ha, between 200\% and 220\% by $2.83/ha, and between 220\% and 240\% by $2.33/ha. Simulation models can be useful tools when considering farm management decisions as they help identify optimal management systems and identify areas that may require further research. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morel PCH and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {41560,
	title = {Does ewe nutrition during pregnancy affect the metabolism of twin-born lambs?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {163-167},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {An insulin tolerance test was conducted on twin-born ewes born to dams offered sward heights of either 2 or 6 cm between day 64 and 132 of pregnancy in order to identify any alterations in the lamb{\textquoteright}s metabolism. Lambs were also categorised into groups according to birth weight (< 4.0 kg, light and > 4.0 kg, heavy). Changes in metabolism may have long term effects on growth and productivity. An insulin challenge (0.2 U/kg) was administered to ewe lambs at 8 months of age and their plasma insulin, glucose and cortisol responses were monitored. The plasma cortisol concentration of ewe lambs born to ewes offered 2cm sward height was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than ewe lambs born to ewes offered 6 cm sward height 50 minutes after the insulin challenge. No difference was found in the insulin or glucose response to the insulin challenge between dam sward height group (2 vs 6 cm). Birth weight had no effect on the insulin, glucose or cortisol response of the ewe lambs to the insulin challenge. These results show that both dam nutrition and lamb birth weight had little to no effect on the metabolic responses measured. These results suggest that lambs born to ewes offered a herbage sward height of only 2 cm or lambs with low birth weights may not show altered metabolism.
KEYWORDS: lamb; insulin tolerance test; twins; ewe nutrition; metabolism. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and West DM and Oliver MH and Morris ST and Blair HT}
}
@conference {41532,
	title = {Does the ewe nutrition during pregnancy affect the behaviour of ewe lambs at 1 and 2 years of age?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {29-32},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {The effects of the dam{\textquoteright}s nutrition during pregnancy on her lambs{\textquoteright} behaviour in the days after birth has been examined but the longer term effects on lamb behaviour and mothering ability are not known. The behaviour of twin and triplet ewes born to ewes offered herbage with an average sward height of 2 or 6 cm from day 64 to 132 of pregnancy was recorded at 1 year of age in an arena test and at 2 years of age post lambing. A significantly (P < 0.05) greater proportion of the progeny born to dams offered 6 cm sward heights bleated in a high pitch during a 5 minute arena test. However there were no differences in minimum, median and maximum distance of the ewe from the observer or on the frequency of low- and high-pitched bleats. In addition there was no difference in the behaviour of twin- and triplet-born ewes in the arena test. At 2 years of age twin-born ewes had a significantly greater maternal behaviour score than their triplet-born counterparts. Ewe nutrition during pregnancy did not affect the maternal behaviour score of their ewe lambs after lambing at 2 years of age. These results suggest that feeding levels during pregnancy are less important than the birth rank in terms of the intergenerational effects on behaviour.
KEYWORDS: ewe nutrition; lamb; behaviour; twin; triplet. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and West DM and Morris ST and Blair HT}
}
@conference {41561,
	title = {The effect of sward height during pregnancy on the wool follicle and fibre characteristics of twin and triplet born lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {168-172},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Previous work estimating the impact of differential feeding of ewes during pregnancy, on lamb wool follicle development, has been done primarily with single- and twin-bearing ewes. The aim of this study was to compare the follicle development and fibre characteristics of twin- or triplet-born/reared lambs, born to ewes offered different sward height allowances during pregnancy and lactation. After pregnancy scanning, 186 twin- and triplet-bearing Romney ewes with 6 weeks wool growth, were randomly allocated to four different sward heights (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm). Within the first 24 hours of parturition ewes were transferred to one of two sward heights (4 and 8 cm). The wool and follicle characteristics of twin- (n = 65) and triplet-born (n = 63) ewe lambs were compared. Fleeces from triplet-born lambs were lighter (1.59 kg vs 1.82 kg, P < 0.05) and finer (32.7 μm vs 33.4 μm, P < 0.05) than those from their twin-born counterparts. Lambs born to ewes offered higher sward heights during pregnancy had increased loose wool bulk (P < 0.01). Although increasing sward height during pregnancy increased fibre diameter in twin-born lambs, there was no similar relationship for triplet-born lambs (P < 0.05). Sward height during pregnancy had no effect on secondary follicle number in twin-born lambs but, triplet-born lambs born to ewes grazed on the 4 cm sward tended to have significantly higher numbers of secondary follicles than those grazed on 6 cm (89.2 vs 66.0, P < 0.05). More work is necessary to determine whether this interaction has practical implications for breeding replacements. Nutritional treatments during lactation had no significant effects on lamb wool characteristics.
KEYWORDS: feeding; nutrition; follicle development; wool bulk; wool characteristics. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sherlock RG and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41562,
	title = {Milk production in East Friesian-cross ewes lambing year round},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {173-177},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Milk production of groups of East Friesian cross ewes lambing at intervals of 73 days (i.e., five times per year: August (n = 21), November (n = 29), January (n = 13), March (n = 14) and June (n = 14)) was measured on alternate days in the first week post partum and at weekly intervals for nine weeks. Ewes with single and twin lambs were enrolled if they safely delivered the appropriate number of lambs indicated by previous scanning. Ewes and lambs were separated in the morning and ewes milked by machine following i.v. oxytocin (1 i.u.) and stripped by hand until empty. Ewes returned to pasture whilst lambs were housed and bottle-fed. At afternoon milking (after a precisely measured interval of about 6 h) milk yields were recorded. From that yield and the time interval, daily milk yields were calculated. Data were analysed using a mixed linear model for repeated measures. Twin-bearing ewes produced significantly more milk than single-bearing ewes (P < 0.001). Lactogenesis differed significantly (P < 0.001) between the lambing groups. Over the whole lactation, milk yield differed significantly (P < 0.001) between different lambing groups. Milk yields were highest following June lambing (2223 {\textpm} 35 g/day), followed by November (2107 {\textpm} 24 g/d), August (1932 {\textpm} 36 g/day), January (1826 {\textpm} 31 g/day) and March (1742 {\textpm} 30 g/day). A significant lambing group by rearing rank interaction (P < 0.001) indicated that single- and twin-bearing ewes responded differently to seasonal differences; ewes with twins increased milk yield proportionately more than ewes with singles in June, November and January.
KEYWORDS: milk yields; sheep; STAR system. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Lopez-Villalobos N and Morel PCH}
}
@conference {41519,
	title = {Are elevated maternal thyroid hormone concentrations after-mid-pregnancy shearing responsible for changes in lamb fleece characteristics?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {64},
	year = {2004},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {272-276},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {This study was designed to test the hypothesis that elevated maternal thyroid hormone concentrations in mid- pregnancy are responsible for the observed differences in lamb follicle characteristics as a result of mid-pregnancy shearing. The study involved 51 twin-born lambs in a 2 x 2 factorial design involving dams that were either shorn or unshorn in mid pregnancy and had either normal or elevated thyroid hormone levels. All ewe groups were thyroidectomised except for unshorn-normal ewes which were sham-operated. The thyroxine implant and injection regimes used to manipulate maternal thyroid hormone levels in mid-pregnancy were successful in mimicking the levels previously reported in mid-pregnancy shorn ewes. Lambs born to shorn dams had significantly (P<0.05) higher coefficients of variation of mean fibre diameter. Dam shearing treatment had no effect on any other follicle or wool characteristic. Lambs born to ewes with elevated thyroid levels in mid-pregnancy had a significantly (P<0.05) higher numbers of secondary fibres, and tended to have more primary fibres (P=0.08) and whiter wool (P=0.06). The absence of any dam shearing-treatment effect on secondary and primary fibre numbers, fibre diameter and length, suggests that the changes observed in follicles and wool characteristics of lambs born to mid-pregnancy shorn dams are primarily due to elevations in maternal thyroid hormone levels in mid-pregnancy. More work is required to confirm this hypothesis. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Sherlock RG and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41500,
	title = {Economical analysis of year round lamb production},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {64},
	year = {2004},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {179-182},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {The traditional lamb production system in New Zealand is driven largely by the seasonal pattern of pasture growth and ewes lambing once a year. An alternative is the implementation of year-round lamb production systems such as the STAR system, where ewes lamb five times over a three-year period, thus providing a continuous supply of lambs. A modelling exercise was undertaken to assess the economic viability of the STAR system. The model simulates pasture growth and flock energy requirement on a daily basis over a three year period for both the traditional system and the STAR system and calculates gross margins. The model was run for a 100ha block using average Manawatu pasture growth rates. The two systems were set to consume 11000 kg DM/ha of pasture per year. The model indicates that, at the same lambing percentage (160\%) the STAR system earned an extra 26\% of income compared with the traditional system. Even at a lower lambing percentage (148 versus 160) the system can match a seasonal lamb production system. With a 10 \% premium for out of season lambs the STAR system generates an extra 56\% in profit. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morel PCH and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41498,
	title = {The effect of sward height during pregnancy on wool grown by ewes rearing twins or triplets},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {64},
	year = {2004},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {171-174},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {Previous work estimating the impact of rearing lambs on wool growth and processing characteristics has been done primarily with single and twin-bearing ewes. The effect of bearing/rearing triplets on wool growth has been largely extrapolated from these data. The aim of this study was to compare the wool growth and quality of twin- and triplet- bearing/rearing ewes offered different sward height allowances. After pregnancy scanning, 94 Romney ewes (including 68 twin- and 26 triplet-bearing ewes) with 6 weeks wool growth, were randomly allocated to four different sward heights (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm). Within the first 24 hours of parturition ewes were transferred to one of two sward heights (4 and 8 cm). Ewes were shorn 87 days after parturition, the fleece was weighed and a sample was taken from the midside for measurement of fleece characteristics. There were no interactions between nutritional treatment and litter size for any wool measurements. Fleeces from twin-bearing/rearing ewes tended to be heavier (P<0.1 ; 2.0 kg vs 1.9 kg) than those from triplet-bearing/rearing ewes. There was no effect of litter size on any other wool characteristic. Ewes offered 2 cm during the last half of pregnancy had lighter (1.6 vs 2.2 kg, P<0.05) and finer (39.0 vs 41.8 {\textmu}m, P<0.05) fleeces than those offered 4 cm but there was no increase in weight or fineness for those offered more than 4 cm. Nutritional treatments post parturition had no significant effects on wool characteristics. There seems to be little benefit, in terms of wool growth and wool processing characteristics, of offering twin- or triplet-bearing ewes a sward height of more than 4 cm. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sherlock RG and Torbatinejad N and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41508,
	title = {Hogget mating in New Zealand - a survey},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {64},
	year = {2004},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {217-222},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {Currently less than 30\% of all hoggets are presented for mating in New Zealand. This would suggest that there are a number of disadvantages to this management practise. However to date it has not been accurately established what farmers perceive as the disadvantages of hogget mating and the relative importance of each of these disadvantages. A questionnaire was sent to New Zealand sheep farmers which asked a series of questions regarding farm type, size, farm class, flock type, flock size and the intended use of hogget mating in 2002 and its use in the past. Those farmers who were not intending to mate hoggets in 2002 were also asked to indicate the importance, on a scale of 1.4, of 11 stated reasons for not hogget mating. A total of 1981 questionnaires were returned and used in the present study from a total of 14,000 sent to farmers. Descriptive analysis indicated negative effects on two-tooth performance and lack of additional feed were the two main reasons for not mating hoggets. The least important variables were lack of experience and the need for extra rams/teasers. The intended use of hogget mating differed based on farm class, farm size, ewe flock size and farm and flock type. Farmers were more than twice as likely to mate hoggets in 2002 if they had a mixed-bred flock in comparison to a straight-bred flock and more than twenty times more likely to mate hoggets in 2002 if they had mated hoggets in previous years. This study indicates that farmers perceive impaired two-tooth performance as a major reason for not hogget mating, even though research to date would indicate this is not that case. Therefore either improved technology transfer is required or the effects of hogget mating on two-tooth performance need to be re-visited. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Perkins NR and West DM}
}
@conference {41499,
	title = {Manipulating lamb birth weight and survival rate in singletons born to hoggets},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {64},
	year = {2004},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {175-178},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {Lambs born to hoggets tend to be relatively lightweight at birth (Drymundsson, 1973; McMillan \& McDonald, 1983) and display low survival rates to weaning (McCall \& Hight 1981; McMillan \& McDonald, 1983). In addition the incidence of singletons in hoggets often exceeds 92\% (McCall \& Hight, 1981; McMillan \& McDonald, 1983). Therefore management procedures that improve both birth weight and survival of singleton lambs should have a significant effect on returns.
Severe under nutrition during pregnancy of mature ewes can lead to reduced ewe and lamb performance (Rattray 1986), which can negatively affect lamb survival. However to date minimal research under New Zealand{\textquoteright}s pastoral conditions has been undertaken in hoggets. In contrast to the mature ewe, it is also advantageous for the hogget to be increasing in conceptus-free live weight during pregnancy if lifetime performance is not to be negatively affected. Interestingly, under concentrate feeding regimes in the United Kingdom it has been reported that a high level of hogget nutrition in pregnancy, actually reduces both lamb birth weight and survival (Wallace et al., 1996).
Shearing mature ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy has been shown to differentially increase singleton- (Morris et al., 2000; Kenyon et al., 2002a) and twin-lamb birth weights (Morris \& McCutcheon, 1997; Morris et al., 1999; Kenyon et al., 2002b). Mid-pregnancy shearing has tended to increase twin-lamb survival rates (Morris et al., 1999; Kenyon et al., 2002b) but has been found to decrease singleton survival rates in one of four studies (Kenyon 2002). The effect of mid- to late-pregnancy shearing of hoggets has not been examined under pastoral conditions in New Zealand. Due to the low rate of twin pregnancies in hogget{\textquoteright}s the chance of achieving a positive affect from mid-pregnancy shearing on both a lamb birth weight and survival may be low.
The aims of these studies were to determine if hogget live weight change and shearing treatment during pregnancy could be used to manipulate singleton lamb birth weight and survival. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Morris ST and West DM and Stafford KJ and Corner RA and Ottema K and Burnham DL}
}
@conference {41426,
	title = {Development of a technique to evaluate the role of elevated maternal thyroid hormone concentrations in the birthweight response to mid-pregnancy shearing.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2003},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {149-151},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Queenstown},
	abstract = {Several studies have shown that lambs born to mid-pregnancy shorn ewes are heavier at birth than those born to unshorn ewes (Morris et al. 2000, Kenyon et al. 2002a,b) but, the mechanism responsible has not been identified. Morris et al. (2000) observed elevated maternal triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations over a 20-day period after shearing at mid-pregnancy in both single- and twin-bearing ewes and subsequently found an increased birthweight in the singletons. Symonds et al. (1989) also reported maternal T3 and T4 concentrations to be higher in pregnancy-shorn housed ewes although, an altered birthweight was not reported. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Parkinson TJ and Revell DK and Morris ST and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {41427,
	title = {The effect of sward height on twin and triplet lamb birth weights and survival rates to weaning},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2003},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {152-154},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Queenstown},
	abstract = {The differential allocation of pasture between ewes of different bearing/rearing ranks requires a knowledge of the relationship between herbage allowance, intake and production. Few experiments have been conducted in which responses to different pasture allowances have been examined for triplet-bearing/rearing ewes, particularly under continuous stocking management. Published feed requirements for ewes rearing triplets have often been extrapolated from those defined for twin-rearing ewes (Geenty \& Rattray 1987). The sward surface guidelines for feeding single- and twin-bearing ewes have been published and researched under New Zealand conditions (Parker \& McCutcheon 1992; Morris et al., 1993a, 1993b; Morris et al., 1994).
There is anecdotal evidence for varying lambing performance and lamb growth rates for triplet-bearing/rearing ewes under pastoral grazing conditions. The national average lambing percentage is increasing to beyond 120\% (MWIES 2002). The proportion of triplets in flocks lambing above 150\% increases at the expense of single-born lambs (Amer et al., 1999).
The aim of the research communicated in this paper was to compare ewe and lamb performance in twin- and triplet-bearing/rearing ewes offered various sward height allowances. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris ST and Kenyon PR and Burnham DL and Everett-Hincks JM}
}
@conference {41425,
	title = {Metabolic changes in ewes shorn during mid-pregnancy},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2003},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {144-148},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Queenstown},
	abstract = {Previous work has shown that, under appropriate circumstances, mid-pregnancy shearing results in an increase of both the birth and weaning weights of multiple-born lambs. However, the physiological mechanisms for this response are poorly understood. This paper attempts to clarify the link between mid-pregnancy shearing and heavier lamb weights by investigating the metabolic changes that occur in ewes that are shorn in mid-pregnancy. Twenty-four twin-bearing ewes were assigned to one of two treatment groups; mid-pregnancy shorn (70 days after the mid-point of mating: P70) or unshorn. Groups were balanced for ewe age and weight. Blood samples were collected from all animals on days P53, P69, P81, P84, P90, P109 and P130, for measurement of concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cortisol, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate. Lamb birth weight, girth and crown-rump length (CRL) measurements were collected within 24 hrs of birth. Lambs were weighed at weaning. Mid-pregnancy shearing increased lamb birth weights and girths by 0.43 kg (P<0.05) and 2.18 cm (P<0.05) respectively although these differences were not significant once adjusted for date of birth. There was no effect on CRL. Plasma concentrations of T3 and T4 were significantly higher in mid-pregnancy-shorn ewes relative to unshorn ewes at both P81 (P<0.01) and P84 (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively) and T4 concentrations tended to be higher at P90 (P<0.10). There was a significant effect of shearing treatment at P81 on plasma NEFA concentrations (P<0.05). There were no significant post-shearing differences in mean cortisol, glucose or beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. The study proposes that the most likely mechanism by which mid-pregnancy results in higher lamb birth weights is by increasing maternal thyroid hormone concentrations, resulting in an increase in fat mobilisation causing increased NEFA concentrations in the maternal blood supply, which in turn improves placental nutrition and, thus, lamb birth weight. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sherlock RG and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Parkinson TJ}
}
@conference {41313,
	title = {Does an increase in lamb birth weight through mid-pregnancy shearing necessarily mean an increase in lamb survival rates to weaning?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {62},
	year = {2002},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {53-56},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Lambing percentages in New Zealand have risen over the past decade and will most likely continue to rise, while the price for lamb remains high in relation to wool. Any technique that can increase the birth weights of lightweight multiple-born lambs may increase survival rates to weaning. Mid-pregnancy shearing as a possible technique to increase lamb survival under commercial conditions was examined in the present study. Mid-pregnancy shearing was found to significantly (4.7 vs 5.1kg, P<0.05) increase the birth weights of twin-born lambs but had no effect on birth weight of singletons or triplet-born lambs. Both the magnitude of the response, and the fact that it did not occur in all birth ranks, are consistent with previous mid-pregnancy shearing studies. Mid-pregnancy shearing had no significant effect on lamb survival rates to weaning. To achieve an increase in survival rate to weaning through an increase in lamb birth weight alone, the lamb must be born within a birth weight survival range below optimum, and the increase in birth weight must be large enough to move a significant proportion of these lightweight lambs into a higher survival rate range. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Morris ST and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {41314,
	title = {Does mid-pregnancy shearing affect lamb fleece characteristics},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {62},
	year = {2002},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {57-60},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Mid-pregnancy shearing has been promoted as a technique to increase both lamb birth weight and survival in multiple-born lambs. Mid-pregnancy shearing has also been shown to increase dam wool quantity and quality and, in some instances, increase lamb growth rates until weaning. It has also been suggested that shearing of the dam during pregnancy results in a change in the lamb{\textquoteright}s fleece characteristics. The aim of this study was to further investigate the effect of dam shearing treatment on lamb fleece characteristics. Thirty-one singleton and 29 twin-born lambs were born to either mid-pregnancy shorn or unshorn Romney ewes. At 6 months of age the lambs were midside sampled (to allow measurement of staple length (SL), washing yield, loose wool bulk, colour and mean fibre diameter (MFD)). A skin biopsy was taken from the midside to measure the ratio of secondary to primary follicles. The lambs were shorn three weeks later and a fleeceweight was obtained. Lambs born to shorn dams had a higher MFD (32.9 vs. 31.3mm, P<0.05) and had slightly whiter wool (0.1 vs. 0.3, P=0.07) than their counterparts born to unshorn ewes but did not differ for yield, SL or bulk. The higher MFD found in the lambs born to shorn ewes was associated with a decrease in the number of secondary follicles (P<0.05) without a significant decrease in the number of primary fibres. There was a significant interaction (P=0.05) between birth rank and shearing treatment on fleeceweight such that twin-born lambs born to shorn dams tended to have heavier fleeces (by 170g) than those born to unshorn dams, this relationship was not observed in singleton lambs. This study suggests that for singleton lambs, mid-pregnancy shearing of the dam will have no appreciable effect on wool value. However in twin-born lambs an increase in fleece weight may offset any decreased value due to higher MFD. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sherlock RG and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41076,
	title = {Improving lamb birth weight through mid-to-late-pregnancy shearing: a review of recent studies},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {70-72},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {A series of five experiments have been conducted at Massey University to determine whether mid- to late-pregnancy shearing of ewes might provide an opportunity to increase lamb birthweights and enhance survival, particularly of multiple-born lambs, under New Zealand{\textquoteleft}s pastoral conditions. Although birthweight responses were seen in most studies, they were not consistent with respect to the magnitude of the response or its occurrence in singles vs twins. However, when comparison was made across studies there was a strongly negative relationship between the size of the response and the birthweights of control lambs (those from unshorn ewes). We conclude that responses to mid- to late-pregnancy shearing are likely to be greatest when fetal growth in unshorn ewes is limited by maternal constraint. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Revell DK and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {41068,
	title = {Relationship between wool sulphur concentration and wool characteristics},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {43-45},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {It is well established that naturally occurring wool sulphur concentration is lower in high wool-producing sheep, however little is known of the relationship between wool sulphur concentration and wool fibre characteristics. Mid-side wool samples were collected from ewe hoggets differing in lamb wool sulphur concentration. Wool from hoggets, which had lower wool sulphur concentrations as lambs, had longer staple lengths, were higher yielding and had lower loose wool bulk values. There was no relationship between wool sulphur concentration and mean fibre diameter or colour. An increase in length should have a positive effect on the price of wool, especially for second shear crossbred wools. At present the price premium for bulk is poorly defined, but is unlikely to have a significant impact on the value of these wools. These findings suggest that selecting animals for low lamb wool sulphur concentration will, if anything, positively affect the per kilo price of wool produced. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Sherlock RG and Lee J and Blair HT}
}
@conference {41054,
	title = {The assessment of natural means of controlling loose wool feltability and yarn shrinkage.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {291-293},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Midside wool samples from Romney and {\textthreequarters} Romney {\textonequarter} Merino cross ({\textonequarter}M) hoggets were tested for loose wool feltability. Romney samples were also hand spun and yarn shrinkage measured. Sire progeny groups accounted for 6.5\% of the variation among samples in loose wool felting (P<0.10) and 12\% in yarn shrinkage (P<0.05). Fibre traits most highly correlated with feltball diameter were loose wool bulk (r = 0.65 for Romneys and 0.73 for {\textonequarter}M), crimp frequency (r= 0.53 and 0.41 respectively) and lustre (-0.30 and -0.40 respectively). Loose wool bulk (r= -0.25) and greasy fleece weight (r=-0.40) were most correlated to yarn shrinkage. These results suggest that low-shrinkage wools could be produced by selecting rams on shrinkage of yarn. Loose wool feltability might also be changed by direct or indirect selection. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Wickham GA and Blair HT}
}
