@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 = {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 = {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 = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Carcass characteristics and meat quality of early, mid- and late-season commercial lambs},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {80-83},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Comparisons were made of carcass and meat quality characteristics of three groups of wether lambs (n=15/group): a composite breed slaughtered at weaning (EARLY), and at 6-8 months of age (MID) and Merino lambs slaughtered at 12 months of age (LATE). Carcass weight and eye muscle area were measured and meat quality was measured on the Longissimus thoracis (loin). All lambs had similar carcass weights (18.7-19.0 kg; P>0.05). Meat from LATE lambs had higher ultimate pH and intramuscular fat \% (P<0.001) than EARLY and MID lambs. Loins from EARLY lambs had lower Chroma (P<0.01), higher eye muscle area (P<0.001) and shear force (P<0.05) and greater percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.001) than loins from MID and LATE lambs. Although statistical differences were observed in meat quality measurements, differences in absolute values suggest that the three production systems resulted in minor variation in meat quality.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ye Y and Schreurs NM and PL Johnson and Corner-Thomas RA and Agnew MP and Silcock P and Eyres GT and Maclennan G and Realini CE}
}
@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 = {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 = {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 = {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: 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 = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Optimizing a fasting protocol to assess live weight of sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {223-224},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wilson RF and Hardwick-Smith JA and Logan CM and Corner-Thomas RA and Bywater AC and Greer AW}
}
@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 = {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 = {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 = {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 = {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}
}
