@conference {69501,
	title = {Marbling produced in yearling heifers of Angus origin finished over a medium-term period on a high energy pasture},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {183-188},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {This study provides baseline information on the level of marbling that can be produced from yearling heifers of Angus origin when finished over a medium-term, 169 day, period on a high energy pasture. Two groups of heifers were tested, which included 30 Angus x Jersey heifers and 26 straight-bred and cross-bred (mainly Hereford x and Friesian x) Angus heifers. The daily live weight gain of the heifers during finishing averaged 788 g/d and did not differ between the two groups of heifers studied (P >0.05). At slaughter, the carcass weights of the Angus x Jersey heifers were lighter than the group of straight-bred and cross-bred Angus heifers (P <0.05). Nevertheless, both groups produced average striploin marbling scores of 2 on the Japanese Meat Grading Association 12 point scale (P >0.05), with 39\% of the cattle achieving scores >=2. The high level of variability in marbling across both groups of heifers indicated that the average level of marbling achieved could be further improved by using some predictor of marbling performance to select animals to be finished in the pasture-based system. All of the heifers produced very tender beef with average shear force values <5 kg F.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wall AJ and Rosenvold K and Archer JA and Dobbie P and Scott I and Stevens DR and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {60958,
	title = {Seasonal variation in venison drip loss and tenderness : Brief Communication},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {123-125},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Venison is a high quality product with several attributes attractive to consumers. It is tender, has low fat content, has a favourable fat composition and has high levels of minerals (Hoffman \& Wiklund, 2006). However, New Zealand venison processors have indicated a seasonal variation in the amount of drip. Poor colour stability can also be a problem, sometimes even in vacuum bags when it can occur after extended storage of chilled product. The purpose of this study was to determine seasonal variation in drip loss and tenderness in... Continued },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wiklund E and Stuart A and Dobbie PM and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {42075,
	title = {Carcass and meat quality characteristics in young deer stags of different growth rates},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {174-177},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {Fourteen male yearling red deer from the same cohort were included in this study. Seven of these animals were fast growing and reached slaughter live weight in late June (fast growing group), while the second group of seven deer did not reach slaughter live weight until early December (slower growing group). All animals were slaughtered according to standard protocol. Carcass composition was determined by computed tomography scanning. Water-holding capacity, meat pH, tenderness and sarcomere length were measured in samples (M. longissimus) at 1 day post slaughter and in samples kept in chilled storage at -1.5 {\textdegree}C for three weeks. Eating quality of the meat was evaluated in consumer preference tests. Slower growing deer were heavier (P = 0.02) and had more fat in the shoulder (P = 0.01) and loin (P = 0.001) cuts than fast growing deer. Meat from fast growing deer had lower pH values (P = 0.01), lower cooking loss (P = 0.04) and longer sarcomere lengths (P = 0.002) than slower growing deer. Consumers judged the flavour of venison from fast growing deer to be best (P = 0.005), although interactions between the sensory attributes and the consumer{\textquoteleft}s experience of venison affected their assessment. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wiklund E and Asher GW and Archer JA and Ward JF and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41821,
	title = {Does calf genotype influence milk yield of red deer hinds ?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {170-171},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {New Zealand deer farming systems utilise Cervus elaphus subspecies and crossing genotypes is a common tool to gain a productive advantage. One of the most common crosses is that of a stag with a high content of North American Wapiti (C. e. manitobensis, nelsoni, roosevelti) over the traditional New Zealand (NZ) red hind of English or Scottish origin (C. e. scoticus) for venison production, with on the aim of attaining slaughter live weight ...Continued },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and Archer JA and Asher GW and Barrell GK and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41786,
	title = {Energy rather than protein content of hind intake determines growth rate of reed deer calves},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {45-46},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {Live weight gain of red deer within the first 3 to 4 months of their life plays a major part in determining the efficiency of venison production systems. Over this period young deer are largely dependant on their dam for nutrition. It is often difficult to achieve growth rates greater than 400 g/d in New Zealand because red deer lactation coincides with deteriorating pasture quality. However, calf growth rates of up to 700 g/day have been achieved over late lactation when },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scott IC and Archer JA and Asher GW and Stevens DR and Ward JF and Littlejohn RP and Lach JE}
}
@conference {41787,
	title = {Reticulo-rumen growth and papillae development in farmed red calves from four to twelve weeks of age},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {47-48},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {Ruminants are born with an underdeveloped forestomach (Warner et al., 1956) and as such operate as a monogastric animals until the reticulorumen (RR) and omasum have developed. The development of the rumen from birth to weaning has been well studied in dairy cattle (Heinrichs \& Lesmeister, 2005), but not farmed red deer. Understanding pre-weaning rumen developmental processes is required for feeding programmes aiming to maximise pre-weaning growth rates of young red deer calves for early venison production. This preliminary study aimed to document the changes in rumen growth and papillae development ...Continued },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thompson BR and Hofstra G and Hammond KJ and Mackintosh CG and Hoskin SO and Littlejohn RP and Stevens DR}
}
@conference {41986,
	title = {Comparison of suckling frequency of red and F1 wapiti-red calves reared on red hinds},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {237-241},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {In New Zealand venison production systems crossbreeding red hinds with wapiti stags is very common. The resultant wapiti-red crossbred offspring is a larger, fastergrowing animal than its red counterpart. How do these crossbred progeny grow faster on a red hind? We hypothesised that the crossbred progeny would have increased milk intakes, which would be reflected in increased suckling of their red hind dams. A pasture based lactation experiment was conducted over the {\textquoteright}natural{\textquoteright} (non-weaned) suckling period (birth Nov/Dec. to Sep.) with F1 wapiti-red crossbred single and twin calves (n=11) naturally reared by red hinds (n=9), and red calves (n=8) naturally reared by red hinds (n=8). Suckling behaviour was observed at least one day per month between dawn and dusk. Suckling bout frequency, duration and time of day were recorded for all calves and any allosuckling was also noted. We found no significant differences (p >0.05) in suckling bout time, frequency or total time spent suckling between red or wapiti crossbred offspring. The only confirmed allosuckling was between individuals from different sets of twins. The F1 wapiti-red crossbred offspring were 30\% heavier, with growth rates up to 39\% greater than their red cohorts. These results have interesting implications for the red hind crossbred calf venison production system; do the wapitired crossbred calves consume more milk? If so how do they influence the hind{\textquoteright}s milk production? Do they consume more pasture and/or substitute it for milk? Better understanding of these factors should help increase calf growth rates during lactation.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and Archer JA and O{\textquoteright}Neill KT and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41866,
	title = {Development of a {\textquoteright}Wapiti Score{\textquoteright} visual assessment tool for determining introgression of Wapiti genes in young red deer},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {55-58},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Red deer are the predominant farmed breed type in New Zealand, but crossbreeding red females with wapiti (or elk) males in a terminal sire system is common. Introgression of wapiti genes into the national red deer breeding hind herd has been shown to have a negative impact on the pregnancy rate of 16-18 month old hinds. We devised a four point visual scoring system ({\textquoteleft}Wapiti Score{\textquoteright}), based on wapiti phenotype characteristics, for application to weaner (6-10 month old) red deer, to allow rapid detection of wapiti introgression. This scoring system was trialled and refined using 449 rising-one-year-old red deer of mixed genotype and sex on a commercial breeding and finishing farm, during three pelage phases. For a subset of 186 animals {\textquoteleft}Wapiti Score{\textquoteright} was compared to the DNA based GenomnzTM GenometerTM G3 Hybrid Test {\textquoteleft}Estimated Elk{\textquoteright} (EstElk), where EstElk; is the estimated proportion of wapiti (elk) genes in an individual animal predicted by the GenometerTM. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between EstElk and {\textquoteleft}Wapiti Score{\textquoteright} for two independent observers, with an increase of one point in {\textquoteleft}Wapiti Score{\textquoteright} corresponding to an increase of approximately 0.10 in EstElk. The strongest correlation between Wapiti Score and EstElk were from the winter and spring scores. The effectiveness of Wapiti Score as a tool for classifying young deer by breed-type (red deer or wapiti ) was assessed using 0.2 EstElk as the breed-type threshold and comparing that against different selection Wapiti Scores (1-3). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and Scott IC and Asher GW and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41908,
	title = {The influence of red deer genotype on conception pattern : Eastern vs Western subspecies},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {270-273},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Advancing the calving pattern of red deer from November/December to October/November would better align the nutritional demands of lactation to pasture quality and availability. This study investigated the hypothesis that red deer of {\textquoteleft}Eastern{\textquoteright} (E) genotype (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus) have advanced reproductive seasonality traits compared to those of {\textquoteleft}Western{\textquoteright} (W) genotype (C. e. scoticus). Hinds of E (135) or F1 (E x W; 165) genotype were single sire mated to one of 6 E stags, while W (506) hinds were single sire mated to one of 11 W stags. Reproductive seasonality traits measured were stag roaring and body condition score (BCS), and conception date as estimated by fetal aging. Peak roaring frequency occurred earlier in E than W stags (mean March total roars observed 144 vs. 68 for E and W stags respectively; SED 33.4; P },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scott IC and Asher GW and Lach JE and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41839,
	title = {Puberty in red deer hinds : (1) Onset of luteal and mating activity},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {306-311},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Pregnancy rate of yearling (15-18 months) red deer hinds may be influenced by time that puberty is attained, especially if stags are removed before all hinds have had a chance to conceive. This paper reports on two studies that investigated onset of puberty in red deer hinds. In Study 1, ovarian follicle populations and luteal activity of pubertal and adult red deer hinds were monitored for three months during their transition into the breeding season. Yearling (n = 5) and adult (n = 5) hinds were grazed in one group and weighed monthly. A fertile stag was run with them from 20 March until 11 May. Yearling hinds were significantly lighter than adults in March (85.8 vs 91.3 kg, SED = 2.1). There were no significant differences between yearling and adult hinds in mean day of first (14 April vs 8 April, SED = 3.5) or second (23 April vs 16 April, SED = 3.7) ovulations, or interval between ovulations (9 vs 8 days, SED = 0.7). First ovulation was invariably followed by a transient rise in plasma progesterone concentration and then a second ovulation preceded by oestrus. All hinds conceived to their first mating, demonstrating the ability of red deer hinds to exhibit high conception rates. In Study 2, daily observations for mating activity of yearling (n = 80) and adult (n = 80) hinds were carried out continuously from dawn until dusk for the period 25 March-27 April. Hinds were grazed on pasture in one of five single sire mating groups: Gp1, adults only (n = 40); Gp2, yearlings only (n = 40); Gp3, adults (n = 20) + yearlings (n = 20); Gp4, adults (n = 10) + yearlings (n = 10); Gp5, adults (n = 10) + yearlings (n = 10). Hinds were scanned by rectal ultrasonography to determine pregnancy status and estimate fetal age. Yearling hinds were significantly lighter than adults in March (101 vs 119 kg, SED = 1.3). The stag in Gp3 was replaced due to exhaustion and consequently, mean conception date of yearlings in that group was 16 days later than that of the yearlings in Gps 2,4 \& 5, which had a mean conception date 12 days later than that of the adults (1 May vs 15 April vs 3 April, SED = 1.1; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between age groups in the number of non-pregnant hinds. These data indicate that yearling red deer hinds reach puberty and are mated in mid-April, about two weeks later than adult hinds. Conception failure was not a limiting factor to yearling reproductive performance; therefore, under standard farming conditions, it is unlikely that stags will be removed from the mating mob before yearling hinds have had a chance to conceive.
KEYWORDS: red deer hinds; puberty; reproduction. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scott IC and Asher GW and O{\textquoteright}Neill KT and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41840,
	title = {Puberty in red deer hinds : (2) Effects of introducing spiker stags in early January},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {312-315},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Calving date of yearling red deer hinds is, on average, two weeks later than that of adult hinds, further misaligning feed quality with nutritional requirements. The hypothesis that early joining of spiker stags with yearling red deer hinds would increase pregnancy rate and advance date of conception was studied. Yearling hinds (n = 309) were grazed in one group at least 500 m from any stags from the first week in November until 14 January when hinds were weighed, wapiti scored and randomly allocated to either an early stag joining (ES) or control (C) treatment. ES hinds were grazed as one group with 20 spiker stags and C hinds were kept in paddocks well removed from stags. On 2 March, all hinds were weighed again and 20 spiker stags joined with the C hinds. ES and C groups were grazed separately until being combined in mid-April. The stags were removed on 18 May, and hinds ultrasound pregnancy scanned on 1 June. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between ES and C treatments in mean wapiti score (1.8 vs 1.8, SED = 0.08), live weight (January: 79.8 vs 79.0 kg, SED = 0.86; March: 86.4 vs 85.8 kg, SED = 0.85), fetal age (48.5 vs 46.8 days, SED = 1.0) or percent hinds pregnant (85.7 vs 88.7 \%, SED = 3.5). The probability of hind pregnancy increased significantly with live weight within wapiti score classes and decreased with increasing wapiti score (P<0.01), such that, with mean class live weights of 75, 81, 88 and 95 kg, the expected percentage of pregnant hinds was 95, 91, 88 and 73 \% for wapiti scores of 1, 2, 3 and 4+, respectively. Fetal age increased by 0.11 (SEM 0.054) day for every 1 kg increase in January live weight (P < 0.05), but showed no significant relationship with wapiti score. These data indicate that early joining of spiker stags did not significantly improve the pregnancy rate or advance conception date of yearling red deer hinds.
KEYWORDS: red deer hinds; puberty; early stag joining. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scott IC and Ward JF and O{\textquoteright}Neill KT and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41448,
	title = {Maintaining product quality from the farm gate to the processing facility},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2003},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {237-242},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Queenstown},
	abstract = {There is substantial evidence that pre-slaughter events (mustering and holding in yards, transport, lairage and preslaughter handling) have negative effects on product quality through bruising, hide damage and muscle pH. To minimise these negative effects, use of deer-specific, good stock handling procedures and appropriately designed facilities are essential. The duration of pre-slaughter events and human presence should be minimised. Yard pens should be appropriately sized, dark, quiet, and deer should be kept in familiar groups. Adherence to existing guidelines for transport, careful driving, and avoiding transport during hot weather are desirable. Showering deer upon arrival at the processing plant plus provision of water in lairage pens probably prevents dehydration. Conversely, showering under some conditions may add to stress and bruising damage in lairage. Research proposed to improve pre-slaughter handling includes taming and selection for tractable deer, definition of appropriate handling techniques and improved facility designs. Further work is also required to identify optimal practices for lairage, showering, washing and feeding. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pollard JC and Littlejohn RP and Scobie DR and Pearse AJT and Stevenson-Barry JM}
}
@conference {41161,
	title = {Increased ovarian response following pre-synchrony of superovulated red deer (Cervus elaphus) hinds},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {60},
	year = {2000},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {65-67},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {The effects of two modified superovulation protocols on ovarian response in red deer were compared to a standard protocol. Twenty mixed-age red deer hinds were allocated to one of three treatment groups during the breeding season: Group S (n=7) received our standard superovulation protocol of 12-days treatment with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR{\textquoteleft}, InterAg, NZ), eight injections of 0.45 mg ovine FSH (Ovagen, Immuno-Chemical Products Ltd., NZ) 12 h apart, beginning 72 h before CIDR removal with 200 iu eCG (Folligon, Intervet, Australia) added with the last injection. Group M1 (n=7) hinds received the same CIDR and eCG treatment, but Ovagen was delivered as four daily injections of 0.9 mg Ovagen dissolved in 30\% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-40; Sigma Chemical Co, USA). Group M2 (n=6) hinds were pre-synchronised using a 12-day CIDR{\textquoteleft} treatment and then received seven daily injections of 0.9 mg Ovagen dissolved in 30\% PVP beginning four days after CIDR removal. A prostaglandin analogue (2 ml Estrumate, Pitman-Moore NZ Ltd, NZ) was administered concurrent with the sixth Ovagen injection. Ovarian response was highest in M2 hinds. Mean ovulation rates ({\textpm}S.E.M.) were 4.9 {\textpm} 0.83, 3.4 {\textpm} 0.70 and 8.7 {\textpm} 1.20 for S, M1 and M2 respectively (P>0.05). Two S and three M1 hinds were anovulatory following superovulation treatment, but all M2 hinds ovulated (P>0.05). Pre-synchrony of red deer hinds before daily injection of Ovagen is an effective superovulation protocol. However, further work is required to ascertain if viable embryos are produced following the extended period of FSH exposure. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scott IC and Asher GW and O{\textquoteright}Neill KT and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41105,
	title = {Factors affecting behaviour, bruising and pHu in a deer slaughter premises},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {148-151},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Data from an on-going study at a deer slaughter premises were analysed. Over one year 3856 deer, primarily red x wapiti hybrids, from 101 farms were observed. During overnight lairage a mean of 14 (s.d. 7.6) antagonistic encounters/hr occurred. In the race immediately prior to stunning, rearing was the most common form of unsettled behaviour (17\% of deer). The incidence of unsettled behaviour differed between carriers (P<0.001). Bruising occurred in 24\% of carcasses, increased with load size (P<0.01) and poor weather conditions (P<0.05), and differed between carriers (P<0.05). Half (48\%) of all bruises were small and less than 5mm deep. Mean ultimate pH (pHu) was 5.65 (s.d. 0.139), and moderate-high pHu (>5.8) was prevalent in the shoulder (18.5\% of carcasses) followed by the loin (10.6\%) then the leg (5.6\%). Behaviour, bruising and pHu all differed significantly between farms and days (P<0.001). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pollard JC and Stevenson-Barry JM and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41104,
	title = {Incidence of high pH in venison: Implications for quality},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {145-147},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Muscle ultimate pH (pHu) is known to influence eating quality, functional properties and safety in beef, lamb and pork. The extent to which muscle pH affects tenderness and the extent to which it can be {\textquoteleft}aged{\textquoteleft} out is different for lamb compared to beef and two studies have been carried out with venison in order to determine the implications for venison tenderness. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (striploin) muscles from nine carcasses which went prematurely into rigor ({\textquoteleft}stiff{\textquoteleft} carcasses) had higher mean pH than muscles from nine control carcasses (5.93 vs 5.61, SED = 0.091 at 2 days postmortem (PM); 5.83 vs 5.56, SED = 0.100 at 7 days PM; 5.81 vs 5.54, SED = 0.096 at 21 days PM). A typical quadratic relationship was observed between tenderness and pH which explained non-significant differences in tenderness between the stiff and control muscles. The tenderness-pH relationship for venison striploins assessed at 2 days after slaughter was typical of that reported for unaged beef and lamb in that muscles with pH in the range of 5.8-6.2 were tougher (P< 0.05) than normal (5.5-5.7) and high (>6.2) pH muscles. The tenderness profile change after 7 and 21 days chilled storage at 4{\textdegree}C was similar to that reported for lamb in that all of the striploin samples tenderised to an acceptable level. Ten intermediate pH (5.8-6.2) biceps femoris (BF) muscles were tougher (P< 0.05) than ten normal pH (5.5-5.7) muscles at all times with chilled storage at 0{\textdegree}C for up to 6 weeks. The intermediate pH muscles that were frozen then thawed prior to assessment were significantly more tender than the chilled intermediate pH muscles, but still tended to be tougher than the normal pH muscles. Both the chilled and frozen intermediate pH muscles were significantly more variable in tenderness than the normal pH BFs. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Stevenson-Barry JM and Carseldine WJ and Duncan SJ and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {41141,
	title = {Mouse 3T3-L1 Fibroblast Cells as a Bioassay For Serum-Borne Adipogenic Factors},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {279-281},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {This study of the development of adipose tissue in sheep set out to investigate whether culture medium containing serum from Coopworth lean and fat selection lines had differential effects on proliferation and differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Using fetal calf serum (FCS) as a positive control, the effects of serum from lean and fat lines of sheep and from goat and horse were compared by analysing total cell numbers, and protein and triglyceride (TG) levels per unit DNA in the mouse cell cultures. Differentiation was induced in all serum treatments. Mean cell numbers in cultures up to 13 days after differentiation were higher for sheep serum than for the other species (P<0.001). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in protein content between FCS and serum from lean and fat sheep lines. Mean TG levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) for FCS than for the lean and fat selection lines, which did not differ significantly from each other (P>0.05). Significant differences in either proliferation or differentiation were not detected between the fat and lean sheep. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Veenvliet BA and Littlejohn RP and Suttie JM and Broad TE}
}
@conference {41102,
	title = {The relationship of meat quality to age at slaughter and indicators of animal age in red deer stags and hinds},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {137-139},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Groups of five stags and hinds were slaughtered in late summer (February/March) to examine the effects of age and sex of animal on meat quality. For both sexes the groups were the following ages: 1, 2, 3 and 5 years. In the 2 year old age group for stags there were three weight groups and additionally there was one group of 8 year old stags and one of 13 year old hinds. The group mean hot carcass weight (HCW) range was 51 to 119 kg for stags and 43 to 57 kg for hinds. The HCW{\textquoteleft}s tended to increase with age but the {\textquoteleft}light{\textquoteleft} and {\textquoteleft}medium{\textquoteleft} weight 2 year old males had lower (P< 0.05) mean HCW than all of the other male groups including the 1 year olds. The GR increase with age was much greater in stags than in hinds; 80\% of the stags 3 years and older and 27\% of the hinds 3 years and older graded over-fat. In both hinds and stags, GR was strongly related to carcass weight. Meat from 5 and 8 year old stags was much tougher (P< 0.05) than that from all other groups. Of all the attributes measured as possible indicators of animal age, only carcass neck a* value (redness) was able to accurately discriminate ages of animal and provided the best categorisation of animals into tenderness classes. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Stevenson-Barry JM and Drew KR and Duncan SJ and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {40696,
	title = {Cortisol response to ACTH in lambs selected for or against fatness: Effects of maturity and fasting},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {150-153},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Lambs grazing the tannin containing pasture species Lotus  corniculatus (cv Goldie) were compared with lambs grazing a high  endophyte ryegrass (cv Nui) in order to assess the effectiveness of lotus at  reducing dags and flystrike. Two trials of the same design were run  consecutively, between January and April 1994. Each of 4 paddocks, 2 of  lotus and 2 of ryegrass, were set stocked for 32 and 42 days (respectively for  trials 1 and 2) with 62 lambs. Half of the lambs in each paddock were  drenched fortnightly with a combination anthelmintic. Lambs were  examined for flystrike three times each week and samples were collected for  fly identification before strikes were treated with insecticide.   Lambs which grazed lotus suffered less flystrike than those grazed on  ryegrass in both trials (32\% of 51\%; P<0.01 and 1.5\% cf 7.4\%; P<0.05 for  trials 1 and 2 respectively). Drenching reduced flystrike in trial 1 (from 57\%  to 26\%; P<0.01), but not in trial 2 (4.8\% cf 4.1\%; NS). Flystrike was  strongly correlated with dagginess (R2=97\%). Mean dry weight of dags was  reduced by grazing lotus rather than ryegrass (79g cf 108g; P<0.01 in trial 1  and 9.7g cf 14.3g; NS in trial 2) and by drenching (68g cf 118g; P<0.01 in  trial 1 and 8.8g cf 15.2g; NS in trial 2). Lambs grazing lotus had  significantly (P<0.01) higher faecal dry matter content than those grazing  ryegrass. We conclude that lotus has considerable potential for a future role  in the integrated management of flystrike and dags.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Veenvliet BA and Littlejohn RP and Stuart SK and Suttie JM}
}
@conference {40733,
	title = {Growth Hormone (GH) secretory patterns in genetically lean and fat sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {272-274},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The pattern of GH secretion was studied in Coopworth sheep which  have been selected for low (Lean) or high (Fat) ultrasonic backfat depth over  15 years. At each of two developmental stages (February and May) Lean and  Fat ram lambs were fed ad libitum or fasted for 48 hours (n=6 per treatment).   Animals were blood sampled via an indwelling jugular cannula every 10  minutes for six hours, then slaughtered and the pituitary glands removed and  weighted.   Mean GH was greater for Lean than Fat animals (2.82 versus 1.42 ng/ml,  p<0.001), in February than in May (2.47 versus 1.62 ng/ml, p<0.001) and for  fasted than fed animals (2.48 versus 1.62 ng/ml, p<0.001). Analysis of GH  secretory patterns showed that peak frequency for Lean animals was more  than twice that for Fat animals (2.64 versus 1.17 peaks/6 hours, p<0.001).   There was no difference in the peak amplitude. In line with their higher GH  concentrations, Lean animals had significantly heavier pituitaries than Fat  animals (0.74 versus 0.52 g, p<0.001).   Selection for leanness in Coopworth sheep has altered the GH secretory  pattern of the animals. The pituitary weight may explain some of these  changes in GH secretion.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Francis SM and Veenvliet BA and Littlejohn RP and Stuart SK and Suttie JM}
}
@conference {40406,
	title = {Effect of sire, breed and age on plasma FSH concentrations in FecB FecB and Fec+ Fec+ Booroola rams before and after castration},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {175-178},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Feed intake and wool production data on unmated, single- and  twin-bearing/rearing ewes from a year-long field trial were incorporated  into feed budget models of a hill country farm. Increasing the basal  liveweight of an unmated ewe from an average of 45 to 55 kg increased  greasy wool production from 4.15 to 5.10 kg/ewe. Relative to the annual  feed requirements (614 kg DM/y) of a typical breeding ewe (1 sheep stock  unit (ssu) on the case farm the annual feed requirements of unmated 45,  50 and 55 kg ewes were estimated to be 0.58, 0.66 and 0.72 ssu. At 1991  costs and prices the gross margins (GM) were $15.50/ssu for breeding  ewes (100\% lambs weaned) and, depending on liveweight, from $7.12 to  $8.11/ssu for the all-wool options. The breeding ewe policy remained  more profitable even if low lamb prices or a poor lambing percentage  were achieved.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Isaacs KL and McNatty KP and McLeod BJ and Condell L and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {40280,
	title = {The sexual behaviour of alpacas imported to New Zealand from Chile},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {51},
	year = {1991},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {43-46},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {FSH concentrations were examined in 6 FecB FecB (BB) ewe, 3 BB  ram and 5 Fec+Fec+ (++) ram full-sibling pairs of Booroola Merino x  Romney lambs between 2 and 20 weeks of age. The purpose of this study  was to compare variation in FSH profiles within and between prepubertal  full-sibling pairs of Booroola ewe and ram lambs, to evaluate their  usefulness as control-treatment pairs in endocrinological studies.   In ewe lambs, FSH concentrations increased with liveweight and age to  reach distinct peaks at 7-12 kg liveweight and at 3-9 weeks of age.  Variation between pairs was significantly greater than within pairs for  liveweight at all ages, FSH concentrations up to 9 weeks of age, and  maximum FSH concentration, but not for age or liveweight at peak FSH.   In ram lambs, FSH concentrations were lower than in ewes but followed a  similar pattern, with FSH peaks at 12-17 kg liveweight and 5-10 weeks of  age. The geometric mean maximum FSH concentrations were 1.44 and 0.81  (LSR 1.78) ng/ml for BB and ++ groups respectively (P<0.05). Between-  pair variation was significantly greater than within-pair variation for  birth weight, liveweight to 7 weeks of age, peak FSH, and age at peak  FSH.   Mean FSH concentration and liveweight showed no relationship within or  between ram pairs, or between ewe pairs, but the heavier sibling within  all six ewe pairs had the higher FSH concentration (P<0.05) most samples  up to 7 weeks of age, but not thereafter. The reduced variation in  gonadotrophin concentrations within compared with between full-sibling  pairs suggests they have considerable value as control-treatment animals  in endocrine studies on prepubertal developments.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pollard JC and Moore GH and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {40288,
	title = {The use of full-sibling pairs to measure plasma FSH concentrations in Booroola ewe and ram lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {51},
	year = {1991},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {87-90},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Forty-eight yearling Holstein-Friesian steers were assigned to  three diets (Panicum virgatum (P) var. Cave-in-rock, Dactylis  glomerata (D) var. Hallmark and Medicago sativa (M) var. Waterman  Loomis 316) fed at two levels of intake (low (L) 65g DM kg-1 liveweight  -0.75 day -1 or high (H) 90 g DM kg -1 liveweight -0.75 day -1) during a  6 month growth study. At the conclusion of the study animals were  stunned, exsanguinated and promptly eviscerated and the rumen quickly  emptied of its contents and subsequently weighed. Upon slaughter, rumen  tissue samples were acquired from the ventral sac and placed in  oxygenated M199 media. Mucosa and muscularis weights were determined  along with their total 02 consumption, ouabain-senitive- (OSO2) and  ouabain-insensitive-(OIO2) respiration. Tissue oxygen consumption was  determined in vitro using a YSI Clark style electrode. Total,  Mucosa and muscularis weights were greater (16.9-43.5\%) with H and  tended to be affected by diet (P<0.10). On a tissue basis, rumen muscle  O2 consumption was not affected by treatment but mucosal OSO2 and  percent inhibition of O2 consumption by ouabain were higher (6.9-94\%)  with Medicago. Total rumen O2, OSO2 and OIO2 consumption were higher  (8.6-80.5\%) in H (P<0.05) and diet affected OSO2. Rumen muscle total O2  consumption was greatest (3.51 ul 02/mg/hr) for D and altered by level  of intake (P<0.03). Mucosal OSO2 and OIO2 were greater with H (P<0.04  and P<0.07, respectively). Total rumen O2 consumption is dominated by  organ size rather than changes in weight specific O2 consumption.  Therefore, at high forage intakes part of the decrease in the efficiency  of ME utilisation is a consequence of increased heat production from the  larger rumen.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Isaacs KL and McNatty KP and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {40253,
	title = {Factors influencing the success of a large scale artificial insemination programme in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {427-430},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Two experiments were conducted to compare PMSG injection to GnRH   infusion for induction of breeding in anoestrous ewes. In Experiment   One, sixteen Suffolk ewes were pre-treated for 14 days with 30 mg   Cronolone sponges. At sponge removal half of the ewes received 0.125   ug/hr GnRH for 72 hours via subcutaneous osmotic pumps. The other half   received a single injection of 750 iu PMSG. Plasma LH levels gradually   increased and were sustained for 24 hours. Estrus, ovulation and   corpus luteum function were expressed in half of the ewes treated   with GnRH. All ewes treated with PMSG exhibited estrus, ovulated and   formed functional corpora lutea.     In Experiment Two, 24 ewes were divided into two groups and the same   treatments as in Experiment One were applied. Fertile rams were   introduced to all the ewes at the time of sponge removal. Estrus was   detected in 75\% of the GnRH treated ewes vs 100\% in PMSG treated ewes.   Lambing rates were 44\% and 56\% in GnRH and PMSG groups respectively.     These results suggest that the induction of fertility using continuous   infusion of GnRH is encouraging. However, other GnRH delivery systems   should be investigated.    },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Shackell GH and Kyle B and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {40066,
	title = {Energy nutrition of young red deer (Cervus elaphus) hinds and a comparison with young stags},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {47},
	year = {1987},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {111-113},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Salmon farming began in New Zealand in 1976 with the introduction of ocean ranching. With this method of aquaculture, juvenile salmon are reared in freshwater and then released to the sea where they grow and subsequently return as adults at 2, 3 or 4 years of age to the freshwater release point. Two other methods of culture are also being practised, sea cage rearing and freshwater pond culture. With these 2 methods the salmon are reared to market size while fed an artificial diet. The increased rearing costs of these 2 methods of culture is offset by the higher survival of juvenile salmon to market size compared with ocean ranching. With ocean ranging 1-2\% survival is considered the minimum necessary for a successful operation while returns of over 3\% have been received at some hatcheries. Salmon production has increased from about 200 t in 1984-85 season (October to March) to 712 t in 1986-87. Exports in 1986-87 were approximately 353 t valued at $NZ4 million.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Suttie JM and Fennessy PF and Veenvliet BA and Littlejohn RP and Fisher MW and Corson ID and Labes RE}
}
@conference {40032,
	title = {Haemoglobin type and prolificacy in Booroola sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {46},
	year = {1986},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {237-240},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Groups of 33 Coopworth ewes were drenched with either 25mg zearalenone, <UI>Fusarium culture (containing 25mg zearalenone) or water (controls) daily for 10 days pre-mating commencing on day 7 of the cycle following oestrus synchronisation with CIDRs. Reproductive performance was markedly reduced in the ewes treated with zearalenone or the Fusarium culture, with only 9.1\% and 15.6\% of ewes yielding fertilised eggs compared to 57.6\% of the control ewes. Treatment reduced the number of ewes ovulating although displaying oestrus. Treated groups had 46\% of ewes anovular compared to 12\% in the controls. The ovulation rate for those ewes ovulating was less in the treated ewes (1.55) than the controls (1.86). Treatment with zearalenone or FusariumM culture reduced the proportion of egg- yielding ewes that had fertilised eggs (27.3\% and 55.5\%) compared to the controls (100\%). Treated ewes had a markedly longer duration of oestrus and it was evident from corpus luteum size that the oestrus-ovulation relationship had been disturbed.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Dratch PA and Allison AJ and Williams TL and Kyle B and Wyllie JG and Littlejohn RP}
}
@conference {40028,
	title = {Live weights, fleece weights and wool characteristics of screened high fleece weight and randomly selected Romney ewe hoggets},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {46},
	year = {1986},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {219-224},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Trials between 1979 and 1984 with Angora or Saanen donors showed that synchronisation of oestrus with progesterone injections delayed oestrus compared with progestagen sponges and that this delay was associated with fewer follicles and increased egg recovery and fertilisation rates. Highest ovulation rates were achieved when FSH was injected instead of PMSG and when donors were Saanens rather than Angoras. Surgical egg recovery rates decreased in donors with prematurely regressing ovulations. The response of recipients (feral or Angora) to sponge treatment varied markedly between years. Recipient pregnancy rate and embryo survival both increased when recipients were surgically twinned rather than singled. The various trials have enabled the development of an effective transfer regime. This involves synchronising/superovulating donors with progesterone/FSH and twinning or tripleting of recipients. Under these conditions Angora and Saanen donors average respectively, 14.0 and 24.5 ovulations, 10.8 and 18.6 transferable embryos and 7.5 and 11.8 kids born to recipients.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hawker H and Littlejohn RP}
}
