@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Influence of birth rank on cause of lamb deaths prior to weaning},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {21-23},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Post-mortem examinations were carried out on 1098 lambs that died between birth and weaning at 12 weeks of age to evaluate the
causes of mortality in a high-fertility flock. These comprised 95\% of all lamb deaths from a total of 14732 lambs born over nine
years. Starvation/exposure was the biggest cause of lamb deaths (26\%) followed by infection (20\%), hypoxia (16\%) and prenatal
deaths (16\%). Prenatal deaths were 18\%, 12\% and 10\%; deaths due to hypoxia were 18\%, 15\% and 11\% and to starvation were
28\%, 26\% and 12\% for triplets, twins and singles respectively. There were no significant differences between birth ranks for
deaths from infection.

Keywords: mortality; litter size; birth rank; dystocia; starvation; prenatal; single; twin; triplet; survival; sheep},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Smith NB and Ward KR and Muir PD}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Meta-analysis of beef cow live weights in the mid-2000s},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {128-130},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {As traditional beef cows are rarely weighed, there are few quality data available on beef cow live weights. Data were collected on
12 farms between 2008/09 and 2009/10 as part of a project validating the data used in the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse
Gas Inventory Model. Beef cow live weights were collected on both herd cows (mean 541.3 kg) and on cull cows (mean 552.6
kg). Carcass data were collected at slaughter to obtain better values for dressing-out (42.6\%). Carcass data provided by Landcorp
Farming Ltd indicated that their average beef cow live weights were 568 kg in 2008/09. Carcass data collected by the B+LNZ
Economic Service from 8511 beef cows in 2007/08 indicated that cow live weights averaged 537 kg. An unpublished MAF
Sustainable Farming Fund study reported weights for 1120 cows across 15 farms and found an average beef cow live weight of
576 kg in 2006/07. An average across all these studies suggested that beef cow weaning weights between 2006 and 2010 were
around 553 kg.

Keywords: beef cow; liveweight; dressing-out \%},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Smith NB and Muir PD}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Factors affecting early concentrate uptake by calves},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {95-100},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Early solid food intake is key to a successful early rumen development system. In NZ, specialist bull-calf rearers tend to feed
four-day-old calves restricted milk, ad lib pellets and wean early (5 to 6 weeks). A range of experiments examined the effect of
protein \%, feed form and the effect of changing protein source in older calves. There was no difference between 16\% and 20\%
protein pellets in the first three weeks but between weeks three and six, feed intakes and liveweight gains were higher on 20\%
protein pellets (P<0.05). Weaning live weights were higher on a customised pellet (51.5\% maize, 20.0\% peas, 20.0\% soy bean
extract 48, 5\% molasses, 1.5\% limestone, 1.0\% soybean oil, 0.8\% salt, calf vitamin mineral premix (0.01\%), Bovatec (0.006\%)
and Rumasweet palatant (0.00002\%)) than on a commercial pellet (68.9 vs 64.8 kg, P<0.05). Feeding the customised formulation
either in roller-milled, hammer-milled or pelleted form did not affect feed intake or liveweight gain. In weaned calves welladjusted
to consuming concentrates, substituting a commercial meal with palm kernel significantly reduced feed intake when fed
at 60\% of the ration whilst copra meal substitution significantly reduced intake at 40\% in calves accustomed to eating pellets.
Pellet composition had a greater impact on feed intakes and growth rate than did the form in which the feed was offered.
Keywords: calf; copra meal; palm kernel; protein content; artificially reared},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Thomson BC and Smith NB}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Does the age and sex affect meat quality in older lambs},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {98-99},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {During a programme which targeted late-born heavy-weight lambs supplied at 14 months of age, the question was raised about the meat quality of old-season lambs compared to traditional new-season product.  In Experiment 1, short loins from 10 new season ram lambs (3.5 months of age) and 10 old-season ram lambs (14 months of age) of similar weights and grades were compared. Samples from new-season lambs scored slightly better for most characteristics (taste P<0.10, tenderness P <0.001 and juiciness P<0.03) but there was no difference in odour (P <0.60) and few tasters disliked any of the samples.  In Experiment 2, short loins from 10 ewe, nine cryptorchid and nine ram older lambs with similar carcass weights were compared. There were no significant differences in eating quality between the samples from ram, ewe and cryptorchid lambs. In conclusion, differences due to age were small when carcasses were compared at the same weight and carcass fatness. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Muir PD and Smith NB}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {The role of curding and non-curding calf milk replacers in NZ calf-rearing systems},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {157-160},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Calf milk replacers (CMRs) are typically formulated from a range of lower-value milk products and may have reduced curding
ability when casein proteins are absent or denatured. Whilst there are industry claims that vealer calves in Europe can be reared on
such CMRs, there is no NZ data to substantiate these claims. In Experiment One, 240 calves were reared on three milk replacers.
Diet A was a curding CMR based on whole-milk powder and skim-milk powder. Diet B was a non-curding CMR based on whey
and vegetable fat. Diet C was a non-curding CMR based on whey, soy and vegetable fat. A salmonella challenge occurred in the
rearing facility during the first two weeks of rearing. Calves on Diet A suffered a much lower incidence of sickness than those on
Diets B and C (15\% vs 34\% vs 61\%) respectively. Mortality was also lower (1.25\% vs 5\% vs 5\% respectively). In Experiment
Two, 90 calves were fed on the same diets from four days to 13 weeks of age. There were no effects of diet on disease or mortality.
Calves on Diet A, B and C had growth rates to 13 weeks of 0.63, 0.60 and 0.53 kg/day, respectively. In conclusion, rearers need to
be aware that there a risk when feeding non-curding milk replacers to young calves, particularly when timely weight targets need
to be achieved.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Muir PD and Smith NB and Nieuwenhuis A}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {Evaluating new forage systems for East Coast dryland},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {108-114},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Dry matter production and animal performance on plantain and erect annual clovers were monitored on four demonstration sites from 2012 to 2014. These studies confirmed plantain{\textquoteright}s potential for increasing both the quantity and quality of forage produced on cultivated and un-cultivatable hill country. Newly sown plantain produced more dry matter than newly-sown ryegrass over winter and spring. Across three sites, plantain pastures had more clover (32\%, 45\% and 45\%) in October. Lambs grew faster on plantain and had higher dressing-out percentages. Plantain appears less competitive than ryegrass and the grazing management it requires suits erect annual clovers (e.g. Balansa, Persian, Arrowleaf). Because these clovers are aerial seeders, achieving seed set is challenging under grazing. Until management systems can be developed to allow seed set, these clovers are destined to be an annual crop producing a bulk of high quality spring feed in suitable micro-climates. Plantain and erect annual clovers offer a promising alternative to ryegrass-based systems on dryland. However, there is much to learn about the best place for each species and how they fit within a farm system. As with lucerne, plantain and erect annual clovers need to be rotationally grazed to prevent damage to the crown and growing points. The success of these alternative forages in dryland will depend on farmer willingness to embrace new grazing management techniques.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Macfarlane MJ and Thomson BC and Crofoot E and Hamilton G and Ashby H and Muir PD}
}
@conference {60970,
	title = {Effect of management change on methane output within a sheep flock},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {170-173},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {The introduction of an emissions trading scheme means farmers are likely to incur some form of carbon tax on methane emissions. Consequently, it is important to explore management options that could reduce methane output per unit of product sold. A computer model was developed to test a range of management strategies on methane production, relative to farm output. These included changing ewe live weight, conception rate, scanning percentage, ewe and lamb survival, ewe culling rates, lamb growth rate, hogget lambing and ewe culling age. The dataset used to develop the model contains 6,000 ewe and 8,100 lamb records collected over 8 years. The reference flock used in the model comprised 1,000 ewes plus replacements, 1,378 lambs scanned, 989 lambs sold and 288 replacements kept. The carbon cost was 15.99 kg of methane per lamb sold. Three of the most significant influences on methane production per lamb sold were increasing ewe cull age from 5 to 6 years (4.6\% reduction), increasing ewe scanning percentage from 160\% to 180\% (7.8\% reduction) and hogget lambing (11.7\% reduction). Effects were not completely additive. The model allows methane output to be estimated for any defined production system and quantifies the most effective management changes to minimise methane production on an individual farm or across the wider industry. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cruickshank GJ and Thomson BC and Muir PD}
}
@conference {60946,
	title = {An option for managing triplet bearing ewes on extensive properties},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {71-74},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Heavier ewe live weights and the trend toward composite genetics has resulted in an increasing proportion of triplet bearing ewes within a flock. On some extensive properties, triplet lambs have much lower survival rates. This work examined the effect on lamb survival and the profitability of shifting scanned triplet ewes to an intensive property for lambing. Scanned triplet bearing ewes on a large extensive property were allocated to two groups; Intensive (150 ewes) and Extensive (770 ewes). Intensive ewes were transported to a smaller downland property prior to lambing and the Extensive ewes remained on the farm and were managed normally. Weaning percentages were higher under intensive management (222\% lambs weaned/ewe present at weaning) than under extensive management (171\%). The intensive property also had higher lamb weaning weights per ewe (58.2 vs 47.2 kg lamb weaned/ewe scanned). Differences in survival between the properties suggest there is a significant potential to reduce death rate in triplet lambs. Returns on feed consumed were modelled using Farmax{\textregistered} and were 21.1 and 17.1 c/kg dry matter consumed over the trial period on the respective properties. In addition, removal of the triplet bearing ewes from the extensive property freed up resources which could be used to improve the performance of other stock. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Muir PD}
}
@conference {41679,
	title = {The effect of colostrum intake on mortality and growth of Friesian bulls from birth to slaughter},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {382-385},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Dairy cow glucose requirements increase dramatically during the weeks preceding calving, 
suggesting that supplements that increase glucose supply (rapidly fermentable carbohydrates) would reduce 
precalving mobilisation of body tissue and improve subsequent milk production. Sixty-eight multiparous 
dairy cows were randomly allocated to one of two diets for 36 {\textpm} 8.7 days precalving. All cows were fed 
pasture and pasture-silage precalving, with one group also receiving 3kg DM of a barley-maize concentrate. 
Precalving diets were iso-energetic (114 MJ/cow/day).At calving, cows within each precalving feeding 
treatments were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments for 35 days in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. 
Postcalving, all cows received pasture and pasture silage with one group also receiving 5.0 kg DM of a 
barley-maize concentrate. Postcalving diets were alsoiso-energetic (179 MJ/cow/day). Milk yield and 
composition, and liveweight (LW) and body condition score (BCS) were assessed weekly for five weeks. 
Blood was sampled on day -21, -14, -7, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 relative to calving, and plasma 
samples were analysed for indicators of energy status. Average milksolids yield (1.9 kg/cow/d) during the 
five weeks postcalving was not affected by either pre- or postcalving concentrate supplementation, although 
protein to fat ratio was higher in supplemented cows. Similarly, concentrate supplementation pre- or 
postcalving did not affect either LW or BCS change before or after calving. Cows receiving concentrates 
precalving had higher (P<0.001) plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations, but otherwise were 
not different to those receiving an equivalent energy intake from pasture and pasture silage. Postcalving 
concentrate supplementation increased (P<0.01) plasma glucose and NEFA and decreased (P<0.001) plasma 
B-OH butyrate. Results suggests little effect on milkproduction by replacing energy from structural 
carbohydrates in high quality pasture with energy from non-structural carbohydrate during the transition 
period. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Thomson BC and Fugle CJ}
}
@conference {41929,
	title = {Variation in the New Zealand ram breeding industry ? results from the Poukawa progeny test},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {373-376},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Between 1998 and 2004 a sire progeny test was run at the Poukawa Research Farm in Hawke{\textquoteright}s Bay. Four ewe genotypes were used (Romney, East Friesian x Romney, Finn x Romney and Poll Dorset x Romney) with up to 900 ewes mated each year. Data was collected on 4614 lambs born to 74 rams (an average of 62 progeny per ram). Rams used represented 13 different terminal sire and dual purpose breeds. Ewes were mated using AI or single-sire mated in the paddock for one cycle. Lambs were tagged and weighed within 24 hours of birth. At 12 weeks of age, lambs were weighed and scanned for eye muscle dimensions from which eye muscle area was estimated. Data were analysed using a REML animal model taking account of repeat matings among parents, genetic relationships among animals and incorporating adjustments for fixed effects associated with year, ewe genotype and litter size. At a mean lambing percentage of 165\%, the mean birth weight across all sires was 4.91 kg and ranged between 4.21 and 5.46 kg for individual sires. The mean 12 week liveweight was 29.8 kg and ranged from 26.5 to 33.1 kg for progeny from individual rams. There was a wide range in GR fat depth (mean 8.9 mm, sire range 6.9 to 12.3 mm) when corrected to a constant carcass weight of 18.3 kg. The top rams for liveweight were not necessarily top for other characteristics. Significant numbers of lambs are sold store at weaning on a liveweight basis and this makes it possible to place a value on pre-weaning growth. At $2/kg liveweight, the average lamb sired by the top ram for growth would be worth $66.20 and the progeny from the bottom ranked sire would be worth $53 - a difference of $13.20 per lamb. Assuming these rams had an active lifespan of 4 years and mated 80 ewes rearing 125\% per year, each ram would leave 400 progeny. At $13.20 per lamb the difference in value between the top and bottom ranked rams would be $5280. These results show the differences between rams and highlight the importance of using breeding values in the ram selection process. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Thomson BC and Smith NB and Clarke JN}
}
@conference {41677,
	title = {Variation in the New Zealand ram breeding industry {\^u} results from the Poukawa progeny test},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {373-376},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Between 1998 and 2004 a sire progeny test was run at the Poukawa Research Farm in Hawke{\textquoteright}s Bay. Four ewe genotypes were used (Romney, East Friesian x Romney, Finn x Romney and Poll Dorset x Romney) with up to 900 ewes mated each year. Data was collected on 4614 lambs born to 74 rams (an average of 62 progeny per ram). Rams used represented 13 different terminal sire and dual purpose breeds. Ewes were mated using AI or single-sire mated in the paddock for one cycle. Lambs were tagged and weighed within 24 hours of birth. At 12 weeks of age, lambs were weighed and scanned for eye muscle dimensions from which eye muscle area was estimated. Data were analysed using a REML animal model taking account of repeat matings among parents, genetic relationships among animals and incorporating adjustments for fixed effects associated with year, ewe genotype and litter size. At a mean lambing percentage of 165\%, the mean birth weight across all sires was 4.91 kg and ranged between 4.21 and 5.46 kg for individual sires. The mean 12 week liveweight was 29.8 kg and ranged from 26.5 to 33.1 kg for progeny from individual rams. There was a wide range in GR fat depth (mean 8.9 mm, sire range 6.9 to 12.3 mm) when corrected to a constant carcass weight of 18.3 kg. The top rams for liveweight were not necessarily top for other characteristics. Significant numbers of lambs are sold store at weaning on a liveweight basis and this makes it possible to place a value on pre-weaning growth. At $2/kg liveweight, the average lamb sired by the top ram for growth would be worth $66.20 and the progeny from the bottom ranked sire would be worth $53 - a difference of $13.20 per lamb. Assuming these rams had an active lifespan of 4 years and mated 80 ewes rearing 125\% per year, each ram would leave 400 progeny. At $13.20 per lamb the difference in value between the top and bottom ranked rams would be $5280. These results show the differences between rams and highlight the importance of using breeding values in the ram selection process. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Thomson BC and Smith NB and Clarke JN}
}
@conference {41174,
	title = {Pre- and post-rigor treatment of intermediate pH beef to reduce toughness},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {60},
	year = {2000},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {115-116},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {As injections of acid and calcium chloride solution reduce toughness in beef of normal pH (5.4 - 5.7) beef, these solutions may also tenderise intermediate pH (5.7 - 6.2) beef. Portions of intermediate-pH striploins from four bulls were allocated to the following treatments :- control, lactic acid (0.55 M, 10 \% w/w, injected within two hours of slaughter) or calcium chloride (0.3 M, 10 \% w/w, injected 20 hours after slaughter). The samples were stored at 15{\textdegree}C for 24 hours, then at - 1{\textdegree}C for a further nine days. 24 hours after slaughter the shear force of the lactic-acid-treated samples was nonsignificantly less than the control (12.7 vs 15.4 kgF). Nine days after slaughter, the lactic acid and control samples remained unacceptably tough, while the calcium chloride samples (7.5 kgF) were acceptable. Therefore, it may be possible to use calcium chloride to reduce intermediate pH toughness. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Auld MM and Simmons NJ}
}
@conference {40814,
	title = {The calpain proteolytic system in different types of ovine skeletal muscles and relationship to meat tenderness},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {198-200},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The calpain system is involved in postmortem tenderisation of meat.  Muscle type also influences tenderness and aging rate. This study  investigated the extent to which differences in the calpain system may  account for differences in tenderness. Calpain and calpastatin activities were  measured from 12 different ovine muscles. Shear force was determined on  muscle aged at 15 C for 1, 2, 3 and 4 days postmortem and ultimate pH  measured. Calpastatin, },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Singh K and Dobbie PM and Simmons NJ and Bass JJ and Thomson BC and Speck PA}
}
@conference {40813,
	title = {Differences in the post mortem kinetics of the calpain system in meat from bulls and steers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {195-197},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {This experiment investigated differences in meat tenderness as defined  by shear force between bulls and steers, and how these related to differences  in the post mortem kinetics of the components of the calpain system. Strip  loins (m. longissimus dorsi) from bulls with acceptable (pH < 5.7) ultimate  pHs were compared with strip loins from prime steers. Samples were aged  for 1, 3, 7, 13, 24, 48 and 72 hours at 15 C. The activities of calpastatin and  (},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Dobbie PM and Simmons NJ and Singh K and Speck PA}
}
@conference {40810,
	title = {Postmortem changes in pH and shear force in three commercial bull beef cuts},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {184-186},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {This experiment investigated the differences between fillet, strip loin  and rump cuts obtained from carcasses of pasture-fed bulls. Four samples of  each cut were collected on two different occasions and aged at 15 C for 2,  24, 48 ,72 and 120 hours. The pH of the fillet and rump cuts did not change  post-slaughter. The pH of the strip loin was higher at slaughter but declined  over time and by 48 hrs post-slaughter there were no differences in the pH  value of the three cuts. Shear force was determined using a MIRINZ  tenderometer. The fillet had the lowest shear force and the rump cut had the  highest. There were no differences in the activities of the components of the  calpain system at 2 hours post-slaughter. These results suggest that the  differences in meat quality and particularly ultimate tenderness, between the  three cuts were not due to differences in the activities of the components of  the calpain system or pH },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Dobbie PM and Singh K and Speck PA}
}
@conference {40688,
	title = {The Calpain System - genotype, nutrition and their interactions},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {123},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Three groups of pregnant (3rd trimester) cows grazing low Se pastures  were given daily Se intakes of 0.44, 0.94 and 1.44mg respectively as pasture  plus a drench. A significant relationship between blood Se concentration  (nmol/l) [y] and daily Se intakes (mg/day) [x] was described by the equation  Y=147(44.0+(359(42.1)X***. Given that a mean blood Se concentration of  250 nmol/l reflects an adequate Se status, that is there is no production  response to Se supplementation, then the daily Se intake of pregnant cows  was determined to be 0.29mg or pasture should contain 0.037mg Se/kg DM  to prevent Se deficiency.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Speck PA and Singh KK and Thomson BC and Dobbie PM and Mercer GK and Bass JJ and Simmons N and Binnie B and Clarke N}
}
@conference {40687,
	title = {Inter-muscle variation in the calpain system of red deer:- implications for meat tenderness},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {120-123},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {A grazing trial using 24 Red and 24 Hybrid (0.75 Red; 0.25 Elk) deer  weaners was conducted from 1st March to 12th December 1993, to compare  the feeding value of chicory (Cichorium intybus L) with that of  perennial ryegrass (Lollium perenne)/white clover (Trifolium  repens) pasture for increasing venison production by one year of age.   The deer were rotationally grazed using dry matter allowances of 6, 6 and 7  kg DM/head/day in autumn, winter and spring respectively. Relative to deer  grazing pasture, deer grazing chicory had higher voluntary feed intake (VFI),  slightly lower grazing (ie. eating) time and substantially lower ruminating  time. Hybrid deer had faster liveweight gain (LWG) than Red deer and were  heavier at the end of all seasons (P<0.01). LWG was greater on chicory than  on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture during autumn (P<0.01) and there  were forage x genotype interactions for liveweight at the end of autumn and  spring, with Hybrid deer (especially stags) being heavier when grazed on  chicory. Carcass weight for Red and Hybrid stags was 64.9 and 73.0 kg  when grazed on chicory and 56.6 and 57.0 kg when grazed on perennial  ryegrass/white clover pasture. Grazing chicory advanced the date of first cut  velvet antler by 28 days and increased the weight of total (first cut+regrowth)  velvet antler. It is concluded that grazing chicory increased venison  production, especially in Hybrid stags with increased growth potential, and  increased velvet antler production.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Dobbie PM and Singh KK and Thomson BC and Mercer GK and Bass JJ and Speck PA}
}
@conference {40387,
	title = {Nutritional effects on the calpain system in skeletal muscle of sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {101-102},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Deer are unique among New Zealand{\textquoteright}s farmed ruminants in the  existence of hybridising species and subspecies which exhibit major  differences in physiology and production traits. We used protein  electrophoresis to examine genetic differences between two farmed deer  species with fertile hybrids:red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Pere  David{\textquoteright}s deer (Elaphurus davidianus<?I>) (in both species 2n=68).  Fixed differences between the species were found for 19 proteins. A  further 3 proteins were polymorphic in red deer but not in Pere David{\textquoteright}s  deer. Using the present techniques, segregation of 17 of the protein  differences between the species could be confirmed in a backcross  pedigree to red deer. The large number of genetic markers segregating  in backcross hybrids make them an excellent resource for gene linkage  mapping among genetic markers and for experiments which examine the  relationship between genetic markers and quantitative traits.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Oddy VH and Sainz RD}
}
@conference {40030,
	title = {Artificial insemination in sheep - comparison of storage time, dose rate and insemination technique},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {46},
	year = {1986},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {229-232},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {In 1984 selected Oxford Down (O) and Texel (T) sheep in Denmark and T and Finnish Landrace (F) sheep in Finland were purchased or leased and then assembled for treatment. The ewes were synchronised and superovulated before being subjected to surgical embryo recovery. Recovered embryos with at least 8 cells and intact zona pellucida were then deep frozen. The mean ovulation rate, number of eggs recovered and embryos frozen from the O and T in Denmark were 5.4, 4.4, 1.5 and 7.1, 5.0 and 3.0, respectively. Results for T and F in Finland were 7.5, 4.9, 4.1 and 10.0, 7.0 and 5.8, respectively. A total of 548 embryos was imported into New Zealand. Two-hundred and twenty embryos were thawed and transferred to Coopworth recipients in March and 46 in May 1985. The percentages of embryos surviving to term for the various breeds in March and May were: Denmark 0, 43 and 20; Denmark T, 59 and 7; Finland T, 59 and 55; Finland F, 64 and 50, respectively. Thirty-two Coopworths were inseminated with thawed F sperm deposited via endoscopy and 24 (75\%) lambed producing 28 lambs. The importation of both embryos and semen was very successful.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Harvey TG and Johnson DL and Baker RL and Trust BK and Thomson BC}
}
@conference {39956,
	title = {Diurnal patterns of rumen fill in grazing sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {45},
	year = {1985},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {117-120},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Weaned lambs grazed areas of native tussock oversown with either lotus or a mixture of white and red clover for 2 consecutive 4-week periods in each of 2 years. The lambs selectively grazed introduced legume in the clover plots but not in the lotus plots. At herbage allowances at or below 2 kg DM/animal/d, there were no differences in live-weight gain (LWG) between lambs grazing areas oversown with either lotus or clover. At high allowances, LWG tended to be lower during the initial 4 weeks of grazing lotus (60 to 114 g/d) and to then increase to comparable values for lambs grazing areas oversown with clovers (140 g/d). Any depression of LWG could be minimised by "conditioning" lambs to lotus, and by management of companion grasses to keep them in the vegetative state. It was concluded that the initial period of lower LWG on lotus would not be a drawback if lotus was used as a maintenance-type feed for ewes in summer/autumn.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thomson BC and Cruickshank GJ and Poppi DP and Sykes AR}
}
