@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 An unpublished MAF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 {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 {41142,
	title = {Farm of origin and finishing environment effects on beef quality attributes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {282-286},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that finishing environment can affect beef quality attributes, including fat and meat colour, meat pH, subcutaneous fat depth (FD) and intramuscular fat (IMF) content of pasture-fed beef. 181 rising 2-year old Angus steers were obtained from 4 source farms and finished at 4 North Island locations. On 3 properties, home-bred cattle were compared to a common control line. On a fourth property, cattle from the 3 sources were compared to each other and to the control. FD, meat pH and meat colour were affected by location (P<0.01), but not source. Only source effects were significant (P<0.05) for IMF. Both source and location affected fat colour (P<0.01). Steers that were killed later had significantly (P<0.01) higher meat pH (r=0.33), darker meat (r=-0.24), greater IMF (r=0.26), higher plasma carotene levels at slaughter (r=0.38) and yellower fat b* (r=0.39). The results indicate that both farm of origin and finishing environment can affect meat quality. Both sources of variation appeared to be mediated, in part, by cattle growth rate. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Smith DR and Smith NB and Muir PD}
}
@conference {40728,
	title = {Brief Communication - The cost of producing feedlot beef in New Zealand},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {255-256},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {In recent years there has been considerable interest in feedlotting as a  means of producing beef carcasses with more desirable characteristics (eg.  improved fat colour, marbling). This paper outlines the cost of feeding  heavyweight cattle on a feedlot ration and the likely premiums required to  meet this additional cost.   In three experiments Angus steer were fed 70\% grain diets ad libitum  for at least 14 weeks. In experiments 1, 2 and 3, respectively, steers grew  from 621 to 761 kg, 574 to 674 kg and 563 to 657 kg, over 70, 68 and 71 day  period, respectively. Feed intakes averaged 15.2 kg of dry matter per day  and were 2.2\% of bodyweight. Average liveweight gain was 1.60 kg/day and  average feed conversion efficiency was 9.5 kg feed per 1 kg of liveweight  gain. Based on typical New Zealand feed costs, the average daily feed cost  was $3.44 per head and the premium required to recoup the feed cost alone  would need to be $1.18 per kg of total carcass weight. Approximately $1.48  per kg would be required to cover all costs.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Smith NB and Wallace GJ}
}
@conference {40689,
	title = {Near-infrared reflectance analysis of intramuscular fat in beef},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {124-126},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {In adult sheep, cadmium (Cd) accumulates in both liver and kidney  tissue in an age dependent manner. To quantify the accumulation of Cd in  the developing foetus and investigate the relationship with the Cd status of  the maternal parent, liver and kidney samples were collected from both  Romney and Merino foetuses, approximately fortnightly, from 60 days after  conception up to parturition, and from the suckling lamb, weekly over three  weeks. Matching liver and kidney samples were also obtained from the dam.   Tissue sub-samples were analysed for metallothionein-mRNA by dot blot  hybridisation of total RNA extracts to assist in identifying regulatory aspects  of Cd accumulation in hepatic foetal tissue and any relationship with Zn.   Cadmium concentrations (means },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Smith DR and Smith NB and Muir PD}
}
@conference {40507,
	title = {Effects of melatonin implants on mating performance of Romney and Poll Dorset rams},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {275-280},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Breed, sex and birth rank differences in follicle density and S/P ratio were examined for South African (SA) and SAxNZ Angora goats. All primary (P) follicles but few secondary (Sf) follicles were mature at birth. Density of mature secondary (Sf) follicles increased by 150\% and 250\% in the first month after birth, in SA and SAxNZ kids respectively. Change in P and Sf+Si follicle density followed an asymptotic slope. S/P ratio was 8.4 at birth and 9.9 at 6 months. Breed differences were apparent early in life but were not persistent to 6 months of age. Sex by birth rank interactions at 4 and 6 months of age showed that single males had an advantage over twin males in P and S density (P<0.05) while twin females had an advantage over single females (P<0.05). These differences are a likely result of differences in nutritional advantage and changes in body size. S/P ratio was unaffected by breed, sex and birthrank. The results show that initiation of S follicles after birth was likely but inconsequential. Follicle density and S/P ratio do not explain breed differences in fibre and kemp production. Comparisons with other studies suggest that the SAxNZ Angora would have a higher S/P ratio than the NZ Angora.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Smith NB and Staples LD}
}
@conference {40385,
	title = {A comparison of grain and pasture finishing of heavyweight cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {93-96},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Data for the years 1986 to 1990 from the "Kamo" out-of-season  lambing flock were subjected to analyses to determine the genetic  variation for lambing date. The response variate was date of lambing  (provided the ewe had a chance to mate for an autumn lambing) and this  was transformed to an underlying normal scale by treating it as an  ordered categorical response. Restricted maximum likelihood (REML)  analyses were performed using an animal model. Year of record and age  of ewe were included as fixed effects. There were 870 ewes having a  total of 1967 lambing records. The estimate of heritability for  standardised lambing data was 0.23 and repeatability 0.36 while the  heritability for litter size was 0.03. Preliminary multivariate  analysis indicated that the genetic correlation between standardised  lambing date and litter size to be 0.09.   At the time of disbanding of the flock samples of ewes selected on the  phenotypic response (i.e. number of times lambed in autumn) of the ewe  or of her dam, were brought to Ruakura. In 1991 following a best linear  unbiased prediction (BLUP) analyses these were assigned to Autumn and  Spring lambing flocks on the basis of their breeding value (BV) for  standardised date of lambing. The average BV for the Autumn flock was -  0.13 while that for spring was +0.07 and there was a 26 day difference  in mean lambing date (167 vs 193).  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Cruickshank GJ and Smith NB and MacLean KS and Wallace GJ}
}
@conference {40424,
	title = {Effects of grazing pressure and competition on growth rate of Merino and Romney lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {247-250},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The effect of nutritional management of Angora goats on fibre  production and fibre quality was investigated over two years. After  shearing in August, does were fed either maintenance (MPA) or ad  libitum (HPA ryegrass/white clover pasture (approximately 1.0 kg and  >4kg DM/head/day respectively). In October half the does were removed  from each allowance group and introduced into the alternate allowance  group. This was repeated in early February, allowance groups being  balanced for their previous allowance history. Fleece weights were  recorded at shearing in February and August. Fibre diameter,  medullation and kemp levels were measured at shearing in February and  August and also in October and May. Doe live weights were recorded  monthly and when fleece measurements were made. After one year of  measurements, does were completely randomised onto new pasture  allowances and the experiment was repeated.   Nutritional treatments generated liveweight differences between HPA and  MPA does throughout the year (P<0.05). February fleece weights were  similar in both HPA and MPA groups in 1990 (1.73 vs 1.67; s.e.d 0.067 kg  for HPA vs MPA respectively) and in 1991 (1.43 vs 1.41; s.e.d 0.060 kg  for HPA vs MPA respectively) though approximately 25\% lower than in  1990. August fleece weights were similar in 1990 and 1991 but were  approximately 20\% higher in HPA does than in MPA does (1.46 vs 1.26;  s.e.d 0.051 kg for HPA vs MPA respectively in 1990 and 1.49 vs 1.20;  s.e.d 0.040 kg for HPA vs MPA respectively in 1991). Increased August  fleece weight was associated with increased fibre diameter (34.9 vs  32.7; s.e.d 0.52 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Cruickshank GJ and Wallace GJ and MacLean KS and Smith NB}
}
@conference {40175,
	title = {Early lambing in Hawkes Bay: The effect of pasture allowance and protein supplementation at pasture on lamb growth rates},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {237-244},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Groups of Coopworth ewes were mated to Polled Dorset rams at 2 monthly intervals for 12 months following induced ovulation and synchronised oestrus. The ram lambs were made cryptorchid and grown to a target slaughter liveweight of 40 kg. The influence of birthdate on birthweight, pre- and post-weaning growth rate, time from birth to slaughter and carcass leanness was studied. The major influence on lamb performance was the timing of lambing in relation to spring pasture growth and the subsequent summer period, characterised by low pasture growth and quality. When late gestation was during summer lamb birth weight was lower (3.5 and 3.6 kg for January and March born lambs respectively) than for other periods (4.3, 4.4, 4.8 and 4.5 kg for May, July, September and November born lambs respectively). Similarly, pre- and post-weaning growth rates were higher during spring (pre-weaning maximum, 276 g/d for lambs born in July; post-weaning maximum 223 g/d for lambs born in May) and lowest during summer (pre-weaning minimum 150 g/d for lambs born in November, post-weaning minimum 123 g/d for lambs born in September). Age at slaughter was lowest for lambs born in May and July and highest for lambs born in September and November. When corrected to an average liveweight of 42 kg the average age was 230, 208, 176, 175, 245 and 236 days for lambs born in January, March, May, July, September and November respectively. These data suggest that lamb growth to these comparatively high slaughter weights was optimal when lambs were born in May and July. If premiums are offered for out-of-season production of heavy carcasses to supply the chilled meat trade, May appears to be the optimal time for lambing as the average slaughter date for this group was 27.10.87, compared to 12.01.88 for lambs born in July.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Wallace GJ and Smith NB and Ryan AM}
}
@conference {40181,
	title = {Early lambing in Hawkes Bay: Use of the ram effect},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {271-276},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Three trials involving a total of 345 animals have been conducted in widely separated geographical regions in New Zealand, using a similar trial design to compare different treatment regimes for invermectin in beef weaners. Commencing at weaning and continuing into late winter/spring, trial animals received ivermectin subcutaneously at 200 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Smith NB and Wallace GJ}
}
