@conference {40183,
	title = {Lambing of Romney and Booroola cross hoggets with and without the F gene under different pasture allowances},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {281-284},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Ruminants grazing pasture rarely approach their genetic potential   for meat, milk or wool production. There are wide differences also   between plant species and between leaf, stem and inflorescence fractions   in their capacity to sustain animal production. The relatively low   productivity of grazing ruminants and the differences between plant   components in nutritional value can be explained from an understanding   of the factors that determine nutrient supply to the animal{\textquoteright}s tissue and   the efficiency of metabolism. Nutrient supply to the tissues depends on   Ii) the nutrient contents of the forage available, which varies between   plant species, their component parts, their stage of maturity and the   growing conditions; (ii) the pasture components actually selected by the   animal which are influenced by ease of eating, taste, odour and tactile   characteristics of the plant material available, its water content, the   structure of the sward, the dimensions of the animal{\textquoteright}s incisor arcade   and its previous experience; (iii) the amount of each selected component   eaten, which is influenced by the potential of the animal to utilize   nutrients, the capacity of the reticulo-rumen and factors that affect   the rate of digestion and outflow of organic matter from the rumen, and   the time spent in eating and ruminating activities; (iv) modifications   of consumed nutrients by rumen microbes, particularly the extent of   breakdown of plant protein and the relative proportions of volatile   fatty acids produced; (v) the efficiency of biochemical reactions   metabolising the absorbed nutrients. Although a great deal is known   about the way each of these factors influence nutrient supply to grazing   animals, the complexity of the interactions between them often makes it   extremely difficult to identify the specific reasons for reduced   performance in any particular situation. However, by integrating   current concepts and knowledge using computer simulation techniques, the   factors limiting nutrients supply to the animal{\textquoteright}s tissues can be   determined and the value of alternative management strategies for   improving animal productivity assessed.    },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Moore RW and McMillan WH and Dockrill G and Dow BW}
}
