@article {3672,
	title = {Genetic parameters for velvet antler of farmed red deer and wapiti},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {82},
	year = {2022},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {77-81},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {<p>Deer breeding in New Zealand has historically paid little attention to quantitative genetic methods to improve the cut weights of velvet antlers. To provide enhanced breeding values for velvet antlers genetic parameters were estimated for DEERSelect. Velvet antler weight data was obtained from 21 red deer and 7 wapiti breeding studs and uploaded to DEERSelect. These data consisted of \&gt; 50,000 records from 25,087 individuals and 1,419 sires. Mean velvet weights ranged from 2.71 ({\textpm}1.01) at 2-years, to 5.79 ({\textpm}1.98) at 10-years of age. Estimates of heritability at different ages were moderately high (0.33-0.44), but lower than previously reported estimates. Genetic correlations were high at all ages, phenotypic correlations were lower, both were similar to those reported previously. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between 12-month liveweight and 2-year-old and mature (i.e., >= 3 -year-old) velvet weights were low (0.15 {\textpm} 0.03, 0.02 {\textpm} 0.03) and low-moderate respectively (0.24 {\textpm} 0.08, 0.18 {\textpm} 0.01). These updated genetic parameters encouraged an update of the DEERSelect velvet module. The moderate heritability estimates should encourage breeders to make much more use of this quantitative genetic tool to breed more accurately for increased velvet antler weights.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and McIntyre SB and Jopson NB and Newman S-AN}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {DEERSelect {\textendash} review of the first decade},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {54-58},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {DEERSelect, the New Zealand deer industry performance recording system, has been operating since 2005 in red deer. Over that
period, the role and functionality of DEERSelect has grown, such that it is now central to all genetic information delivery to the
industry. Initially velvet and growth trait modules were included, with meat and reproduction trait modules added later. Economic
indexes were also developed, but have not been widely utilised. Evaluations were added for wapiti, to provide for all breed types.
Current desires are for wapiti and red deer to be combined in a single evaluation. Good genetic gains have been made, primarily in
growth traits. Impetus provided by the Deer Progeny Test (DPT), and increased breeder education has improved understanding of
best practice recording, leading to better data quality and herd connectedness. While DEERSelect is recognised by industry leaders
as being critical for genetic advancement, it still has limited stag-buyer adoption. Improved adoption will require a large extension
effort so commercial producers can interpret the impacts of breeding values in terms of changes in farm system performance and
profitability. The future is promising, with new traits, improvements on existing ones and breeders now valuing objective measures
of genetic merit.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and McIntyre SB and Newman S-AN and Asher GW}
}
@conference {79007,
	title = {Genetic and phenotypic parameters for stayability in a New Zealand research flock},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {152-155},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Productive lifespan is important to commercial farmers, as ewes that are culled prematurely from the flock represent a considerable cost. The greater the number of replacements retained, the fewer the number of animals available for sale, and the greater proportion of the farm that must be allocated to rearing replacements at the expense of carrying more productive ewes. As selection occurs in stud flocks, Sheep Improvement Ltd. (SIL) developed an exit fate recording system that distinguishes between commercial culls of unsound sheep and the culling of sound sheep based on knowledge such as pedigree or genetic merit that would not usually be available to commercial breeders. Ewes culled for commercial ... continued},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McIntyre SB and Newman SAN and Young EA and McEwan JC}
}
