@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 An unpublished MAF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 = {Calf-rearing systems on dairy farms and specialist calf rearing units: results of a New Zealand survey},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {173-176},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Calf-rearing practices were surveyed on 297 dairy farms with an average of 82 heifer and 24 bull calves reared. Only 21\% of
the properties fed colostrum immediately on arrival at the dairy shed, and 30\% did not feed their calves for at least 8 hours after
pickup. Rearing systems were highly variable although most fed twice a day on high milk volumes. Many (40\%) did not know
how much milk they fed to their calves and for those who did, the average was 316 litres per calf. Calves were weaned off milk
at an average of 9.7 weeks. Calf-rearing practices were surveyed on 100 bull-calf-rearing properties rearing on average 259 calves
annually. Larger rearers (>600 calves) tended to feed whole milk whereas smaller rearers tended to feed calf-milk replacers. Most
rearers fed milk once a day and fed an average of 155 litres/calf over rearing. Calves were weaned at an average of 6.5 weeks. Bullcalf
rearers feed to a weight target and a budget which resulted in a greater focus on performance and feed costs. Dairy farmers
could significantly reduce both costs and time inputs by monitoring performance, feeding milk once a day and weaning earlier.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thompson BC and Muir PD and Ward KR}
}
@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 {60978,
	title = {Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for growth, yield and meat quality traits in lamb},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {210-214},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {The Meat and Wool New Zealand Central Progeny Test has evaluated 143 sires from terminal and dual purpose breeds for meat yield and growth. Meat quality traits, including pH, fat and meat colour (CIE L*, CIE a*, CIE b*) have also been measured. This paper determines genetic variation in these quality traits and their correlations with growth and meat yield. Progeny were drafted for slaughter at a threshold live weight of 34 kg at weaning and 36 kg for subsequent slaughters. Fat colour, eye muscle meat colour and meat pH were measured 24 hours post-slaughter, with meat colour measured after a 30 minute bloom. Heritabilities and genetic correlations between traits were calculated from the measurements. Data were analysed with a linear mixed model in ASReml. Results showed significant variation among sires for meat quality. Heritabilities were moderate for most meat quality traits: fat colour (CIE b* 0.42), initial meat colour (CIE L* 0.29, CIE a* 0.19) and pH (0.12). Relationships between meat quality and yield/growth showed that meat CIE L* had a positive genetic correlation with weaning weight (0.42). Simulated index selection for growth rate and meat yield predicted a small increase in meat lightness and decline in fat yellowness (0.231 and -0.227 units per generation and unit selection intensity, respectively). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Payne GM and Campbell AW and Jopson NB and McEwan JC and Logan CM and Muir PD}
}
@conference {60979,
	title = {Genetic parameters for primal cut meat yield traits in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {215-219},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Lamb carcass grading is changing from classification on carcass weight and tissue depth (GR) to yield grading systems such as VIAscan{\textregistered}. Under the VIAscan{\textregistered} system, farmers receive information on the percentage lean meat yield from the hindleg, loin and shoulder primal cuts, and payments are based on these measurements. Genetic improvement programmes for meat have concentrated on producing age-adjusted breeding values for carcass lean and fat weight from live weight and ultrasonic eye muscle measurements. This has worked well for grading using carcass weight and GR, but does not quantify differences in yield between meat cuts. Carcass and VIAscan{\textregistered} yield data collected for the Meat and Wool New Zealand Central Progeny Test were analysed to determine heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations for meat yield traits. The dataset contained around 6,600 progeny from 143 terminal sire or dual purpose rams. Data were analysed using linear mixed models in ASReml. The results showed significant variation between sires for lean yield traits. Heritabilities for age-adjusted lean weight in the hindleg, loin and shoulder were 0.40, 0.37 and 0.42, respectively. Genetic correlations for age-adjusted weight of lean by carcass region were all high (range 0.94 to 0.96), but were lower (0.62 to 0.85) when adjusted to constant carcass weight. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Jopson NB and McEwan JC and Logan CM 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 {42048,
	title = {Artificial insemination success rates for Meat and Wool New Zealand central progeny test sires},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {77-78},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {National progeny testing schemes have become important components of national sheep genetic improvement programmes in Australia, France, and New Zealand (Fogarty et al., 2002; Bib{\'e} et al., 2002; Campbell et al., 2005). In 2001 the Alliance Central Progeny Test was established, this was combined in 2005 with the Elite Lamb Progeny Test to become the Meat and Wool New Zealand Central Progeny Test (CPT). Over the past six seasons, a total of 120 leading industry sires, comprising 14 different breeds, have been mated via artificial insemination. CPT rams are genetically connected via common sires ...Continued },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McLean NJ and Dodds KG and Knowler KJ and Jopson NB and Behrent M and Logan CM and Muir PD and Shackell GH and McEwan JC}
}
@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 {41676,
	title = {An evaluation of sheep meat genetics in New Zealand: The central progeny test (CPT)},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {368-372},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {The New Zealand Central Progeny Test (CPT) was first established in 2001 with the aims of improving the carcass dollar value of sires and establishing genetic links among sire referencing schemes. Over the past three seasons, a total of 72 sires from both terminal and dual purpose breeds have been evaluated for meat genetics at the AgResearch Woodlands farm and the Lincoln University Ashley Dene farm. All progeny, except the 2004 born ewe progeny from the dual purpose sires, were slaughtered at monthly intervals from December to March each year through two Alliance plants, at threshold liveweights of 34kg. Carcass measurements included cut yield (measured by ViaScan grading) eye muscle area, GR, meat pH, meat and fat colour and days to reach an 18kg carcass weight. These measurements were used to calculate three key indices; days to kill, meat value and a combined meat and growth index, as well as individual breeding values. Results showed significant variation among sires for all key traits and that no single ram or breed dominated the top of the indices or breeding values. The range of economic value was approximately $10 across the terminal and dual purpose sires evaluated, demonstrating that considerable potential exists to identify and select better terminal sires. The CPT is now commencing maternal evaluation, using the retained ewe lambs produced from the dual purpose sires. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McLean NJ and Jopson NB and Campbell AW and Knowler K and Behrent M and Cruickshank G and Logan CM and Muir PD and Wilson T and McEwan JC}
}
@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 {41019,
	title = {The role of milk production in dryland lamb production systems},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {170-174},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {A farmlet study was carried out over 2 years to examine the role of milk production in dryland lamb production systems. Poll Dorset and Romney ewes were used to represent high and low levels of milk production and mated to produce reciprocal cross lambs. High and low fecundity treatments were included in replicated farmlets of 2.9 ha and stocked at 15 ewes/ha. Mean lambing dates were 5th and 8th August with lambs drafted for slaughter from mid October. In Year 1, Poll Dorset ewes produced 44\% (singles) and 88\% (twins) more milk in peak lactation than their Romney counterparts. In late lactation, Poll Dorsets produced 41\% (singles) and 169\% (twins) more milk. In Year 2, the advantages were 19\% (singles) and 18\% (twins) in peak lactation and 78\% (singles) and 67\% (twins) in late lactation. Increased milk production had small effects on lamb growth rates in the low fecundity treatments (Year 1: 338 vs 328 g/d; Year 2: 317 vs 300 g/d for the respective high and low milk treatments). In the high fecundity farmlets, dam breed differences were larger (Year 1 :280 vs 244g/d ; Year 2: 307 vs 283 g/d, respectively). Number of lambs drafted by the 2nd December were also similar in low fecundity groups (Year 1: 93\% vs 95\%; Year 2: 90\% vs 93\%, respectively). Greater numbers of lambs were drafted off high fecundity Poll Dorsets than Romney dams (56\% vs 23\%) in Year 1 but not in Year 2 (85\% vs 81\%). The greater effect of milk on lamb growth in high fecundity treatments in Year 1 was attributed to poor spring feed conditions and the buffering ability of high milk producing ewes. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Wallace GJ and McCall DG and Dodd CJ}
}
@conference {40815,
	title = {Growth and carcass characteristics of lambs sired by Texel, Oxford Down and Suffolk rams},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {201-204},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Three hundred and twelve lambs (160 ram, 152 ewe) sired by Texel (n  = 118), Oxford Down (n = 94) and Suffolk (n = 100) rams and out of  Romney ewes were grazed at Poukawa Research Station, Hastings, to  evaluate comparative growth characteristics and carcass composition.  Lambs were sourced from a range of commercial properties and sires.  Representative samples from each breed and sex were slaughtered after 84,  112 and 145 days on trial. Fasted liveweight gain were significantly (P<0.001) higher for Suffolk-cross  (107 g/d) and Oxford Down-cross (101 g/d) lambs than for Texel-cross  lambs (84 g/d). At a constant hot carcass weight (HCW) of 19.2 kg, Texel-cross lambs had a  significantly (P<0.01) lower GR (mean 12.0 mm) than Suffolk-cross (14.1  mm) and Oxford Down-cross (13.3 mm) lambs.  Carcasses were boned to a commercial specification which maximised the  removal of bone and fat. At a carcass weight (CW) of 19.2 kg Texel-cross  lambs had a significantly (P<0.001) higher saleable meat yield (SMY; 647  g/kg CW) than Suffolk-cross (634 g/kg) and Oxford Down-cross (629 g/kg)  lambs. Texel-cross and Oxford Down-cross lambs had a higher proportion  of the SMY in high value cuts (HVC) than Suffolk-cross lambs. At a CW of  19.2 kg Suffolk-cross lambs (395 g HVC/kg SMY) had a lower yield than  Texel-cross (402 g/kg; P<0.001) and Oxford Down-cross (400 g/kg; P<0.05)  lambs. There was no breed by sex interaction, but ewe lambs yielded a  significantly higher proportion of HVC in their SMY (402 v 396 g/kg for  ewe and ram lambs respectively, P<0.001). At a CW of 19.2 kg eye muscle area was significantly higher (P<0.001) for  Texel-cross lambs (13.5 cm2) than for Suffolk-cross and Oxford Down- cross (both 12.7 cm2) lambs, with no sex differences.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cruickshank GJ and Muir PD and MacLean KS and Goodger TM and Hickson C}
}
@conference {40811,
	title = {Variation in meat pH in steers and association with other carcass attributes: analysis of a commercial database},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {187-192},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Measurements of meat pH on 16905 steer carcasses supplied to the  Richmond Asian Beef Programme in the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons were  analysed for variability between suppliers and associations between pH and  other carcass attributes. Carcass measurements were made 12 hours or later  after slaughter. Factors evaluated included carcass weight, carcass grade,  marbling level, age of cattle, mob size, and use of growth promotants. The frequency distribution of meat pH was highly skewed, with 92\% of  carcasses falling within the range of 5.2 to 5.8, and the remainder forming a  long tail above 5.8, ranging to an extreme value of 7.1. For carcasses falling  in the pH range of 5.2 to 5.8, pH showed a highly significant positive  association with meat colour. As pH rose above 5.8, the slope of the  relationship increased and the percentage of carcasses in the darkest meat  colour category rapidly approached 100\%. In the range 5.2 to 5.8, pH showed highly significant negative (P< 0.0001)  associations with degree of marbling and carcass weight. After adjusting for  carcass weight and marbling score, pH showed a significant positive  association with age of cattle. The percentage of carcasses with a pH above  5.6 was 38\% for carcasses with a marbling score of 1. For every unit  increase in marbling score (up to 5), the percentage of carcasses above a pH  5.6 specification declined by approximately 5\%. However, the proportion of  carcasses with pH above 5.8 showed little association with marbling.  Similarly, effects of weight and cattle age on pH were much more apparent  near the mean pH (5.61) than at pH values at and above 5.8. Mob size had a small but highly significant(P<0.001) effect on the  frequency distribution of pH, with smaller mobs tending to have lower pH.  The effect of smaller mob size was more evident near the high pH range  than in the middle of the frequency distribution. For mobs of 15 or fewer  cattle, 94\% of carcasses had a pH of 5.8 or less. For mobs larger than 15,  91\% of carcasses met this specification. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Smith DR and Wright DR 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 {40729,
	title = {Effect of allowance and the rate of adaptation of weaned calves to two brassica types},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {257-260},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Groups of 10 Friesian bull calves averaging 142 kg were offered  Winfred forage brassica (62\% leaf) at allowances of 3, 6, 9, 12 or 15\% of  bodyweight (BW) for 6 weeks. Similarly, groups of 8 Friesian bull calves  averaging 150 kg were offered Wairoa forage brassica (67\% leaf) at  allowances of 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 \% of bodyweight. Calves were weighted  weekly and offered fresh allowances each week. The two experiments were  conducted between January and March of the same year but were not run  concurrently.   There was a significant effect (P<0.01) of allowance on liveweight gain for  calves offered Winfred, with calves on the lowest allowance (3\% of BW)  growing at 0.90 kg/day, compared to 1.20 kg/day for calves grazing the other  four allowances. Calves grazing the low allowance (3\% of BW) utilised  77\% of the total crop, but only 43\% of the stem. On the other hand, calves  grazing the low allowance of Wairoa utilised 90\% of the total crop and 72\%  of the stem without suffering a liveweight penalty. There was no effect of  allowance of Wairoa on calf growth rate and overall, calves on Wairoa grew  at an average of 1.03 kg/day. Choice of a leafy type of brassica maybe  important if the objective is a high degree of utilisation coupled with good  animal performance. Alternatively, on },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Wallace GJ and Slay MWA}
}
@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 {40564,
	title = {Voluntary feed intake, growth and efficiency of feed conversion in growing sambar (Cervus unicolor) and red deer (Cervus elaphus)},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {63-66},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Hand-reared sambar and red deer (3 hinds and 5 stags/species) were  
confined indoors in individual pens and fed a pelleted diet ad libitum, to 
study seasonal effects upon voluntary feed intake (VFI) and body growth.  
Mean age at the start of the experiment was 5 months for sambar and 7 months 
for red deer.  Red deer of both sexes showed maximum VFI and liveweight gain  
(LWG) in summer and minimum values in winter.  Sambar of both sexes also  
showed seasonal cycles in VFI and LWG, but with maximum values in autumn  
and minimum values in spring, and with the amplitude of the cycles being  
much less than for red deer.  Over a complete 12 month period (7-19 months of  
age), total LWG was similar in sambar and red deer, but total VFI was lower  
for sambar (p<0.01) and efficiency of food conversion (kgDM/kgLWG) more  
efficient for sambar than for red deer (p<0.05).  When energy requirements  
were calculated, the amount of metabolisable energy (ME) required for both  
maintenance and gain were lower for sambar than for red deer. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Semiadi G and Muir PD and Barry TN}
}
@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 {40414,
	title = {Effects of location and source of ewes and rams on the onset of oestrus in Romney ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {207-210},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Spermatozoal motility is known to be influenced both by the  diluent used and by the physical parameters involved in the processing  of semen. We have evaluated the effect of cooling and dilution on ram  spermatozoal motility in a defined semen diluent. The results indicated  that ram semen is best stored at 15 C, this temperature being reached by  cooling at a rate not greater than 3 C per minute. Time (up to 60  minutes from semen collection) and extent of dilution (500 or 800 x 10 6  spermatozoa per mil) were found to have no effect upon maintenance of  spermatozoal motility.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Muir PD and O{\textquoteright}Neill KT and Wallace GJ and Hamilton GJ and McLean K}
}
@conference {40422,
	title = {Slimming diets for overfat lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {241-242},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Wool staple strength was determined in 2120 Romney ewes from 12  sources and 242 Romney rams from 3 sources between 1986 and 1988.  Positive, negative and random selection formed High Strength, Low  Strength and Control lines, each with 80 ewes and 10 sires. Since 1989  ewe and ram replacements have been selected from within the lines and  the number of breeding ewes per line increased to 100.   Staple strength was 25\% greater in the High Strength line and 15\% lower  in the Low Strength line than in the Control line when fleeces of  hoggets born in the selection lines from 1986 to 1989 were compared  (P<0.01). Positively correlated with the staple strength response were  responses in staple length, fibre diameter, clean fleece weight and  fibre length after carding. The major effect to date of selection for  increased staple strength has been to enhance wool growth, with the  consequent increase in fibre diameter contributing to the improvement in  staple strength. The increase in both the strength and length of  staples will have contributed to the increase in fibre length after  carding. These preliminary results demonstrate that direct selection  for staple strength has been successful. The staple strength response  and associated responses in wool production and wool characteristics  were of benefit to both producers and processors.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cruickshank GJ and Muir PD and MacLean KS}
}
@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}
}
@conference {39793,
	title = {Modification of antler growth in red deer stags by use of synthetic progestogen},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {42},
	year = {1982},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {145-148},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {No abstract supplied},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Muir PD and Barrell GK and Sykes AR}
}
