Abstract

Advances in deer farming productivity have been muted in relation to other livestock industries but the potential for dramatic improvement clearly exists. Anindustry working group has developed a productivity strategy closely aligned with the venison industry strategy that emphasises extending the four-month consumption demand of the traditional game seasonto a 12-month chilled supply of high-value retail product. Underpinning this, the productivity strategy targets two basic outcomes; more calves conceived, born earlier and surviving to sale, and heavier prime animals supplied earlier in the season. Productivity targets include a 2% annual increase in survival to sale over the next five years and a 2.5% annual individual growth rate increase. Emphasis is on capturing genotype advantages in growth and seasonality, and determining aspects of seasonal nutrition and the potential of new forage cultivars to add to this potential for growth. Productivity success must be measured in economic indices (carcase returns per hectare, cost of production per kilogram of dry matter consumed and per hectare economic performance) and the planned timing of carcase harvest against a variable seasonal schedule. Productivity improvements are best illustrated in clear practical situations providedby focus farms to inspire technology uplift and practical feedback from farmers and researchers.

AJ, Pearse, and L Fung

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 67, Wanaka, 73-77, 2007