@conference {41704,
	title = {The deer industry{\textquoteright}s productivity strategy : A five-year vision},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {73-77},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	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. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pearse AJ and Fung L}
}
