@article {3672,
	title = {Changes in live weight and fleece characteristics during the lifetime of three breeds of New Zealand feral sheep that differ in fleece type},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {117-123},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Live weight after joining and nine fleece characteristics were recorded throughout the lifetime of flocks of Hokonui, Campbell
Island and Raglan sheep grazing at Whatawhata and Winchmore Research Centres between 1991 and 2004. The wool characteristics
were measured in 585 individual wool samples collected at shearing from 90 breeding ewes sampled between one year of age and
up to 12 years of age. Data on live weight, fleece weight, staple length, mean and variability of fibre diameter, fibre curvature,
crimping and core bulk were analysed after adjustment for effects of grazing location and reproductive performance during the
previous year. The three flocks differed in all measured characteristics, with all except live weight, mean fibre curvature and core
bulk exhibiting a significant flock by age interaction. Live weight attained a maximum at six years of age, while greasy fleece
weight and staple length decreased after two years of age. Core bulk decreased after three years of age. Fibre curvature decreased
and time to form a crimp increased throughout the sheep{\textquoteright}s life. Fibre diameter variability between and along fibres showed a
variable age response between flocks. The three feral flocks exhibited a different age response to continuously farmed breeds.

Keywords: fleece characteristics; age effects; Hokonui; Campbell Island; Raglan},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sumner RMW and Scobie DR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Henderson HV}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Mechanical properties of black, grey, and white hoof material of sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {154-158},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {A study was undertaken to better understand the care and attitudes towards rams on NZ commercial farms. Farms (n=22) were
surveyed in Otago and South Canterbury giving indicative data on the treatment and attitudes that commercial farmers have
towards rams. On average (SD; Range) the number of ewes put to each ram was, for maternal and terminal sires respectively, 92
(21; 56-143) and 84 (20; 50-100). The reported difference between when rams were put to ewes and when lambs were weaned
was 319 days (51; 199-359). Rams were typically put to ewes in April and early May, and weaned as early as November. Visual
assessment was most commonly used to assess rams for purchase, with most farmers considering visual attributes and then figures,
such as breeding values, to choose rams. The average mortality of rams was reported as 5\% (7\%; 0-28\%). The average culling
of maternal and terminal sires over the year was respectively 26 and 29\%. Annual health checks by a vet were reported for 45\%
of the farms. A most common reason for checking was for Brucella ovis testing. This research will provide information to guide
further studies on commercial sheep farms.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scobie DR and Makela AG and van Koten C and O{\textquoteright}Connell D}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The impact of lamb growth rate pre- and post-weaning on farm profitability in three geoclimatic regions},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {132-136},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {Sheep and beef farmers target an increase in lamb growth rates as a means of increasing on-farm profit. Increasing any performance
parameter invariably increases feed demand, resulting in either a need to increase feed supply or reduce feed demand in some
other area of the farm system, therefore potentially affecting profit. A whole-farm-system model was used to assess the impact of
increasing lamb weaning weight and post-weaning growth rate on farm profit and enterprise selection of three farms from three
regions (Otago, Gisborne and Northland). Farm profit did not always increase with an increase in weaning weight or post-weaning
growth rate. Farm profit was highest in the cool temperate region when weaning weight was at the base weight (27 kg) and
post-weaning growth rate was 75 g/d greater than current. Farm profit was highest in the dry temperate region when weaning
weight was 32 kg (6 kg above the base weight) and post-weaning growth rate was 50 g/d greater than the base growth profile. In
the warm, temperate region, farm profit was highest at the two extremes, the highest weaning weight (30.6 kg) and post-weaning
growth rate profile (100 g/d greater than the base profile) and at the lowest weaning weight (24.6 kg) and post-weaning growth rate
profile (50 g/d less than the base profile). This demonstrates the interactions and trade-offs between feed supply and lamb growth
rate on farm, and highlights that increasing lamb liveweight gain does not necessarily equate to increased profit.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Thompson BR and Stevens DR and Scobie DR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The influence of previous reproduction on subsequent fertility in multiparous ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {155-158},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {Adult ewes often lose live weight while lactating, but should regain it prior to the following mating if pasture availability or sheep
numbers are managed judiciously. Data from a self-replacing flock of Wiltshire ewes four to nine years of age (n=267) was available
for 622 lambing events across a 13-year period. Wiltshires grow little wool and live weight was not complicated by fleece
weight. The average number of lambs born was 1.76 per ewe per year during the course of the study. Ewes not rearing a lamb
(13.2\%), or rearing singles (42.4\%), twins (42.4\%), or triplets (1.9\%), were present at weaning. All ewes were grazed together
and when their lambs were weaned, those that did not raise a lamb (67.4 {\textpm} 9.7 kg) were heavier than ewes that raised singles (63.0
{\textpm} 9.3 kg), twins (59.9 {\textpm} 8.5 kg) or triplets (59.7 {\textpm} 7.7 kg) (P<0.001). Despite this, the previous number of lambs weaned did not
influence the number of lambs born in the subsequent year (P = 0.43), but was positively associated with ewe liveweight gain
between weaning and mating (P<0.01). Number of lambs born was positively influenced by ewe live weight at mating up to 65
kg. Reproductive performance was not influenced by the previous year, providing ewes were able to increase live weight between
weaning and mating.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scobie DR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Noble A and Greer AW}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Blank panels in sheep yards encourage sheep to jump},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {191-194},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { The lateral sides of two adjacent forcing pens and the sides of the races were clad with plywood to improve sheep flow in yards
at AgResearch Lincoln farm. Following this, two flocks of yearling sheep were run through the yards every two weeks for
drafting. One flock was exclusively male (n = 223), while the other was all female (n = 248). On the first occasion, a number of
yearlings jumped out of the forcing pen. This had not been observed in previous years, so the number jumping was recorded. A
non-parametric time-to-event analysis method, the Kaplan-Meier estimator, was used to obtain cumulative incidence functions
of sheep jumping. If they were to jump out of the pen, the sheep had two choices, a pipe rail fence (or gate) or a blank plywood
wall. During 14 handling events, 1\% of yearlings jumped the pipe rails whereas 7\% jumped the plywood wall (P < 0.001). These
yearlings chose to jump a fence they could not see through. Clearly there are many variables that could be tested in this model.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scobie DR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and van Koten C and R Phiskie}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Preliminary linkage studies in sheep of keratin and keratin-associated protein genes with fleece weight, wool fibre diameter and fibre curvature},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { A linkage study was conducted to detect variations in the genes for keratins and keratin-associated proteins (KRTAP) that might
affect wool traits. To date 93 such genes have been identified in sheep: 85 of them (~91\%) are clustered in three chromosomal
regions. Twenty-one genes are grouped within a 4-Mbp region on sheep chromosome 1 (OAR1), 28 within a 1-Mbp segment on
chromosome 3 (OAR3), and 36 are clustered within a 1.3-Mbp site on chromosome 11 (OAR11). The DNA markers used in this
work were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) dispersed throughout these keratin and KRTAP gene clusters. Markers were
designed as three SNP-multiplexes: a 25-SNP, a 15-SNP and a 19-SNP multiplex for keratins/KRTAP regions on OAR1, OAR3
and OAR11, respectively. Resource animals came from eleven sire families whose progeny had been phenotyped for greasy fleece
weight, washing yield, fibre curvature and diameter. Between 29 and 45 progeny per sire were genotyped with the three SNPmultiplexes.
Linkage analyses on co-segregation of SNP alleles from sires with wool phenotypes of progeny were done across all
the sires and within sire groups. Based on theoretical genome-wide threshold (F-value 10.13 and nominal P = 0.0016 for withinsire
suggestive level), one family showed suggestive quantitative trait loci for greasy fleece weight on OAR1 and fibre diameter
variability on OAR3. For these experimental animals, the results show no strong evidence of involvement of keratin and KRTAP
genes in the wool characteristics analysed.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Phua SH and Scobie DR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Henry H and Dodds KG and Brauning R and Clerens S}
}
@conference {41316,
	title = {Genes with major effects on wool traits detected in Finn cross sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {62},
	year = {2002},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {65-68},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Two Finn sires with short wool staple lengths (Finn-S1 91 mm, Finn-S2 107 mm) and two with long staple lengths (Finn-L1 147 mm, Finn-L2 133 mm) were joined with Dorset Down (staple length 37-120 mm) and Romney (staple length 105-166 mm) ewes. Over two years, each ram sired between 83 and 210 progeny. Wool characteristics of progeny were measured at 6 months of age. For all sire groups, distributions of fibre diameter, fibre curvature, fibre medullation and clean fleece weight were not significantly different from single normal distributions. Similarly the distributions of fibre diameter coefficient of variation (FDCV), staple-crimp frequency and staple length for progeny of Finn-S1, Finn-S2 and Finn-L1 were close to unimodal. In contrast, the same three traits for progeny of Finn-L2 fitted two normal distributions. For all three traits, the mean value of one of the distributions of Finn-L2 progeny was similar to the means of the other three sire groups, while the mean of the second distribution was 41\% greater (FDCV), 65\% greater (staple length) or 67\% less (crimp frequency) than that of the first. These results suggest the presence of a gene or genes with major effects on fibre traits. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Bray AR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Saville DJ}
}
@conference {41348,
	title = {Reduction of tail length in New Zealand sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {62},
	year = {2002},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {195-198},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Literature evidence revealed several sources of genes that could be used to shorten the tails of sheep. Genes from the Northern short-tail group are preferable as there are no known detrimental effects on viability. Tail length from anus to tip, divided by the distance from anus to hock and calculated as a percentage was used to correct tail length for body size differences. Adjusted tail length of the progeny was best explained by additive effects for adjusted tail length of the sire (P<0.001) and dam breed (P<0.001). A small but significant interaction was also evident (P<0.01). Mean tail length was shortest for Finnish Landrace lambs (88mm) and longest for Wiltshire x Cheviot lambs (251mm). Cheviot lambs had long tails (226mm), while various crosses between Finnish Landrace and Cheviots suggest that mean tail length will be the average of the parents. The experiment suggests inheritance of a number of genes and that it will therefore be straightforward to produce genetically-docked tails using cross breeding followed by selection and interbreeding. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scobie DR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D}
}
@conference {41070,
	title = {Changes in unscourable discolouration of Romney wool samples during storage for one month},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {49-51},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Samples of four Romney fleeces were dried to 8\% moisture immediately after harvesting, then water was added to achieve moisture contents of 8, 19, 30, 41 or 52\% of the clean, dry wool weight. Additional samples were left untreated (11 \% moisture) or scoured (16\% moisture). CIE X, Y, Z and Y-Z measures of scoured wool colour were recorded after 0, 5, 12, 21 or 33 days storage at 3 or 20{\textdegree} C. There was no change in colour values of untreated and scoured samples during storage at 3 or 20{\textdegree} C. X, Y and Z values decreased linearly when moisture content increased (P<0.05), the effect being most marked at 20{\textdegree}C. A trend for Y-Z values to increase with moisture content was not significant. The findings indicate that if damp greasy wool is to be stored for a month or more before colour is measured, it should be dried at 30{\textdegree}C or less before storage, stored at cool temperatures, or scoured and dried before storage. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Bray AR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Smith MC}
}
@conference {40895,
	title = {The ethically improved sheep concept.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {84-87},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The need to improve animal welfare and reduce chemical residues to maintain the competitive position of our sheep products is unquestionable. However sheep producers perceive that the required actions are in conflict with production, so there have been few recent changes which allay consumer concerns. This paper discusses possibilities for producing more attractive products without substantial reductions in production or increases in costs. It identifies gene pools that should be exploited to develop a polled sheep with a short tail, that is devoid of wool on the head, legs, belly and breech. It reviews evidence that shows such animals require less handling and chemical treatment, and produce more lambs. It is proposed that these traits be accumulated into "Ethically Improved Sheep". The concept of ethically improved sheep is not presented as a prescribed combination of breeds. There are a number of breed sources of each trait, and other traits should be introduced as they become available or important in the future. This would permanently reduce the need for husbandry practices that emulate the same effects, thus reducing input costs, pre-empting any bans and forestalling any trade barriers based on current husbandry practices. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Scobie DR and Bray AR and O{\textquoteright}Connell D}
}
@conference {40536,
	title = {Impact of pre- and post-mortem factors on calpains and meat quality in lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {403-406},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Increased thymic weights have been reported in sheep selected for  resistance to internal parasites and treatment with IGF-1 increases thymic and  splenic weights in sheep, suggesting that IGF-1 may have a role in regulating  immune function. This hypothesis was examined in four experiments using  mice as a model. Expt 1 Unselected Swiss mice (n-24) were injected 2 x daily  with 30 mg/d rhIGF-1 or saline for 26 days from 28 days of age. IGF-1  treatment increased spleen weight at a common body weight (118.2 vs 95.9,  pooled standard error (PSE) = 6.2 mg, P<0.05), but did not affect thymic  regression (thymic weights at the end of treatment: 85.5 vs 81.9, PSE = 4.0  mg). Expt 2 Unselected female Swiss mice (n=22, age = 84.8},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sun YX and Bickerstaffe R and Bray AR and Keeley G and Young S and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Mason S}
}
@conference {40374,
	title = {Lambs selected for fast glucose clearance have high meat pH levels when stressed before slaughter},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {49-52},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Two groups of 10 intact Border Leicester ram lambs (10 weeks  old; 22.7},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Bray AR and Francis SM and O{\textquoteright}Connell D and Bickerstaffe R}
}
@conference {40202,
	title = {Characterisation of the insulin status of lambs and consequences for carcass composition},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {97-100},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {As part of the study into the mechanism by which nutrition   influences ovulation rate two trials have been conducted to examine the   effect of protein intake on the negative feedback of oestradiol-17Beta   (E17Beta) on plasma FSH levels. In Trial 1 three groups of   ovariectomised ewes (n=8) fed on a low protein (LP 11\%, 10 MJ ME) diet   were treated with silastic implants of E17Beta. Four days after implant   insertion one group was changed to a high protein (HP 22\%) diet while   another was treated orally for 10 days with phenobarbital (1 g/d). The   E17Beta implants were removed 6 days after treatment started. In Trial 2   groups of ewes (n=6) were given either full (HE) or 1/2 size (LE)   implants for 5 days. All ewes were fed on a LP diet but 2 groups were   infused abomasally with 100g/d of protein (HP) commencing 3 days before   implant. FSH levels were monitored 4 x d throughout both trials and   expressed as a percentage of pre-treatment values. In Trial 1 FSH   levels were 33\% on day 11 after implant with no treatment difference.   However after implant removal the values for the LP ewes returned to   100\% by day 17 while for the HP and phenobarbital group values remained   at 33\%. In Trial 2 the levels 4 days after implant insertion were 37\%,   and 48\% for the HE and LE ewes. Again protein treatment delayed   recovery following implant removal. These results do not support the   hypothesis that the increased ovulation rate following protein   supplementation is due to a reduction in negative steroid feedback on   FSH levels.    },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Willis JA and Bickerstaffe R and Munro JM and O{\textquoteright}Connell D}
}
@conference {40201,
	title = {The insulin status of sheep with genetic differences in glucose tolerance and carcass composition},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {93-96},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Twenty four Coopworth ewes, selected on the basis of an   increased ovarian response to lupin grain supplementation, were   ovariectomised and fitted with a Foley catheter in the abomasum. They   were individually penned and offered a low protein pelleted diet at   maintenance levels. Following a five week stabilisation period 12 ewes   were infused abomasally with 100g/d whey protein concentrate in 1 litre   of water for 8 days. Twelve ewes received 1 litre of water only. Blood   samples were collected four times daily for FSH analysis, from 2 days   before until 2 days after infusion.     Protein infusion did not influence FSH levels. Mean values were 8.5   ngFSH/ml plasma for both treatments and means for individual ewes   ranged from 4.5 to 11.5 ng/ml. These results indicate that the reported   increase in FSH with increased protein intake is not due to a direct   effect on the pituitary gland.    },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Francis SM and Bickerstaffe R and O{\textquoteright}Connell D}
}
