@article {3672,
	title = {Evaluating anti-CarLA salivary IgA response in a deer progeny test},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {156-160},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus spp) are susceptible to infection by nematode parasites. A salivary antibody (IgA) that is naturally
produced in response to exposure to a nematode parasite carbohydrate larval surface antigen (CarLA) can provide a protection
against gastro-intestinal nematodes in sheep and rising-yearling farmed red deer. The concentrations of this CarLA-IgA were
measured in saliva samples collected at 6 and 10 months of age, in 1531 rising-yearling progeny of 36 sires across three farms
during a three-year progeny test. The CarLA-IgA concentrations differed across sires, farms and years, with 6-month levels being
much lower than 10-month levels. Heritability estimates were low (h2=0.10) for 6 months, but moderate and significant (h2=0.37,
P<0.05) for 10 months. These two traits were highly genetically correlated (rg=0.86) and moderately phenotypically correlated
(rp=0.27). There were low (rp 0.08-0.13) but significant (P<0.05) favourable phenotypic correlations with spring and pre-slaughter
live weight, and with growth rate from 3 to 10 months of age and 6 to 10 months of age. Sire variation and heritability of 10-month
response indicates that it may have utility as a selection criterion for improved ability of farmed deer to cope with nematode
challenge.
Keywords: red deer; nematode parasite; carbohydrate larval antigen; immune; Cervus elaphus},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and Wheeler M and Shaw RJ and Asher GW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Relationships between deer temperament and production traits},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {32-36},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {It is well-recognised by producers that the temperament of farmed deer (Cervus elaphus spp.) influences how they respond to management practices, such as transport and yarding, but less is known about how temperament influences productivity. This study aimed to investigate relationships among temperament and production parameters by analysing a data set (n=1647) of rising one-year-old deer. Four production categories (growth, immune function, eye muscle and reproduction) and five measures of temperament were recorded from weaning until either pre-slaughter or after first mating (3 to 12 or 18 months of age) at different ages depending on the trait. Temperament traits had low heritability estimates (h2=0.01 to 0.17, P>0.05), indicating genetic selection for these traits would be slow. The temperament traits of animals were generally consistent from weaning (at 3 months) until slaughter (at 10-12 months). Animals that were calm and easy to handle grew faster and may have better immune function compared to animals that were more agitated in the presence of humans. More research is needed to investigate the relationships between temperament, immune function, reproduction and productivity in farmed deer. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and Sch{\"u}tz KE and Wheeler M and Asher GW}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Evaluation of production traits of red deer skins in the Deer Progeny Test.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {114-118},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Skins, hides and leather from deer are a valuable co-product of New Zealand venison production. Measurement of skin traits was
included in the Deer Progeny Test to evaluate options for genetic selection, and to determine if selection for other production traits
risks diminishing the quality of deer skins and leather. Skins of slaughtered eleven-month-old progeny (n=310) from terminal
(wapiti crossbred) and maternal (red) sire types were evaluated for 18 different quantitative and qualitative traits throughout
processing to pearl-crust leather. All processing was carried out by New Zealand Light Leathers. All traits were analysed using
least squares means models with sire as the random term and pre-slaughter live weight as a covariate. For all traits except evenness
grade of the pearl-crust leather, the relationship with pre-slaughter live weight covariate was significant (p<0.05) and positive. Sire
had a significant effect (p<0.01) on eight traits including critical strength and finished-leather attributes (p<0.01), farm was also
significant for eight traits (p<0.01). Average skin thickness was similar to published values. Sire can have an effect on important
traits, and selection for higher slaughter weights of yearling red deer is predicted overall to increase the quality of skins and leather
produced.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and Mathias-Davis HC and Cooper SM and Crawford EM and Wheeler M and Asher GW}
}
@conference {89245,
	title = {Genetic parameters of stayablity measures in a dairy goat herd},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {165-167},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Doe longevity is an important factor in dairy goat farm productivity and sustainability, as the economic and environmental cost of raising replacement breeding animals per unit of milk production has less impact when spread over a longer period of return. Although stayability has been studied in sheep and cattle, there is little information regarding genetic parameters for longevity traits in New Zealand dairy goats.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wheeler M and Foote BJ and Foote JF}
}
@conference {69510,
	title = {Correlated responses following genetic selection to change faecal egg count in Romney},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {229-234},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Genetic studies of nematode parasite-related traits were carried out in New Zealand Romney sheep between 1979 and 2006. Breeding lines were selected for high or low faecal worm egg count (FEC), and managed alongside a control unselected line. FEC data were collected from lambs post-weaning, whilst exposed to continuous, natural, mixed-species, nematode parasite challenge under grazing conditions. Overall there were 33,314 records of lamb FEC, taken at {\textquoteleft}FEC1{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}FEC2{\textquoteright} (first and second post-weaning sampling times, separated by a drench treatment). Genetic parameter estimates are reviewed, including correlations of FEC with lamb, anti-parasite antibody and ewe performance traits. The heritability of FEC in lambs was 0.26 {\textpm} 0.01 overall, with a repeatability of 0.40 {\textpm} 0.01. The genetic correlation between FEC1 and FEC2 was 0.85 {\textpm} 0.02. Trends were for low FEC to be associated genetically with slight reductions in post-weaning growth, and in ewe and lamb fleece weights, minimal change in autumn and yearling live weights, and increased weaning weight, dag score and anti-parasite antibody levels. In practice, ram breeders would normally use index selection procedures, to achieve higher production at the same time as a lower FEC, although a slower rate of change in FEC would be expected.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris CA and Wheeler M and Shaw RJ}
}
@conference {69018,
	title = {Parasite-related traits in lambs sired by resistant or resilient Romney sires : Brief Communication},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {228-229},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {Finding methods of dealing with increasing levels of anthelmintic resistance is important to the New Zealand sheep industry. Genetic selection within the sheep population for animals that are less reliant on anthelmintic therapy is one approach, and AgResearch has bred selected lines of Romneys over recent decades. These have included lines for resistance and for resilience (Bisset et al., 2001). The resistant line, selected for low faecal egg count (FEC) in lambs, was established in 1979. The line selected for increased resilience in lambs was set up in 1994. Resilience is the ability of animals to maintain acceptable health and growth under high parasite challenge, with minimal need for anthelmintic treatment. We report results here from a study to evaluate sires from these two long-term breeding lines, with progeny measured for weaning weight (WWT) and faecal egg count (FEC) at weaning.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wheeler M and Morris CA and Devantier BP}
}
@conference {41814,
	title = {Comparison of Romney sheep selected for different roundworm parasite-related traits},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {138-141},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {Romney sheep selected for resistance to nematode infection, resilience to nematode challenge, or an index combining these traits, were evaluated alongside an unselected control line. Data from lambs born between 2000 and 2006 were analysed. Lambs grazed together, within sexes, while exposed to natural parasite challenge of predominantly Trichostrongylus sp. and Teladorsagia sp. Relative to the Control, the Resilient line was heavier at weaning (+7.6\%) and in autumn (+14.5\%), had 5.6\% higher yearling greasy fleece weight (YGFW), and less dags (lower score) at 5 months of age by 0.72 standard deviations (SD) (all P <0.01). As expected, the two lines had similar post-weaning faecal worm egg count (FEC1). Compared with the Control, the Resistant line was lighter at weaning (-8.6\%) and in autumn (-8.0\%), had 14.9\% lower YGFW and a higher dag score by 0.22 SD, whilst FEC1 averaged 16\% of the Control value (all P <0.001). Performance of the Index line in growth and YGFW was 3.5 to 6.8\% above that expected in a Resistant x Resilient cross. Conversely, FEC1 in the Index line was at least 31\% higher than expected for a cross. We conclude that combining genes for resilience and low FEC by index selection is feasible. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wheeler M and Morris CA and Bisset SA}
}
@conference {41979,
	title = {Ultrasonic measurement of backfat and muscling in sheep selected for parasite-related traits},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {198-203},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {This paper reports on backfat depth and muscling comparisons of sheep selected for nematode parasiterelated traits. Results are from two AgResearch projects, the first located at Kaitoke Farm (Upper Hutt), in which experimental Romney lines wereselectively bred for susceptibility (S) or resistance (R) to nematode infection (high or low faecal egg count), or for resilience to nematode challenge whilst maintaining acceptable growth with minimal anthelmintic treatment (RL line); these lines grazed alongside an unselected control line (C). The second project was located at Ballantrae (Northern Wairarapa), in which Romney breeding lines were selected for resilience, with two replicate farmlets under {\textquoteright}Conventional{\textquoteright} parasite management (with anthelmintic treatment), and with two further replicate farmlets under {\textquoteright}Low-Chemical{\textquoteright} management. The four replicate lines at Ballantrae were serviced by rams of equivalent genetics, from elite RL-line sires bred at Kaitoke or Ballantrae. Ultrasonic backfat depth and eye muscle dimensions (length, depth and area) of ewe lambs from each project were assessed at 8-9 months of age (234 C-, S-, R- and RLline lambs born in 2003 at Kaitoke, and 154 resilient lambs born in 2004 at Ballantrae). Adjustments were made for significant fixed effects including covariate adjustment for live weight. No significant differences were found among the R, C and RL lines for either trait, but the S line had 5-10\% smaller eye-muscle dimensions (P < 0.05) than the other lines following an extended period of natural nematode challenge with minimal drench treatment. The two replicate lines under Low-Chemical management were 3.8 {\textpm} 0.6 kg (11.8\%) lighter in May than the replicates under Conventional management (P < 0.001). After adjustment for live weight, lambs in the Conventional treatments had 15\% larger eye-muscle areas (P < 0.001) but not backfat depths than those in the Low-Chemical treatments. Results suggest that muscle dimensions of the Sline lambs were more affected than those of their R-line counterparts by parasite infection, whilst the C-, R- and RL-line lambs did not differ significantly. At Ballantrae, even at equivalent live weights, the two Conventional replicates had more muscling but not fat depth than the two Low-Chemical replicates.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wheeler M and Morris CA and Bisset SA and Vlassoff A and Mackay AD and West CJ and Devantier BP}
}
@conference {41015,
	title = {Preliminary results of selecting sheep for resistance or susceptibility to ryegrass staggers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {154-156},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Ryegrass staggers (RGS) is a neurotoxic disease in ruminants caused by the mycotoxin lolitrem B, found in endophyte-infected swards of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). This paper reviews genetic studies on the incidence of RGS at Ruakura, and the early responses to selection achieved since 1993. Using a coarse 0 or 1 criterion only, the incidence of RGS each year was recorded on weaned lambs (born in 1988-92), 2-tooths and all mixed-aged ewes, between January and March of each year 1989-93. Clinical cases of RGS occurred in 17 of 25 contemporary groups, with incidences per group up to 0.16. With 3587 records from 2307 animals representing 232 sires, animal-model restricted maximum likelihood estimates of heritability and across-year repeatability for RGS incidence were 0.068 {\textpm} 0.028 and 0.24 {\textpm} 0.05 respectively. Breeding value data were used to screen ewes and 2-tooths in 1993 into resistant and susceptible selection flocks, and to allocate elite rams for mating. Over the 1993-97 mating years, 14 and 12 rams have been used in the two flocks, respectively (11 of these twice or more). There was no significant effect of gender on incidence of RGS. From the most recent completed recording year (i.e. 1996-born lambs), 82 resistant-flock and 56 susceptible-flock animals had RGS incidences of 0.20 and 0.75 respectively (P<0.001). One hundred and eighty-five first-crosses between the two selection lines were also generated in 1996 and 1997, which may eventually provide more evidence on the mode of inheritance. The selection flocks are being continued. The selection response so far indicates that genetic differences in RGS susceptibility can be achieved while using recording under extensive conditions. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris CA and Towers NR and Amyes NC and Wheeler M}
}
@conference {40878,
	title = {Correlated responses in fleece weight to selection for high or low faecal egg count in New Zealand Romneys and Perendales.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {26-28},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Three selection experiments, two involving Romneys (at Wallaceville and Ruakura) and the third involving Perendales (at Ruakura), have resulted in breeding lines showing significant divergence in faecal nematode egg count (FEC), under natural challenge. The High and Low FEC lines in each experiment experienced 18, 8 and 11 years of selective breeding respectively to 1996. The geometric means of FEC in the three experiments were 7.3, 2.0 and 4.5 times greater in the High than the Low lines, equivalent to divergences of 2.12, 0.80 and 1.27 phenotypic standard deviations. In the present analysis, the High and Low lines were compared for greasy fleece weights using both yearlings (YFW) and mixed-age ewes (EFW). Relative to the Low lines, the corresponding High lines had greater YFWs by 14.6{\textpm}3.0, 7.9{\textpm}2.4 and 5.3{\textpm}3.1\% respectively (mean of three, 9.1{\textpm}1.6\%), and they had greater EFWs by 14.9{\textpm}1.7, -3.2{\textpm}3.8 and 8.0{\textpm}2.7\% (mean of three, 10.9{\textpm}1.3\%). The conclusion is that single-trait selection for reduced FEC in Romneys and Perendales is associated with reduced greasy fleece weight, when they and less resistant animals graze together. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris CA and Bisset SA and Baker RL and Watson TG and Wheeler M}
}
@conference {40785,
	title = {Faecal nematode egg counts and facial eczema susceptibility in Romneys},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {84-86},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {A study was carried out in two groups of flocks to estimate the  relationship between susceptibility to facial eczema (FE) and susceptibility  to nematode parasites. Faecal egg count (FEC) data on lambs born in 1989- 92 from 53 sire groups were collected on the Ruakura Romney flocks which  have been divergently selected for resistance/susceptibility to FE. In  addition, the Romney flocks selected at Rotomahana/Tokanui Stations for  resistance/susceptibility to FEC were sampled to provide the converse (i.e.  FE data) on lambs born in 1988 and 1989, and representing 43 sires. Faecal  samples for FEC were collected from lambs in January and March  (separated by an anthelmintic treatment) and the FEC data were analysed  using a loge transformation. FE susceptibilities, using the enzyme gamma- glutamyltransferase (GGT) as an indicator, were obtained in the FE flocks at  Ruakura after an oral sporidesmin challenge in May, and in the FEC flocks  at Tokanui after unintentional field challenge; the GGT data were also  analysed using a loge transformation. The weighted average heritabilities of  loge GGT and loge (FEC+100) were 0.44},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris CA and Towers NR and Watson TG and Wheeler M and Amyes NC and Hosking BC}
}
@conference {40614,
	title = {Selection for or against facial eczema susceptibility in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {263-266},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Facial Eczema (FE) in sheep is associated with liver damage and  
considerable production losses.  Romney flocks, resistant (R) and susceptible  
(S) to FE were established at Ruakura in 1975; a control (C) and a second  
resistant (R2) flock were added after 1981, the R and R2 flocks were  
merged in 1988, and three flocks (R, C, and S) still exist.  Progeny testing  
was carried out in early years for ram selection, and performance testing was  
used after 1981.  The R flock was dosed with sporidesmin in most years since  
1981 at 0.15 mg/kg live weight, with the dose rate for the S flock initially  
0.066 mg/kg and now reduced to 0.04 mg/kg.  The C flock was divided into two  
groups, with one group dosed at 0.15 and one at 0.04 mg/kg, to provide an  
indirect comparison of the R and S flocks.  Blood samples were taken after  
dosing to monitor liver damage via plasma gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)  
concentration.  Loge GGT levels increase in proportion to increasing severity  
of liver damage.  Thus, changes in mean loge GGT value reflect changes in  
relative susceptibility or resistance, with negative changes indicating  
increasing resistance. 
 
Two distinct peaks appear in the loge GGT distribution, centred around values  
of about 40 and 500 international units (i.u./l) for both the R and S flocks.  The  
selection flocks differ in the proportions of animals at each peak, suggesting  
that the R and S flocks may be indirectly compared via the C flock although  
different dose rates were used.  Annual divergence in loge GGT in the R flock  
relative to the C flock was -0.081{\textpm}0.047 i.u./l, and the R-flock difference from  
control in the most recent years averaged -1.24{\textpm}0.14 i.u./l.  Divergence of the  
S flock from the C flock was more variable from year to year and the S-flock  
difference from control for the last 6 years averaged 0.48{\textpm}0.11 i.u./l. 
 
A total of 101 industry flocks have used the commercial FE testing service,  
Ramguard, with 9 of them testing for at least 10 years.  A comparison with the  
Ruakura R-flock response was obtained from one such flock selecting for  
production traits and FE resistance since 1979.  Their GGT trend was 34\% of  
the R-flock trend, indicating that less but worthwhile genetic progress has been  
obtained from using a selection programme with a multiple objective. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris CA and Towers NR and Wesselink C and Wheeler M}
}
@conference {40496,
	title = {An investigation of sire by location interactions for faecal nematode egg counts in lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {231-234},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The aim of this study was to gain evidence that the FecB and FecXI genes influence ovarian development in foetal life. Foetuses which were homozygous carriers of the Booroola gene (BB), Inverdale gene (II), heterozygous carriers of the Inverdale gene (I+) and non-carriers of both the Booroola (++) and Inverdale genes (++) were recovered at days 40 or 90 of gestation. To eliminate the effects of litter size in the Booroola study, equal numbers of BB and ++ embryos were transferred to recipient ewes.  Subsequently no gene-specific differences in litter size were noted at the equivalent of days 40 and 90 of gestation. From these studies the FecB gene was shown to affect body weight, the weight of the mesonephros, and development of germ cells. In essence, at day 40 the mean body weight and mean weight of the mesonephros were lighter in the BB foetuses compared to the ++ animals (P<0.05). Moreover the development of the BB ovaries appeared to be retarded relative to that of the ++ ovaries with respect to mitosis and meiosis of germ cells and also the timing of germ cell atresia. In the Inverdale foetuses, which were recovered after natural matings, differences were observed at the level of the ovary but none were noted with respect to body weight, or weight of mesonephros. At day 40 of gestation the ovaries of the putative II foetuses were significantly lighter (P<0.05) than those of the I+ or control animals. Moreover at day 90 the ++ and putative II ovaries contained significantly fewer (P<0.05) germ cells (i.e. ~110,000) compared to those in the authentic or putative I+ animals (i.e. ~240,000).  The differences in either the Booroola or Inverdale foetuses were not accompanied by any significant differences in plasma or pituitary concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone or plasma inhibin. The results are consistent with the notion that the FecB and FecX genes influence ovarian development in foetal life.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris CA and Bisset SA and Baker RL and Watson TG and Johnson DL and Wheeler M}
}
@conference {40151,
	title = {Ultrasonic fat depths in Romney lambs and hoggets from lines selected for different production traits},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {113-120},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Forty four feral males, 30 Saanen males and 20 Saanen females, all yearling or younger, were slaughtered and their chemical and dissectible composition determined. The ferals, reared on hill country, were leaner than the Saanens reared on better grazing. Females tended to be fatter than males in most measures of fatness. All three groups were low in fat, both total chemical fat, and dissected fat in the leg. The fat content of lean tissue was extremely low.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McEwan JC and Clarke JN and Knowler MA and Wheeler M}
}
