@conference {3678,
	title = {The sire breeding programmes of the Department of Lands and Survey and Landcorp Farming Limited},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {124-132},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Over 44 years to 2011, the Department of Lands and Survey (Lands and Survey) and its successor Landcorp Farming Ltd (Landcorp), operated sire breeding programmes to service the large populations of females run on the many commercial farms operating under these two respective institutions. Following the establishment of the first breeding programme in 1967 (the Waihora Romney Programme), a total of 19 sheep, six beef cattle, 15 deer, and four goat programmes were established at one time or another. When Landcorp was formed in 1987, the breeding programmes were regarded as an integral part of a new coordinated production system. Breeding programmes that promised a better commercial fit for Landcorp replaced older programmes that did not. By 2011, there were five sheep, four beef cattle and five deer herds involved as either maternal- or terminal-sire breeding programmes, all of which have shown positive rates of genetic improvement and sire rankings that are at the forefront of their respective breeding industry sires. As the first animal breeding scientist appointed by the Department of Lands and Survey in 1982, it has been a privilege to have technically managed the breeding programmes, and the development of new selection criteria, database facilities and measurement techniques. This {\textquotedblleft}legend{\textquotedblright} of the Lands and Survey and Landcorp breeding programmes is a documentation of an internationally unique large-animal breeding resource.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {69522,
	title = {Can ultrasound eye muscle area scanning be used in the New Zealand deer industry?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {275-277},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {The New Zealand Deer Industry Productivity Strategy 2009-2014 (Deer Industry New Zealand, 2009) aims to increase deercarcass weight by 10\% and introduce a carcass yield module to their performance recording database DEERSelect. In other livestock species real-time ultrasonography offers a non-invasive, non-destructive, standardised muscle measurement on live breeding stock (Faulkner et al.,1990). Ultrasound scanning allows eye muscle (M. longissimus dorsi)dimensions and cross-sectional area to be recorded as traits for genetic evaluation in the Sheep (SIL) and Beef (BREEDPLAN) performance recording databases.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ward JF and Archer JA and Farmer RJ and Sweetman MF and Nicoll GB and JV Yuan}
}
@conference {41089,
	title = {Field data analysis of lamb survival and mortality rates occurring between pregnancy scanning and weaning},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {98-100},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Ultrasonic scanning for pregnancy diagnosis in commercial sheep flocks has highlighted the magnitude of lamb loss from scanning to docking or weaning. From seven ram breeding flocks in Landcorp Farming Limited, lamb survival rates were derived from the number of lambs per ewe present at six stages: pregnancy scanning, birth, born alive, 48h after birth, end of lambing and weaning. Differences in lamb survival rates between adjacent stages provided the mortality rates for five intervals: pregnancy scanning-birth; birth-born alive; born alive-48h after birth; 48h after birth-end of lambing; end of lambing-weaning. Flock-year affected lamb survival rate at all stages (P<0.001) but varied with ewe age and lamb birth/rearing rank (P<0.001). Mean lamb survival rates for 3- and 4-year-old dams were generally higher than those of other dam age groups. Triplet-reared lambs had consistently lower survival rates than single- or twin-reared lambs (P<0.001). Lamb mortality rates for the five intervals were 0.03, 0.08, 0.03, 0.03 and 0.04 lambs per potential lamb at scanning, respectively. Lamb mortality was highest at birth, with lower survival rate of triplet-born lambs compared with single- and twin-born lambs (0.82{\textpm}0.006 vs 0.93{\textpm}0.004 and 0.93{\textpm}0.002 lambs per potential lamb respectively; P<0.001). The results indicated when, and to what extent, lamb losses occurred in the field between pregnancy scanning and weaning, and the importance of applying appropriate ewe/lamb feeding and management policies to minimise lamb mortality rates. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB and Dodds KG and Alderton MJ}
}
@conference {41010,
	title = {Effect of sire genotype on lamb growth and carcass productivity},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {136-139},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The growth and carcass traits of 774 lambs out of Romney ewes and sired by Suffolk (S), Landcorp Lamb Supreme (LS), Texel (T) and Romney (R) rams were compared when slaughtered on five occasions (groups 1 to 5): November 1995, February, March, May and July 1996. Forty carcasses per slaughter group were dissected into commercial cuts of saleable meat, fat trim and bone. S- and LS-sired lambs had heavier pre-slaughter liveweights than T-sired lambs (38.4 {\textpm} 0.27, 38.5 {\textpm} 0.26, vs 36.3 {\textpm} 0.27 kg respectively; P<0.001), which in turn were heavier than R-sired lambs (35.0 {\textpm} 0.29 kg; P<0.001). S-sired lambs had heavier hot carcass weights than both LS- and T-sired lambs in slaughter groups 4 and 5 (+0.9 to +1.9 kg; P<0.01); R-sired lambs were significantly lightest in all slaughter groups (-0.7 to -3.9 kg; P<0.05). S- and R-sired lambs had greater adjusted GR tissue depths than LS-sired lambs in later slaughter groups. T-sired lambs were generally intermediate between LS- and R-sired lambs. R-sired lambs produced less weight of saleable meat than S-, LS- and T-sired lambs (by 1.4 to 1.7 kg; P<0.01). Lambs sired by Landcorp{\textquoteright}s terminal sire breeds out-produced those sired by the company{\textquoteright}s maternal R sire breed. S-sired lambs exhibited rapid growth early in the season, but increased fat levels later in the season compared with LS-and T-sired lambs. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB and Skerritt JW and Dobbie JL and Grimwood TJ}
}
@conference {41013,
	title = {Examination of selection index weights for lamb production},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {146-149},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Economic values for lamb production have historically been derived with the assumption that lambs are slaughtered at a constant age. However, Landcorp Farming Limited slaughters lambs when they reach a set carcass weight. After weaning, heavier lambs are given preferential feeding and slaughtered when they reach a predicted carcass weight of 15kg. In this study index weights for weight of fat (FAT) and weight of lean (LEAN) in the carcass are calculated based on the different costs and returns associated with finishing lambs at a set weight. The nonlinear profit function was responsible for a positive index weight being derived for FAT. This result highlights the problems with using FAT and LEAN as selection criteria for lamb production. It is pointed out that FAT and LEAN are not breeding objectives for sheep production, and that it may be possible to use selection criteria better related to the profit function. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Skerritt JW and Amer PR and Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {41011,
	title = {Genetic parameters for liveweight and live animal ultra-sound fat and eye muscle dimension in a synthetic terminal sire breed},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {140-142},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {During 1993-97, approximately 7000 lambs were weighed at weaning (WW), re-weighted (LW) and ultrasonically scanned for subcutaneous fat depth (FD) and eye muscle dimensions (depth (MD) and width (MW)) at 6 months of age. Animals belonged to Landcorp{\textquoteleft}s {\textquoteleft}Lamb Supreme{\textquoteleft} terminal sire breeding programme, derived in 1989-91 from mainly Romney ewes mated to Romney, Wiltshire, Coopworth, Texel and Poll Dorset sires selected for fast growth and leanness. Records representing the selection criteria were analysed by univariate and multivariate animal-model REML methods able to take account of the effects of selection on variance components. Heritabilities were higher for LW (0.33 {\textpm} 0.03) than WW (0.28 {\textpm} 0.03) and litter contributions (as a proportion of phenotypic variance) lower (0.29 {\textpm} 0.02 and 0.44 {\textpm} 0.02, respectively). Heritability estimates for all traits were similar in both sexes except for MW, which was higher in females (0.34 {\textpm} 0.05) than males (0.23 {\textpm} 0.05). Averaged across sexes, estimates were: FD (0.30 {\textpm} 0.03), MW (0.29 {\textpm} 0.04) and MD (0.33 {\textpm} 0.03), litter contributions being lower for FD (0.13 {\textpm} 0.02) than MW (0.22 {\textpm} 0.01) or MD (0.19 {\textpm} 0.02). MD was closely related genetically with MW (0.97 {\textpm} 0.01), but less closely associated with LW (0.44 {\textpm} 0.06) than was MW (0.57 {\textpm} 0.05). Both muscle traits showed similar genetic correlations with FD (0.48 {\textpm} 0.07 for MW; 0.43 {\textpm} 0.07 for MD). Parameter estimates indicated positive genetic trends for LW (regression of estimated breeding values on year of birth) more than two-fold higher than those previously published, and with little concomitant increase in FD. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Clarke JN and Nicoll GB and Mowat CM}
}
@conference {40874,
	title = {Progeny performance of industry and index selected Angus bulls.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {12-14},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The Department of Lands and Survey (LS) introduced an objective-based, open nucleus Angus breeding program in 1976 to produce bulls for its commercial properties. Previously, commercial sires were purchased from numerous industry sources (IND). To demonstrate the usefulness of objective selection and to determine performance differences between the two sire sources, 600 mature Angus cows and heifer replacements were randomly mated to either LS or IND bulls beginning in 1976. Replacement female offspring from these matings were then randomly mated to either LS or IND bulls to produce second generation offspring (GEN2). Herd size was maintained and matings continued through 1986. Growth performance of all GEN2 animals was recorded through weaning. After weaning, only female performance was recorded. Least-squares methodology was used to determine differences between the two genetic sources (IND or LS). Traits measured were weaning weight (WW); cow ratio, calf weaning weight per 100 kg of cow weight (CR); yearling weight (YW); and 18 month weight (18M). The statistical model for all traits included year of birth (YOB), sire source of calf (CSS) and dam (DSS), sex (where applicable), age of dam (AOD), age at weighing, and the interactions of YOB and CSS, YOB and DSS, AOD and CSS, AOD and DSS, and CSS and DSS. Calf{\textquoteleft}s sire source was significant (P<.01) for WW and CR, and approached significance for YW (P<.1) but was not significant for 18M (P>.1). Dam{\textquoteleft}s sire source was not significant for any trait (P>.1) nor was the interaction of CSS and DSS (P>.1). The WW of progeny with LS maternal grandsires and LS sires was 4.6{\textpm}1.8 kg greater than progeny with IND sires and IND maternal grandsires. Differences in weights taken subsequently were smaller. Although not statistically important, in a production scenario where all male progeny were sold at weaning, benefits of the introduction of an objective-based, breeding scheme were evident. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Enns RM and Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {40805,
	title = {Genetic improvement of meat quality in sheep and cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {157-162},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Genetic variations in body composition are apparent as differences  among breeds, crosses, selected strains and sire groups. Crossbreeding, use  of terminal sires and selection within breeds has tended to concentrate on  total meat output rather than quality, despite consistent consumer signals  against fat. Evidence suggests that, in males selected using live animal  ultrasound measurements of fat and muscle depths, about half of the  selection pressure available to improve growth rate should be sacrificed in  order to maximise economic response through decrease in carcass fat  content. Genetic variations in lean/fat partitioning to different regions and muscles of  the carcass, and in traits affecting the wider sensory appeal of cooked meat,  are also important to the range and consistency of meat products. Indirect  live animal indicators are vital to minimising the high cost of progeny  testing. Meat product tenderness is one example. Much of the variation is  under the control of the calpain system for which genetic differences have  been found among breeds and crosses, related families, selection lines, and  in strains segregating for major genes and genetic markers (e.g. calpastatin  and the CSSM18 and TGLA122 markers of the callipyge gene in sheep).  Decreased post mortem tenderness is associated with decreased proteolytic  enzyme activity which in some cases is related to increased lean growth  rates in the live animals as well. Between and within muscle variations in actin/myosin interactions, lipid,  myoglobin contents and solubilities can also give rise to genetic variations  in tenderness, meat flavour, colour and the heat gellation properties of  myosin. The biochemical basis of these effects suggests useful indicator  traits (e.g. LDH and ICDH enzyme activity associations with fibre type,  intra-muscular fat and haem iron contents) which are likely to offer  innovative genetic solutions to long-term industry competitiveness.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Clarke JN and Morris CA and Speck PA and Upreti GC and Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {40648,
	title = {Presidential address: some advantages of corporate animal production},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {1-4},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Staple tenacity is an estimate of the peak force to break a staple  of a certain cross-sectional area at the point of break. Staple  strength is a measure of peak force to break a certain weight of staple.  Using the density of wool and the length of staple broken, both  estimates can be converted to force per unit linear density (N/ktex).  The relationship between these two estimates was examined. Midside wool  samples were collected at shearing from 164 ewe hoggets from lines of  New Zealand Romneys that have been selected for or against staple  tenacity, and a randomly selected control line. Five staples from each  sample were measured for staple strength and staple tenacity. This was  accomplished by defining the cross-sectional area at the break point,  breaking the staple to estimate peak force and then cutting the portion  of the staple from between the jaws and determining the weight of clean  wool after scouring. The High staple tenacity line had a significantly  higher staple strength (P<0.001) and staple tenacity (P<0.001).  Although a similar weight of greasy wool was removed from between the  jaws for each selection line (P=0.336), the weight of clean wool was  significantly greater in the High staple tenacity line (P=0.003).  Covariate analysis revealed that the fitted relationships between staple  strength and staple tenacity for the three selection lines had similar  slopes (P=0.822) but significantly different intercepts (P=0.029).  Staple strength is thus biased relative to staple tenacity in these  lines, because of the differences in weight of wool between the jaws,  for staples which are all the same cross-sectional area at the point of  break. Staple tenacity is therefore more useful for some purposes than  staple strength and vice versa, and care should be taken when drawing  comparisons and conclusions and when considering which to use.   },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {40755,
	title = {Using genetic variation for greater profit},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {328-330},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Over 20 years ago, cooperative group breeding schemes screened  large gene pools to establish ram breeding flocks. This process  invariably exploited differences between animals within a breed and not  differences between animals regardless of breed. This paper describes  the establishment and operation of Landcorp Farming Limited{\textquoteright}s Lamb  Supreme (LS) terminal sire breeding programme and presents results of a  comparative slaughter trial for discussion.    In 1989 and 1990 Landcorp screened a total of 3,685 ewe hoggets from  501,000 animals. The progeny from 3 years{\textquoteright} mattings of these screened-  in ewes constituted the nucleus flock of the LS programme. The progeny  of rams from this flock mated to commercial Romney ewes were compared  with straightbred Romneys (R) in a slaughter trial in three slaughters  from January to May 1994.    At the three slaughter dates, LS lambs had heavier pre-slaughter  liveweights and carcass weights than R lambs and were no fatter when  adjusted to the same mean carcass weight. Net returns averaged more per  LS cross lamb than per straightbred R lamb.   },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {40394,
	title = {A terminal sire breeding programme based on screening for hogget liveweight},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {125-128},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Eighty mature fallow deer does were allocated to four treatment  groups (n+20) for which oestrous synchronization treatment consisted of  intravaginal insertion of single CIDR devices for 14 days and  prostaglandin administration on days 0 and 10 of device insertion.  Treatment groups were staggered successively by 7-day intervals from  early March to late May, the period spanning the natural mating season  (rut). Observations to determine the onset of oestrus were performed  24-72 hours after CIDR device withdrawal and blood samples were  collected four times during insertion and then every 2 days, for 14  days, from CIDR device withdrawal. Plasma samples were analysed for  progesterone concentration to determine luteal development. A group of  untreated contemporary control does were allowed to mate naturally to  crayon-harnessed bucks to determine the period of the 1990 natural rut.  Oestrus and ovulation were detected on 69\% and 80\% of occasions  respectively following CIDR device withdrawal, with ovulation following  oestrus on 98\% of occasions. Ovulation not preceded by observed  oestrus, probably representing silent ovulations, occurred early in the  breeding season. There was complete failure of response, in terms of  does exhibiting oestrus increased from 0-10\% to 89-100\% with the  greatest coinciding with the onset of the natural rut. In addition, the  mean interval from CIDR device withdrawal to onset of oestrus tended to  decrease from between 71-88h to 47-63h and oestrous synchrony improved  progressively during the trial. The efficacy of CIDR devices in  synchronizing oestrus and ovulation in fallow deer does is clearly  influenced by timing of treatment relative to the natural breeding  season of the herd.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB and Alderton MJ and Annandale DD and Coleman ID and Grimwood TJ and Thomson JA}
}
@conference {40165,
	title = {Estimates of environmental effects and genetic parameters for live weights and fleece traits of Angora goats},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {183-190},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Low voluntary intake and animal performance with perennial ryegrass has been attributed to its high leaf strength. Perennial ryegrass populations were selected for high or low shear strength and individual plants of low (LS) and high (HS) selections grown in a controlled environment. Shear strength of LS leaves (290 g) was half that of HS leaves. LS leaves were shorter, narrower and lighter. However, shear strength of LS remained significantly lower after adjustment for differences in leaf width. Shear strength in both selections declined from leaf base to leaf tip. LS leaves contained less sclerenchyma but had similar vascular tissue content. Sclerenchyma was significantly correlated with shear strength (r=0.82). Chopped leaves (5 cm) from both selections, placed in polyester bags were subjected to rumen microbial digestion. The higher shear strength of HS selected plants was maintained for at least 24 h rumen digestion. It is concluded that lower shear strength was a result of decreased sclerenchyma content and that potential improvements arising from easier breakdown would be maintained during rumen digestion in vivo.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB and Bigham ML and Alderton MJ}
}
@conference {40166,
	title = {Romney male and female heritabilities and genetic correlations for weaning, autumn and spring body weights and hogget fleece weights},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {191-196},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Five mixed-age Coopworth ewes were offered a pelleted low Mg (1.0 g Mg/kgDM) diet at the rate of 800 g/d for 2 months. Five levels of MG (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g Mg/d) in 230 ml deionised water were infused into the distal ileum for 48 h, followed by a recovery period of 24 h. The treatments were randomly allocated to each animal using a latin square design. Mg absorption from the large intestine was estimated from changes in plasma Mg concentration and urinary Mg excretion rate. Twelve h after commencement of infusion, plasma Mg concentration was higher at 4 g Mg than at 0g. There was a positive relationship between the amount of Mg infused and urinary Mg excretion. However, the percentage of infused Mg that was absorbed declined from 18.2\% to 6.9\% when Mg infusion rate was increased from 0.5 to 4 g Mg/d. In a second experiment, using a cross-over design, increasing the amount of water infused, with 4g Mg/d, from 230 to 2300 ml decreased urinary Mg excretion. The results show that Mg can be absorbed from the large intestine in significant amounts and indicate that a passive transport mechanism may be involved.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Parratt AC and Nicoll GB and Alderton MJ}
}
@conference {39996,
	title = {Evidence of genetic improvement in the Angus Breeding Scheme of the Department of Lands and Survey},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {46},
	year = {1986},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {67-70},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The relative importance of the currently recorded large number of descriptive conformation traits and of milkfat yield on retention for a second lactation of 6645 Friesian-sired and 5709 Jersey-sired heifers was examined. In a linear multiple regression model, the effect of heifers deviating from the {\textquoteright}normal{\textquoteright} conformation for a certain trait on the retention rate was used as an indicator for the relative importance of the trait. Milkfat yield was by far the most important trait for both breeds. Only a small number of conformation traits describing udder and teats influenced the retention rate significantly. The farmer with Jersey cows appeared to consider more conformation traits as important than the owner of Friesian cows. The results suggest the inclusion of only the important conformation traits describing udder and teats as potential traits in the selection of profitable dairy cattle in New Zealand to retain a high genetic response for milkfat yield.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB and Johnson DL}
}
@conference {39980,
	title = {Estimates of environmental effects and some genetic parameters for weaning weight and fleece weights of young Angora goats},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {45},
	year = {1985},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {217-220},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Forty Romney and Perendale ewes with a history of either high (W+) or low (W-) winter wool growth but similar summer wool growth were selected from a large flock. The ewes were not pregnant and were penned individually indoors and offered either 500 or 1500 g/d of high quality pelleted diet for 8 weeks in both winter and summer. The 2 breeds had similar intakes and live-weight changes, but the Romneys grew more wool. The W+ and W- ewes had very similar intakes and live-weight changes. Intakes on the low and high plane of nutrition respectively were 420 and 1093 g DM/d in winter and 422 and 1222g DM/d in summer. Corresponding live-weight changes were -71 and +54 g/d in winter and -112 and +131 g/d in summer. Summer wool growth rates were on average twice those in winter. Plane of nutrition had a much greater absolute effect on wool growth in summer than in winter (5.5 v 2.3 g/d), but the relative effects were similar (54 v 48\%). The W+ ewes grew 38\% more wool in winter than the W- ewes (5.8 V 4.0 g/d) and had a 38\% higher mean staple strength (2.7 v 1.8 g/tex). Differences between the W+ and W- ewes were similar on the high and low planes of nutrition, and also similar for the Romneys and Perendales. The variation in winter wool growth and hence in staple strength was evidently due to variation in the partitioning of nutrients to wool growth rather than to variation in feed intake.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {39910,
	title = {Effect of herbage allowance on the performance of pregnant beef heifers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {44},
	year = {1984},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {173-176},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Investigations into perennial ryegrass staggers, a neurotoxic disease affecting sheep, cattle, horses and deer in New Zealand, recently incriminated a fungus growing as a endophyte in perennial ryegrass in the occurrence of this disease. This Lolium endophyte (an Acremonium sp.) is most prevalent in the lower parts of infected ryegrass plants (leaf sheath) but invades the inflorescence and seed. Newly-emerging ryegrass seedlings are so infected. The close association of the endophyte with the present of lolitrems, potent neurotoxic tremorgens previously isolated from staggers-producing pasture samples, further incriminated the endophyte in the occurrence of ryegrass staggers. Subsequent lamb grazing trials on plots sown with lines of either high- or low-endophyte ryegrass seed confirmed that adequate intakes of short- grazed ryegrass material readily produced ryegrass staggers in all lambs grazing the endophyte-infected plots but there was little or no disease on low-endophyte plots identically grazed. The trials also revealed that the spring-sown high-endophyte ryegrass plots had considerable drought resistance and persistence when compared with low-endophyte plots. The infected swards were found to be highly resistant to Argentine stem weevil attack and a significant insect- feeding deterrent factor has since been detected in endophyte-infected ryegrass. A subsequent sheep grazing trial was indicated that plots sown in autumn with fungicide-treated seed to control endophyte and then conservatively grazed in the first year subsequently gave good production and also provided excellent protection from ryegrass staggers.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB and Smeaton DC and McGuire KR}
}
@conference {39643,
	title = {The biochemical assessment of energy status in the grazing lactating ruminant},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {39},
	year = {1979},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {233-241},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Payne E and Trigg TE and Rattray PV and Nicoll GB and Smeaton DC}
}
@conference {39606,
	title = {Factors influencing the interval from calving to first oestrus in beef cattle on North Island hill country},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {38},
	year = {1978},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {175-180},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Nicoll GB}
}
@conference {39603,
	title = {Some components of improved beef cow productivity on hill country},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {38},
	year = {1978},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {151-160},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Nicoll GB and Hight GK and Everitt GC}
}
