@conference {60956, title = {Background effects on ewe lambing and weaning performance in well recorded breeding flocks}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {69}, year = {2009}, month = {Jun}, pages = {115-117}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, address = {Christchurch}, abstract = {Results of analyses of Sheep Improvement Ltd. (SIL) data (27 flocks and 128,203 lambings) showed a substantial impact of ewes being scanned pregnant but failing to rear a lamb (wet-dry), on weight of lamb weaned at the next lambing. Compared to ewes that reared a lamb at the previous lambing, {\textquoteright}wet-dry{\textquoteright} ewes had 0.3 to 0.5 less lambs born per ewe lambing, lamb survival rates were lower by 60 to 70 percentage points and weaning weights up to 0.5 kg lighter per lamb weaned. These effects compounded into 30 to 40 kg less weight of lamb weaned per ewe. The failure to rear part of a litter, such as one lamb of a set of twins, had less effect on performance at next lambing and weaning, than loss of the whole litter. Those ewes that previously gave birth to three lambs weaned 4 kg less lamb weight than ewes that previously gave birth to singles, after allowing for their higher genetic drive for prolificacy. A modest but significant effect of previous litter size was observed on weight of lamb weaned within each litter size category. Lamb survival was observed to be 2\% lower (P <0.01) for twin ewes that had failed to rear one of their two lambs, compared with those that had reared both in their previous lambing. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Amer PR and Sise JA and Jopson NB and Bray AR} } @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 {41381, title = {Incidence and perceptions of cryptorchid lambs in 2000}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {62}, year = {2002}, month = {Jan}, pages = {334-336}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, address = {Palmerston North}, abstract = {

A telephone survey of 400 randomly selected sheep farmers was undertaken to determine the incidence of ram, cryptorchid, and wether lambs in the New Zealand lamb flock in 2000. Respondents were asked why they choose to produce rams, cryptorchids or wethers and how willing they would be to change. The percentage (+/-5\%) of male lambs left entire and made cryptorchids was similar at 39\% and 41\% respectively with the remaining 20\% wethers. The primary reasons why farmers produced cryptorchids was to achieve good lamb growth rates and lean carcasses without having fertile male lambs. Published research reports support the perception of leanness relative to wether lambs but indicate that carcass weights are similar to those of ram and wether lambs and that some cryptorchids may be fertile. Secondary reasons given for producing cryptorchids were that they were cleaner and easier managed than ram lambs. Although the production of cryptorchids has declined in recent years, 71\% of the farmers who currently produce them have a preference for this method and indicated unwillingness to change from this practice.

}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Tarbotton IS and Bray AR and Wilson JA} } @conference {41229, title = {Presidential Address 2000: Animal products contribution to New Zealand{\textquoteright}s wealth}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {61}, year = {2001}, month = {Jan}, pages = {1-3}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, address = {Christchurch}, abstract = {The 60th anniversary of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production is an appropriate occasion on which to acknowledge the massive contribution that animal products have made to the New Zealand economy. Maori used products from kiore and dogs as well as wildlife and fish. The first Europeans started with whaling and sealing, then moved to wool production before freezers on ships opened up world meat markets. More recently dairying and fishing have boomed and chicken, meat and egg, pork and deer industries have arisen. Add goat, ostrich, mussels, possums etc and you have a long, varied list of species and products. However it is the products from grazing sheep and cattle that have provided the bulk of New Zealand{\textquoteright}s export earnings over the last one hundred and fifty years. They continue to dominate to this day {\textellipsis} }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR} } @conference {41189, title = {The impact of liveweight and liveweight change on wool staple tenacity in Romney hoggets}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {60}, year = {2000}, month = {Jan}, pages = {171-173}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, address = {Hamilton}, abstract = {Three lines of Romney sheep were selectively bred over 10 years for high or low staple tenacity, or were bred at random. Each crop of ewe and ram hoggets was weighed at strategic intervals throughout the year and staple tenacity was measured on mid side wool harvested in spring. Relationships of staple tenacity with live weight and liveweight change were examined by single and multiple regression analysis of data from a total of 2696 hoggets. The biggest single influence on staple tenacity in the ram hoggets was selection line, which accounted for 23.3 \% (P2, but only 50 \% of those with gains less than 20 g/day achieved that milestone. For the ram hoggets, the corresponding values were 66 \% and 38 \%. These findings provide a basis for liveweight targets to achieve chosen levels of staple tenacity in Romney hoggets. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Smith MC and Bray AR and Baird DB} } @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 {41061, title = {Hogget wool traits of sheep breeds being used for crossbreeding with strong wool breeds - preliminary estimates from research studies}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {59}, year = {1999}, month = {Jan}, pages = {17-18}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Average fleece weight and wool quality characteristics for pure breeds were calculated from comparisons of pure breeds and crossbreeds with strong wool sheep in fifteen studies. The results for each breed reflect the sample of the breed selected for the studies, after removal of environment effects. Compared to the average Romney, fibre diameter was markedly lower in Merino (59\% of Romney, P<0.001) and Finn (72\%, P<0.001) but was not significantly different in Texel, Poll Dorset and East Friesian sheep. Staple lengths of other breeds were 53 to 77\% (P<0.05) of Romney values. Wool bulk was greater in Texel and Poll Dorset (both 49\%, P<0.001), and Merino (32\%, P<0.01). To provide a better basis for predicting effects of crossbreeding in breeding ewe flocks, more information is needed from the East Friesian breed. Also the observations need to be extended to adult ewes and need to be obtained from wider samples of the breeds and sheep farming environments, and account needs to be taken of heterosis and other effects. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR} } @conference {41069, title = {Relationships of fleece and fibre traits with unscourable yellow discolouration in a survey of strong wool sheep flocks}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {59}, year = {1999}, month = {Jan}, pages = {46-48}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Wool samples were collected over two years from sixty two lines of sheep in flocks spread around New Zealand, to provide wool from a variety of strong wool genotypes and farming environments. Within-line relationships of unscourable discolouration with objective measured and subjectively assessed fleece and fibre traits were determined by correlation and regression analyses. The trait most highly correlated with the CIE measurement of yellow discolouration (Y-Z) within lines was Z (R2 = 0.58). CIE and Y values were more weakly correlated (R2 = 0.19 and 0.18, respectively) as was the maximum visibly assessed yellow score, and staple definition accounted for 33\% of the variation. Variation in other fleece and fibre traits within flocks was associated with Y-Z. The reasons why the scoured wool of some sheep in a flock show more discolouration than that of others were not found among the 38 traits examined in this project. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Smith MC} } @conference {41035, title = {To shear or not to shear lambs?}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {58}, year = {1998}, month = {Jan}, pages = {224-227}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Poll Dorset x Romney cross lambs (n = 80) were allocated according to sex (ewe, ram) and liveweight to either shorn or unshorn treatments. Pelts were recovered at slaughter, processed to dyed crust leather and scored for visual traits. At the pickled pelt stage, shorn lambs exhibited lower grain strain scores in the main panel (2.4 vs 4.3, P = 0.01). Rib score (2.3 vs 1.9, P = 0.014) was greater for shorn lambs. The fat score of ewe skins was higher (2.6 vs 1.9, P<0.001) and they produced thicker leathers (0.85 vs 0.79 mm, P = 0.025) with more delamination (2.6 vs 2.2, P = 0.004). While shearing risks scarring the pelt, there are trade-offs with other faults in the pelts of shorn or unshorn lambs. The decision on whether to shear lambs or not should be based on the relative costs of the faults. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Scobie DR and Bray AR and Cooper SM} } @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 {40893, title = {Influence of reducing wool fibre diameter away from the winter minimum, on fibre length after carding}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {57}, year = {1997}, month = {Jan}, pages = {81-82}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {The length of fibres after carding is strongly influenced by the minimum fibre diameter (MinFD) in winter in Low Staple Tenacity (LST) and High Staple Tenacity (HST) Romney sheep. In this study a further weakness was induced by a temporary reduction in fibre diameter at a point away from the winter minimum, and the influence on fibre length after carding (barbe) was determined. Forty adult rams of four genotypes (LST, HST, Drysdale and Merino) were offered a restricted diet for 14 days in early February. Fibre diameter was reduced over the treatment period in LST (by 26\%), HST (19\%), Drysdale (5.5\%) and Merino (0.5\%). Barbe was only significantly associated with MinFD during treatment in LST (r{\texttwosuperior}=0.62, P<0.01) and not at all with change in fibre diameter. For each 1 um reduction in MinFD during treatment, barbe was reduced by 1-3mm. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Smith MC and Bray AR} } @conference {40662, title = {Seasonal patterns of wool growth in Romney sheep selected for high and low staple tenacity}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {55}, year = {1995}, month = {Jan}, pages = {42-45}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Twenty Jersey and 12 Friesian cows were individually offered freshly cut pastures that had received either 100-150 kg nitrogen (N)/ha (HN) or 25 kg N/ha (LN) as urea, either ad lib. or restricted to 70\% of ad lib. Treatments were imposed for 2 consecutive 14-day periods during September and October 1993. Effects of N fertiliser on the chemical and botanical composition of pasture were minor. There were no significant effects of N fertiliser on mean fat corrected milk yield, (19.9 kg/day 4.0\% FCM), milk yield (16.2 kg/day), milk fat \% (5.6\%), milk fat yield (0.9 kg/day), or liveweight change (-0.59 kg/day). Milk protein yield (P.0.05) and protein \% (P<0.05) and protein \% (P0.01) were greater for LN than for HN treatment groups (0.58 vs 0.56 kg/cow/day and 3.6 vs 3.5\% respectively). Voluntary DMI was also affected by N fertiliser for cows on ad lib. pasture allowance (14.0 vs. 14.6 kg DM/cow/day for HN and LN treatments; P<0.01). The application of N fertiliser in winter/early spring, had only minor effects on pasture intake or milk yield and composition in early lactation. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Woods JL and Bray AR and Rogers GR and Smith MC} } @conference {40661, title = {Staple tenacity versus staple strength}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {55}, year = {1995}, month = {Jan}, pages = {39-41}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Six nutritional regimes were applied to 134 Friesian heifers to determine the effects of differential rearing on productive and reproductive performance. Cycling animals were identified at 11.5 and 15 months by measuring progesterone in consecutive weekly blood plasma samples. Heifers were synchronised using CIDR devices and artificially inseminated for two cycles, followed by six weeks of natural mating. At 11.5 months, 95\% of the high (268 kg LW), 65\% of the medium (242 kg LW), and 2\% of the low (186 kg LW) nutrition groups were cycling. At 15 months, all heifers in the four high groups were cycling compared to only 82\% of heifers in the two low groups was probably enhanced by the CIDR progesterone treatment stimulating puberty in non-cycling heifers. Friesian heifers should average 300 kg to ensure all animals are cycling normally prior to the start of mating. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Scobie DR and Merrick NC and Bray AR} } @conference {40666, title = {Wool growth responses in Drysdale and high and low staple tenacity Romney sheep to nutrient supplementation in autumn}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {55}, year = {1995}, month = {Jan}, pages = {54-57}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {With the increasing sensitivity towards the use of growth promoters in animal husbandry, the search is on for }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Merrick NC and Smith MC and Scobie DR} } @conference {40599, title = {Variation in the pH of lamb meat within and between sheep breeds}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {54}, year = {1994}, month = {Jan}, pages = {201-204}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Serial measurements of the pH of the longissimus dorsi muscle were obtained from lambs of 22 sire groups of six sire breeds (Experiment 1) and in 14 sire groups of lines selected for Fast and Slow Glucose Clearance (Experiment 2). Lamb sex (ewe, wether) and carcass weight and leanness had little effect on meat pH. Sire breed had significant effects on pH at 1 and 24 hours post mortem, and selection line had significant effects between 1 and 4 hours post mortem. These effects were greater on slaughter dates when pH levels were higher. Variation between individual sires was sufficient to account for some differences between sire breeds and selection lines. Differences between sire breeds and selection lines were found from the time of first pH measurement after slaughter through until ultimate pH was reached. This suggests that there were differences in the rate of glycogen breakdown to lactic acid immediately after slaughter or during electrical stimulation, as well as differences in the amount of glycogen in the muscle at slaughter. These findings confirm that lamb genotype can influence meat pH and thus will affect commercially important meat properties. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Young SR and Scales GH} } @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 {40518, title = {Wool growth responses of Romney rams selected for high or low wool strength to nutrient supplementation in winter}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {53}, year = {1993}, month = {Jan}, pages = {323-326}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Treatment of sheep, mice and humans with exogenous recombinantly- derived insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has been reported to produce a hyperglycaemic state. In mice this is associated with the abolition of maternal constraint during pregnancy. Exogenous IGF-1 also alters renal clearance in sheep and humans, decreasing circulating concentrations of urea and creatinine. The objective of this study was to determine whether similar changes are apparent in sheep divergently selected for plasma IGF-1 concentrations. Ewe hoggets (10 months old), 16 each from the Massey University Low (L), Control (C) and High (H) IGF-1 selection lines, were blood sampled by jugular venipuncture over a 5 hour period after removal from pasture. Plasma metabolite concentrations were assayed and adjusted for the effects of sampling time relative to removal from pasture. There were no differences between the line (L vs C vs H) in plasma concentrations of urea (7.34 vs 7.35 vs 7.32 mM, Pooled SE = 0.25 mM) and, although there was a significant line effect for creatinine (P<0.05), none of the between-line comparisons was significant (0.073 vs 0.075 vs 0.075 mM, Pooled Se = 0.002 mM). However, glucose concentrations were greatest in the H line (3.72 mM), followed by the C line (3.56 mM) and the L line (3.45 mM) (PSE = 0.07 mM, P<0.05). Whereas glucose and urea concentrations declined with time off pasture in the H line (b = -0.133 }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Smith MC and Merrick NC} } @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 {40433, title = {Responses to selection for wool staple strength in Romney sheep}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {52}, year = {1992}, month = {Jan}, pages = {285-288}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {In a series of studies, relationships between herbage allowance (as measured by sward surface height (SSH), herbage intake (measured by intraruminal chromium controlled release capsule) and production were assessed in continuously stocked winter (June)- and spring (August)- lambing pregnant and lactating ewes. At SSHs of 2.8, 4.0, 7.1 and 8.5 cm, organic matter intakes (OMI) of winter-lambing ewes in the last month of pregnancy were 1.4, 1.7, 1.6 and 1.9 (Pooled SE = 0.1) kg/d (P<0.05), respectively. Ewe liveweight gain over the last month of pregnancy increased with SSH but there was no effect of SSH on lamb birthweight or ewe midside wool growth. Similarly, pregnant spring- lambing ewes had OMI of 1.4, 1.7, 1.8 and 1.9 (PSE = 0.1) kg/d (P<0.05) at SSHs of 2.7, 4.0, 5.9 and 7.8 cm, respectively and ewe liveweight gain increased with SSH but there was no effect of SSH on ewe wool growth or lamb birthweight. Results suggest that both winter- and spring-lambing ewes can tolerate SSH below 3 cm during late pregnancy without detrimental effects on lamb or wool production. Winter-lambing lactating ewes (first two months of lactation) had OMI of 1.8, 2.3 and 2.5 (PSE = 0.1) kg/d (P<0.05) at SSHs of 2.6, 4.4 and 7.8 cm respectively. Sward height did not influence ewe wool production or lamb growth but ewes on the 2.6 cm sward lost 8-10 kg more liveweight during lactation than those on the 4.4 and 7.8 cm swards. Spring- lambing ewes had OMI of 1.8, 2.0, 1.9, 2.0 and 2.0 (PSE = 0.3) kg/d (P<0.1) at SSHs of 3.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.5 cm, respectively. There were no effects of SSH on ewe wool growth or lamb growth but ewe liveweight loss was greatest at low SSH. Results are discussed in the context of feeding recommendations for winter- and spring-lambing ewes.}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Smith MC and Woods JL and Baird DB} } @conference {40432, title = {Wool growth and elemental composition}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {52}, year = {1992}, month = {Jan}, pages = {281-284}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Six Merino wethers were used to graze six box-grown genotypes of subterranean clover in a Latin square design. Each animal was offered 2 replicates of each genotype and permitted to graze 70\% of the sward on offer. The amount eaten was recorded at each grazing and video recordings were used to record each sheep{\textquoteright}s grazing behaviour. There were genotype differences in the rate of intake of fresh feed (g/min) with Clare (79.3 g/min) being eaten faster than the other genotypes while Trikkala (67.1 g/min) was eaten faster than both Geraldton (53.0 g/min) and Dinninup (54.9 g/min). Similarly bite rate and dry matter (DM) per bite (bite weight) were significantly related to genotype. With Dinninup the rate of intake and DM per bite were less than expected from the measured sward characteristics while differences in sward height accounted for most of the differences recorded with Clare (20 cm tall) and Geraldton (8 cm tall). The results indicate differences in the intake response of sheep to different genotypes of subterranean clover. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed.}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Lee J and Bray AR and Grace ND} } @conference {40319, title = {Alternative and supplements to pasture for growing lambs in winter}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {51}, year = {1991}, month = {Jan}, pages = {249-254}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {The Wairunga flock was established in 1956. It has since been selected for production traits and, recently, also for {\textquoteright}disease{\textquoteright} traits (resistance to footrot, dags and internal parasites). Records of weaning weight, autumn weight, winter weight, faecal egg count (FEC) and fleece weight have been collected on ewe and ram lambs from the 1987- born crop onwards, in a management programme which involved withholding anthelmintic drench for a monitored period in autumn. Dag scores have also been taken at the time of faecal sampling from the 1988-born crop onwards. Experiences already show that there is keen interest from ram buyer clients in 2-tooth rams that have grown without a drench. Results show significant potential savings in numbers of drenches on weaned lambs, and large differences among sire groups in the parasite susceptibility of progeny groups. Because of the need to withhold drenches, a major change in the whole concept of ram breeding and performance testing will be required by ram breeders and their clients before much progress can be made in breeding for resistance to internal parasites. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Moss RA and Burton RN} } @conference {40229, title = {Postweaning growth and carcass leanness of lambs that differed in preweaning growth rate}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {50}, year = {1990}, month = {Jan}, pages = {287-292}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of nutritional status on fibre quality from Angora goats during spring. Two groups of 28 non-pregnant Angora does were grazed on ryegrass/white clover pasture at one of two pasture allowances; 1.0 kg and >4kg DM /head/day (low and high respectively) for twelve weeks during spring. Groups were balanced for live weight, age, fibre diameter, medullation and kemp measurements and genetic background. Live weight and fibre quality (fibre diameter, \% medullaltion and \% kemp) were measured at the start, after 6 weeks and at the end of the experiment. Mean live weight of does at the start of the experiment was 22.6 + 0.20 kg and after 12 weeks 30.9 and 25.2; sed 0.63kg for high and low allowance respectively. Neither mean fibre diameter (35.2 vs 34.1; sed 0.66 microns) nor medullation (5.38 vs 6.51;s ed 53\%), was affected by pasture allowance over the experiment (high and low allowance respectively). However, after 12 weeks, there was a trend for \% kemp measured in the fleece in does on high pasture allowance to be higher than in does on low allowance (8.16 vs 6.52; sed 1.04\%). All does were fibre tested again in March 1989 after grazing at a common allowance, but differences in fibre characteristics between the previous spring pasture allowances treatments were small. It appears that doe nutrition during spring can influence the kemp content in the Angora fleece. The mechanism of this effect is, however, not known. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Moss RA and Burton RN and Saville DJ} } @conference {40187, title = {A note on the use of number of permanent incisor teeth for determining age in sheep}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {49}, year = {1989}, month = {Jan}, pages = {303-306}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Lambs in pens were infused duodenally with increasing amounts of casein or a mixture of four essential amino acids (EAA) to examine effects upon N retention. Eight Dorset Down x Coopworth lambs (39+/-1.1 kg) each fitted with rumen and duodenal cannulae were housed indoors and offered freshly cut ryegrass/white clover pasture at a rate of 470g fresh herbage/kgW0.75(MW)/d. The metabolizable energy intake from herbage was approximately 870 kJ/kg(MW)/d. Experimental treatments were duodenal infusions of water (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12g casein/kgMW/d and three levels of a mixture of AA (methionine, lysine, histidine and arginine) in amounts equivalent to the supply of these AA in 3, 6 and 9g casein. Treatments were allocated in an 8 x 8 latin square design. Duodenal non-ammonia N (NAN) flow indicated that 33\% of forage protein N intake was lost across the rumen, the mean flow being 1.46gNAN/kgMW/d. Infusions of casein resulted in significant linear increases (P<0.01) in N balance up to 6g casein/kgMW/d, the casein N supply at this level being equal to the N lost across the rumen from the basal forage. The increase in N balance with infusion of 6g casein was equivalent to an additional 96\% of the N balance observed with the control treatment. No further significant change in N balance was observed with casein infusions greater than 6g/kg/MW/d. A small non-significant response to infusions of 4 AA was observed indicating that these 4 essential AA were not solely responsible for the response. These results indicate that liveweight gain responses can be expected if the losses of protein that occur in the rumen of lambs grazing temperate pastures can be reduced. }, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Burton RN and Murray MA and Saville DJ} } @conference {40079, title = {Farm factors that influence the eating qualities of lamb meat}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {48}, year = {1988}, month = {Jan}, pages = {7-12}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Alternative methods of using an ultrasonic backfat probe on sheep were compared in 2 experiments involving 60 rams. In both experiments, ultrasonic backfat measurements made on the side of the sheep opposite to the location of the operator and the second of 2 measurements had a higher correlation with carcass fat measurement C and were better predictors of percentage carcass fat than measurements taken on either the same side of the sheep as the operator or the first 2 measurements. We conclude that different ultrasound backfat measurements vary in their value in predicting carcass fatness and individual operators should establish the most appropriate measurement.}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR} } @conference {40085, title = {Leanness of young sheep that lost weight after shearing}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {48}, year = {1988}, month = {Jan}, pages = {37-40}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {The necessity to identify and utilize superior fibre producing goats has led to the demand for artificial breeding techniques to be developed within New Zealand. Particular emphasis has been placed on cervical insemination by Ambreed as it is seen as the most cost efficient methods, especially at a commercial level. Bucks have been selected on individual fleece data and stood on licensed artificial insemination centres at Cambridge and Kaiapoi. A total of 50 bucks have been trained for semen collection, with the training period varying from 5 minutes to 2 weeks. Collection from some individuals began as early as December, and continued until August. All semen used was frozen in a Tris-based egg yolk/glycerol diluent. Semen quality has been determined by post-freeze motility using a 2 sec photomicroscopic technique. Training courses lasting for 3 d have been held to instruct both visiting technicians and owner/operator type inseminators. In combination with Ambreed technicians operating directly from Cambridge Centre, approximately 15,000 goats were inseminated during the 1987 autumn period. Kidding data are currently being analysed and indications of pregnancy rate from non-return rates are currently in the 50-55\% range.}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Taylor AG and Burton RN and Moss RA} } @conference {40043, title = {Barley consumption by lambs during transfer from pasture to barley-based diets}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {47}, year = {1987}, month = {Jan}, pages = {17-19}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Stocking rates and target live weights to optimise profit on a small bull beef unit were determined from the New Zealand Exporters Schedule for bull beef and liveweight gain information. The targets were to purchase bulls during October or November at 85 to 100 kg live weight and to grow them to between 420 and 440 kg live weight by 1 December the following year. Using average pasture growth rate data, a simple feed budget model predicted mean pasture cover targets from April to December required to achieve the live weight targets. Grazing plans were designed and regularly reviewed to test the validity of using mean pasture cover as an indicator of successful management.}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Moss RA and Burton RN} } @conference {39950, title = {Leanness of lamb carcasses following restricted feeding and shearing}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {45}, year = {1985}, month = {Jan}, pages = {89-92}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Moss RA and Burton RN and Taylor AG} } @conference {39922, title = {Lamb live weights at slaughter and carcass grades}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {44}, year = {1984}, month = {Jan}, pages = {223-226}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Dressing percentage (DO\%), the dressed carcass expressed as a portion of live weight, is markedly influenced by the particular definition used. Farmers usually want to estimate cold (works) carcass weights (CCW) from live weights taken on lambs recently removed from pasture (FLW). Gut fill plays a major role in DO\%. As lambs empty out after removal from pasture, DO\% increases until this effect is offset by loss of carcass and organ weights from increasing periods of starvation. Data on 2207 weaned and shorn lambs ranging from 10 to 46 kg FLW and slaughtered over 3 seasons could be described by the regression: CCW (kg) = 0.473 FLW (kg) - 1.92, RSD = 0.67 kg, r=0.95. DO\% calculated from this regression for lambs slaughtered close to the New Zealand mean CCW of 13 kg averaged 41\% and increased as FLW increased. Shorn lambs of similar weight sired by longwool breeds had lower DO\% than lambs sired by Down breeds. Lamb DO\% dropped following weaning. Lambs with carcasses in the leaner A and Y grades dressed lower than lambs in the fatter pre 1983-84 P grade when compared at the same live weight, illustrating that DO\% increases as lambs get fatter.}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR} } @conference {39766, title = {Productivity of Booroola-Merino cross ewes grazing improved tussock grassland}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {42}, year = {1982}, month = {Jan}, pages = {51-54}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, abstract = {Permanent incisor eruption patterns varied widely for 13 genotypes of ewes examined. Progeny of Ruakura High Fertility Romney sires displayed markedly earlier teeth eruption than other strains while Southdowns were later than any other genotype in the study. The wide variation observed both between and within breed types questions the reliability of dentition for ageing individual animals for sale.}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Allison AJ} } @conference {39740, title = {Marked udder method (MUM) - A technique for identifying the progeny of ewes where identification at birth is not practicable}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {41}, year = {1981}, month = {Jan}, pages = {229-232}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Davis GH and Wallis TR and Bray AR} } @conference {39659, title = {Effect of nutrition on ovulation rate and litter size in Booroola-Merino cross and Merino ewes - Brief Communication}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {40}, year = {1980}, month = {Jan}, pages = {43}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Montgomery GW and Wallis TR} } @conference {39622, title = {Mating management and reproductive activity of intensively farmed red deer}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, volume = {39}, year = {1979}, month = {Jan}, pages = {94-99}, publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production}, issn = {1176-5283}, author = {Bray AR and Kelly RW} }