@conference {41702,
	title = {Calcium balance in mid and late pregnancy and vaginal prolapse},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {61-67},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {Given the hypothesis that Ca status may be implicated in bearings, the purpose of the research in 
experiment 1 was to observe Ca status in old twinewes in normal commercial conditions to determine 
whether an association exists, and in the second experiment to manipulate Ca status to determine its effects 
on the incidence of bearings. In experiment 1, Romney ewes, scanned as twin (n=12) or single (n=12) 
pregnant, on each of 7 farms were identified and sampled at approximately 60, 30 and 7 d before the onset of 
flock lambing. Whole flock bearing incidence was recorded. Eleven to 41\% of pregnant ewes from different 
farms had marginal serum Ca and Mg concentrations at 60 and 30 d before onset of lambing. No relationship 
was found between serum minerals and metabolite concentration and bearing incidence among farms. 
The objective of experiment 2 was to reduce bearings on farms with high historical incidences of bearings 
by increasing Ca loss in urine in mid-pregnancy (60 to30 d pre-lambing) followed by increasing Ca supply 
in late-pregnancy (30 to 0 d pre-lambing). Five farmers fed 100 twin pregnant ewes 35 g of anionic salts in 
300-500 g of supplemental pellets (DCAB -814 meq/kgDM) from 60 to 30 d before lambing. From 30 d 
these ewes were then injected with 4 ml of a long-acting vitamin D formulation (5 farms) while one farm 
also had an additional group supplemented with Ca (8g lime (ground calcium carbonate) /ewe) in an attempt 
to increase Ca availability. In addition, groups of ewes not treated withanionic salts were injected with 
vitamin D (2 farms) or supplemented with Ca (1 farm) from 30 d. Following consumption of anionic pellets 
in mid-pregnancy, the pH of the ewes{\textquoteright} urine was lower and urinary Ca:creatinine ratios were higher after 2 
(6.73 vs. 7.32, P<0.002; 0.47 vs. 0.16, P<0.003) and 4 weeks (6.26 vs.7.23, P<0.001; 0.58 vs. 0.14, P<0.003) 
of treatment. However, neither the feeding of anionic salts in mid-pregnancy nor the Ca or vitamin D 
supplements in late-pregnancy consistently changed Ca serum concentrations or bearing incidence. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Litherland AJ and Knight TW and Lambert MG and Cook TG and McDougal DBO and Day A}
}
@conference {41955,
	title = {The effects of zeranol or zinc supplementation before lambing on the incidence of vaginal prolapse in twinning ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {68-72},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {The objectives were to determine whether Zeranol (ZER) and its metabolites or pharmacological zinc levels could change the incidence of vaginal prolapse(bearings) in ewes. In the ZER experiment 100 twin pregnant ewes were controls, a further 50 ewes each received either two low (24 mg and then 12 mg) or two high (36 mg and then 24 mg) doses of zeranol (ZER) implants separated by a four-week interval with 65\% of treated ewes receiving an additional 12 mg implant at set stocking. Urine samples were collected from 12 ewes, twice weekly, bulked into three samples and analysed for Zearalenone (ZEN), ZER and creatinine. Two weeks after receiving an implant, the ZER:creatinine ratio increased from 2.6 in C ewes to 21, 30 and 36 and the ZEN ratio from 3.25 to 6.7, 10.8 and 14.7 following treatment with 12, 24 and 36 mg of ZER (P<0.01). One month after treatment the ZER and ZEN ratios had decreased but were still higher in treated than control ewes (ZER 3.6 vs.11, P<0.01; ZEN 1.2 vs.5.2, P<0.01). The bearing incidence was 3\%, 2\% and 2\% for control, low and high dose ZER respectively. In the second experiment 100 scanned twin or triplet pregnant ewes were administered with 72 g of zinc oxide (The Time Capsule {\textregistered}) as a ruminal bolus 4-6 weeks before lambing on four farms with historical high incidences of bearings. Pre-treatment and all control serum zinc concentrations were low (9.4 {\textpm}0.2 mmol/L) but not considered deficient. Zinc supplementation increased serum zinc concentrations to 21.5 mmol/L (P<0.001). Bearing incidence was higher (P<0.001) in zinc-treated (4\%) than in control ewes (1.9\%). In conclusion, bearings are not caused by ingestion of ZEN in late pregnancy. The role of zinc in bearings warrants further study.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Litherland AJ and Knight TW and McDougall DBO and Cook TG and Sprosen J and Lambert MG}
}
@conference {41889,
	title = {Methane emissions from growing beef cattle grazing hill country pasture},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {172-175},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Methane (CH4) emissions from 12 Hereford x Friesian steers grazing hill country were measured on six occasions (6, 11, 13, 15, 23, and 26 months of age) during the months of February, July, September, November 2003, and October and November 2004 using the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer gas technique. These data are the first serial measurements of CH4/kg DMI on growing dairy beef cattle in New Zealand. Average daily methane ({\textpm} s.d.) emissions increased from 89 (10) g/head/d for 6 month old steers to 222 (46) g/head/d for 26 month old steers. The corresponding dry matter intake (DMI), predicted from energy requirements using the Feeding Standards for Australian Livestock, also increased from 3.6 kg/head/d to 12.0 kg/head/d for 6 and 26 month old steers, respectively. In contrast to the increasing DMI and daily methane emissions with age of the steers, the mean methane emission per unit of estimated intake was relatively constant at 17.3 (3.7) to 19.0 (5.6) g CH4/kg DMI from 11 to 26 months of age with a higher value of to 26.1 (7.0) g CH4/kg DMI for the 6 month old steers. The overall mean value of 19.5 ({\textpm} 5.2) g CH4/kg DMI is lower than that used in the current national inventory calculations. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Molano G and Clark H and Knight TW and Cavanagh A}
}
@conference {41397,
	title = {Conjugated linoleic and trans-vaccenic acids in grass-fed beef and lamb},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2003},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {21-24},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Queenstown},
	abstract = {Cis-9 trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in ruminant milk and meat has several human health benefits of which the anti-cancer effect is the most prominent. Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) is a precursor of CLA and can be considered as another dietary source of CLA. This paper uses data from three published papers to compare the CLA and TVA concentrations in the longissimus lumborum muscle (LL) from cattle and lambs, to determine the within- group variation, and to identify factors influencing this variation. The paper discusses the contribution lean beef and lamb can make to the estimated human daily required intake (DRI) for CLA. The CLA and TVA content was measured in the LL from two groups of cattle (n = 15 and n = 100) and two groups of lambs (n = 30 and n = 12). CLA and TVA concentrations in the total fatty acids (TFA) was higher (P<0.001) in lamb than in beef. The coefficients of variation within each group of animals ranged from 23-41\% for CLA and 25-68\% for TVA, indicating a large variation in the concentration of these fatty acids among animals. A number of factors contributed to these differences but the largest difference was found in lambs, where there was a 41\% higher (P<0.01) CLA concentration in the TFA from lambs born to ewes with high CLA concentrations than from lambs born to ewes with low CLA concentrations in their milk fat. A 100g portion of lamb containing 2-4\% lipid could contribute 2-5\% of the estimated 750mg DRI of CLA for humans. However, if dietary TVA was assumed to be equivalent to CLA, then lamb could contribute 13-15\% of the DRI. We conclude that lamb can provide a significant proportion of the DRI for CLA for humans and there is scope for farmers to further increasing the CLA and TVA content of beef and lamb.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Morris CA and Purchas RW and Agnew M}
}
@conference {41357,
	title = {The effect of condensed-tannins in fresh Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) on the net flux of fatty acids across the mammary gland and their secretion in the milk of lactating ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {62},
	year = {2002},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {231-235},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {<p>Twelve sheep were surgically prepared with catheters in the mesenteric artery and mammary vein and a transonic flow probe around the pudendal artery to quantify the effect of condensed-tannins (CTs) on net mammary flux of fatty acids (FAs) and their secretion in milk. Two weeks later (Day 0), sheep were fed fresh Sulla (1500 g DM/d), which contains medium to high concentration of CTs (43.7 g CTs/kg DM). Six ewes were orally drenched (four times/d) with polyethylene glycol (160 g/d in water) to remove the effects of CTs; the remaining ewes received water. On Day 28, the mammary plasma flow and net flux of most FAs were similar between treatments. Arterial supply of C23:0, C18:2, C18:3, C20:1 and C22:5 to the mammary gland was increased (P\&lt;0.10) with CTs. The increase for C18:2 and C18:3 was concomittant with increased (P\&lt;0.10) concentrations in milk. No effect of CTs on total fat concentration and yield in milk was observed. Conclusions from this study indicate that CTs in Sulla increased the milk concentration of C18:2 and C18:3 by increasing arterial supply of these FAs to the mammary gland.</p>},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Roy NC and Knight TW and Reynolds GW and Deighton MH and Death AF and Sinclair BR and Peters JS and McNabb WC}
}
@conference {41177,
	title = {Effects of yarding and transport on muscle glycogen concentration in beef cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {60},
	year = {2000},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {124-125},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {Low ultimate-pH of beef is desirable because it enhances shelf life, colour and tenderness. Pre-slaughter stress is thought to deplete muscle glycogen and in extreme cases lead to higher ultimate pH of beef. Seventeen-month-old steers were allocated to three treatments (n=15): Control (C, grazing on pasture), Yarded (Y, held for 24 hours in cattle yards) and Yarded plus Transported (YT, as for Y but also trucked for 4 hours during the 24-hour yarding period). The Y and YT animals lost weight (average 25.5 kg) during time off pasture. Plasma glucose and lactate did not differ across treatments. Plasma cortisol and creatine kinase concentrations were increased by YT and plasma non-esterified fatty acids concentration by both Y and YT. Despite these indicators of occurrence of mild stress, especially in YT, muscle (longissimus dorsi) glycogen concentration was not influenced by treatments. Results suggest that increased emphasis on improved animal handling during yarding and trucking of cattle is unlikely to markedly lower the incidence of high-pH beef. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Lambert MG and Knight TW and Cosgrove GP and Death AF and Anderson CB}
}
@conference {41155,
	title = {Incidence of bearings in ewes that had a bearing the preceding lambing},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {60},
	year = {2000},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {44-46},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {In the summer of 1998/9, 220 mixed-age breeding ewes were obtained from eight North Island farms. Half of these ewes had had a bearing in 1998 (PB ewes) and the other half were flock mates that had not (NB ewes). Ewes were fed in excess of their requirements from eight weeks before lambing and ewe condition had increased by 0.4 CS units by lambing. At scanning 15\% of PB ewes were dry compared to 10\% of the NB ewes. Pregnant PB and NB ewes also had similar scanning percentages (151\% vs 142\% respectively). Twenty percent of PB ewes had a bearing in 1999 (17\% in single and 29\% in twin pregnant ewes) compared with 0\% in NB ewes (P<0.001). Pre-lambing bearings occurred 18 {\textpm}2 days (2-33 days) before lambing. There was a 5\% bearing incidence after lambing. Eleven percent of the ewes treated for bearings died before lambing and 78\% of surviving treated ewes produced a live lamb. In conclusion, high feeding levels in late pregnancy do not necessarily cause bearings. Ewes with bearings should be clearly identified and culled as they are more likely to have bearings the following year.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Litherland AJ and Lambert MG and Knight TW and Cook T and McDougal DB}
}
@conference {41180,
	title = {Muscle glycogen and blood parameters in genetic strains of Angus cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {60},
	year = {2000},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {132-134},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {Angus selection and control herds in two long-term breeding studies were compared for muscle glycogen and blood parameters pre-slaughter. Trial 1 involved 3 years of bulls (n=85) from a yearling-weight (W) selection herd and a control (C1) herd, differing by 19\% in yearling weight. Trial 2 involved one year of steers (n=45) from an experiment to increase age at puberty (A+ herd) or to reduce age at puberty (A- herd), relative to a control (C2) herd, with age at puberty differing from the C2 mean by 11\% (A+) and -10\% (A-). In Trial 1, muscle biopsies were taken for glycogen assay (Years 1 and 2), and blood samples were taken (Years 1-3) for creatine kinase, cortisol, lactate, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose; animals in Trial 2 (Year 2 only) were sampled at the same time as Trial 1. Samples were taken at 17 months of age (Year 1), 10 and 19 months (Year 2), and 19 and 20 months (Year 3, with an extra blood trait added). Muscle glycogen concentration was 19\% higher in the W than C1 herd (P<0.05), and it was significantly lower in the A+ herd than in the other two herds (P<0.001). Cortisol (P<0.05) and glucose concentrations (P<0.01) were lower in the W than the C1 herd; NEFA was higher in the C2 herd than in the A- or A+ herds (P<0.05). No other blood parameters differed between herds. Repeatabilities for the 5 main blood traits in Trial 1 ranged from 0.14 to 0.38, being highest for creatine kinase (if excluding outliers), but repeatabilities were all low in Trial 2 (highest value only 0.13). The main conclusions came from Trial 1, in which most data had been collected, namely that across-year differences were found for 3 traits between herds (muscle glycogen, cortisol and glucose). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris CA and Lambert MG and Knight TW and Fisher AD}
}
@conference {41183,
	title = {Reducing fat colour in beef by grazing steers on turnip bulbs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {60},
	year = {2000},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {143-146},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {Feeding steers for 10 weeks on the residual turnip bulbs left after grazing the green tops off with lambs plus low carotenoid supplements, reduced carotenoid concentrations in the carcass fat by 38-43\% and fat colour by 14-31\% compared with steers grazing pasture. The steers on the turnip bulbs were fed a daily supplement of 0.5 x 10-1 IU of vitamin A in pelleted barley grain plus pasture silage, hay, and malting corms. The turnip bulbs comprised approximately 42-47\% of the diet. The growth rate of the steers on turnip bulbs was higher (P < 0.001) than for steers on pasture (0.71 kg head-1day-1 versus 0.45 kg head-1 day-1). There were no effects of grazing the steers on turnip bulbs on the other meat characteristics measured, including the odour and taste. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Death AF}
}
@conference {41021,
	title = {Effect of prior ram-ewe contact on the ability of rams to stimulate early oestrus},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {178-180},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Ram-ewe contact when ewes are in anoestrus may reduce the ram{\textquoteleft}s ability to stimulate oestrous activity in ewes. Conversely, oestrus ewes increase the ram{\textquoteright}s ability to stimulate ewes, possibly by increasing plasma testosterone concentration (T). On 25 November, 400 Romney ewes and 12 Dorset teasers were each randomised into 2 groups. One group of ewes and rams were joined while the others were isolated from the opposite sex. On 14 January (day 0) half of each group of ewes was joined for 35 days with either rams which had been previously exposed or not exposed to ewes, and mating marks were recorded each week. In a second experiment, 16 Romney rams were introduced (day 0) to oestrus or non-oestrus ewes and bled on days -1, 0, 2 and 5, and the blood plasma analysed for T. Rams not previously exposed to ewes stimulated more ewes to exhibit oestrus by day 35 than rams previously exposed to ewes (46\% vs. 30\%; P<0.01). Ewes previously exposed and those not exposed to rams responded similarly to ram stimulation, and by day 35 there was no difference in percentage of ewes mated. Both oestrus and anoestrus ewes increased T in rams on day 0. On day 2, T had returned to day -1 levels for rams with anoestrus ewes but increased further in rams with oestrus ewes (0.67 vs. 2.34 ng/ml; P<0.05). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Ridland M and Litherland AJ}
}
@conference {41040,
	title = {Exercise effects on muscle glycogen concentration in beef cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {243-244},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Low ultimate-pH of beef is desirable because it increases shelf life and has beneficial effects on colour and tenderness. Industry recommendations are that beef animals are not exercised strenuously prior to trucking, as this may trigger depletion of muscle glycogen and lead to higher beef pH. In 2 experiments, 400-500 kg 18-month-old steers were exercised at a range of intensities up to 5 km distance at 8 km/hr. Biopsy samples from the longissimus dorsi muscle were taken and glycogen concentration measured. Although plasma lactate levels were elevated by exercise there was no significant depletion in muscle glycogen concentration (average 17.7 mg/g tissue). Depletion may have occurred had animals been heavier and fatter, or if the exercise regime had been more severe. Alternatively, it may be that at the level of exercise imposed (which was severe by farm-practice standards), animals also needed to be emotionally stressed in order to precipitate a depletion of glycogen, through a combination of muscle contractile and adrenergic reactions. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Lambert MG and Knight TW and Cosgrove GP and Anderson CB and Death AF and Fisher AD}
}
@conference {41045,
	title = {Pregnancy diagnosis of twinning beef cows},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {259-261},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Technology now exists to make beef cows twin-pregnant. Accurate detection of pregnancy status is a prerequisite for differential management of twin and single-bearing cows. Calving outcome for about 50 beef cows was compared with predicted outcome by foetal counting using transrectal ultrasonography at day 50-70 of pregnancy, and veterinary palpation to confirm pregnancy at day 111-156. The trial ran for 4 annual calvings, and different combinations of scanning operator and equipment were used in each year. Overall accuracy of prediction of calving outcome ranged from 74-94\%, and did not differ for cows carrying singles or twins. Prediction accuracy was highest in the 2 years where scanning equipment provided a high degree of visual detail, and the operator was experienced in distinguishing foetal abnormalities. It was concluded that the combination of early foetal counting using ultrasound, and later determination of wet/dry status by palpation, could lead to levels of accuracy close to those being achieved by competent commercial scanning operators for sheep. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Lambert MG and Perkins NR and Devantier BP and Knight TW and Betteridge K}
}
@conference {41044,
	title = {The relationship between carotenoid concentration and fat colour in beef carcasses},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {256-258},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Relationships between carotenoid concentration, chromameter (L* a* b*), and subjective measurements of fat colour were calculated from 15 mobs of cattle. Carotenoid concentration accounted for 60\% of the variation in b* (n=514), but b* accounted for only 16\% of the variation in subjectively measured fat colour (n=732). Neither the inclusion of other variables (e.g. carcass weight or fat depth) nor transformation of the data substantially improved these relationships. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Death AF and Boom CJ and Litherland AJ}
}
@conference {40926,
	title = {Age at castration after puberty has no effect on carcass weight.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {196},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Bulls grow faster than steers but produce meat with lower quality, which presents fewer marketing opportuni-ties. Castration post-puberty improves several attributes of meat quality compared with bulls and theoretically it could be used to exploit the faster growth rates of bulls. How-ever, the 23 kg liveweight advantage of bulls over steers, when surgically castrated at 17 months-of-age, was lost in the subsequent 5 months to slaughter, because of poorer post-castration growth rate (Cosgrove et al.1996). It was not clear whether this was because of stress from surgical castration, or physiological effects associated with their age at castration. This trial examined the effect of age at castration on subsequent growth rate and carcass character-istics at slaughter.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cosgrove GP and Knight TW and Death AF and Lambert MG}
}
@conference {40907,
	title = {Is beef with yellow fat healthier for you than beef with white fat?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {134-136},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Fat samples were collected from 20 Angus grass fed steers 24 hours after slaughter. Fat colour was measured with a Chromameter (b* values) and the carotenoid concentration and fatty acid (FA) composition of the fat were analysed. Carotenoid concentration in the fat was low (1.54 {\textpm} 0.11 mg/g fat) compared to that found in vegetables. As b* values, and therefore the yellowness of the fat increased the proportion of saturated FA decreased (r = -0.58; P<0.001) and mono-unsaturated FA increased (r = 0.68; P<0.0001). The relationship was not as strong for carotenoid concentration even though the correlation between carotenoid concentration and b* values was high (r - 0.86; P<0.001). The conclusions were that the potential health advantages of beef with yellow fat compared to beef with white fat were small, especially as the relationships appeared to only apply within a herd. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Death AF}
}
@conference {40933,
	title = {Effects of season-of-lambing, stage of lactation and ewe-age on the milk volume and composition of machine-milked Dorset ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {212-215},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Dorset ewes from the Flock House sheep milking flock were used to investigate the effects of season-of-lambing, stage-of-lactation and ewe-age on milk yield and composition. Lambs were removed 4 days after birth and ewes machine milked twice a day. Age of ewe effects were significant (P<0.05) for total and daily milk yield, duration of lactation and concentration of milk solids. Total milk yield increased from two (77 {\textpm} 4 L/ewe) to four years (108 {\textpm} 3 L/ewe) of age and declined in ewes five years and older (78 {\textpm} 4 L/ewe). The concentration of milk solids was highest for ewes five years and older. Ewes lambing in Spring and Winter had higher (P<0.05) total milk yields, durations of lactation and daily yields of milk solids, but lower daily concentrations of milk fat and total milk solids, than Summer and Autumn lambing ewes. Average concentrations of milk fat, milk protein and total milk solids increased as lactation progressed, while lactose concentration, daily milk yield and yield of milk solids decreased. Milk yield, milk solids concentration and milk solids yield can be modified by ewe-age, season-of-lambing and stage-of-lactation. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gosling LS and Knight TW and Newman S-AN}
}
@conference {40899,
	title = {Measures of stress and growth suppression in surgically castrated bulls},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {100-104},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The effects of surgical castration of pre- and post-pubertal bulls on measures of stress and growth were investigated in two separate experiments. In Experiment 1, 17-month-old Friesian bulls (n = 6 per treatment) were either left untreated (Controls), handled and administered local anaesthetic (Handled), or handled, administered local anaesthetic and surgically castrated (Castrates). In Experiment 2, 5-month-old Friesian bulls (n = 10 per treatment) were either left untreated (Controls) or surgically castrated without local anaesthetic (Castrates). Castrates in Experiment 1 had higher (P<0.05) plasma cortisol concentrations 7 and 14 days after treatment compared with Handled bulls and lower (P<0.01) gains in body weight for 14 days compared with Controls. There were no effects of treatment on plasma non-esterified fatty acid, b-hydroxybutyrate and urea concentrations. Castrates in Experiment 2 had higher (P<0.05) plasma concentrations of cortisol and the inflammatory protein haptoglobin for 7 days after treatment compared with Controls. The feed intake and weight gain of Castrates were also lower (P<0.05) than that of Controls during the week following treatment. It is concluded that the castration of cattle causes stress, resulting in a check in growth which is possibly mediated via a reduction in feed intake. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Carragher JF and Knight TW and Death AF and Ingram JR and Matthews LR}
}
@conference {40812,
	title = {Brief Communication: Effect of dietary vitamin A on plasma carotenoid concentration and fat colour in cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {193-194},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {In two trials using cattle grazing green pasture, daily supplements of  1x106 IU vitamin A decreased plasma carotenoid (PC) concentration by 43- 58\% over 28-31 days. Neither increasing the dose of vitamin A to 2.5 x 106  IU nor continuing the supplement for 83 days further reduced PC  concentrations. These decreases in PC concentrations were not accompanied  by decreases in carotenoid concentration in the subcutaneous fat or fat  colour. This was possibly because PC concentration was still too high to  allow a loss of carotenoids from the fat depots. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Death AF and Wyeth TK}
}
@conference {40868,
	title = {A comparison of two methods of castration of post-pubertal beef cattle and their effect on behaviour, growth and ultimate pH},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {394-397},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {This study aimed to evaluate the effect of surgical and  immunocastration of post-pubertal beef cattle on their sexual and aggressive  behaviour, growth and meat quality. Forty mixed-breed bulls were assigned  to one of four treatments (n = 10): steers (S) castrated at 11 months of age,  late castrates (LC) surgically castrated at 17 months of age (Day 1),  immunocastrates (I) vaccinated against GnRH at 17 months of age (Day 1)  and entire bulls (B). Sexual and aggressive behaviour was monitored at  monthly intervals and prior to slaughter, animals were weighed and blood  sampled fortnightly. All treatments were slaughtered at 22 months of age  after which carcass composition and meat quality (pHu) were assessed.  Plasma testosterone concentrations declined to the level of steers by Day 14  for late castrates and by Day 28 for immunocastrates and remained lower  than for entire bulls through to slaughter. Entire bulls had a heavier hot  carcass weight (HCW) than I, LC and S. Immunocastrates were heavier than  LC and S. Treatment had no effect on pHu although late castrates tended to  have a higher mean pHu than immunocastrates and steers. From Day 0 to  slaughter, rates of sexual and aggressive behaviour declined significantly for  bulls, late castrates and immunocastrates to be similar to steers. There was a  tendency for bulls to show higher levels of both sexual and aggressive  behaviour during lairage.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Jago JG and Matthews L and Bass JJ and Knight TW}
}
@conference {40867,
	title = {Effects of post-pubertal castration and diet on growth rate and meat quality of bulls},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {390-393},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {By castrating bulls post-puberty and then finishing before slaughter it  may be possible to obtain both the higher growth rate of bulls but the meat  quality of steers. Of 50 crossbred bulls, 20 were castrated at 10 months-of  age (steers) and 20 castrated at 17 months-of age (castrates). One month  after the latter castration, all animals commenced a 100 day finishing period  and were slaughtered at the end. Ten steers and 10 castrates were fed a diet  of 50\% barley : 50\% silage while the rest grazed brassica crop and pasture.  Bulls were 20 kg heavier than steers at post-pubertal castration (388 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cosgrove GP and Knight TW and Lambert MG and Death AF}
}
@conference {40869,
	title = {Plasma carotenoid concentrations early in life can be used as a selection criterion for fat colour in heifers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {398-399},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Plasma carotenoid (PC) concentrations were measured at 2-5 month  intervals in 20 Hereford x Jersey (HJ) and 20 Hereford x Friesian (HF) once  bred heifers from 10-35 months-of-age. Half of the heifers were slaughtered  at 31 months-of-age and the rest at 35 months-of-age. The colour of the  subcutaneous and intermuscular fat was measured using a chromameter and  c* values were calculated. Subcutaneous and intermuscular fats in HJ  heifers were yellower (i.e. they had higher c* values) than in HF heifers.  Regression equations that included breed, date of slaughter and PC  concentrations at 10-12 months-of-age, accounted for 56\% of the variation  in c* values for subcutaneous fat and 40\% of the variation in c* values for  intermuscular fat (P<0.001). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Death AF and Knight TW and Purchas RW and Morris ST and Burnham DL}
}
@conference {40705,
	title = {Grazing behaviour of alpaca and sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {183-185},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Differences between breeds in seasonal breeding activity have been  linked to seasonal shifts in both LH levels and the magnitude of oestradiol  negative feedback. Studies were undertaken to determine the endocrine  differences in ewes of the same breed with high or low breeding values  (BVs) for date of lambing.   Forty-eight ewes (24BV- early lambing and 24BV + later lambing) were  selected from the flocks and 16 ewes (8 of each BV class) were  ovariectomized (ovx) and implanted with silastic implants containing  oestradiol- 17Beta. All ewes were bled 2 x week for a 12 month period  commencing in November to provide data on basal LB. The ovx ewes were  subjected to rapid sampling (every 20 min for 24 h) using automated  sampling equipment, on 5 occasions approximately 1 month after each  equinox and solstice in that year and samples were analysed for LH pulse  frequency.   Basal LH levels showed a seasonal shift with the ovx ewes having a greater  amplitude of change than the entire ewes. LH levels in the ovx ewes were  lower in November to January, and higher in March, April, May and June;  and lower again in August, September, October than in entire ewes. There  was no evidence of a major difference in pattern due to BV. In the ovx ewes  the values for the BV- animals tended to be lower than those for the BV+  ewes during March through July.   At the initial rapid bleed no animals showed pulse activity. In April the BV-  group had more pulses per 24 h (6.0 v 2.8). In July there was no difference  in proportion having pulses (8/8) nor in the pulse frequency (5.3 v 5.6/24 h).   In October the BV- animals had a higher pulse frequency (2.8 v 1.0), while  the proportion of animals (3/8) exhibiting pulses was the same. More BV-  ewes had pulses in January (6 v 3) and of those with pulses the BV- group  had higher frequency (7.7 v 4.7).   These data confirm the seasonal shifts in basal LH levels and in LH pulse  frequency. Selection for earlier lambing had no effect on the pattern of basal  levels. In the ovariectomized ewe the differences in LH pulse frequency due  to BV detected in October and final bleed in January were not as marked as  expected for the differences in the breeding activity of the two flocks but  they confirm that differences in sensitivity to oestradiol 17Beta negative  feedback are associated with differences in the onset of breeding season of  ewes selected for earlier lambing within one breed. It would appear that  selection for earlier lambing has disturbed the association between day length  and LH pulse activity and the sensitivity of the pituitary to GnRH.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sharp P and Knight TW and Hodgson J}
}
@conference {40579,
	title = {Effect of breed on plasma carotene concentration in New Zealand dairy heifers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {119-120},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Factors affecting plasma carotene concentration were investigated in New  
Zealand dairy heifers.  Blood samples were collected from 4000 dairy heifers in  
spring in November 1992.  Significant (P<0.001) variation was found in  
plasma carotene concentrations due to region, breed and farm.  Values for  
individual cows ranged from 1.7 to 56.2 ug/ml.  Purebred Jersey heifers had the  
highest plasma carotene levels (18.2 {\textpm} 0.4 ug/ml), purebred Friesians the  
lowest (14.4 {\textpm} 0.2 ug/ml), crossbreds were intermediate with 50\% Jersey and  
50\% Friesian significantly different from the purebreds (16.9 {\textpm} 0.6 and 15.4 {\textpm}  
0.4 ug/ml respectively). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Newman S-AN and Knight TW and O{\textquoteright}Neill KT and Death AF and Ridland M}
}
@conference {40613,
	title = {Effects of milking frequency and machine stripping on milk yields of Dorset ewes - Brief Communication},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {261-262},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {No astract supplied},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Gosling LS}
}
@conference {40610,
	title = {Growth rates, wool production and health of Awassi and Texel crossbred ram lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {247-250},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Birth and weaning weights, liveweight gain, wool weights and  
characteristics, and animal health were recorded on 214 ram lambs consisting  
of about equal numbers of Awassi and Texel cross Romney, Coopworth and  
Dorset ram lambs.  Changes in blood GGT concentrations were also measured  
in Awassi x Coopworth and Romney ram lambs following dosing with  
sporidesmin. 
 
Pre- and post-weaning growth rates of Awassi crossbreds were lower (P<0.001)  
than Texel crossbreds.  Awassi crossbreds had a higher incidence of footscald  
and higher (P<0.05) strongyloid egg counts in their faeces in May.  After  
dosing with sporidesmin blood GGT concentrations were higher (P<0.001) in  
Awassi x Coopworth than Romney ram lambs.  Awassi crossbreds had lower  
(P<0.001) fleece weights and wool quality than Texel crossbreds. 
 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Thomson NA and Power MJ and Gallen J}
}
@conference {40547,
	title = {Brief Communication - Effects of stress and nutritional changes on the ranking of cattle on plasma carotene concentrations},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {455-456},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The ability of endocrine manipulation of the neonate to effect prolonged  changes in body composition was examined. Treatment of lambs with  recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) at doses of 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg  liveweight/day for 11 weeks from birth elevated circulating ST concentrations  (P<0.01) but had no effect on circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth  factor-1 or on liveweight gain compared with excipient-treated lambs.   However, at 8 months of age (5 months after cessation of treatment),  ultrasound backfat depths (Mean},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Ridland M and Hill FI and Death AF and Wyeth TK}
}
@conference {40543,
	title = {Brief Communication - Time and incidence of foetal mortality in alpacas},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {437-438},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase is a disorder of  the de novo pathway for pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis. Inherited as an  autosomal recessive, it results in early embryonic mortality for the homozygous  recessive genotype. In the mid-1980{\textquoteright}s, heterozygotes were estimated at 1 - 2\%  among US Holstein cattle. The institution of a testing program for carriers and  refusal by US artificial insemination companies to accept carriers into their  progeny testing programs has eliminated the condition from the top 400 US  Holstein bulls. Bovine citrullinaemia is a defect of the urea cycle. Also  inherited as an autosomal recessive, it results in early postnatal mortality for  the homozygous recessive genotype. In 1990, heterozygotes constituted 0.3\% of  US Holstein cattle. At present, no known carriers are among the top 400 US  Holstein bulls. Carriers for either condition can be detected by convenient  and inexpensive DNA based testing. To guard against these conditions  reappearing, a modest testing program among prominent US bulls should be  continued and importers should insist that imported Holstein germplasm have  no evidence of these conditions.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ridland M and Knight TW and Wyeth TK and Death AF}
}
@conference {40440,
	title = {Effects of GnRH and of single versus multiple mating on the conception rate in alpacas},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {311-312},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Herd owners comment that they are having increasing difficulty getting their higher producing, higher Breeding Index (BI) cows to conceive. The reports published on local and overseas data are inconclusive and do not substantiate their concern. A solution to this dilemma would be analyses of contemporary groups within herds with production records stored in the national data base. This would allow for the effects of different feeding practices. Any factor which increased the likelihood of a cow failing to conceive to a first insemination will reduce income by $110/return. If the delay in conception must be rectified by induction, the cost of $320 and increased to $700 if the cow fails to conceive. These changes in income mean that if a herd of 170 cows has its pregnancy rate per breeding reduced from 60\% to 59\%, the estimated loss would total $955. This emphasises the cost of delays in conception date.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Death A and Wyeth T and Hill F}
}
@conference {40414,
	title = {Effects of location and source of ewes and rams on the onset of oestrus in Romney ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {207-210},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Spermatozoal motility is known to be influenced both by the  diluent used and by the physical parameters involved in the processing  of semen. We have evaluated the effect of cooling and dilution on ram  spermatozoal motility in a defined semen diluent. The results indicated  that ram semen is best stored at 15 C, this temperature being reached by  cooling at a rate not greater than 3 C per minute. Time (up to 60  minutes from semen collection) and extent of dilution (500 or 800 x 10 6  spermatozoa per mil) were found to have no effect upon maintenance of  spermatozoal motility.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Muir PD and O{\textquoteright}Neill KT and Wallace GJ and Hamilton GJ and McLean K}
}
@conference {40428,
	title = {Effects of month and PMSG on the interval from CIDR removal to ovulation in Romney and Merino ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {261-264},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Ingestive behaviour and herbage intake were measured in 36  twenty-month old pregnant and non-pregnant Hereford x Friesian heifers  with an initial liveweight of 360 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and O{\textquoteright}Neill K and Ridland M and Hamilton G and Death A and Wyeth T}
}
@conference {40410,
	title = {Measurement of foetal size by ultrasonography and progesterone concentrations in pregnant alpacas},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {191-194},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {A high fleece weight Romney breeding flock (HFW) and a  contemporary random control flock (RC) has been established at MAF  Technology Woodlands Research Station by the intensive screening of ewe  and ram hoggets from commercial flocks. This paper summaries production  traits including reproductive performances, liveweight and fleece weight  of the ewe flocks over the 7 years.   The ovulation rate and number of multiple births per ewe lambed were  higher for HFW than RC ewes 1.84 vs 1.75 (SE0.02, p<0.01) and 0.62 vs  0.56 (0.02, p<0.05). Number of lambs born per ewe joined, number of  lambs reared per ewe lambed, the number of lambs weaned per lamb born  and number of lambs weaned per ewe joined in HFW were 1.49 (SE0.02),  1.37 (0.02), 0.84 (0.01) higher in HFW (65.4kg; SE2.4) than in RC (61.3  kg; 2.4). The greasy fleece weight averaged 4.55 kg (SE 0.21) for HFW  and 3.87 kg (0.21) for RC. This represents an average advantage of  17.6\% (P<0.001) to HFW over 7 production years. The results indicate  that the single trait selection for fleece weight will be associated  with increases in other important productive traits in long woolled  sheep.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ridland M and Knight TW and Wyeth TK}
}
@conference {40368,
	title = {Oestrus synchronisation and oestrus detection in Swamp Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {25-28},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Selective mating of Perendale sheep for increased or reduced  susceptibility as lambs to an experimental challenge with Haemonchus  contorus commenced in 1986. Four years later changes were assessed  by monitoring faecal nematode egg count (FEC) in ewes and their progeny.   In the absence of drenching, mature flock ewes were given 7000 infective  larvae of H. contortus and 3000 larvae of Trichostrongylus  colubriformis in mid May 1990 after mating. FEC were monitored at  regular intervals during pregnancy and 4 times during the periparturient  period. Ewe and ram lamb progeny were faecal sampled on 5 occasions  between weaning (November 1990) and May 1991. Lambs were drenched at  most sampling dates. All stock were grazed across pasture contaminated  previously with mixed parasite populations.   Adult ewes selected as lambs for Resistance (low FEC) shed fewer eggs  than Susceptible (high FEC) line ewes throughout pregnancy, 2 weeks pre-  and 3, 6 and 9 weeks post-parturition. At the periparturient peak,  approximately 3 weeks after lambing, Low FEC line ewes maintained FEC  which were only 25\% of those in the High FEC line.   Lambs from the Low FEC line had significantly lower FEC than their High  counterparts on 3 of 5 sample dates (P<0.01). At the final sample date  (30 April 1991), there was a 10-fold difference in mean FEC between  extreme sire groups. Bulked faecal cultures demonstrated that  Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus were the dominant genera.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hill FI and Knight TW and Death AF and Wyeth TK and Ridland M}
}
@conference {40267,
	title = {The effect of pre-mating feeding level and age on liveweight change on reproductive performance of cashmere does},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {477-478},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The results in this field over the last 10 years at Ruakura and  relevant international data is reviewed. The nutrients involved have  been defined and a likely mechanism of action indicated. Pasture  allowance experiments indicated effects of pasture quality and a series  of pellet feeding trials defined effects of both energy (linear) and  protein (threshold) intakes. The threshold effect of protein was  confirmed by the abomasal infusion of protein. Analyses of changes in  blood concentrations of amino-acids indicated the involvement of the  branched-chain amino-acids (BCAA) and this has been confirmed by an  increased ovulation rate after intravenous infusion of BCAA. It is  concluded that the static and dynamic liveweight and the immediate  nutrient effects are the same response measured at different times. The  rate at which the response develops is dependant on the type of  feedstuff.   Studies into the mechanism of action in both intact and ovariectomised  ewes have ruled out effects on pituitary release of FSH either directly  or via interference with negative feedback influences. This indicates  that the effect is at the ovarian level and is mediated either by direct  action of the BCAA or indirectly via a metabolic hormone.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Parry AL and Edmonds DK and Knight TW and Hamilton GJ}
}
@conference {40258,
	title = {Mating performance of Texel rams},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {453-454},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Romney, Coopworth and Perendale ewes were accidentally exposed to   facial eczema before May 1 hogget mating at 9 months of age. Serum   gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels of individual animals were   determined on 21 April. The ewes were divided into 3 classes for   analysis based on the GGT levels: 1.<100 IU/1;2. 100-350 IU/1; and   3.>350 IU/1. At all matings over 4 years the ewes in class 3 had a   lower fertility than class 1. These differences were only significant   at the hogget and two-tooth mating. The total number of lambs weaned   per ewe mated were class 1-5.0; class 2-4.4; and class 3-4.3 (P<0.1).   There were no lifetime effects on fleece weight.    },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Davis GH and Knight TW and Sorenson E and Shackell GH and Holmes MR and Farquhar PA}
}
@conference {40264,
	title = {Oestrus activity in Booroola Merino, New Zealand fine wool Merino and Poll Dorset ewes from October to February},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {469-470},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {No abstract supplied   },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Kannegieter SG and Gibb M and Haack NA}
}
@conference {40180,
	title = {Breeding season of Romney and Poll Dorset ewes at different locations and the reproductive penalties of a June joining},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {265-270},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The age at which permanent incisor teeth came into wear was recorded in 23 yearling flocks that differed in breed and management, and one mixed-age flock, of spring-born sheep. In female yearling flocks the first pair of incisors came into wear at a median age of 15 months, with a normal range of 13 to 17 months. Variation within flocks was seven times greater than between flocks. Teeth erupted 21 days earlier in male lambs than in half sib sisters. Time of eruption was not affected by lamb breed, date of birth or growth path. Data from the yearling flocks identified a substantial pool of animals older than 12 months of age that did not have two incisors in wear. These animals could be given dispensation for grading as lamb after the normal cut-off date if incisor teeth in wear is accepted as the cut-off criterion. This would help overcome the shortfall in supply of lean, heavy carcasses that occurs each spring before new season{\textquoteright}s lambs reach suitable size. In the mixed age female flock, the median ages when 2, 4, 6 and 8 incisors came into wear were 15, 23, 30 and 42 months. Later pairs of incisors came into wear earlier than commonly assumed and individuals with the same number of incisors varied in age by up to two years. These findings highlight substantial limitations to the use of number of incisors for determining age in sheep.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Kannegieter SG and Hamilton GJ}
}
@conference {40178,
	title = {Mating Romney ewes in November-December using CIDRs and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {255-260},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The policy on most New Zealand sheep farms is to pre-tup shear two tooths in late February/early March two to four weeks prior to mating. However, in summer-dry regions, where feed supplies are typically low in late summer, this practice may potentially depress two tooth performance because post-shearing increases in feed requirements cannot be met. An alternative hogget-four tooth shearing arrangement which does away with late summer/autumn two tooth shearing has therefore been investigated at Massey University{\textquoteright}s "Riverside" sheep farm in the Wairarapa; a farm prone to summer droughts. In trials over three years the alternative shearing arrangement was found not to disadvantage ewe liveweight gains, fertility, wool production or financial returns. In addition to reducing autumn feed requirements, earlier objective selection of flock replacements and hogget mating are potential benefits of the alternative shearing programme. A slightly poorer spring cashflow results but otherwise management requirements are similar.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and McMillan WH and Kannegieter SG and Sorensen ES and Ridland CJ and Gibb M}
}
@conference {40100,
	title = {Advancement of the breeding season in Coopworth ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {48},
	year = {1988},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {103-108},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {In 1986 the ovulation rates of 21 Romney ewes selected for facial eczema (FE) resistance (R) and 27 selected for FE susceptibility (S) were recorded on day 5 of the cycle following synchronisation of oestrus with controlled internal drug releasers (CIDR) at the end of April. The ewes were then all dosed daily with 10ml of slurry of a culture of Fasarium containing 6mg zearalenone for 10 d. The ewes were re-examined for post-treatment ovulation rate. The resistant ewes had a higher ovulation rate pre-treatment than did the susceptible ewes (R=1.90 and S=1.50). Both groups showed a decline in ovulation rate after zearalenone treatment (R=1.35 and S=1.22). In 1987 Romney ewes from 4 FE resistance selection flocks (Model resistant (MR) n=148; Model control (MC), n=105; Resistant (R), n=110 and Susceptible (S), n=73) were examined by laparoscopy at the beginning of April. The ovulation rates were higher in the resistant flocks (MR = 1.73; MC = 1.55; R = 1.55; R = 1.42 and S = 1.29). These data indicate that the higher reproductive performance of FE resistant ewes could in part be due to their higher ovulation rates but that resistance to FE confers no protection against the effects of zearalenone.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Smith JF and McGowan LT and Knight TW and MacLean KS}
}
@conference {40015,
	title = {Effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (buserelin) on sheep fertility},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {46},
	year = {1986},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {161-164},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Teaser stags and progesterone-PMS treatments were used to advance the breeding season in non-lactating adult red deer hinds. In Experiment 1, 2 vasectomised stags were run with 39 hinds for 15 d prior to joining with entire stags. More teased hinds (20/39) calved early (11-20 November ) than group of non-teased hinds (5/42). In other experiments, laparoscopy revealed that progesterone + PMS treated hinds ovulated in mid February. Although calves were born as early as 10 October, indicating stags could successfully fertilise a hind in mid February, such treatment did not result in many hinds calving in October. It seems that the stag is sub-fertile in February. Calving dates of contiguous control hinds show that a large proportion were mated 18 to 25 d after the induced oestrus in treated hinds indicating red deer stags can have an effect similar to the {\textquoteright}ram effect{\textquoteright}. Some hinds calving to the induced oestrus produced twins.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McMillan WH and Knight TW and Macmillan KL}
}
@conference {39940,
	title = {Are rams necessary for the stimulation of anoestrous ewes with oestrous ewes?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {45},
	year = {1985},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {49-50},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {A study in 1980 showed that rams from a high prolificacy flock (Waihora) were more successful than rams from a low prolificacy flock (Whatawhata fertility control) in fertilising ewes by copulation. In this study translational swimming speeds of ram sperm in caprogen at 39},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW}
}
@conference {39967,
	title = {Effect of slope on lamb mortality},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {45},
	year = {1985},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {163-166},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {In the 10 years since it was observed that immunisation of ewes against steroid hormones resulted in an increased ovulation rate, research has provided some understanding of the mechanism of immunoneutralisation and of the factors which influence or modify the immunological and physiological response of ewes. It has also led to the development of a commercial vaccine. The mechanism of action is still uncertain although several changes in the endocrine balance of the ewe may be involved. Active immunisation against a number of steroids has been shown to increase ovulation rate and with passive immunisation, a mixture of steroid antibodies produced the best result. One possible mechanism via a reduced negative feedback on the pituitary and increased gonadotrophin release has been recorded. Effects at the ovarian level influencing follicular atresia must be also considered. The initial attempts at the practical application of this technology were unsuccessful. Although ovulation rates were increased, fewer lambs were born per ewe joined due to problems of anoestrus and anovulation. From these data the relationship between antibody titre and response was established and alterations to the composition of the antigen and treatment schedule were developed to modify the antibody response. Factors such as ewe age, level of nutrition and breed had little effect on the response. The response to changes in nutrition and live weight appear to be additive to those of immunisation, as is the response to exogenous gonadotrophins (PMSG). The timing of treatment relative to mating appears to have some effect, with intervals of less than 21 days reducing the lambing response through a high proportion of barren ewes. However there has been considerable variation in the final response indicating a major effect of early embryonic mortality. Lamb birth rank distribution has been within the predicted range and been seen mainly as an increase in twins with some higher order multiples. The mortality of lambs from treated ewes has been similar to that of lambs of the same birth rank from untreated ewes. The growth and reproductive performance of the progeny from treated ewes has been unaffected.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McMillan WH and Knight TW}
}
@conference {39971,
	title = {Effect of steroid immunisation in the performance of 3 breeds of sheep under hill country conditions},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {45},
	year = {1985},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {181-183},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Forty Romney hoggets were immunised against oestrone during March. A similar number served as untreated controls. Half of each group was treated with progestagen sponges to induce oestrus. Their ovulation rates were determined 7 day after sponge withdrawal and in mated hoggets within 14 days of first oestrus. Half of the immunised ewes were boosted as 2- and 4-tooths, the balance receiving only a 4-tooth booster. Half of the untreated controls were first immunised as 4-tooths. Ovulation and lambing rates were recorded. Immunisation increased hogget multiple ovulation rates by 50\%. Unboosted 2-tooth ewes had multiple birth rates and numbers of lambs born similar to untreated controls. Boosted 2-tooths had more multiple ovulations (37\%), ewes lambing multiples (28\%) and lambs born (28\%) than control ewes. The ovulation rate of 4-tooth ewes was 2.24. Untreated control ewes had the lowest proportion of triple ovulating ewes (11\%), with first treated 4-tooths and 4-tooths missing their 2-tooth booster intermediate (22\%) and annually boosted 4-tooths highest (38\%). Control 4-tooths lambed fewest multiples (53\%), first treated 4-tooths were intermediate (63\%) and 4-tooths missing their 2-tooth booster and annually boosted 4-tooths highest (75\%). However, differences in 4- tooth ovulation and lambing responses were not significant. The limited data demonstrate that annual immunisation against oestrone can increase ovulation and lambing rates. Ewes missing an annual booster perform at levels similar to untreated control. Furthermore, the immunomemory system for oestrone appears to last for at least 24 months since the ewes gave birth to 189\% of lambs compared to 194\% in annually boosted ewes and 159\% in untreated controls.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Smith JF and Sumner RMW}
}
@conference {39811,
	title = {Effects of teasing and nutrition on the duration of the breeding season in Romney ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {43},
	year = {1983},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {17-20},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Proportions of ewes having 1 to 4 lambs in 72 local breed flocks with mean litter sizes per ewe ranging from 1.07 to 2.30 were examined, and compared with the proportions recorded in 12 groups of Booroola and 8 groups of Finn type ewes. Below a mean litter size of 1.70, differences in litter size resulted from differences in the proportion of ewes having singles and twins. Mean litter sizes ranging from 1.70 to 2.30 were accompanied by changes in the proportions of ewes having singles and triplets, the proportion of ewes having twins or quadruplets showing no significant change. The proportions recorded in local breed flocks and groups of Finn-type sheep were similar over litter sizes of 1.70 to 2.30. Groups of ewes that carried 1 copy of the Booroola gene had more ewes with 1, 3 and 4 lambs, but fewer ewes with twins, than the local breed flocks.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Hall DRH and Wilson LD}
}
@conference {39809,
	title = {Ram induced stimulation of ovarian and oestrous activity in anoestrous ewes - a review},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {43},
	year = {1983},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {7-12},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Seventy-nine Romney ewes were allocated to high (H) or low (L) pasture allowances from 27 January. Half of each group (R) was joined with teaser rams on 9 February while the other half (I) remained isolated from rams until 10 March. R ewes exhibited oestrus 13 days earlier than the I ewes but there was no effect of nutrition. L ewes had fewer oestruses than H ewes (7 v9) and more abnormal oestrous intervals (16\% v 7\%). There was a negative relationship between number of oestruses and GGT levels and a positive relationship with live weight. There was no effect of teasing on the number of oestruses, thus R ewes returned to anoestrus 16 days earlier than I ewes. Similarly L ewes returned to anoestrus 20 days earlier than H ewes.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW}
}
@conference {39759,
	title = {Ovulation rates in Marshall Romney and Romney ewes: effects of body size and condition score},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {42},
	year = {1982},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {25-28},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Three lines differing markedly in reproductive performance as a result of long-term selection for litter size were compared for ovulation rates and uterine efficiency. Genetic differences in litter size were found to be due to genetic changes in ovulation rate with no evidence of altered uterine efficiency. Three additional lines also showed variation in litter size to be due to variation in ovulation rate rather than differences in uterine efficiency.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Hockey H-UP}
}
@conference {39764,
	title = {Shearing and time of joining effects on reproduction in two- tooth ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {42},
	year = {1982},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {45-46},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Local Merino, 1/4 local Merino and 1/2 local Merino ewes were grazed on oversown and top-dressed tussock grassland. When ranked for lamb and wool productivity at 2 and 3 years of age both the Booroola crosses were superior to the Merino. Satisfactory lamb weights and ewe fleece weights were obtained at lambing percentages above those normally obtained on this class of land.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McMillan WH and Knight TW}
}
@conference {39732,
	title = {Problems in flushing ewes on North Island hill country},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {41},
	year = {1981},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {183-188},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Smeaton DC and Knight TW and Winn GW}
}
@conference {39658,
	title = {Effects of diet and liveweight on ovulation rates in {\textquoteright}Romney{\textquoteright} ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {40},
	year = {1980},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {38-42},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW}
}
@conference {39687,
	title = {A review of effects of shearing on sheep production},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {40},
	year = {1980},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {215-220},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Smith ME and Bigham ML and Knight TW and Sumner RMW}
}
@conference {39621,
	title = {The influence of sires on lamb survival},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {39},
	year = {1979},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {87-93},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW and Hight GK and Winn GW}
}
@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 {39589,
	title = {Influence of hogget oestrus on subsequent ewe fertility},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {38},
	year = {1978},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {90-96},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Moore RW and Knight TW and Whyman D}
}
@conference {39531,
	title = {The fertility of hill country ewes mating at different stages of the joining period},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {36},
	year = {1976},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {252},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knight TW}
}
