Abstract

Following on from definitive measurements on deer preferences to pasture species by Hunt & Hay in the late 1980’s, this paper provides some practical guidelines for how forage programmes can be set up in NZ deer farming systems. These programmes take into account the highly selective nature of NZ red deer, their strong preference for herbs and legumes well ahead of grasses. Three groups of pastures are put forward for use in integrated breeding and finishing deer systems. Group I are general purpose pastures, based on perennial grass species but include desirable herb and legume species. Within this group key selection criteria such as ryegrass heading date, endophyte type andploidy level are discussed. Group II pastures are built around the high performance characteristics of hybrid ryegrases including high soluble carbohydrate levels and cool-season yield, while still incorporating important legume and herb contributions. This group is considered strategically important in meeting the rapid growth demand of weaners in both the autumn and early-spring. Group III are specialist pastures based soley on herb and legume species. Collectively they are characterized by high animal VFI and performance, strong dietary preference by deer and winter dormancy. Their use for enhanced hind lactation and fawn growth rates, and mid-spring weaner growth is discussed. Pasture groups replacement rates, proportions within a whole farm system and some key establishment and management considerations are also addressed.

S, Moloney

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 63, Queenstown, 274-279, 2003