@conference {41426,
	title = {Development of a technique to evaluate the role of elevated maternal thyroid hormone concentrations in the birthweight response to mid-pregnancy shearing.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {63},
	year = {2003},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {149-151},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Queenstown},
	abstract = {Several studies have shown that lambs born to mid-pregnancy shorn ewes are heavier at birth than those born to unshorn ewes (Morris et al. 2000, Kenyon et al. 2002a,b) but, the mechanism responsible has not been identified. Morris et al. (2000) observed elevated maternal triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations over a 20-day period after shearing at mid-pregnancy in both single- and twin-bearing ewes and subsequently found an increased birthweight in the singletons. Symonds et al. (1989) also reported maternal T3 and T4 concentrations to be higher in pregnancy-shorn housed ewes although, an altered birthweight was not reported. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Parkinson TJ and Revell DK and Morris ST and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {41313,
	title = {Does an increase in lamb birth weight through mid-pregnancy shearing necessarily mean an increase in lamb survival rates to weaning?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {62},
	year = {2002},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {53-56},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Lambing percentages in New Zealand have risen over the past decade and will most likely continue to rise, while the price for lamb remains high in relation to wool. Any technique that can increase the birth weights of lightweight multiple-born lambs may increase survival rates to weaning. Mid-pregnancy shearing as a possible technique to increase lamb survival under commercial conditions was examined in the present study. Mid-pregnancy shearing was found to significantly (4.7 vs 5.1kg, P<0.05) increase the birth weights of twin-born lambs but had no effect on birth weight of singletons or triplet-born lambs. Both the magnitude of the response, and the fact that it did not occur in all birth ranks, are consistent with previous mid-pregnancy shearing studies. Mid-pregnancy shearing had no significant effect on lamb survival rates to weaning. To achieve an increase in survival rate to weaning through an increase in lamb birth weight alone, the lamb must be born within a birth weight survival range below optimum, and the increase in birth weight must be large enough to move a significant proportion of these lightweight lambs into a higher survival rate range. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Morris ST and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {41076,
	title = {Improving lamb birth weight through mid-to-late-pregnancy shearing: a review of recent studies},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {59},
	year = {1999},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {70-72},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {A series of five experiments have been conducted at Massey University to determine whether mid- to late-pregnancy shearing of ewes might provide an opportunity to increase lamb birthweights and enhance survival, particularly of multiple-born lambs, under New Zealand{\textquoteleft}s pastoral conditions. Although birthweight responses were seen in most studies, they were not consistent with respect to the magnitude of the response or its occurrence in singles vs twins. However, when comparison was made across studies there was a strongly negative relationship between the size of the response and the birthweights of control lambs (those from unshorn ewes). We conclude that responses to mid- to late-pregnancy shearing are likely to be greatest when fetal growth in unshorn ewes is limited by maternal constraint. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Revell DK and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {41020,
	title = {Effect of maternal nutrition during early and mid gestation on fetal growth},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {58},
	year = {1998},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {175-177},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of maternal nutrition during early and mid-gestation on fetal growth. In the first, crossbred heifers were managed for High (H, 0.6 kg/day) or Low (L, 0.1 kg/day) live weight gains from mating until day 140 of gestation. Treatments were then reversed so that effects of nutrition during early gestation were not confounded by differences in maternal live weight at calving. Maternal liveweights (kg, Mean{\textpm}SE, n=30/group) were (L vs H) 350.6{\textpm}4.9 vs 394.3{\textpm}5.3 (P<0.001) at day 140 of gestation and 393.5{\textpm}5.3 vs 394.4{\textpm}5.8 (P>0.05) at term. Calf birth weights (L vs H) were 30.9{\textpm}0.7 vs 29.9{\textpm}0.8 kg (P>0.05). In the second study, 60 Romney ewes were allocated to three nutritional treatments, 0.5 maintenance (M), 1.0M or 1.5M from days 21 to 101 of gestation. At day 101, ewe liveweights were 45.8{\textpm}1.4, 56.8{\textpm}1.4 and 69.1{\textpm}1.4 kg respectively (P<0.001). Fetal weights at slaughter (day 101 of gestation) were 1249.9{\textpm}40.6, 1280.8{\textpm}38.0 and 1379.8{\textpm}35.2 g respectively (P<0.05). These results indicate that, although the fetus places a relatively small nutritional demand on the dam in early gestation, fetal development can in some situations be influenced by maternal nutrition, particularly when dams are over- rather than under-fed. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cooper K and Morris ST and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40937,
	title = {Control of Reproductive Success in Rabbits Using Bromocriptine.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {222-224},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Feral rabbits impose a substantial environmental and economic cost in this country, causing pasture devastation over large areas of land, accelerating erosion and decreasing vegetation cover. Existing or potential methods of control have a high ethical cost, and there is a need to identify new methods of control. Manipulation of lactation, to enhance mortality and inhibit growth and development of the young, is a possible alternative strategy. Prolactin (PRL) is known to be important for establishment and maintenance of lactation in rabbits, and PRL secretion may be inhibited by administration of ergot alkaloids such as bromocriptine (CB154). These substances are orally active and so could potentially be used in baits. In order to determine whether CB154 could be used in baits, it is first necessary to establish the lowest effective dose. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between dose of CB154 (initially administered systemically) and the growth and survival of kits. Sixteen pregnant New Zealand White does were divided into four treatment groups receiving different doses (mg/kg live weight/d) of CB154 ("low"(L), 0.2; "medium"(M), 0.4; "high"(H), 0.8; and control (C), 0). From day 3 of lactation, does were injected once daily with CB154 or excipient. Treatment continued until day 14 or until the death of all the kits, whichever came first. There were significant treatment effects on the proportion of kit deaths on all measurement days. By day 17, kit mortalities were: C, 20\%; L 42\%; M, 64\%; H, 71\%;) (P<0.05). The weight gain of the surviving kits from day 3 to 8 did not differ significantly between treatment groups, but kit weight gain day from days 8 to 13 showed a significant treatment effect (P<0.01) (control, 83.7{\textpm}11.4g; low, 18.7{\textpm}11.4g; medium, 33.5{\textpm}17.2g; high -0.8{\textpm}14.9g). Results are discussed in relation to the possible use of bromocriptine as a bait to control reproductive success, and to the fact that these rabbits were much less sensitive to bromocriptine than previously published studies would suggest. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cottam YH and Peterson SW and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40886,
	title = {Localisation of transforming growth factor Beta1-like immunoreactivity in foetal and mature skin from Romneys and Merinos.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {57},
	year = {1997},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {51-56},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Skin samples removed from sheep foetuses at weekly intervals during gestation were studied to examine how between breed differences in follicle development are induced. Immunocytochemical methods were used to examine the localisation of the peptide transforming growth factor-Beta1 (TGFb1 ). Our observations indicate general localisation of TGFb1 in the skin between 83 and 104 days of gestation in both Romney and Merino breeds. This coincides with the maturation of primary follicles and the development of sebaceous and sweat glands. TGFb1 immunoreactivity was maintained in primary follicles (particularly the presumptive inner root sheath cells in lower regions of the bulb), sweat gland and sebaceous gland but by day 134, a more discrete localisation was observed in the inner root sheath (IRS), outer root sheath (ORS) and sebaceous gland with intense immunoreactivity in the sweat gland. The timing of the localisation and the lack of difference between the breeds suggest that variation in the TGFb1 level is unlikely to have a regulatory role in primary and secondary follicle initiation but may play a role in regulating the diverse differentiation pattern of various cell types within the follicle. The intense immunoreactivity in mature sweat glands suggests a possible osmoregulatory role for TGFb1 in the skin.   },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hocking-Edwards JE and Thomas DG and Birtles MJ and Harris PM and McCutcheon SN and Wickham GA}
}
@conference {40842,
	title = {A comparison of unbred and once-bred lamb production},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {307-309},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The once-bred lamb (OBL) production system involves mating ewe  lambs at 8 months of age to be slaughtered at approximately 15 months of  age after rearing a lamb. This study compared the performance of bred ewe  lambs (},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Johnston JB and Morris ST and Purchas RW and McCutcheon SN and Parker WJ}
}
@conference {40839,
	title = {Seasonal effects on fetal growth in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {56},
	year = {1996},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {297-300},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Previous studies have shown that autumn-born lambs are lighter (by  0.4 to 1.0 kg) at birth than spring-born lambs, an effect which is associated  with impaired placental development in ewes mated to lamb in the autumn.  As previous studies have focused on near-term fetal weights and birth  weights, the objective of this study was to determine the pattern of growth  throughout gestation in lambs destined to be born in the autumn or spring,  and to examine associated changes in placental development. Mature N.Z.  Romney ewes were randomly assigned to groups mated in December (n=23)  or March (n=28) and managed on pasture in both seasons for similar live- weight profiles from mating to day 140 of gestation. Ewes were slaughtered  at day 56, 84, 112 or 140 of gestation, and measures of fetal and placental  weight were determined. Fetal weights (kg) of December- versus March- mated ewes were: d56 (0.040 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McCoard SA and Peterson SW and Jenkinson CMC and Campbell JW and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40694,
	title = {Effect of continuous stocking of breeding ewes at different sward surface heights during the late summer-autumn on herbage intake and productivity},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {55},
	year = {1995},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {141-144},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {This study aimed to raise GnRH antibodies in young bulls  (immunocastration) and determine the subsequent effect on behaviour,  sexual development, carcass characteristics and meat quality. Thirty Friesian  bull calves were assigned to one of three groups balanced by liveweight  (control bulls, immunocastrates and steers). At nine months of age (Day 0)  immunocastrates were vaccinated against GnRH (Vaxstrate) and boosted one  month later (Day 31). Following immunisation there was a rise in GnRH  antibody titre and a decrease in testosterone. Control animals gained  significantly more weight than immunocastrates and steers in the first 157  days. Overall there was no difference in weight gain between controls and  immunocastrates. Mean scrotal diameter of immunocastrates decreased from  Day 31 to Day 110 and then rose to reach a diameter similar to those of the  control bulls by Day 322. Leg wear scores were lower for treated animals  compared to controls until Day 230 of the trial, although these differences  were not significant. Immunocastrates had a significantly higher mean  ultimate pH than both control bulls and steers. Bulls were significantly  leaner than immunocastrates, and both groups were leaner than steers.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Panggabean AU and Morris ST and Parker WJ and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40630,
	title = {Biological efficiency: How relevant is this concept to beef cows in a mixed livestock, seasonal pasture supply context?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {333-336},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Efficiency, defined as the ratio of output to input, can be calculated for  
any product, and for any of the resources employed to generate that particular  
product.  "Weight of calf weaned per unit cow liveweight" is commonly used  
to measure biological efficiency in the beef cow herd, based partly on the  
assumption that feed intakes and hence costs are related to liveweight.  A more  
direct measure, and the one used here, is "weight of carcass produced per unit  
of feed intake".  The biological efficiency of the traditional beef breeding cow,  
determined in this manner, is low compared to that of other beef cow systems  
(e.g. twinning cows, once-bred heifers).  This is primarily because of the  
relatively low reproductive rate in traditional cow herds and the high proportion  
of annual feed consumption used to maintain the breeding female and her  
replacements. 
 
A simple output/input ratio may not, however, be appropriate for the mixed  
sheep and cattle systems which are widely used in New Zealand.  For these  
systems, where a competitive or complementary relationship may exist between  
enterprises, a more complex efficiency ratio that contains elements of the  
whole farm system is likely to be more appropriate.  Furthermore, in a seasonal  
pasture production system, where the supply of feed is likely to limit  
production at certain times of the year, feed does not have fixed value.  Feed  
costs therefore become an important component of the efficiency equation.   
Utilisation by other livestock of a scarce resource (e.g. winter feed) is also  
likely to have an influence on the economic efficiency of the system.  For  
example, if biological efficiency is ignored then output (weight of calf weaned)  
may be increased simply by increasing cow size but with no consideration of  
the extra feed inputs necessary to maintain larger cows, or the pressure that  
additional feed requirements may place on other components of the system at  
particular times of the year. 
 
In this paper, the relevance of biological efficiency is explored by comparing  
both biological and economic efficiencies of four cattle systems - traditional  
beef cows, beef x dairy cows (with and without twinning) and once-bred  
heifers - alone and in mixed sheep and cattle policies.  We conclude that  
biological efficiency is a relevant concept, primarily because its components  
(carcass weigh and feed consumed) are also important determinants of  
economic efficiency.  However marked differences between systems in the  
value of the carcass produced and/or feed consumed can lead to a poor  
correlation between the efficiency ranking of systems by biological and  
economic criteria. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris ST and Brookes IM and Parker WJ and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40578,
	title = {The effect of peripartum administration of ovine prolactin on lactogenesis in autumn-lambing ewes.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {115-118},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Two routes of oPRL supplementation were used to elevate peripheral or  
local concentrations of PRL in autumn-lambing ewes which, based on previous  
results, were expected to have low plasma PRL concentrations and milk yields  
relative to spring-lambing ewes.  Administration of 10 mg oPRL directly into  
the gland or subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg/kg oPRL did not increase the  
milk yields, or change the composition of milk, compared to controls.  These  
results suggest that the circulating and intramammary concentrations of PRL in  
autumn-lambing ewes are not limiting lactogenesis.  However, because the  
plasma prolactin concentration in the ewes was unexpectedly high, it was not  
possible to reach firm conclusions regarding possible effects of supplementary  
oPRL in ewes with naturally low plasma PRL concentrations.  Nevertheless,  
the results indicate that raising the intramammary concentration of PRL around  
the time of parturition, in ewes with circulating PRL concentrations  
characteristic of normal spring-lambing ewes, does not enhance lactogenesis. 
 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and MacKenzie DDS and McCutcheon SN and Lapwood KR}
}
@conference {40604,
	title = {Effects of pre-lamb and conventional full-wool shearing on the productivity of ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {223-226},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The effects of pre-lamb and conventional (post-weaning) annual 
shearing of ewes on their productivity and that of their lambs were studies 
over a three year period.  Ewes (n-500) were selected from a flock of 5000 
mixed-age Border Leicester x Romney ewes at Massey University{\textquoteright}s Riverside 
property in the Wairarapa in April 1989 and randomly allocated to two equal 
sized groups.  Both groups were managed under the same conditions until December 
1991.  Throughout the trial, one group was shorn after weaning in  
November/December and the second group was shorn prior to lambing in  
August.  Ewe liveweight and lambing performance were measured over three  
years, and individual ewe fleeceweights were recorded over two full years.   
Pre-lambing ewe liveweights were similar for both policies in all years, while  
post-weaning liveweights were greater in pre-lamb shorn ewes in 1989 only.   
Annual fleeceweights were significantly (P<0.05) greater for the pre-lamb  
shorn ewes in 1990 (4.07{\textpm}0.05 vs 3.64{\textpm}0.06 kg) but not in 1991 (3.61{\textpm}0.08 vs  
3.75{\textpm}0.09 kg).  Lamb birthweights and weaning weights did not differ between  
shearing treatments.  The small difference in ewe and lamb performance  
between the shearing treatments suggests that management factors, such as the  
provision of feed and shelter post-shearing, the spread of seasonal work, net  
income per ewe and cashflow, should determine whether a pre-lamb shearing  
policy is adopted. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Dabiri N and Parker WJ and Morris ST and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40605,
	title = {The effects of season on placental development and fetal growth in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {227-230},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Autumn-born lambs have been reported to have lower birth weights  
than spring-born lambs by 0.4 to 1.0 kg, but the physiological basis of this  
difference is unknown.  This study examined the effects of season on fetal  
growth and placental development independent of the confounding effects of  
maternal nutrition.  Romney ewes (aged 5 and 6 years) were randomly  
allocated to groups mated in December (n=13) or March (n=13 with a similar  
live weight at mating (55.6{\textpm}1.8 vs 55.7{\textpm}1.9 kg, mean{\textpm}SE, P>0.10) and  
managed for a similar live weight at day 140 of gestation (62.5{\textpm}1.8 vs 62.9{\textpm}1.9  
kg, P>0.10).  At day 140 of gestation, measures of fetal growth and placental  
development, adjusted for litter size, were (December- vs March-mated):  
individual fetal weight (4.15{\textpm}0.16 vs 5.07{\textpm}0.16 kg, P<0.001); total fetal weight  
per ewe (6.42{\textpm}0.18 vs 7.14{\textpm}0.22 kg, P<0.01); caruncle number (114.5{\textpm}4.1 vs  
121.0{\textpm}4.2, P>0.10); placentome number (89.4{\textpm}4.2 vs 106.9{\textpm}4.3, P<0.01);  
caruncle occupancy, i.e. number of placentomes/number of caruncles  
(0.79{\textpm}0.03 vs 0.88{\textpm}0.03, P<0.05); and total placentome weight (564.7{\textpm}34.0 vs  
679.0{\textpm}34.9 g, P<0.05).  These results suggest that seasonal differences in birth  
weight of lambs are mediated not by differences in maternal nutrition but rather  
by a direct seasonal effect on placental size (specifically the formation of  
placentomes and hence total placental weight). 
 },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Jenkinson CMC and Peterson SW and MacKenzie DDS and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40563,
	title = {Growth-promoting and metabolic actions of recombinant ovine placental lactogen and bovine growth hormone in young lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {59-62},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {It has been shown previously that ovine placental lactogen (oPL) has a  
growth-promoting effect in the growth hormone (GH)-deficient dwarf rat.   
However, this effect has not been verified in an homologous system using  
animals with an intact somatotrophic axis.  To examine the effects of oPL in  
the sheep, we injected lambs with recombinant oPL (0.1 mg/kg liveweight/day,  
n=16) or saline (n=16) for 21 days commencing on day 3 of life and compared  
their effects on body growth and energy intake with those in lambs treated with  
the same dose of recombinant bovine growth hormone (bGH, n=16).   
Circulating concentrations (ng/ml) of hormones in saline- vs bGH- vs oPL- 
treated lambs at day 20 of treatment were (mean{\textpm}SE): oPL, <0.5 vs <0.5 vs  
12.8{\textpm}0.5; GH, 10.8{\textpm}5.0 vs 48.4{\textpm}5.0 vs 12.6{\textpm}5.0, P<0.001; insulin-like growth  
factor-I (IGF-1), 267.6{\textpm}14.4 vs 302.4{\textpm}14.2 vs 291.7{\textpm}14.4.  Average daily gain  
(kg/day) during treatment was significantly (P<0.05) greater in oPL-treated  
lambs (0.28{\textpm}0.01) than in saline-treated (0.25{\textpm}0.01) or bGH-treated  
(0.24{\textpm}0.01) lambs.  Similarly, there were significant (P<0.05) increases in 
total energy intake (over the 21 day treatment period) during treatment with 
oPL (112.5{\textpm}3.5 MJ ME), compared with bGH (102.0{\textpm}3.5 MJ ME) or saline  
(102.0{\textpm}3.5 MJ ME) treatment.  It is concluded that oPL is somatogenic in  
young lambs.  This effect may be mediated by stimulating voluntary feed 
intake rather than by elevating circulating concentrations of IGF-I. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Min SH and MacKenzie DDS and Breier BH and McCutcheon SN and Gluckman PD}
}
@conference {40550,
	title = {Influence of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on components of the haematopoietic and lymphatic systems},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {5-8},
	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{\textpm}0.8 days) were  
injected 3 x daily with 30 mg/d rhIGF-1 or saline for 17 days.  IGF-1 treatment  
increased thymic weight at a common body weight (78.4 vs 58.0, PSE = 3.0  
mg, P<0.01), but had little effect on splenic weight (180.1 vs 163.0, PSE = 7.5  
mg, P>0.10), Expt 3 Histological sections of spleens from High (H), Control  
(C), and Low (L) IGF-1 selected mice at 30 (n=30) and 120 (n=35) days of age  
were analyzed for the density of megakaryocytes (precursor cells for  
thrombocytes), and the percentage of the area covered by white pulp (lymphatic  
tissue). L mice had, compared to C and H mice, lighter spleens (62.6 vs 76.8 vs  
89.6, PSE = 5.3 mg, at 30d; 60.2 vs 109.5 vs 114.5, PSE = 7.4 mg, at 120d;  
P<0.05), and a lower density of megakaryocytes (9.2 vs 13.4 vs 14.7, PSE = 1.6  
n/mm2, at 30d; 2.1 vs 13.9 vs 14.3, PSE = 2.0 n/mm2, at 120d; P<0.05), but  
were not different in the percentage of the area covered by white pulp (16.1 vs  
14.1 vs 13.4, PSE = 1.3\%, at 30d; 28.3 vs 23.1 vs 23.8, PSE = 2.4\%, at 120d).   
Expt 4 Mice from the three IGF-1 selection lines (n=13 vs n=13 vs n=14 for L  
vs C vs H, age=86.8{\textpm}2.3 days) showed no difference in spleen weights (110.8  
vs 137.4 vs 139.0, PSE = 11.8 mg; P>0.10).  In response to an antigenic  
challenge with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), there was a small effect (P=0.10)  
of selection line on the number of plaque-forming (immunoglobulin M (IgM)- 
producing) cells (PFC) per spleen (880x103 vs 954x103 vs 1187x103, PSE =  
130x103), but the differences in anti-SRBC antibody titres (IgM) in the plasma  
(10.8 vs 11.1 vs 11.7, PSE = 0.6) were not significant.  It is concluded that  
IGF-1 affects splenic and thymic weights independently, that it influences the  
density of megakaryocytes in the spleen, and that it has an effect on the number  
of PFC per spleen in response to a SRBC challenge.  However, the biological  
significance of these effects is still to be established.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kuhn Sherlock B and Morel PCH and Mathis JM and Blair HT and McCutcheon SN and Marbrook J and Breier BH and Gluckman PD}
}
@conference {40576,
	title = {Mammary involution in ewes: Changes in milk plasminogen and plasmin},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {107-110},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Multiparous Border Leicester x Romney ewes were weaned early (day 35  
of lactation), milked to empty the mammary gland and again milked 18 h later  
(day 0 of experiment) to establish baseline milk yields and concentrations in  
milk of the proteolytic enzyme plasmin and its zymogen plasminogen.  They  
were then divided into 3 groups to be milked 3 (n=5), 8 (n=6) or 15 (n=5) days  
after the day 0 milking to determine changes in concentrations and yields of  
plasmin and plasminogen in mammary gland secretions during involution.   
Yields (mean{\textpm}SE) on days 0 (groups 1 + 2 + 3), 3 (group 1), 8 (group 2) and 15  
(group 3) were: secretion (g), 785{\textpm}31.2 v. 598{\textpm}94.8 v. 478{\textpm}86.8 v. 51{\textpm}66.6;  
plasminogen (mg), 7.8{\textpm}2.2 v. 78.7{\textpm}11.1 v. 22.4{\textpm}4.6 v. 3.9{\textpm}2.1; and plasmin  
(ug), 11.5{\textpm}2.38 v. 148.5{\textpm}8.00 v. 51.6{\textpm}7.92 v. 4.9{\textpm}2.32.  Corresponding  
concentrations in the secretions were (ug/ml): plasminogen, 0.01{\textpm}0.002 v.  
0.15{\textpm}0.027 v. 0.046{\textpm}0.005 v. 0.061{\textpm}0.007; and plasmin, 0.015{\textpm}0.006 v.  
0.275{\textpm}0.027 v. 0.118{\textpm}0.011 v. 0.083{\textpm}0.009.  There was a linear decline in the  
volume of secretions from day 0 to day 15.  In contrast there was a transient  
increase (15 fold) in plasminogen and plasmin yields by 3 days after milking.   
These data suggest that any role of plasmin in mammary gland involution is  
likely to be limited to the first week after early weaning. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {MacKenzie DDS and Cottam YH and Knutson RJ and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40582,
	title = {Prenatal wool follicle development in Romney, Merino and Merino- Romney cross sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {131-134},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The prenatal development of wool follicles has been described separately  
for the Merino and Romney but a comparative study of both breeds and their  
cross has not been undertaken.  This study compared the rate and timing of  
follicle development in midside skin samples from Romney, Merino and  
Merino-Romney cross (MxR) foetuses slaughtered at weekly intervals from day  
76 to 144 of gestation. 
 
The development pattern of total number of follicles per unit area of skin  
differed between genotypes as indicated by a significant (P<0.001) genotype x  
gestational age interaction.  The total follicle density of each genotype  
increased from day 76 to day 105 at which time the follicle density of the  
Romney peaked at 229 follicles/mm2.  Total follicle density of the MxR  
continued to increase to between 420 and 510 follicles/mm2 between day 104  
and 122 of gestation and the Merino reached a peak of 1170 follicles/mm2 at  
day 125 of gestation.  The density of immature (i) and mature fibre-bearing (f)  
primary follicles (P(f+i)) did not differ (P>0.10) between genotypes over time,  
with each genotype reaching a maximum density of P(f+i) between days 83 and  
90 of gestation.  Primary follicles (P) began to reach maturity by gestational  
day 90 in the MxR and by day 97 in the Merino and the Romney (P>0.10).  In  
all genotypes, secondary follicle (S) initiation began at around day 90 with a  
small proportion starting to form fibres by day 105 of gestation.  There was a  
significant interaction between genotype and gestational age for both the  
density of S(f+i) (P<0.0001) and the density of S(f) (P<0.01).  Specifically, 
S(f+i) increased to 175 follicles/mm2 in the Romney, 440 follicles/mm2 in the 
MxR and 900 follicles/mm2 in the Merino at 105, 105 and 125 days gestation  
respectively, after which S(f+i) density stayed relatively constant up to birth. 
 
These results indicate that follicle initiation and fibre formation in different  
genotypes occurs at similar ages during fetal growth.  The high total follicle  
density in the Merino is due to a high S density which, in turn, is due to S  
initiation continuing for longer than in either the Romney or MxR.  These data  
provide a model for the identification of certain physiological factors which  
affect secondary follicle initiation and development. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hocking-Edwards JE and Birtles MJ and Harris PM and Parry AL and Paterson E and Wickham GA and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40561,
	title = {A prolonged change in body composition induced by endocrine manipulation of the neonate},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {51-54},
	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{\textpm}SE) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in  
lambs previously treated with excipient (3.4{\textpm}0.3 mm) than in those treated with  
rbST at 0.1 mg/kg (2.8{\textpm}0.3 mm) or 0.3 mg/kg (2.5{\textpm}0.3 mm).  In a second  
study, rats were treated with saline vs. 0.2 ug/g rbST vs. 0.4 ug/g rbST vs. 0.2  
ug/g pituitary ovine prolactin (poPRL) vs. 0.4 mu/g poPRL for the first 21 days  
of life.  At 120 days of age they were euthanased, selected fat depots weighed  
and the carcasses analysed for fat content.  Neonatal treatment with rbST or  
poPRL significantly (P<0.05) reduced weight of the subcutaneous scapular fat  
depot (1.08{\textpm}0.18 vs. 0.46{\textpm}0.17 vs. 0.52{\textpm}0.18 vs. 0.50{\textpm}0.17 vs. 0.49{\textpm}0.17 g)  
and carcass fat content (5.88{\textpm}0.27 vs. 5.03{\textpm}0.26 vs. 4.58{\textpm}0.27 vs. 5.28{\textpm}0.26  
vs. 4.70{\textpm}0.26\%) but did not influence weights of the subcutaneous abdominal,  
genital or perirenal fat depots.  These results suggest that endocrine  
manipulation of the neonate may offer a means of producing desirable changes  
in the composition of production animals while avoiding consumer resistance  
to the use of hormonal growth promotants close to the time of slaughter. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McCutcheon SN and Kadim IT and Wickham GA and Purchas RW}
}
@conference {40575,
	title = {The utilisation of whole body cysteine by the mammary gland of the lactating goat},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {54},
	year = {1994},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {103-106},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Three lactating Saanen goats weighing 55-71 kg, producing 1.2-3.6 kg  
milk/day and fed <I>ad libitum</I> concentrates and hay, were infused via a  
jugular catheter with 35S-cysteine (35S-Cys) at 9.3 mCi/min for 9 hours.   
Blood samples were taken hourly and mammary tissue biopsied terminally.   
Concentrations and specific radioactivities (SRA) of cysteine (Cys) and  
glutathione (GSH) were determined in whole blood, plasma and mammary tissue.   
Mean arterial concentrations (nmoles/g{\textpm}SE) of Cys and GSH in whole blood,  
plasma and red blood cells were: 71{\textpm}7, 79{\textpm}9 and 19{\textpm}8; and 823{\textpm}30, 1.6{\textpm}01 and   
3426{\textpm}124 respectively.  Arterial SRA in whole blood at plateau (7-9h) of  
35S-Cys (352{\textpm}13 dpm/nmole) was higher than that for GSH (5.9{\textpm}0.7 
dpm/nmole).   
However the difference between intracellular SRA for Cys and GSH in  
mammary gland tissue was much less (231{\textpm}23 vs 146{\textpm}13 dpm/nmole).  Total  
uptake of Cys by one half of the mammary gland was 0.5{\textpm}0.2 g/day.  Whole  
body irreversible loss rate of Cys was 7.3{\textpm}0.7 g/day, giving a percentage  
utilisation of whole body Cys by the mammary gland of 13.6{\textpm}4.3. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knutson RJ and Lee J and Davis SR and Harris PM and MacKenzie DDS and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40477,
	title = {The effect of once daily milking concentrations and yields of plasminogen, plasmin and other whey proteins},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {155-158},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Lambs of ewes with a high maternal behaviour score (MBS) located the udder in less time after birth than lambs of low MBS ewes. Rapid location of the udder increased immunoglobulin concentration in lamb plasma 24 hours after birth and may contribute to the improved lamb survival and growth (ewe productivity) associated with high MBS ewes.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Knutson RJ and MacKenzie DDS and Davis SR and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40510,
	title = {Effects of CIDR withdrawal - insemination interval on conception rate in sheep AI},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {291-294},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Prediction of ewe litter size from liveweight and body condition change over pregnancy was examined in two flocks (246 mixed aged Corriedale ewes and 154 mixed aged Romney ewes). Liveweight and body condition estimates were recorded on five occasions during pregnancy. Litter size (lambs born per ewe present at lambing) was determined at lambing. Mean liveweight at joining of ewes ultimately producing 0, 1, 2 or 3 lambs was 62.7, 63.1, 65.7 and 66.9 respectively in Flock 1. Corresponding values in Flock 2 were 57.0, 59.4, 62.9 and 68.5 kg. Liveweight change over 140 days after ram introduction for ewes carrying 0, 1, 2 or 3 lambs in Flock 1 was -2,7, 5.7, 7.4 and 9.7 respectively. Corresponding figures for Flock 2 were -6.4, - 0.6, 0.9 and 4.5 kg. Over the same period body condition declined in Flock 1 (mm GR) by 4.3, 3.4, 4.7 and 6.5 mm and in Flock 2 (units condition score, CS) by 0.37, 0.53, 0.82 and 1.00 for ewes lambing 0, 1, 2 or 3 lambs respectively. Lambs born per ewe lambing was 1.44 and 1.50 in Flock 1 and 2 respectively. Ewes are ranked within a flock on their individual deviation from the flock mean for various liveweight and/or condition criteria and allocated sequentially to nominal {\textquoteright}single{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteright}twin{\textquoteright} flocks of equal size. Ranking on liveweight at joining, 6 weeks prior to lambing and prior to the start of lambing resulted in a litter size in the {\textquoteright}single{\textquoteright}:{\textquoteright}twin{\textquoteright} groups of 1.36:1.52, 1.28:1.60 and 1.28:1.64 respectively in Flock 1. Equivalent figures for Flock 2 were 1.38:1.62, 1.32:1.68 and 1.29:1.71. Ranking ewes on GR (or CS) deviation from GR (or CS) predicted from the regression of GR (or CS) on pre-lambing liveweight gave some further improvement in discrimination between {\textquoteright}single{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteright}twin{\textquoteright} groups (1.16:1.72 for Flock 1, 1.25:1.75 for Flock 2). Depending on the accuracy required in determining ewe litter size, the use of individual ewe liveweight and to a lesser extent body condition may be an acceptable alternative to ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Paton AJ and Harvey TG and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40444,
	title = {Herbage allowance - intake - production relationships in continuously stocked winter- and spring-lambing ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {11-14},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The potential of by-products from fruit and vegetable growers and processors to serve as supplementary feeds for dairy cows in the Hawkes Bay region, which traditionally experiences poor summer pasture growth, was assessed. A total of 75 000 tonnes (wet matter) of by- products were produced by the six growers and processors surveyed, mainly between January and June. Peak by-product output occurred in April when an estimated 15,000 tonnes of wet matter was produced. Industry disposal costs ranged from $10 to $33/tonne wet matter. The metabolisable energy values (MJ ME/kg DM) of by-products were at least equivalent to those of high quality spring pasture (e.g. carrot 11.3, apple pomace 13.7), but nitrogen levels (\% in DM) were low compared to those recorded in pasture (e.g. corn 1.0\%, apple pomace 1.9\%). A linear programming analysis of a Hawkes Bay dairy farm indicated that farmers could afford to pay up to 15.5 cents/kg DM for additional feed from May to October and 26.7 cent/s kg DM during the remainder of the year if milkfat prices were $6/kg. These shadow values indicate the maximum price that could be paid for transport and feeding costs for by-products on the model farm.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris ST and Parker WJ and Burnham DL and Reynolds GW and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40521,
	title = {Hormone/metabolite levels in young rams as predictors of genetic merit for backfat depth and fleeceweight},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {335-338},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Three newly developed electronic lamb carcass grading probes (Hennessy Grading Probe, AUS-Meat Sheep Probe, Swedish FTC Lamb Probe) and one developmental probe (Ruakura GR lamb probe) were tested for accuracy in classifying 6 groups, each of approximately 50 lamb carcasses.  They were assessed for accuracy and suitability for use on- line on the lamb dressing chain for objectively classifying lamb carcasses. Probe measurements were compared with manual GR (sometimes used at present) and Toland (can measure total tissue depth between the ribs) probe measurements for accuracy of predicting both GR on the right side of each carcass, and also carcass water (indicating muscle) and fat content. All probes combined with carcass weight accounted for over 70\% of the variation (R2) of GR right with the GR left prediction accounting for 92\% of the variation in GR right. The 3 commercial electronic probes used at chain speed combined with carcass weight could account for 36- 49\% of the variation in \% water and fat with the manual GR probe (right) doing only slightly better on the chilled carcass. Chilled carcass measurements are expected to give better results. The electronic probe results are consistent with overseas results where probes are in use for objectively grading the carcasses of meat animals.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Kuhn B and Blair HT and Purchas RW and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40531,
	title = {Metabolic changes in sheep divergently selected for plasma IGF-1},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {381-384},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The detection of small amounts of biologically active material in animals may require quantification of radioactive label. Here we compare several image analysis methods for quantifying relative levels of radioactive probe detected by x-ray film or photographic emulsion. Total RNA "dot blots" and ovine muscle sections were probed for the presence of muscle actin mRNA using 35S-labelled riboprobes. Bound probe was detected by x-ray film in both cases. The probed sections were further exposed to photographic emulsion, while the dot blots were individually quantified by scintillation counting. Bound probe was quantified macroscopically by digitisation of optical density (OD) and thresholding of the x-ray film image. Dot blot image ODs were correlated with scintillation counts (r>0.96), demonstrating that the levels of mRNA detected in tissues by autoradiography are proportional to cellular mRNA concentration. Densitometry of section macroautoradiographic images can therefore be useful in determining relative probe signal at the tissue level. When probe was quantified microscopically by counting silver grains in emulsion autoradiographs, simple thresholding correlated with manual counts (r=0.88) but was unreliable at higher grain densities. Processing of the gray image gave a more direct estimate of silver grain density (r= 0.98).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sherlock RG and Blair HT and Kuhn B and MacKenzie DDS and Breier BH and Gluckman PD and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40455,
	title = {The potential of industry by-products as supplementary feeds for dairy cows in the Hawkes Bay region},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {53},
	year = {1993},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {55-60},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {No abstract supplied.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Bramwell NF and Parker WJ and Gray DI and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40439,
	title = {The effect of sward surface height on ingestive behaviour and intake of once-bred and non-pregnant heifers under continuous stocking management in early winter},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {307-310},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Damage to soils and pastures in early Spring is a significant factor reducing pasture growth, feed utilisation and animal production on NZ dairy farms. Farmers have sought and may have found a management solution to this problem. It involves the early removal of dairy cows from pasture, after a period of grazing that is sufficient to meet the dry-matter intake needs of the cows. For example the colostrum herd might graze on pasture only at night, and spend the period between morning and afternoon milkings on the cowshed yard. The main herd will be on pasture during the daytime, but may be taken off pasture at 9.00 after 3 to 4 hours grazing, and stood on the cowshed yard until morning milking. This limits the extent of treading and reduced damage to soils and pasture, allowing the farm to sustain higher pasture growth rates, maintain a higher average pasture cover and achieve a longer first rotation. Dairy farmers have found they can stand lactating dairy cows without special facilities and without the need for supplementary feed provided certain conditions are met. The best place to stand cows from farmers experience is on the cowsheds concrete yard. Cows are used to standing there and the concrete is cleaned daily of stones, so risk of stone bruising to hooves is minimal. While space on the yard is limited, few cows lie down on the concrete. The close contact means they keep each other warm, and they may be less exposed to weather than in the paddock. There appears to be no detrimental effect on daily per cow production from this treatment and production data will present to illustrate this.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Inwood PR and Morris ST and Parker WJ and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40417,
	title = {A modelling study of the productivity and profitability of unmated and mated ewes on North Island hill country},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {221-224},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Five groups (15-30) of Romney or Merino ewes were synchronised  with CIDR devices for 12 days in March or April. In all but one group  of Romney ewes 400IU PMSG was injected at CIDR removal. Intervals to  onset of oestrus and ovulation were determined by recording crayon marks  and laparoscopy respectively every 4 hours. Interval to ovulation was  not affected by ewe breed or month of treatment, but it was 7.9 hours  earlier in ewes injected with PMSG (48.9h vs 56.8h P<0.001) and the  variance was less (13.4h vs 35.7h P<0.05). Interval to oestrus was  affected by breed of ewe, date of synchronisation and use of PMSG.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Parker WJ and Gray DI and Morris ST and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40431,
	title = {Suppression of secondary wool follicle development by administration of placental lactogen to ovine foetuses},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {277-280},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {No abstract supplied.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Wickham GA and Schoknecht PA and Currie WB and Bell AW and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40411,
	title = {Testis size and endocrine parameters in rams as predictors of aseasonality in their daughters},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {52},
	year = {1992},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {195-198},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Overseas data suggest that feeding low energy/high protein diets  can increase carcass weight (and muscle mass) while reducing fat  content. The potential application of this technique to maximise the  returns from overfat lambs in New Zealand was studied. One hundred and  sixty ewe lambs, assessed as being overfat, were allocated on a  liveweight basis to one of seven treatment groups. These comprised an  initial slaughter group, 2 groups offered pasture at approximately  maintenance allowance, 2 groups offered pasture at approximately half  maintenance plus 200g/d of a high protein pellet and 2 groups held on a  bare paddock and offered ad lib straw plus 200g/d of a high  protein pellet. One group from each treatment was slaughtered after 3  weeks and the second after 5 weeks of controlled feeding. Liveweight  change, carcass weight and carcass fatness were monitored.   All groups lost liveweight (88-195 g/d) and estimated carcass weight  (37-89g/d) over the experiment. Corrected to a common carcass weight of  15.25kg decreased GR from 11.6mm for the initial slaughter group to 9.7  and 9.2mm after 3 and 5 weeks, respectively of maintenance pasture  feeding. Corresponding GR{\textquoteright}s of the supplemented groups were 9.3mm (both  groups) after 3 weeks and 8.1 and 7.5mm after 5 weeks for straw and  pasture based diets respectively.   Supplementation with a high protein diet was effective in reducing  carcass GR measurement after 3 weeks of supplementation with a further  decrease after 5 weeks. However, unsupplemented lambs also showed a  decrease in GR after 3 weeks, which was not significantly different from  supplemented lambs. The length of feeding required to effect a change  negated the advantage of decreased GR, although economic returns could  be achieved if the pellets were more readily accepted.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Xu ZZ and McDonald MF and McCutcheon SN and Blair HT}
}
@conference {40316,
	title = {Plasma hormone concentrations in pasture-fed Friesian cows treated with recombinantly-derived bovine somatotropin (bST)},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {51},
	year = {1991},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {235-238},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Dairy farmers often debate the importance of liveweight of  rising 2 year old heifers and the value of various heifer wintering  systems on subsequent production. Lifetime performance of all dairy  cows born on the Taranaki Agricultural Research Station have been  recorded since 1978 on a computerised data base. This data base was  utilised to determine the liveweight gain of heifers and cows over  winter and the effects of this on production in the following season.   Initial analysis of the data showed a significant (P<0.01) age effect on  winter liveweight gain within a mixed age herd of cows. The average  liveweight gain over eight years of the older cows (4 yr +) was 3 times  that of the rising 2 year olds. Further analysis showed a significant  (P<0.05) age effect on the relationship between liveweight at calving  and production of milkfat in the following season. Higher liveweight at  calving resulted in a greater increase in production for 2 year olds  than for older cattle. The conclusion to be drawn from this is that  wintering rising 2 yea old heifers separately from older cows to achieve  higher liveweight may have beneficial effects on the following seasons  production.   A field trial in winter 1990 to test this assumption showed the winter  liveweight gain of rising 2 year old heifers and mature cows, offered  the same herbage allowance, was significantly (P<0.01) higher when  wintered separately than wintered as a mixed age herd. Subsequent milk  solids production from the two-wintering systems was the same despite  different liveweight at calving. Aspects of herd behaviour were  suggested as the cause of the nil response.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McCutcheon SN and Hoogendoorn CJ and Lynch GA and Wickham BW and Breier BH and Gluckman PD}
}
@conference {40352,
	title = {Responses to divergent selection for plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {51},
	year = {1991},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {417-422},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {No abstract supplied  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morel PCH and Blair HT and McCutcheon SN and Breier BH and Gluckman PD}
}
@conference {40348,
	title = {Wool sulphur concentration in fleeceweight-selected and control Romney hoggets},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {51},
	year = {1991},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {395-400},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Dairy and beef cows (n=349) which had calved at least two sets  of twins were identified in farmers{\textquoteright} herds in 1982-85. Their calving  performance is summarised here, and an experimental herd was founded from  a sample of them. The calvings of 11 high twinning-rate dairy herds  identified from this publicity are also summarised. Repeat-twinning  cows were from factory-supply dairy herds (66\%), town-supply dairy herds  (10\%), beef herds (21\%) and house cows (2\%). The twin calving rate in  factory-supply survey herds with Friesians was 2.6\%, greater than the  national average. There were, on average, 2.44 twin or triplet sets per  cow. Of all the multiple births, 1.3\% were triplet sets. Data on sex  ratios of calves from the twinning cows suggested that probably all  their twins were the result of multiple ovulations. Perinatal calf  survival rates averaged 86\%, with 80\% of sets having both calves  surviving; 21\% of twin calvings were associated with a retained  placenta, and 18\% of twin calvings were assisted. Mean ages of cows at  first and later twin calvings were also summarised. The 11 {\textquoteright}elite{\textquoteright}  herds averaged a 4.1\% twin calving rate (21 000 records), with 16\% of  cows calving at least one set of twins. Subsequent twin calving  frequencies were summarised. The 69 foundation experimental cows  averaged 2.39 twin sets and a 50\% twin calving rate/year at purchase,  and subsequently (1983-89) a twin calving rate of 10.3\% (18 sets/174  calvings) compared with controls at 0.8\% (1/121).  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sun YX and Koolaard JP and Blair HT and Lee J and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40255,
	title = {Intraruminal chromium controlled release capsules for measuring herbage intake in ruminants - a review},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {437-442},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {No abstract supplied   },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Parker WJ and Morris ST and Garrick DJ and Vincent GL and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40269,
	title = {Milk production and plasma prolactin levels in spring- and autumn-lambing ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {483-485},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Methane and nitrous oxide produced by farmed ruminants may cause  over one third of the potential greenhouse warming which can be  attributed to New Zealand. This is a result of high populations of  domestic ruminants (mainly sheep and cattle), and the large warming  potential of methane and nitrous oxide. New Zealand{\textquoteright}s total greenhouse  gas production is an insignificant component of the global total, but  this fact cannot be used as a reason to ignore New Zealand{\textquoteright}s  contribution. International negotiations have commenced with the aim of  producing a treaty to limit global greenhouse gas production by  ruminants in New Zealand, and identifies areas needing further research.  It concludes that; (1) the accuracy of estimate of greenhouse gas  emissions from agriculture needs to be improved; (2) technology to  reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants should be developed for,  and applied to, New Zealand farming systems; and (3) that equitable  methods of implementing limitation policies need to be investigated.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and MacKenzie DDS and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {40204,
	title = {Plasma urea dilution patterns in Southdown ram lambs from high and low backfat selection lines},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {50},
	year = {1990},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {105-108},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {Exogenous progesterone and oestradiol benzoate (OB) were used in   long-term ovariectomised red deer to investigate a simple technique for   induction of oestrus. Up to 12 days of intravaginal progesterone   (CIDR-S; replaced at 4 day intervals) was followed 24h later by a single   intramuscular injection of OB. Continual observations (for behavioural   oestrus) and blood sampling every 6h (for plasma LH concentrations) were   conducted over the subsequent 48h period.     In Experiment 1 (December), 12 days of progesterone preceded 0, 1.0, 2.5   or 5.0 mg OB. Onset of oestrus (28-44h post-OB; mean 33h) was similar   in all treated hinds. Plasma LH concentrations fell (P<0.01) after OB   administration, followed 30 to 36h later by a dramatic increase (to 6.4   ng/ml) indicative of pre-ovulatory-like LH surge. Hinds receiving no OB   exhibited 4\% of all mounting interactions but showed no increases in LH   concentration.     Experiment 2 (January) consisted of no treatments or 12 days or   progesterone followed by 0, 0.1 or 1 mg OB resulted in suppression of   plasma LH after OB. However, all other plasma LH and behaviour   responses elicited were anomalous.     In Experiment 3 (February), 0,4, 8, or 12 days of progesterone   pretreatment were terminated 24 hours prior to administration of 1 mg   OB. Plasma progesterone concentrations were elevated above 1 ng/ml   during all progesterone treatments. Onset of oestrus was observed later   (P<0.5) after 4 days of progesterone treatment (33.4h; sem 1.2h). Tonic   plasma LH secretion was elevated (P<0.01) from Experiment 1 through to   Experiment 3 but the plasma LH suppression in response to OB was similar   in all 3 experiments. These results indicate that oestrus can be   induced in the red deer hind by at least four days of intravaginal   progesterone treatment followed by i.m. oestradiol benzoate   administration 24h after progesterone removal.    },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Abdullah AY and Purchas RW and McCutcheon SN and Van Dinther PC}
}
@conference {40137,
	title = {The effect of exogenous melatonin, administered in summer, on wool growth and testis diameter of Romneys},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {49},
	year = {1989},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {35-38},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The expansion of molecular biology across most biological fields has meant an increasing application of this technology to agriculture. One of the most exciting new areas to emerge has been that of transgenic animal production. Genes, from a variety of sources, can be incorporated into the early embryo and therefore effectively alter the genotype, and even the physiology of an animal. Most of the work has been conducted using the laboratory mouse. Translation of the technology to the domestic animal has not met with great success, partly because of the genes and promoters chosen and partly because of the difficulty and expense in obtaining large numbers of suitable early embryos for gene incorporation. An efficient gene incorporation system is cow embryos ideally requires the development of a number of novel embryological techniques. They include in vitro maturation and fertilisation of bovine oocytes from abattoir- sourced ovaries, in-vitro culture to allow the development of fertilised embryos to readily transferable stages, satisfactory techniques for incorporating genes into the embryo and techniques such as embryonic cloning to exploit the transgenic cattle produced. The various techniques, their problems and successes are described in depth in this paper. A research programme has been initiated to link embryology, dairy science and molecular biology techniques with the aim of producing transgenic cattle with modified milk composition.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Harris PM and Xu ZZ and Blair HT and Dellow DW and McCutcheon SN and Cockrem J}
}
@conference {40098,
	title = {Development of systems for out-of-season lambing at Limestone Downs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {48},
	year = {1988},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {95-98},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {DairyMAN is a computerised dairy herd health and management program recently developed within the Department of Veterinary Clinical Services at Massey University. The program is designed to be a reproduction, health and production recording and analysis system for use on either annual or twice yearly seasonal calving dairy herds. It is intended that the program be used as a management aid for farmers, veterinarians and farm advisors. DairyMAN is able to accept data from a variety of different collection methods, for example the Livestock Improvement Division (LID) notebook, shed sheets, wall charts, mating wheels or formal diary systems. On most farms the current recording system needs minimal modification to accommodate the program. The type of information that may be entered into DairyMAN includes farm, herd and individual cow data. From these data the following reports may be generated: 1. Performance indicators 2. Diagnostic indicators 3. Management aids 4. Simple information collation The program is an example of the development of computer management aids which quickly and effectively analyse herd and farm performance and can target problem areas that need attention. The level of utilization of the program for a single farm will vary depending on the demands of the farmer, his advisor and his veterinarian. Their combined enthusiasm in the farm activities will encourage increased usage of this management aid.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Lowe KI and Carter ML and McCutcheon SN}
}
@conference {39756,
	title = {Central nervous system injury as a determinant of lamb mortality},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {42},
	year = {1982},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {15-18},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	abstract = {The aim of the present study was to establish whether ovulation and normal corpus luteum function could be induced in anoestrous ewes by supplementing the endogenous level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and whether cyclical ovarian activity could be induced and maintained in seasonally anoestrous ewes by an unvarying long-term intravenous pulse regime of gonadotrophic releasing hormone (GnRH), 500 ng once per 2 h or 43-80 days. The results demonstrated that a normal ovulation can be induced in anoestrous ewes with LH alone and that the aforementioned GnRH regime was successful in inducing cyclical progesterone activity. These findings suggest that normal breeding activity may be restored to anoestrous ewes when the frequency of hypothalamic GnRH is increased from an apparent endogenous level of secretory episode per 3.5 h to 1 episode per 2 h.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Duff XJ and McCutcheon SN and McDonald MF}
}
@conference {39737,
	title = {The starvation-exposure syndrome and neonatal lamb mortality: A review},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {41},
	year = {1981},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {209-217},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {McCutcheon SN and Holmes CW and McDonald MF}
}
