@article {3672,
	title = {Effect of breed on bone morphology in the distal metacarpus epiphysis of mature Angus and Angus crossbred cows},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {82},
	year = {2022},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {82-87},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {There are variations in stature between beef and dairy breeds (and their crosses) which are an indirect result of genetic selection and farm management for different production objectives. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of breed on bone morphology in the distal epiphysis of the metacarpus. The metacarpus was collected from 9.5-year-old Angus (AA), Angus-Friesian crossbred (AF), Angus-Jersey crossbred (AJ) and Angus- (Friesian cross Jersey) crossbred (AK) cows. Bone morphology in the epiphysis was assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) for the medial and lateral condyles of the epiphysis 7 mm from the distal metacarpus. The greater total bone cross-sectional area of AA and AF could be associated with minimising strain on the articulating surface of the metacarpus due to greater joint surface area. Therefore, the greater total bone cross-sectional area may be an indirect result of a greater level of muscularity in beef breeds with a heavier mature weight.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gibson MJ and Hickson RE and Dittmer KE and Back PJ and Schreurs NM and Rogers CW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Live weight and bone growth from birth to 15 months of age in pure-bred and cross-bred Jersey and Friesian heifers},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {81},
	year = {2021},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {45-50},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {
Live weight and liveweight gain of dairy heifers has been described in New Zealand and overseas, however, the change in stature and pattern of proximal and distal bone growth has, to date, received little attention. This study describes the proportional changes in stature with live weight, in a cohort of commercial dairy heifers (Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Holstein-Friesian-Jersey crossbred) from birth to 15 months of age. Comparisons of height, length, girth, and distal and proximal forelimb length (stature) revealed that at the same live weight, these parameters differed among breeds (P<0.05), however, the magnitude of the differences among breeds was consistently less than 1 cm. As heifer live weight increased, the contribution of the distal limb to increases in height decreased, which is consistent with knowledge that physeal closure in cattle occurs earlier in distal limb bones, such as the metacarpus, than in proximal limb bones, such as the humerus. In addition, the understanding of proximal and distal growth in cattle identifies when heifers are most susceptible to growth checks.

Keywords: bone; stature; fracture; dairy heifer},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gibson MJ and Rogers CW and Hickson RE and Dittmer KE and Back PJ}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Temperament of hand-reared beef-cross-dairy cattle does not influence production traits},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {81},
	year = {2021},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {57-62},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Abstract
Evaluation of temperament of calves early in life is associated with growth and meat quality in extensively farmed beef cattle. However, the relationship between temperament and performance is unclear for hand-reared beef-cross-dairy calves. This experiment analysed temperament of 1077 Angus- and Hereford-sired cattle born to dairy-breed cows and hand-reared, and evaluated the value of these measurements as predictors of growth and meat quality traits. Cattle in this study were calm, with mean exit velocity (EV) between 0.76 and 1.15 m/s from 200 d to 800 d, crush score (CS) between 1.38 and 1.79 from 200 d to slaughter (1-5 scale), and measurements were highly correlated at all ages (P<0.05). Temperament at 200 d and 400 d was not related to growth, but CS was related to growth from 600-800 d (-0.011 kg/d for a 1-point increase in CS at 600 d, P<0.05). Temperament at 800 d or before slaughter was not related to meat ultimate pH or colour score. The small variation in temperament among animals was probably the consequence of cattle being acclimatised to the presence of humans due to hand-rearing and frequent handling. Therefore, temperament is unlikely to be an issue in hand-reared beef-cross-dairy cattle and should not influence growth and meat quality traits.
Keywords: Artificial rearing; beef-on-dairy; beef production; crush score; exit speed; exit velocity; flight time},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Martin NP and Schreurs NM and Morris ST and Lopez-villalobos N and McDade JL and Hickson RE}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Effect of breed and paddock activity on bone mass and strength in three beef cattle breeds},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {29-33},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {There are obvious phenotypic differences among beef cattle breeds, but, to date, there are limited data on the effect of breed
and pasture-based management systems on the bone mass and strength of the distal limb bone (metacarpals). The left 3rd/4th
metacarpal bones were collected from a cohort of Angus (AA) (n= 17), Angus {\texttimes} Friesian (AF) (n=13), and Angus {\texttimes} Jersey (AJ)
(n=13) cows aged nine years at slaughter. Prior to slaughter the cohort had been intensively monitored as part of longevity- and
GPS-based paddock-activity trials. Measures of metacarpal bone mass and strength were assessed using peripheral quantitative
computed tomography (pQCT) scanning at the mid-diaphysis after slaughter. Locomotion parameters, based on GPS data when
grazing, were collected when four and five years old. The AA and AF cows had significantly greater slaughter weight than AJ
(598{\textpm}14 vs 586{\textpm}18 vs 514{\textpm}17 kg, P<0.01 respectively). AA cows had lower wither height than AF and AJ (1288{\textpm}6 vs 1311{\textpm}8 vs
1269{\textpm}7 mm, P<0.01) and shorter metacarpal bone length (198{\textpm}2, vs 207{\textpm}2 vs 210{\textpm}2 mm, P<0.05). At the mid-diaphyseal site,
AF and AJ cows had greater bone mineral density (BMD)v than did AA cows (977{\textpm}8 vs 1018{\textpm}9 vs 1019{\textpm}9 mg/cm3, respectively,
P<0.001), but had less cross-sectional area (882{\textpm}16 vs 816{\textpm}18 vs 731{\textpm}18 g/cm3, P<0.05 respectively). Across all breeds, there
was a negative relationship of slaughter weight with BMDv. No significant relationships were found between distance walked on
moderate and steep terrain (GPS data) and the pQCT measures. Breed influenced the size and structure of the metacarpal bone,
which altered the material properties (pQCT) measured. The limited amount of high-strain-rate exercise in these cattle may explain
the lack of association between locomotion data and measures of bone mass and strength.

Keywords: bovine; bone; GPS; locomotion; beef},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Bijen L and Gibson MJ and Back PJ and Hickson RE and van Knegsel A and Rogers CW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Milk composition and productive and reproductive performance of cows from A1 and A2 β-casein variants, milked once or twice a day},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {137-142},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Protein is an important component of milk and it plays an essential role in all living organisms. β-casomorphins-7 (BCM-7) is
derived from A1 β-casein and has been implicated in some human health issues. This A1 β-casein is produced by cows with the
A1A1 or A1A2 genotype, whilst cows with the A2A2 genotype produce A2 β-casein, which has not been implicated in the same
human health issues. Given the potential importance of A2 milk for public health and its apparent commercial potential, selection
based on the A2 genotype and its impact on production and reproduction traits should be investigated. The objective of the current
study was to compare the productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows based on A2 genotype in two different dairy
farms. From July 2017 to May 2018, 206 cows (including 122 A2A2 genotype; {\textquotedblleft}A2 cows{\textquotedblright}) were milked once a day at Dairy 1
and 451 cows (including 217 A2 cows) were milked twice a day at Dairy 4. Records of lactation yields of milk, fat and protein,
fat percentage, protein percentage, days from start of mating to conception, pregnancy rate to first service, the submission rate
at 21 days and the pregnancy rate at 21 and 42 days (PR42) after the start of mating from 642 cows in two herds were analysed.
The effects of A2 genotype on production and reproduction traits were not significant. The interaction between farm and β-casein
genotype was significant for PR42 (P<0.05) but not for any other traits. The interactions between parity number and genotype
were not significant for any of the traits. The results indicated that cows of different β-casein genotypes have similar production
and reproductive performance.
Keywords: β-casein genotype; A2 milk; protein percentage; pregnancy rate at 42 days},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Lu Y and Hickson RE and Gedye K and Correa-Luna M and Donaghy DJ and Lopez-villalobos N}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Persistency and lactation curves modelled using nonlinear random regression in dairy cows milked once a day},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {131-136},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Modelling lactation curves of dairy cows is important for improved feed management and breeding decisions. The objectives
of this study were to compare measures of lactation persistency obtained from the modelling of lactation curves for daily yields
of milk, fat and protein using a nonlinear random regression model in dairy cows milked once a day under grazing conditions.
A total of 1,955 monthly herd-test records of milk, fat and protein from 55 Holstein-Friesian (F), 64 Jersey (J), and 123 F{\texttimes}J
crossbreds of different lactations were used to obtain lactation curves for each cow using a random regression model with the
Wood function. Three measures of persistency were calculated based on ratios of yields and compared with persistency calculated
based on parameters of the Wood function. Jersey cows in lactation 3 had the greatest persistency for all persistency measures. In
first-lactation cows, there were no significant breed differences in persistency. Persistency measures were strongly correlated with
each other (r>=0.97; P<0.001). The conclusion from this study is that parameters of the lactation curve (peak yield, day of peak and
persistency) can be precisely estimated using the random regression model with the Wood function.

Keywords: modelling; lactation curve; persistency; once-a-day milking},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Jiang H and Hickson RE and Woods OT and Morandeau M and Burke JL and Correa-Luna M and Donaghy DJ and Lopez-villalobos N}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Relationship between body condition score and pregnancy rates following artificial insemination and subsequent natural mating in beef cows on commercial farms in New Zealand},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {14-20},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Body condition scoring is an efficient on-farm visual-assessment tool used to describe the energy reserves of animals. Cow body
condition score (BCS) at crucial time points throughout the year is likely to influence reproductive performance. The aim of this
experiment was to examine the influence of BCS before calving, before mating and at weaning on reproductive performance of
mature beef cows. Percentage of cows conceiving to a single artificial insemination (AI) at a synchronised oestrus and pregnancy
rate after 49 days of mating were determined for a total of 2,683 individual cows. Cows with a greater than average BCS had
greater pregnancy rate to AI than did those with low BCS (P<0.001). The percentage of animals conceiving to AI was on average
54.8\% but was lower at 42.5\% for pre-mating BCS 4.5 or greater at 64.5\% for BCS 9.0 (P<0.001). Cows had greater overall
pregnancy rate after 49 days of mating with greater BCS; ranging from 88.3\%, 75.7\% and 79.7\% for BCS 4.5 before calving,
before mating and at weaning, respectively, to 93.5\%, 93.3\% and 93.3\% for BCS 8.0 at the same time points. Increasing BCS up
to 7 is likely to improve overall pregnancy rate, and most benefit tends to come from improving BCS in lower-conditioned cows
to achieve high pregnancy results.

Keywords: beef cows; BCS; reproductive performance; pregnancy rate; artificial insemination},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Weik F and Archer JA and Morris ST and Garrick DJ and Hickson RE}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Association of bacterial contamination of colostrum with passive immunity and growth rates in dairy heifer calves},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {149-152},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Failure of passive transfer of immunity in calves is associated with poor-quality colostrum, determined by Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration. Another quality problem of colostrum is bacterial contamination, which can impair IgG absorption by the calf. Thirty-five samples from daily pooled first-milking colostrum collected over a period of six weeks were tested for IgG concentration and bacterial contamination. Seventeen of 35 first-milking colostrum samples (49\%) had bacterial counts above a 100,000 CFU/ml threshold. Twenty-nine of the 35 pooled colostrum samples were fed to 63 newborn heifer calves, of which 12 (41\%) had bacterial loads above 100,000 CFU/ml and were fed to 36 calves. Only eight samples (28\%) had Brix values >22\% and five samples (17\%) fed to nine calves met the criteria of low bacterial load and high Brix (>22\%). Twelve of the 63 calves (19\%) had serum IgG concentrations <10 mg/ml so were classified as having failure of passive transfer, of which 10 of these calves were offered colostrum with high bacterial counts. However, there was no association of level of bacterial contamination with subsequent growth. There were no differences in serum IgG concentrations of calves which were fed colostrum that exceeded the quality threshold and those that were not. Calves with greater serum IgG concentrations grew faster (P<0.05). },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Back PJ and Hickson RE and Sneddon NW and Coleman LW and Laven RA}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Associations of body condition score and change in body condition score with lamb production in New Zealand Romney ewes},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {91-94},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Body condition score (BCS) is an on-farm subjective measurement used to inform feed management decisions in sheep. This study determined the associations of BCS and changes in BCS on production. Ewe BCS was recorded four times annually in a flock of 2534 Romney ewes aged one-five, first bred at eight-months of age. Production was measured as the number of fetuses scanned (NLS), number of lambs weaned (NLW), average weight of lambs weaned (WWT) and total weight of lamb weaned (TLW). Ewe BCS was greatest at lambing and lowest at weaning. At pregnancy scanning (at an average of 75 days of pregnancy),  two weeks prior to lambing, and at weaning, BCS >=4.5 was associated with the lowest NLS and NLW, but the greatest WWT. Ewes with a BCS <=2.5 at weaning were associated with the greatest TLW, suggesting these ewes had utilised their stored body fat to achieve high milk yields. Ewes that decreased BCS between lambing and weaning produced greater (P<0.05) TLW compared with ewes which maintained or gained BCS indicating their body reserves were acting as a buffer for milk production. The results of the current study showed that there was an effect of BCS on NLS, NLW, WWT and TLW. The change in BCS from scanning to weaning is an important determinate of NLW, WWT and TLW. A further study with more focus on the change in BCS is, therefore, warranted.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tait IM and Kenyon PR and Garrick DJ and Lopez-villalobos N and Pleasants AB and Hickson RE}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Impacts of live weight of ewe lambs at mating on their reproductive performance},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {87-90},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {This experiment investigated the impacts of heavier live weight of twin-born ewe lambs at mating on reproductive performance. Romney ewe lambs (n=270) were allocated to one of two groups: {\textquoteleft}Heavy{\textquoteright} (48.0{\textpm}3.8 kg), had been preferentially fed from weaning to breeding, or {\textquoteleft}Control{\textquoteright} (44.8{\textpm}3.5 kg). Both groups were exposed to crayon-harnessed vasectomised rams for 68 days before breeding, and then were bred to entire Romney rams for 34 days. Crayon marks were recorded every 17 days. Heavy ewe lambs were more likely to be mated in the first 17 days of breeding (69.9\% vs. 54.8\%, P<0.05), mated in the entire breeding period (85.1\% vs. 69.4\%, P<0.01) and had a greater litter size (0.99 vs. 0.65; P<0.01) than did Control ewe lambs. Heavier live weight at mating improved reproductive performance of ewe lambs. These results emphasise the importance of an adequate live weight at breeding for reproductive success in ewe lambs.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Haslin E and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Pettigrew EJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Meat quality of light-weight, yearling steers of dairy origin},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {156-158},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Loline, an alkaloid produced by Neotyphodium endophytes in pastoral grass species with potential antimicrobial properties, has several known derivatives; N-formyl loline (NFL), N-acetyl loline (NAL), N-acetyl norloline (NANL), N-methyl loline (NML), and loline base, though the availability and form during rumen fermentation and digestion is unclear. Festuca pratensis seeds either with (LOL) or without (NIL) lolines (150-200 {\textmu}g/mL) were incubated in either sterile or viable rumen fluid or in either HCL/pepsin (pH 2) or water (pH 7). At 72 hours LOL in sterile rumen fluid had 23\%, 26\%, and 45\% more NFL (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.04), and loline base (P=0.01) respectively, with 27\% more total loline present (P=0.06), and 65\% more NML (P=0.09) compared with LOL in viable rumen fluid. Loline tended to alter the fermentation pattern as NIL produced 11\% more ammonia (P=0.07), and 5\% less propionate (P=0.06) than LOL. In HCL/pepsin there were 38\%, 49\%, and 39\% more total lolines (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.02), and NFL (P=0.04) respectively, compared with water. Rumen and abomasal digestion appear to have a small effect on loline{\textquoteright}s form and concentration with only slight alteration to the rumen fermentation pattern. Presence of lolines had little evidence of an antimicrobial effect.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pike SJ and Schreurs NM and Hickson RE and Hunt JJ and Kenyon PR and Garrick DJ and Blair HT and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Relative cost of producing carcasses from dairy-origin steers slaughtered at 8 {\textendash} 12 months of age in New Zealand},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {153-155},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Loline, an alkaloid produced by Neotyphodium endophytes in pastoral grass species with potential antimicrobial properties, has several known derivatives; N-formyl loline (NFL), N-acetyl loline (NAL), N-acetyl norloline (NANL), N-methyl loline (NML), and loline base, though the availability and form during rumen fermentation and digestion is unclear. Festuca pratensis seeds either with (LOL) or without (NIL) lolines (150-200 {\textmu}g/mL) were incubated in either sterile or viable rumen fluid or in either HCL/pepsin (pH 2) or water (pH 7). At 72 hours LOL in sterile rumen fluid had 23\%, 26\%, and 45\% more NFL (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.04), and loline base (P=0.01) respectively, with 27\% more total loline present (P=0.06), and 65\% more NML (P=0.09) compared with LOL in viable rumen fluid. Loline tended to alter the fermentation pattern as NIL produced 11\% more ammonia (P=0.07), and 5\% less propionate (P=0.06) than LOL. In HCL/pepsin there were 38\%, 49\%, and 39\% more total lolines (P=0.05), NANL (P=0.02), and NFL (P=0.04) respectively, compared with water. Rumen and abomasal digestion appear to have a small effect on loline{\textquoteright}s form and concentration with only slight alteration to the rumen fermentation pattern. Presence of lolines had little evidence of an antimicrobial effect.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hunt JJ and Tozer PR and Kenyon PR and Schreurs NM and Pike SJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT and Garrick DJ}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Can bone measures of the bovine metacarpus predict humeral bone structure?},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {8-12},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Peak bone mass in cattle is influenced by factors prior to puberty and insufficient peak bone mass prior to the first lactation predisposes heifers to the risk of spontaneous humeral fractures. At post-mortem examination, affected heifers present with osteoporosis (reduced periosteal circumference and reduced cortical wall thickness). Due to its location, there is no cost-effective way to scan the humerus in the live animal. However, the metacarpal bones (MC3/MC4) are straightforward to scan in a live anaesthetised animal. The aim of this experiment was to determine if the metacarpal could be used to predict bone mass and material properties of the humerus. The left humerus and metacarpal bones were obtained from 57 cattle aged six weeks to eight years. Bones were scanned at the mid-diaphysis using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), to obtain measures of bone mass and material properties (strength). Strong positive relationships were observed (R2=0.89 - 0.98, P<0.0001) for pQCT measurements of bone mass and strength. Thus, the metacarpus is a good predictor of bone content and material properties of the humerus across cattle of differing age and maturity. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gibson MJ and Rogers CW and Dittmer K and Hickson RE and Pettigrew EJ and Back PJ}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Characterisation of the nutritional composition of plant components of a herb-clover mix during November to May in New Zealand},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {162-167},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Animal performance on herb-clover mixes (containing plantain, chicory, red clover and white clover) can be inconsistent. Potentially this could be due to variation in botanical and nutritional composition of plant components affecting animal selectivity and, thus, performance. Herbage samples were collected monthly from November 2016 to May 2017, from 3 paddocks located at Massey University{\textquoteright}s Keeble farm, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Quadrat-cut samples were used to determine the herbage mass and botanical composition. Hand-plucked samples of each plant components were analysed for the nutritional composition. The botanical composition of the herb-clover mix differed over time (P<0.05). The percentage of chicory stems increased (9.2 to 16.2\%) and plantain stems decreased (14.7 to 1.0\%, P<0.001). Overall, the crude protein and metabolisable energy of white clover, red clover, plantain and chicory leaves were higher (P<0.05) than those of plantain and chicory stems in each month except in November. These data indicate that a higher proportion of chicory and plantain stems in a herb-clover mix would reduce overall metabolisable energy and crude protein. This information can be useful for farmers to manipulate both the botanical and nutritional composition of herb-clover mix to optimise animal performance.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ekanayake WEMLJ and Corner-Thomas RA and Cranston LM and Hickson RE and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Farm-management tools: reasons for the decision not to use specific tools},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {125-130},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {There are a large number of management tools available to farmers, however, some are utilised by only a small percentage. The reasons behind the choice not to use a particular tool were investigated using a postal questionnaire that was distributed to all New Zealand sheep farmers in 2014. Farmers were asked first to indicate from a list of 40 farm-management tools those they had used in the previous three years. For tools they had not used, they were asked to select one from a list of eight reasons. A total of 1659 usable questionnaires were received. The most commonly cited reason for not using any given tool was {\textquotedblleft}not relevant to my situation{\textquotedblright} (50.3\%) followed by {\textquotedblleft}benefits not apparent{\textquotedblright} (15.3\%) and {\textquotedblleft}it{\textquoteright}s an unwanted complication{\textquotedblright} (15.0\%). Demographic factors (age, education, gender, farm type and flock size) influenced the reasons for non-use of 20 of the 22 tools. Reasons for non-use of fecundity-boosting vaccine or quarantine treatment for footrot were not influenced (P>0.05) by any demographic factors. The results suggest that although many farmers do not see the relevance of particular tools to their enterprise, demographic factors can influence their reasons for not using a tool.  },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Ridler AL and Hickson RE and Greer AW and Logan CM and Blair HT}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Growth and milk production of dairy heifers born to two-year-old or mixed-age dams},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {135-139},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Keeping replacement heifers that were the progeny of primiparous cows mated by artificial insemination, enhances rates of genetic gain. Heifers that were the progeny of primiparous cows were lighter at birth and grew at a slower rate to first calving compared with heifers born to multiparous dams. Heifers that were heavier before first calving produced more milk than did lighter heifers. This study aimed to determine if there were liveweight (LWT) or milk-production disadvantages for heifers born from primiparous compared with multiparous dams. Data comprised of LWT records from 189,936 New Zealand dairy heifers. Dams were allocated to four groups according to their age: two (2yo; n=13,717), three (3yo; n=39,258), four to eight (4-8yo; n=120,859) and nine years old or greater (>=9yo; n=16,102). Heifers born to 2yo dams were lighter (P<0.01) from three to 21 months of age than heifers born to 3yo and 4-8yo dams. The progeny of 2yo and 3yo dams produced similar milksolids yields during their first lactation (304.9{\textpm}1.6 and 304.1{\textpm}1.5 kg, respectively), but more (P<0.01) than that of 4-8yo dams (302.4{\textpm}1.5) and >=9yo dams (P<0.001; 297.8{\textpm}1.6 kg). Heifers born to 2yo dams were lighter but produced more milk than heifers from older dams.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Handcock RC and Lopez-villalobos N and Back PJ and Hickson RE and McNaughton LR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Milk production and rebreeding performance of mixed-aged dairy cows mated to Angus or Hereford bulls},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {144-148},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Approximately 72\% of New Zealand dairy cows are artificially mated to generate replacement heifers. There is an opportunity to mate the remaining dairy cows to beef bulls, generating a calf that has value as a beef-cross-dairy animal. Angus and Hereford are the predominant beef breeds in New Zealand, with Hereford the most common beef breed used in the dairy industry. The aim of this experiment was to determine whether there was a difference in milk production and rebreeding performance of mixed-aged dairy cows producing a calf sired by an Angus or Hereford bull, and if calf birth weight influenced these parameters. Cows were artificially bred to Angus or Hereford bulls. Service sire-breed had no effect on milk production in early lactation. Cows producing Angus-sired calves had a 2.4 kg greater 253-day protein yield (P<0.05) than did cows producing Hereford-sired calves, however, there was no effect of calf sire-breed on the 253-day yields of milk, fat and milksolids. The in-calf rate and inter-calving interval did not differ between service sire-breed. There was no effect of calf birth weight on milk production, in-calf rate or inter-calving interval. The results of this experiment suggest that there are no negative effects associated with artificially breeding cows to Angus compared to Hereford bulls. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Coleman LW and Back PJ and Blair HT and Lopez-villalobos N and Hickson RE}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Using leafy turnip to maintain growth rates of dairy heifers during summer},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {108-111},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {In New Zealand, growth rates of dairy heifers can be restricted during late summer/early autumn due to inadequate pasture production and quality, which may delay puberty and compromise lactational performance, and, ultimately reduce their longevity in the herd and overall farm profits. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of feeding leafy turnip as an alternative summer forage to ryegrass-based pasture on the growth rate of heifers. Forty-five heifer calves aged six months were assigned to one of two treatment groups: (1) ryegrass-based pasture and (2) leafy turnip and were fed a combination of these feeds during summer/early autumn. Calves fed a greater proportion of leafy turnip were heavier (235.6 {\textpm} 3.8kg, P<0.05) and had greater average daily gain (0.74 {\textpm} 0.01 kg/day, P<0.05) than calves fed a greater proportion of pasture (218 {\textpm} 3.9 kg and 0.59 {\textpm} 0.01 kg/day), primarily due to pasture supply being restricted during the latter part of the experiment. The greater liveweight advantage from feeding leafy turnip remained for two months. Leafy turnip could be considered as an option to maintain growth rates of dairy heifers when pasture supply is restricted.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {YC Fan and Purchas GS and Hickson RE and Back PJ}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Assessment of vigour in early life of dairy calves in New Zealand},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {161-164},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Vigour of dairy calves in the first few days of life may be a relevant predictor of subsequent performance in an artificial-rearing
system. This experiment aimed to evaluate two scoring systems to determine whether they detected variation in beef-sired calves
born in the New Zealand pastoral dairy system. The scoring systems included a vigour score devised for housed dairy calves in
Canada which had a range of physical and physiological parameters assessed, and a drinking score assessed at the feeder in the first
few days of life (1=calf does not attempt to suck on feeder, 5=calf drinks vigorously for the whole feed). Calves generally scored
highly (17-21 out of a possible 22 points) on the vigour score and meconium staining, head/tongue swelling, movement and heart
rate showed little to no variation among calves. The drinking score showed that few calves scored in the low categories, and the
scoring system may be improved by creating greater separation within the higher categories. Angus-cross calves were more likely
to have a higher drinking score than Hereford-cross calves, and light or young calves were more likely to have low drinking scores.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gillingham J and Coleman LW and Back PJ and Mueller K and Hickson RE}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Differences in birth weight and neonatal survival rate of lambs born to ewe hoggets or mature ewes},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {16-20},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {This experiment investigated differences in birth weights and survival in lambs born to hogget and mature ewes. It included 1082 mature ewes with a scanning rate of 1.87 fetuses per ewe joined and 1026 hoggets with a scanning rate of 0.80 fetuses per hogget joined, that were bred together, and lambed separately, under commercial farming conditions. At lambing, birth weight, lamb vigour score, and ewe maternal behaviour score were recorded. Lambs born to hoggets were lighter and less vigorous than lambs born to mature ewes (P<0.05). Single-born lambs were heavier at birth (P<0.05), and had greater survival at birth (P<0.05) than did twin-born lambs. Twin-born lambs were heavier (P<0.05) at birth, and had greater survival at birth (P<0.05) than triplets. There was an interaction of dam age and birth rank on lamb survival to weaning (P<0.01). At all birth ranks lambs born to hoggets had lower survival to weaning than lambs born to mature ewes, and the difference in survival increased with increasing birth rank. Lambs that had a vigour score of 1 had lower survival (83.5\%; P<0.05) than lambs that had a vigour score of either 2 or 3 (88.6- and 91.4\%, respectively). Maternal behaviour score did not affect lamb survival (P>0.05). Lambs born to hoggets are at greater risk of mortality, so farmers need to prioritise their time and resources towards hoggets at lambing time.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pettigrew EJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT and Griffiths KJ and Ridler AL and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Genetic and phenotypic correlations between production traits and adult body condition scores in New Zealand merino ewes},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {71-75},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Genetic and phenotypic correlations between adult body condition scores (BCS) throughout the production cycle and eye muscle
depth, fat depth, two-year-old greasy fleece weight, fibre diameter, staple length and staple strength were estimated from 2,007
pedigree-recorded merino ewes born between 2013 and 2015. The heritability estimates of BCS at pre-mating, mid-pregnancy,
pre-lambing and weaning were 0.66, 0.39, 0.46 and 0.32 respectively. The heritability estimates for yearling greasy fleece weight,
fibre diameter and staple length were 0.65, 0.86 and 0.73 respectively, and all these traits were positively genetically correlated
with BCS. The genetic correlations among the four BCS measurements ranged from 0.39-0.83, while the phenotypic correlations
ranged from 0.22-0.45. Genetic correlations between BCS and fat depth ranged from 0.67 to 0.83. Given the high heritability of
BCS and high genetic correlations between BCS measurements, there is clear scope for selection to alter BCS. Mating appears to
be the best time to record BCS for genetic selection, as it had the greatest heritability estimate and the greatest genetic correlations
with ultrasound measurements of fat depth and eye-muscle depth and all wool traits except fibre diameter coefficient of variation
and greasy fleece weight.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tait IM and PR Kenyon and Garrick DJ and Pleasants AB and Hickson RE}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Is it possible to produce good quality meat from Holstein-Friesian bulls?},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {194-199},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {There is potential to increase the value of meat from Holstein-Friesian bulls by increasing the proportion of carcasses that are of
suitable quality to be eligible for primal cuts sold in high-value markets. The objective of this study was to explore relationships
between carcass and meat-quality traits from Holstein-Friesian bulls between 21-38 months of age, slaughtered on different
occasions. Meat samples of M. longissimus lumborum were collected at slaughter and chill-aged at -1.5{\textordmasculine}C for seven days. The
means ({\textpm}s.d.) were: carcass weight 313{\textpm}29 kg (n=256), dressing-out 54.7{\textpm}2.6\% (n=256), ultimate pH 5.9{\textpm}0.38 (n=221), shear
force 11.34{\textpm}4.93 kgF (n=221), cook loss 28.4{\textpm}5.4\% (n=220) and colour indexes (n=159) L* (lightness) 36.06{\textpm}2.96, a* (redness)
12.38{\textpm}4.04 and b* (yellowness) 8.74{\textpm}2.24. A total of 80 samples (36\%) were found to be both of acceptable tenderness (below
10.9 kgF) and pH less than 5.8. Alleviating meat pH issues is required to ensure high-quality meat from bulls that is suitable for
high-value primal cuts.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Martin NP and Schreurs NM and Morris ST and McDade JL and Craigie CR and Hickson RE}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Brief Communication: Managing liveweight gain of Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and Holstein- Friesian-Jersey crossbred heifer calves},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {69-71},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {Large numbers of replacement heifers are not meeting target live weights in New Zealand (McNaughton \& Lopdell 2012; Handcock et al. 2016) which has implications for future milk production, fertility and subsequent longevity in the herd (Van Amburgh \& Tikofsky 2001; McNaughton \& Lopdell 2013). Undergrown heifers can lead to an overall decline in a herd{\textquoteright}s reproductive performance and milk production (McNaughton \& Lopdell 2012). McNaughton and Lopdell (2013) reported that for every 1\% increase in the percentage of live weight attained, heifers produced approximately 23 litres of extra milk during their first two lactations. As such, heifer growth, particularly post-weaning growth, has been identified as an area requiring greater attention from farmers to improve cow performance. There are established breed liveweight targets as well as liveweight targets based on an individual animals genetic potential and the growth of individual animals and groups can be monitored using programmes such as Livestock Improvement Corporation{\textquoteright}s MINDA Weights{\texttrademark} herd-recording software. However, while growth targets are commonly used, in many cases, being {\textquoteleft}on-target{\textquoteright} is based on a mob average, resulting in a proportion of animals below target live weight....},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Back PJ and Hickson RE and Sneddon NW and Coleman LW and Laven RA}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Effect of cow body condition score on inter-calving interval, pregnancy diagnosis, weaning rate and calf weaning weight in beef cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {23-28},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {The aim of this study was to describe the effect of cow body condition score (BCS) on pregnancy rate, inter-calving interval, wean-ing rate and birth and weaning weights of calves. Measurements of BCS in a herd of mixed age (2-10 years), predominantly Angus, beef cows were recorded annually four times between November 2012 and March 2015, at joining/rebreeding (November), wean-ing/pregnancy diagnosis (PD, March), winter (June) and calving (August). Year influenced BCS (P<0.05) and BCS was greatest at weaning 2014. Two-year-old cows had greater BCS (P<0.05) than three-year-old and the mixed age cows. Pregnancy rate was no different (P>0.05) between BCS at calving, joining and PD. Cows that increased BCS from joining to PD had lower pregnancy rate than cows that maintained or decreased BCS during this period, although it is unclear whether this association reflects an influence of BCS on pregnancy rate, or whether the BCS change was a result of differing pregnancy status. Greater BCS at joining was associated with lower calf birth weights. Body condition score at each event was not associated with inter-calving interval or calf weaning weight. Further research is still required to determine the optimum BCS at each stage of the production cycle.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tait IM and Morris ST and Kenyon PR and Garrick DJ and Pleasants AB and Hickson RE}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of mid-pregnancy nutrition and body condition score on the behaviour of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {143-148},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {Nutrition of ewes during pregnancy may affect the behaviour of ewes and their lambs in the first few days of life. In this experiment, triplet-bearing ewes were allocated {\textquoteleft}medium{\textquoteright} (pasture mass 800-1200 kg DM/ha) or ad-libitum nutrition (pasture mass 1500-2000 kg DM/ha) from day 93 until 114 of pregnancy. Both treatments included ewes of body condition score (BCS) <=2.0, 2.5 or >=3.0 as measured on day 92 of pregnancy. Behaviours of ewes and lambs were recorded in the paddock at tagging and a subset of lambs was subjected to a maternal-recognition test. Within the BCS<=2.0 ewe group, lambs born to ewes on the medium treatment emitted more high-pitched bleats and lower low-pitched bleats than lambs born to ewes on the ad-libitum treatment. In the paddock, there was no effect of ewe feeding treatment or BCS group on the median time taken for the lambs to stand, make contact with, suck from or follow their dam. In the maternal-recognition test, the median time taken for the lambs to reach the dam and the time the lambs spent with her was not affected by ewe BCS or feeding treatment. Overall the results indicate that feeding triplet-bearing ewes above pregnancy requirements has minimal effect on lamb behaviours. There is, however, some evidence to suggest that lambs born to ewes in the BCS<=2.0 group offered the medium treatments may have experienced a weaker ewe-lamb bond. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gronqvist GV and Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Stafford KJ and Morris ST and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of yard weaning and contact with humans on behavioural reactivity and liveweight gain of beef breed calves},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {8-12},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {Yard weaning of beef-breed calves is growing in popularity in New Zealand as a way of improving ease of handling, but there is little scientific literature regarding the practice. This experiment examined the effects of yard weaning versus paddock weaning with and without human contact on liveweight gain and behaviour. Paddock-weaned calves lost more live weight in the first sev-en days after weaning (-1.19 {\textpm} 0.17 kg/d versus -0.60 {\textpm} 0.16 kg/d; P=0.01) than yard-weaned calves but live weight was similar between treatments 42 days after weaning (D42). Yard-weaned calves tended to be less reactive than paddock-weaned calves on D7 (2.16 {\textpm} 0.28 versus 2.92 {\textpm} 0.33; P= 0.07, where one is least reactive and five is most reactive), but there were no differences in reactivity on D42. Faecal corticosterone concentrations were similar between weaning location, however, calves with minimal human contact had higher faecal corticosterone concentrations 48 hours after weaning than did calves with daily human contact (27.6 {\textpm} 2.11 ng/ml versus 18.6 {\textpm} 2.11 ng/ml; P<0.01), regardless of location. There were short-term advantages in live weight and heart rate associated with yard weaning of beef-breed calves, but these did not persist to D42. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Ramsay BA and Schoorl JAJ and Stayton KM and Cranston LM and Morris ST and Burnham DL and Cockrem JF and Beausoleil NJ and Hickson RE}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Growth curves of New Zealand Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and Holstein-Friesian-Jersey crossbred heifers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {77},
	year = {2017},
	month = {06/2017},
	pages = {64-68},
	address = {Rotorua},
	abstract = {There are differences in the proportion of target live weight (LWT) achieved between the main breeds of dairy heifers in New Zealand, suggesting a potential difference in growth pattern. The objectives of this study were to model growth curves of dairy heifers through random regression of Legendre polynomials, and to compare growth curves of the main breeds. Data comprised of 1,653,214 LWT records obtained from 189,936 dairy heifers in 1,547 herds. The fourth-order Legendre polynomial was the best at predicting LWT, with a relative prediction error (RPE) of less than 4\% for the whole dataset and for Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and Holstein-Friesian-Jersey crossbred (F{\texttimes}J) heifers. The regression coefficients of the growth curve differed among breeds for the intercept (α0; P<0.001), linear effect (α1; P<0.001), quadratic effect (α2; P<0.001), cubic effect (α3; P<0.001) and quartic effect (α4; P<0.001). At all ages Holstein-Friesian heifers were heavier than F{\texttimes}J which were heavier than Jersey heifers (P<0.001). The percentage difference among the breeds varied throughout the growth curve, indicating that the main breeds of dairy heifers in New Zealand exhibited different growth patterns that were non-linear. The different growth patterns for each breed should be considered when formulating target LWTs and growth rates.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Handcock RC and Lopez-Villalobos N and McNaughton LR and Edwards GR and Hickson RE}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Days to calving and intercalving interval in beef and dairy-beef crossbred cows},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {31-33},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {One important attribute of a beef-breeding cow is the
ability to wean a calf every year. Furthermore, an earlierborn
calf is likely to be heavier at weaning and its dam has
more opportunity to conceive again during the following
breeding season. In a spring-calving system under the
seasonal pastoral-grazing system in New Zealand, a 365-
day intercalving interval is desirable. A normal gestation
length is 280 days leaving 85 days for a cow to resume
oestrous cycles and conceive again to maintain the 365-
day calving interval. Literature estimates of the interval
between calving and the first oestrous cycle post-calving
are 53-82 days for mixed-aged beef-breeding cows and
81-95 days for first-lactation beef-breeding cows (Hickson
et al. 2012; Knight \& Nicoll 1978; Morris et al. 1978;
Smeaton et al. 1986), indicating that a 365-day calving
interval is difficult to maintain.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Morris ST and Hickson RE and Martin NP and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Do different grazing strategies affect pre-weaning calf growth rates?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {119-121},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {Rearing replacement heifer calves is a labour-intensive
and expensive component of dairy systems (Drackley
2008). Large numbers of replacement heifers are not
meeting target live weights in New Zealand (McNaughton
\& Lopdell 2012) which has implications for future milk
production, fertility and subsequent longevity in the herd
(Van Amburgh \& Tikofsky 2001).
This paper reports results from the second year of a
long-term experiment being conducted at Massey University
that examines the impact of colostral status and liveweight
gain of heifer calves fed different diets on subsequent milk
production, fertility and longevity in the herd. Previous
work (Cardoso et al. 2015) demonstrated no difference in
pre-weaning liveweight gain of calves fed different levels
of milk. The calves in that study ate surprisingly little meal.
It was surmised that the exposure to frequent shifts onto
fresh pasture stimulated intake of pasture, and removed
the advantage of feeding calves higher levels of milk and
supplementation with meal. Anecdotally, many calves
when removed from rearing sheds to pasture are kept on the
same paddocks as they are not a high priority for pasture
allocation. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was
further collection of colostral and Brix data as described by
Coleman et al. (2015), and to compare pre-weaning growth
rates of calves that are continually offered fresh pasture to
those that are set stocked.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Back PJ and Hickson RE and van Bouwel K and de Cock H and Verdurmen J and Sneddon NW and Laven RA}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: The use of farm-management tools by New Zealand sheep farmers: changes with time},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {78-80},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {The utilisation of farm-management tools by New
Zealand sheep farmers can support on-farm decision
making, thus facilitating improvements in productivity and
profitability of the farming enterprise. There are numerous
management tools available to farmers, for example, a
recent report identified 127 tools that were available to
New Zealand farmers (Allen \& Wolfert 2011). Although
a large number of tools are accessible to farmers, a survey
of sheep farmers conducted in 2012 by Corner-Thomas
et al. (2015) identified many that were utilised by only a
small percentage of farmers. This indicates that there is the
potential for increased uptake of management tools which,
if relevant, may lead to benefits in on-farm productivity.
The aim of the current study was to determine for
sheep farmers in New Zealand, if use of farm-management
tools had changed over a two-year period.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Ridler AL and Hickson RE and Greer AW and Logan CM and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Does ewe nutrition during pregnancy affect the neonatal behaviour of twin-born lambs?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {8-13},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {In this experiment the effects of feeding treatments from mid pregnancy until lambing on the behaviour of twin-bearing ewes and their lambs were investigated. Fifty seven four-year-old Romney ewes were offered a medium (1164 {\textpm} 31.6 and 819 {\textpm} 16.0 kg DM/ha pre- and post-grazing pasture mass, respectively) or ad libitum (2181 {\textpm} 47.6 and 1431 {\textpm} 24.6 kg DM/ha pre- and post-grazing pasture mass, respectively) feeding treatment from day 76 of pregnancy until after lambing. At ear-tagging the time taken for the lambs to stand, make contact with, suck from and follow their dam was recorded. A maternal behaviour score based on the distance the ewe moved away from her lambs during tagging was also recorded. Survival analysis showed that lambs born to ewes offered the medium feeding treatment from mid pregnancy until lambing were quicker to stand, suck and follow compared with lambs born to ewes offered the ad libitum feeding treatment (P<0.05). It is unclear whether these behaviours indicate that lambs born to ewes in the medium treatment were more vigorous or that they had unmet needs that prompted the apparent increase in vigour. Ewe feeding treatments did not affect the maternal behaviour of the ewes.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gronqvist GV and Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Grazing behaviour and species selection of heifer calves fed different forages.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {126-131},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {<p>The aim of this experiment was to determine whether there was a difference in the behaviour of calves grazing different forages. Weaned dairy heifer calves (n = 64) were assigned to two different forage feeding treatments: ryegrass pasture and a clover-herb mix. Behavioural observations were recorded every 10 minutes over a 72 h period. Behaviours recorded were standing, walking, lying or sitting, grazing, ruminating, drinking/grooming, playing and various combinations of these. Calves grazing pasture spent more time lying and ruminating compared to calves grazing the clover-herb mix (34.6\% vs 16.7\%), and less time standing and grazing (17.2\% vs 32.2\%). Calves were less active from late evening and early morning and more likely to be ruminating earlier in the day and grazing later in the day. Plant selection (measured as plant disappearance rate) was determined in calves grazing the clover-herb mix. Red clover had the highest disappearance rate on all days compared to other species (P\&lt;0.05). Plantain, chicory and white clover eaten on day one did not differ in proportions eaten, but by day three less red clover and chicory remained compared to plantain and white clover (P\&lt;0.05).</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Back PJ and Hickson RE and Lilly VM and Coleman LW and Sneddon NW and Laven RA}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The influence of age and breed of cow on colostrum indicators of suckled beef calves},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {163-168},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {Rearing a calf to weaning is a key measure of performance in a beef breeding cow herd. Adequate intake of colostral antibodies
by the calf in the first few hours of life is important for passive transfer of immunity, and so is beneficial for calf survival. This
experiment aimed to examine the role of udder conformation, maternal age and breed-cross on the colostral status of suckled
calves. Udder conformation of Angus, Angus-cross-Friesian, Angus-cross-Jersey and Angus-cross-Kiwicross cows was scored
according to Animal Evaluation Limited and BreedPlan standards, and colostral status of calves was determined based on gamma
glutamyltransferase activity, immunoglobulin G and total protein concentrations at 24-48 hours of age. Udder conformation was
similar (P>0.05) among breed-crosses except Angus cows had looser front udder attachment, lower rear udder attachment and less
desirable udders overall than Angus-cross-dairy cows (P<0.05). Most udder conformation scores did not affect colostral status of
calves. The exception was teat placement score, for which more outward-pointing teats were associated with improved colostrum
status of calves (P<0.05). Survival to weaning was greater for calves with adequate compared with inadequate colostral status
(P<0.001).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Back PJ and Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Supply curves for yields of dairy products from first-lactation Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Holstein Friesian-Jersey crossbred cows accounting for seasonality of milk composition and production.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {139-143},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {The economic efficiency of a milk-processing system is influenced by seasonality of the milk supply, and changes to milk
composition, influences the product potential of that milk. Lactation curves for milk yield and composition for seasonal calving
first-lactation Holstein Friesian (F), Jersey (J) and Holstein Friesian-Jersey crossbred (FxJ) cows were used as inputs in a
deterministic simulation model to produce seasonal curves for daily yields of dairy products. The dairy products were whole milk
powder, skim milk powder, cheese, or butter. Dairy product potential was estimated for each animal from a population of 4333
mixed-breed, first-lactation cows. Lactation lengths differed (P<0.0001), among F, FxJ, and J, which averaged 219, 222 and 221
days respectively. Total-lactation milk yield was different (P<0.0001) among breeds and averaged 3257, 3092 and 2902 litres for
F, FxJ and J cows, respectively. Whole-milk powder potential (yield per 1000 L of milk) was greatest at the start of the season
and least at the end of the season, whereas cheese-production potential (yield per 1000 L of milk) followed the opposite pattern.
Total-lactation whole-milk powder yield was different among breeds (P<0.0001) at 366, 338 and 312 kg of whole-milk powder for
F, FxJ and J cows, respectively. Total-lactation cheese yield was also different among breeds (P<0.0001), and was 371, 375 and
361 kg for F, FxJ and J cows, respectively. The supply curves indicate that milk is best processed into whole or skim milk powder
during peak season, and cheese and butter at the end of lactation. However, seasonal production of specific products would limit
the use of by-product lactose from cheese manufacture in the production of milk powders, and thus negate the efficiency gains
from changes to processing priorities.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sneddon NW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Davis SR and Hickson RE and Shalloo L and Garrick DJ}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Beef cattle wintering systems: effects on cattle and pasture.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {167-171},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { The wet winter months are a risk period for damage to pasture under grazing systems in New Zealand. The use of stand-off pads
and alternative forages and grazing systems may alleviate these risks, but may also impact on the performance and welfare of
cattle. This experiment compared four wintering systems for growing beef calves (9{\textendash}11 months old, n=103) in terms of growth
rate and welfare of calves, and damage to pasture. Treatments were a forage crop of oats, set-stocked grazing on pasture, breakfed
on pasture, and break-fed on pasture with use of a concrete feedpad and wood-shavings stand-off area when the soil was wet.
Liveweight gain was greatest (P<0.05) for the set-stocked (0.81{\textpm}0.02 kg/day) and break-fed calves (0.52{\textpm}0.02 kg/day), and least
for the calves in the feedpad (0.19{\textpm}0.02 kg/day) and crop treatments (0.10{\textpm}0.02 kg/day). The percentage of calves lying down was
least in the break-fed and oats treatments (P<0.05) but faecal corticosterone concentration was greatest in the feedpad treatment
(P<0.05). Pasture damage was greater under rotational grazing (score 3.8/5) than set stocking (score 2.9/5), but use of the feedpad
did not prevent damage to pasture (score 3.4/5). Set-stocking had the best outcomes for calves and pasture.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Little CL and Hickson RE and Martin NP and Beausoleil NJ and Cockrem JF and Kenyon PR and Horne D and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Birth weight of calves born to dairy cows in New Zealand},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {257-259},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Zhang IL and McNaughton LR}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Composition of milk sampled from beef-cross-dairy cows unaccustomed to milking.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {260-262},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Back PJ and Coleman LW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Do high-milk diets affect the growth rate of heifers prior to weaning?},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {263-265},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Cardoso DS and Hickson RE and Laven RA and Coleman LW and Back PJ}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Walking distance and energy expenditure of beef cows grazing on hill country in winter},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {164-166},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Martin NP and Hickson RE and Draganova I and Horne D and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Colostral immunoglobulin G as a predictor for serum immunoglobulin G concentration in dairy calves},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {3-8},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Feeding newborn calves high-quality colostrum is of well-recognised importance as calves that do not receive an adequate
concentration of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. This experiment aimed to characterise
IgG concentrations in colostrum from the first milking in New Zealand dairy cows, examine IgG status of calves, and to evaluate
the use of a refractometer for estimating quality of colostrum in terms of IgG concentration. Heifer calves entered the calf shed at
0-24 hours of age and were fed pooled first-milking colostrum within eight hours of entering the shed. Blood samples were taken
the following morning. Cows were individually milked and samples from individual and pooled colostrum were analysed. IgG
concentration of serum and colostrum samples were determined by turbidimetric immunoassay. IgG concentration was adequate
according to commercial reference ranges in 70.1\% of individual colostrum, 80.0\% of pooled colostrum and 82.5\% of calf serum
samples. There was no relationship between calf serum and IgG concentration in dam or pooled colostrum. The refractometer was
a good predictor of IgG concentration in serum (r=0.64, P<0.0001) and colostrum both in dam (r=0.87, P<0.0001) and pooled
(r=0.81, P<0.0001) samples. The relationship between IgG concentration and refractometer reading indicates that it could be a
useful on-farm tool.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Coleman LW and Hickson RE and Amoore J and Laven RA and Back PJ}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The effect of ewe nutrition and body condition score during very late pregnancy and the perinatal period on the behaviour of twin-bearing ewes and their lambs},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {219-222},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Nutrition of ewes during pregnancy may affect the behaviour and survival of lambs. In this experiment, ewes were allocated {\textquoteleft}low{\textquoteright}
(pasture mass 800-1000 kg DM/ha), {\textquoteleft}medium{\textquoteright} (pasture mass 1200-1400 kg DM/ha) or {\textquoteleft}high{\textquoteright} nutrition (pasture mass 1500-1700
kg DM/ha) from day 141 of pregnancy until weaning. All treatments included ewes of body condition score (BCS) 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0
as measured on day 98 of pregnancy to give a 3x3 factorial design. Behaviours of ewes and lambs were recorded in the paddock
at tagging 3-18 hours after birth. Lambs born to ewes on the high treatment were quicker to stand than those on the low treatment
(median time 15.5 versus 53.5 seconds; P<0.05), but neither group differed from lambs on the medium treatment (16.5 seconds;
P>0.05). There were no differences among treatments or BCS groups in time taken for the lamb to make contact with dam, suck
from dam or follow their dam. Maternal behaviour score of the ewes was not affected by BCS or treatment. The percentage of
lambs that bleated was similar for lambs from all BCS groups and treatments. BCS and nutrition of ewes in late pregnancy and
during the neonatal period had little influence on the behaviour of ewes and lambs.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Gronqvist GV and Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Stafford KJ and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Estimation of a premium for milk with a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids based on farm and processor profit: A simulation study.},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {54-59},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { The objective of this study was to determine, via simulation, the premium required for dairy farmers supplying milk with a high
concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) to a dairy processor to equal the operating profit ($/ha) of average farms, under
New Zealand conditions. Fifty average farms (AVE farms) and fifty farms that fed an oilseed supplement to dairy cows (UFA
farms) were simulated. The processing of milk produced by AVE farms and UFA farms into skim-milk powder and butter was also
simulated. The physical and financial characteristics of dairy farms and a dairy processor were investigated under two scenarios:
1) no premium for UFA and 2) a premium for UFA which equalled the operating profit ($/ha) of UFA farms to that of AVE farms.
UFA farms were not different from AVE farms in yields of milk, milkfat and protein, but their farm expenses were greater (P<0.05)
than for AVE farms. A premium of $0.15/kg milkfat (for each 0.1 g UFA/100 g milkfat increase) was necessary for UFA farms
to have an operating profit ($/ha) similar to AVE farms. These results may be used to further evaluate the impact of modifying
milkfat UFA concentration at the farm level.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Silva-Villacorta D and Lopez-Villalobos N and Hickson RE and Blair H and MacGibbon A}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Estimation of crossbreeding effects on yields of dairy products and value of milk processed in different product portfo},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {48-53},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { The international market requires milk products to meet specified minimum standards that define acceptable composition. This
study used a deterministic simulation model to estimate milk products yields of individual cows for different export markets. Four
milk product portfolios were analysed which included 100\% of the milk to either whole-milk powder (WMP), skim-milk powder,
cheese, or butter. Milk product potential was estimated for 4310 mixed-breed heifers from LIC Sire Proving Scheme herds based
on total lactation production. Lactation lengths were 212, 214 and 213 days for Holstein Friesian (HF), Holstein Friesian-Jersey
crossbreds (HFxJ), and Jerseys (J) respectively. Milk yields were significantly different between breeds averaging 3121 for HF,
2947 for HFxJ, and 2751 litres for J cows. Holstein Friesians had the lowest fat, protein and lactose concentrations, whereas J had
the highest. Holstein Friesian had the greatest yields of WMP per 1000 litres of milk, whereas J had the least. For all scenarios, J
milk was most valuable per litre. Crossbred cows provided greater total milk income for all scenarios except 100\% butter. Positive
heterosis effects were estimated for first-cross HFxJ animals for milk production and product yields. Crossbreeding produces cows
with milk better suited to the processing requirements of the New Zealand dairy industry and returning greater value to the New
Zealand dairy farmer.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sneddon NW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Hickson RE and Shalloo L and Garrick DJ}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Growth rate and carcass characteristics of Simmental- and Angus-sired steers born to Angus and Angus-cross-dairy cows},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {15-19},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Traditionally, British breeds have been the main source of beef produced in New Zealand. Recently the use of dairy breeds has
increased. This experiment evaluates the growth rate and carcass characteristics of steers (n=64) born to straightbred Angus
(AA), Angus-cross-Holstein Friesian (AF), Angus-cross-Jersey (AJ) or Angus-cross-Kiwicross (AK) dams, and sired by Angus
(A) or Simmental (S) bulls. This created eight crossbred treatments: A-AA (n=10), A-AF (n=9), A-AJ (n=10), A-AK (n=5),
S-AA (n=11), S-AF (n=3), S-AJ (n=11) and S-AK (n=5). Live weight between 329 days of age and slaughter, and ultrasoundderived
and slaughter-day carcass characteristics were measured. At 400 and 600 days of age, respectively, Simmental-sired steers
were 22 kg and 37 kg heavier than Angus-sired steers (P<0.05). All steers had a similar intramuscular fat percentage (P>0.05).
Simmental-sired steers had greater eye-muscle area than Angus-sired steers (P<0.05). Simmental-sired steers had heavier and
longer carcasses, and greater dressing-out percentages than Angus-sired steers (P<0.05). Simmental sires produced fast-growing
progeny with heavier carcasses than Angus sires for all dam lines. Angus-cross-dairy cows produced steer progeny with similar
carcass characteristics to those from Angus cows bred with beef bulls.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Collier KJD and Hickson RE and Schreurs NM and Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Relationships among skin thickness, fat depth and eye muscle depth in sires and their progeny, and the breeding value for survival of their progeny},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {243-246},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Lamb survival to weaning is an important determinant of farmer income and an animal welfare issue. The aim of this study
was to determine whether skin thickness, fat depth and eye muscle depth (EMD) of the sires were related to skin thickness, fat
depth, EMD and survival estimated breeding value (eBV) of their progeny. Data from a total of 19,436 lambs born between
2010 and 2013 inclusive were obtained from four farmers who comprise the Terminal Romneys for Increased Genetic Gain
(TRIGG) group. Records included weaning weight, flock, sex, birth rank, date of birth, dam identity, sire identity and live weight
at ultrasound measurement; skin thickness, fat depth and EMD measured using ultrasound at eight-months of age; and the survival
eBV. Heritabilities for weaning weight, skin thickness, fat depth and EMD were 0.60{\textpm}0.08, 0.21{\textpm}0.07, 0.25{\textpm}0.08 and 0.61{\textpm}0.23
respectively. Skin thickness and EMD of the sire were positively correlated with progeny survival eBV while sire fat depth was
negatively correlated with lamb survival eBV. Skin thickness, EMD and fat depth showed promise as indirect selection criteria for
improved lamb survival. Additional data are required to confirm this.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tait IM and Hickson RE and Kenyon PR and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Stayability of beef-cross-dairy breeding cows to six years of age},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {159-163},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { The use of dairy-beef crosses is widespread throughout the New Zealand beef industry. Cattle originating from dairy herds make
up 50 {\textendash} 55\% of New Zealand beef exports by weight (Morris \& Kenyon 2014). However, there is little information available
regarding the use of beef-cross-dairy cows as breeding cows in terms of reproductive success and stayability in the herd. A study
was conducted to investigate the pattern of cow culling and stayability from eight months of age until marking of the fifth calf of
straight-bred Angus and Angus-cross-Friesian, Angus-cross-Jersey and Angus-cross-Kiwicross cows. The results showed that the
stayability of these breeding cows was low, however, there were no differences in the stayability of straight-bred Angus or beefcross-
dairy cows.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Corner-Thomas RA and Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Lopez-Villalobos N and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {The use of herb mix and lucerne to increase growth rates of dairy heifers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {132-135},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { Approximately 53\% of 6-month-old dairy heifers in New Zealand do not meet liveweight targets, partially due to inadequate growth rates in their first summer. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of feeding forage crops on the growth
rate of dairy heifers over this critical period. Sixty six-month-old dairy heifers grazed one of three treatments: pasture, lucerne
or a mixed-herb crop for a 63-day period. Both lucerne- and crop-fed heifers had similar (P>0.05) average daily liveweight gain
(0.80 {\textpm} 0.02 and 0.75 {\textpm} 0.02 kg/day, respectively) and were greater (P<0.05) than those of pasture-fed heifers (0.53 {\textpm} 0.02 kg/
day). Lucerne-fed heifers had a greater (P<0.05) increase in body length (18.4 {\textpm} 1.3 cm) than heifers fed pasture (14.7 {\textpm} 1.2 cm).
Heifers fed lucerne had higher (P<0.05) concentrations of urea in plasma (4.9 {\textpm} 0.1 mmol/L) compared with heifers fed crop (4.1
{\textpm} 0.1 mmol/L), which had greater (P<0.05) concentrations of urea in plasma than heifers fed pasture (2.5 {\textpm} 0.1 mmol/L). Feeding a
mixed-herb crop or lucerne during the summer period resulted in higher growth rates of dairy heifer calves compared with feeding
them pasture.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Handcock RC and Hickson RE and Back PJ}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Ewe ultra-sound pregnancy diagnosis and its use by New Zealand farmers},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {65-67},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Ultra-sound pregnancy diagnosis can be a valuable management tool for sheep farmers. The benefits include early identification of non-pregnant (dry) ewes which can be culled, freeing up valuable feed for pregnant ewes (Blair 1986) and the identification of single, twin and triplet fetuses, allowing ewes to be fed based on their specific nutritional requirements during pregnancy (Garrick 1998). In addition, selection of lambing paddocks can be made based on the number of fetuses identified (Garrick 1998).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Corner-Thomas RA and Kenyon PR and Morris ST and Ridler AL and Hickson RE and Greer AW and Logan CM and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Grand-dam age has no effect on ram lamb live weight and carcass characteristics},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {196-198},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Breeding ewe lambs at 7 to 9 months of age can increase their lifetime productivity and profitability (Young et al. 2010; Kenyon et al. 2011, 2014). Further, in theory, increased genetic gain can be made from selecting progeny born to ewe lambs as replacement ewes. However, little is actually known about the long-term phenotypic impacts of such a management option. Loureiro et al. (2012) examined the reproductive and lactational performance of 18-month-old ewes born to either ewe lambs or mature ewes and reported little difference. They did, however, report that in one of two years, lambs born to dams who themselves were born from ewe lambs (i.e., the grand-offspring) were slightly heavier at weaning than grand-offspring from mature ewes. If this apparent effect was found to be consistent after weaning, and also to affect carcass characteristics, it might indicate a potential advantage of selecting replacement ewes born to ewe lambs. To date, these relationships have not been examined. Therefore, the present study examined the live weight and carcass characteristics of two cohorts of male lambs born to ewes that themselves were born to either mature ewes or ewe lambs...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Burnham DL and Kenyon PR and Pain SJ and Hickson RE and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Inter-generational effects on male offspring born to ewes whose dams were offered varying feeding levels in pregnancy},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {199-201},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {There is a growing body of evidence to indicate that pregnancy nutrition can affect the productive performance of the offspring in sheep (Kenyon \& Blair 2014). Recently we demonstrated that pastoral-based feeding of the ewe (G0) can affect the milk production of the ewe offspring (G1) and the growth and live weight of the grand-offspring (G2) to weaning (van der Linden et al. 2009; Paten et al. 2013). An effect of feeding on grand-offspring is termed an inter-generational effect, and while these effects have been reported in species such as mice and rats, their occurrence in the sheep literature is rare.
There is some evidence to suggest feeding of the ewe in pregnancy can alter the growth and carcass characteristics of her offspring (see review Greenwood et al. 2010) but there is no data available on potential inter-generational effects. The aim of the present study was to determine if feeding of the ewe (G0) in either early- or mid- to late-pregnancy could alter the live weight and slaughter characteristics of male grand (G2) offspring...},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Burnham DL and Kenyon PR and Pain SJ and Hickson RE and Peterson SW and Blair HT}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Quality of meat from steers born to beef-cross-dairy cows and sired by Hereford bulls},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {229-232},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {The dairy industry is playing an increasing role in beef production in New Zealand. It is estimated that 65\% of the beef produced in New Zealand originates from dairy herds in the form of Friesian bull beef, first-cross dairy-beef cattle, or cull cows (Morris 2008). The dairy herd has a role in the generation of beef-cross-dairy breed heifers that are used as beef breeding cows. Dairy cattle genetics are not orientated towards meat production and this raises the question as to the suitability of beef-cross-dairy breed cows for producing progeny that are slaughtered for meat production. The quality of meat from the progeny of first-cross dairy-beef cows is largely unknown.
The main dairy breed used in New Zealand is the Holstein-Friesian and the Jersey breed is also very predominant. To take advantage of hybrid vigour, the Friesian-Jersey cross is commonplace in the New Zealand dairy herd. The Friesian-Jersey cross is now considered as a breed in itself and called the {\textquotedblleft}Kiwi-cross{\textquotedblright} or {\textquotedblleft}Kiwi{\textquotedblright} breed (Garrick \& Lopez-Villalobos, 1998). Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the quality of meat from steers which had an Angus (AA), Angus-cross-Friesian (AF), Angus-cross-Kiwi (AK) or Angus-cross-Jersey (AJ) dam. The steers were sired by Hereford bulls and so, the straight-bred Angus dams (AA) provided steers with beef-only genetics for comparison....},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Schreurs NM and Hickson RE and Coleman LW and Kenyon PR and Martin NP and Morris ST}
}
@conference {3677,
	title = {Growth rates of dairy heifers fed alternative feeds },
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {29-34},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Dairy heifers need to achieve average daily gains (ADG) that allow them to reach liveweight targets. The aim of this experiment was to measure the effects of grazing 6-month-old dairy heifers on alternative feeds, over the summer period. Sixty 6-month-old Friesian-Jersey crossbred heifers were assigned to one of three treatments (pasture (P), conserved forages (C) or lucerne (L), with all treatments receiving supplementary meal. For the 6-week experiment, feed allowance was based on liveweight gain required to meet liveweight targets. Heifers were weighed at 0, 3 and 6 weeks of the treatment period. Wither height, crown-to-rump length and girth circumference were measured at the start and end of the experiment. L heifers had a greater (P<0.05) average daily gain (1.22 + 0.03 kg/day) than P heifers (0.57 + 0.03 kg/day), and C heifers were intermediate (0.78 + 0.03 kg/day). L and C heifers had a greater (P<0.01) increase in wither height (0.15 + 0.01 cm/day and 0.14 + 0.01 cm/day respectively) than P heifers (0.11 + 0.01 cm/day). L heifers had the greatest (P<0.05) increase in girth circumference (0.30 + 0.02 cm/day, compared with P and C heifers: 0.22 + 0.02 cm/day and 0.16 + 0.02 cm/day respectively). A combined diet of lucerne and meal during drought conditions increased ADG resulting in a greater proportion of heifers reaching liveweight targets.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {de Clifford RP and Hickson RE and Martin NP and Back PJ}
}
@conference {3678,
	title = {Supply and demand for lactose in the New Zealand dairy industry},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {215-219},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {Global milk product demand has been rapidly growing in the past decade, which is reflected in an increased demand for milk powders. The New Zealand dairy industry is capitalising on this by shifting its product portfolio towards milk powders. However, current international product specifications in combination with New Zealand milk composition and an industry objective to maximise farm profitability makes the industry deficient in milk lactose. This study aimed to determine how lactose deficit or surplus is influenced by changes in the product portfolio. In order to quantify this lactose balance, a computer simulation model was used (Moorepark Processing Sector Model). The 2012 New Zealand milk production (19.129 billion litres, milkfat concentration (4.99\%), protein concentration (3.82\%) and lactose concentration (4.70\%, anhydrate)) was used within the analysis. Four manufacturing portfolio scenarios were investigated with different proportions of milk diverted to whole milk powder production (80\%, 60\% (current proportion), 30\% and 10\%). The model simulated the total production of whole milk powder, skim milk powder, casein, whey powder, buttermilk powder, butter and cheese. Whole milk powder production varied from 2,292,000 tonnes for the 80\% scenario to 286,000 tonnes for the 10\% scenario. Lactose mass balance varied from 214,000 tonnes in deficit for the 80\% scenario to 510,000 tonnes in surplus for the 10\% scenario. These analyses indicate that as more whole milk powder is produced, milk from current New Zealand cows results in an increased deficit of milk lactose. The national breeding objective could be adjusted to reflect changes in the future product portfolios to better align the composition of milk with the likely product mix.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sneddon NW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Hickson RE and Shalloo L and Garrick DJ and Geary U}
}
@conference {89258,
	title = {Efficiency of beef breeding cows that vary in live weight and milking potential},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {11-16},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Size and milking potential of beef breeding cows affect their productivity and efficiency. This experiment compared the productivity and efficiency of straightbred Angus (AA) (high live weight, low-milk potential), Angus-cross-Holstein Friesian (AF) (high live weight, high-milk potential), Angus-crossKiwicross (AK) (moderate live weight, high-milk potential) and Angus-cross-Jersey (AJ) cows (low live weight, high-milk potential). High-milk lines produced heavier calves at weaning than the low-milkproducing AA. AF and AK cows weaned the heaviest calves at 225 {\textpm} 3 kg and 224 {\textpm} 4 kg respectively. These calves were heavier than those weaned by AJcows (212 {\textpm} 3 kg). All of these three genotypes weaned heavier calves than AA cows (197 {\textpm} 3 kg). In turn, all three high-milk lines had greater weaning efficiency ((weaning weight of calf/weight of cow at calf weaning) x100) than AA cows which had an efficiency of 36.7 {\textpm} 0.7\%. AJ and AK cows were the most efficient at 46.7 {\textpm} 0.7\% and 46.0 {\textpm} 1.0\%, respectively. AJ cows were also more efficient than the AF cows (44.0 {\textpm} 0.8\%). Increased milking potential and decreased live weight of breeding cows increased their efficiency of production.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Law NL and Hickson RE and Lopez-Villalobos N and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
@conference {89240,
	title = {Ewe live weight and body condition in mid-to- late-pregnancy does not affect the maximum heat production capacity of its lamb at birth},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {143-145},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Under pastoral conditions, lambs are often exposed to wind, cold and rain that result in neonatal mortality. Thus any improved thermoregulatory response has the potential to increase lamb survival. Especially in light lambs, there is a strong negative relationship between birth weight and mortality (Everett-Hincks \&amp; Dodds 2008). Birth weight also regulates the lamb{\textquoteright}s thermoregulatory capability (Kerslake et al. 2010). Lamb birth weight is influenced by ewe live weight, ewe bodycondition score and the variation in these parameters (Everett-Hincks \&amp; Dodds 2008; Schreurs et al. 2012). Therefore, ewe live weight and ewe body condition score may influence the thermoregulatory capability of the newborn lamb and its survival to weaning.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Martin NP and Kenyon PR and Hickson RE and Kerslake JI and Morris ST}
}
@conference {89263,
	title = {Review of milk payment systems to identify the component value of lactose},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {33-36},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>New Zealand{\textquoteright}s export dairy product mix has shifted towards the production of whole milk powder. This has resulted in a deficit in milk lactose to meet international standardisation requirements for whole milk powder. Currently, the deficit in lactose is filled using imported lactose with an estimated cost of New Zealand dollars 300 million annually. This study compares payment systems from America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and outlines possible strategies for payment for lactose to New Zealand dairy farmers. The prominent milk payment system in New Zealand is the {\textquoteleft}A+B-C{\textquoteright} multiple component pricing system, where A and B are the monetary values per kilogram of fat and protein and C is the penalty per litre of milk volume. An alternative payment system that may encourage farmers to increase the supply of lactose could be {\textquoteleft}F+P+L-V{\textquoteright} where F, P and L are the monetary values of fat, protein and lactose respectively and V is the penalty per litre of milk volume. This payment system is currently in operation at one small New Zealand dairy processor. This study has shown that the {\textquoteleft}F+P+L-V{\textquoteright} payment system results in smaller deviation from the true value of the milk for differing breeds, milk compositions and product mixes than the current {\textquoteleft}A+B-C{\textquoteright} system of milk payment.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sneddon NW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Hickson RE and Shalloo L}
}
@conference {79017,
	title = {Estimates of genetic parameters for flystrike in New Zealand Romney and Romney cross sheep},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {189-191},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {<p><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: ARIAL;">Myiasis, or flystrike, is a major animal welfare problem for sheep that causes significant production losses and potentially death. It is estimated that the prevalence of flystrike is 3-5\% in the national flock (Heath \&amp; Bishop 1995) and is estimated to cost the New Zealand industry $40 to $50 million annually (Beef + Lamb New Zealand 1999). These costs accrue via production losses through reduced wool and body growth, morbidity, and control strategy costs including insecticide, lamb shearing and crutching. ... continued</span></p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Pickering NK and Dodds KG and Blair HT and Hickson RE and PL Johnson and McEwan JC}
}
@conference {78975,
	title = {Examination of New Zealand sport horse performance records and their suitability for the calculation of breeding values},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {3-7},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {<p>Currently there is no genetic evaluation of sport horses in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to develop a prototype model for genetic evaluation of New Zealand sport horses. Official performance data for the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons were obtained from Equestrian Sport New Zealand. Data on dressage points per start (Dpps), eventing points per start (Epps,) and show jumping total prize money (Stpm) were examined using descriptive statistics. There were between 902 and 1,472 horses registered in each discipline. All three data sets were skewed but approached normality after a log10 transformation. Overall between two and eight percent of sires in each discipline had five or more progeny records available for genetic analysis. A sire model with fixed effects of season, gender and age and a random effect of animal were used to calculate estimated breeding values (EBVs) for each discipline. EBVs for Dpps ranged from -0.066 to 0.158, for Epps from -0.076 to 0.182, and for Stpm from -0.523 to 0.993. The use of EBVs could lead to increased genetic gain and improved performance of New Zealand sport horses. However, the current data recording has several limitations.</p>},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Creagh FE and Lopez-Villalobos N and Hickson RE and CW Rogers}
}
@conference {78991,
	title = {Genetic parameters for lactose and its relationship with concentrations and ratios of other milk components},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {76-80},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {<p>The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for milk yields, milk concentrations and ratios of milk components. Herd-test records from 268 Jersey cows from a Waikato dairy farm were obtained along with pedigree information. Genetic and phenotypic (co)variances for daily yields of milk (MY), fat (FY), protein (PY), milksolids (MSY; FY + PY) and lactose (LY), percentages of fat, protein, and lactose, and ratios of protein to fat (P:F) and protein to protein plus lactose (P:PL), and somatic cell score, were obtained with single trait and bivariate animal models using a restricted maximum likelihood methodology. The models included the fixed effects of month of calving and days in milk, modelled using an exponential curve, lactation number and the random effects of animal and cow permanent environment effects were also included in the model. Heritability estimates were 0.50 {\textpm} 0.12 (standard error) for MY, 0.25 {\textpm} 0.10 for FY, 0.30 {\textpm} 0.12 for PY, 0.27 {\textpm} 0.11 for MSY, 0.50 {\textpm} 0.12 for LY, 0.24 {\textpm} 0.04 for P:F ratio and 0.53 {\textpm} 0.04 for P:PL ratio. The genetic correlations for daily yields were high and positive. The genetic correlation between MSY and P:F ratio was -0.35 indicating that increases in MSY under the current breeding objective will decrease the P:F ratio, thus departing from an optimal ratio for whole milk powder processing.</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Sneddon NW and Lopez-Villalobos N and Hickson RE and Shalloo L}
}
@conference {79014,
	title = {Productivity and financial characteristics of herds that produce milkfat with different concentration of unsaturated fatty acids using a stochastic farm model},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {175-180},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of dairy farms with different concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in milkfat using a stochastic farm model. Daily phenotypic cow performance was simulated using an exponential function including terms for milk, fat, protein and live weight, and a third order orthogonal polynomial of milkfat UFA concentration. Daily and yearly feed requirements were estimated from metabolisable energy requirements for maintenance, lactation, pregnancy and growth. Two groups of farms were simulated: (1) Average UFA farms (30 farms, milkfat UFA concentration = 30.04 g/100g milkfat) and (2) High UFA farms (30 farms, milkfat UFA concentration = 35.99 g/100g milkfat). Each farm was 140 ha and had 386 cows, a replacement rate of 18\% and a spring calving between 20 July and 10 September. The simulation was replicated 1,000 times. High UFA farms produced significantly (P < 0.05) less milkfat (338 vs 502 kg/ha) and milksolids (692 vs 927 kg/ha) than Average UFA farms. This resulted in High UFA farms having lower (P < 0.05) gross farm income ($3815 vs $5075 /ha) and cash operating surplus ($-331 vs $598/ha) than Average UFA farms. This highlights the need to develop a payment system that rewards concentration of UFA in milkfat.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Silva-Villacorta D and Lopez-Villalobos N and Blair HT and Hickson RE and MacGibbon AKH}
}
@conference {75905,
	title = {Effect of lactation stage and breed on the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in milkfat of New Zealand dairy cattle},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {203-207},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {Milkfat composition influences the nutritional value and manufacturing characteristics of milk. This research studied the influence of: 1) stage of lactation on the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in milkfat of Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and Crossbred cows, 2) segregation of cows according to their UFA concentration in milkfat. The concentration of UFA in milkfat was predicted with a calibration equation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The data (21,757 test-day records) were analysed using a mixed model with a third-order orthogonal polynomial. In the three breeds studied, after early lactation the concentration of UFA in milkfat decreased steadily as the lactation progressed, but in Holstein-Friesian cows it increased slightly at the end of lactation. Throughout lactation, Holstein-Friesian cows produced milkfat with a higher concentration of UFA than Jersey and Crossbred cows. In each herd, cows were split into a high and a low group according to the average UFA concentration of the herd. The high UFA group had higher (P <0.001) milk yield, but lower (P <0.001) yields and concentrations of fat and protein than the low UFA group. This study indicates that concentration of UFA in milkfat is affected by breed and stage of lactation in New Zealand dairy cattle.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Silva-Villacorta D and Lopez-Villalobos N and Blair HT and Hickson RE and Spelman RJ and Melis J and Davis SR and Berry SDK and Lehnert K and Snell RG}
}
@conference {69491,
	title = {Preliminary examination of sport horse competition data for genetic evaluation},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {143-145},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {A sport horse can be defined as a horse which participates in one of the three equestrian disciplines represented at Olympic level. These disciplines are dressage, eventing and show jumping. There are approximately 5,000 horses registered for equestrian sport in New Zealand (Rogers \& Firth, 2005). Despite the relatively small size of the New Zealand equestrian sport population, the New Zealand industry has been successful in International sport with the production of predominantly show jumpers and event horses for the export market (Rogers, 1993; Rogers \& Firth, 2005).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Creagh FE and Hickson RE and Rogers CW}
}
@conference {69503,
	title = {Preliminary investigation of milk production in Angus heifers exposed to different nutrition in utero},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {194-198},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Milk yield (MY) and composition were measured on one day in Weeks 7, 9 and 11 in 17 offspring of Angus cows fed for high (1.2 kg/d; HB) or medium (0.5 kg/d; MB) liveweight gain (LWG) for 10 days before insemination and medium (0.5 kg/d; MA) or low (0.01 kg/d; LA) LWG during gestation. Mean MYs in the progeny were; Week 7: 5790 {\textpm} 420 g/d, Week 9: 7418 {\textpm} 447 g/d, Week 11: 6244 {\textpm} 392 g/d. Better feeding before mating had little effect on MY or milk crude protein (CP\%) in the progeny but tended to reduce the milkfat\% (Week 9; HB (n = 8) 3.50 {\textpm} 0.17\% versus MB (n = 8) 3.74 {\textpm} 0.22\%) (P <0.19), casein (Week 11; HB 2.59 {\textpm} 0.03\% versus MB 2.68 {\textpm} 0.04\%) (P = 0.11) and lactose (Week 11; HB 5.18 {\textpm} 0.13\% versus MB 5.42 {\textpm} 0.05\%) (P = 0.075). Better feeding of the dam after artificial insemination did not significantly increase MY of the progeny (Week 9; MA (n = 9) 7972 {\textpm} 378 g/d versus LA (n = 8) 6794 {\textpm} 826 g/d) (P = 0.23), or milkfat\%, decreased CP (Week 9; MA 3.22 {\textpm} 0.07\% versus LA 3.41 {\textpm} 0.08\%) (P <0.09) and casein\% (at Weeks 7 and 9 identical values of MA 2.52 {\textpm} 0.06\% versus LA 2.69 {\textpm} 0.07\%), but increased lactose\% after the peak of lactation (Week 11 MA 5.42 {\textpm} 0.06\% versus LA 5.15 {\textpm} 0.14\%) (P <0.08). Feeding before and after conception may affect the nutrition of the grand generation},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Peterson SW and Jenkinson CMC and Hickson RE and Morris ST and Blair HT and Kenyon PR}
}
@conference {42045,
	title = {Liveweight and body condition of single- and twin-bearing Merino ewes},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {68},
	year = {2008},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {67-68},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Brisbane, Australia},
	abstract = {<p class="rtejustify"><span itemprop="text">While dairy cows are generally milked twice-a-day (TAD) in New Zealand, more farmers are adopting a once-a-day (OAD) milking routine to improve their lifestyle, reduce farm costs and improve animal welfare. Clark <i>et al.</i> (2006) reported that the yield of milksolids (MS) from Jersey cows was less affected (-19.9\%/cow) by OAD milking than the MS yield from Holstein-Friesian cows (-29.4\%/cow). Jersey cows milked OAD in Taranaki between 2000 and 2004 averaged 222 kg MS/cow and 979 kg MS/ha (Clark <i>et al.</i>, 2006). In the 2006/07 season ...Continued </span></p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {van Reenen EH and Kenyon PR and Sherlock RG and Hickson RE and Morris ST}
}
@conference {41711,
	title = {The effect of maternal liveweight gain of 15-month-old beef heifers on foetal weight},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {67},
	year = {2007},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {117-120},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Wanaka},
	abstract = {Dystocia in 2-year-old beef heifers is a major factor limiting the willingness of farmers to breed 15-month-old heifers in New Zealand. Foetal oversize relative to the size of the heifer is a contributor to dystocia. This study aimed to determine the effect on foetal weight of maternal liveweight change during joining and early pregnancy. Sixteen 15-month-old Angus heifers were allocated to moderate (444 {\textpm} 30 g/day) or low (109 {\textpm} 28 g/day) liveweight-gain treatments for 21 days prior to and 91 days after insemination. Gravid uteri were recovered on day 91 of pregnancy. Foetuses from the low-fed heifers tended to be heavier than foetuses from the moderate-fed heifers (215.6 {\textpm} 6.7 g and 198.4 {\textpm} 6.8 g, respectively; P=0.09). Foetal weight per 100 kg maternal weight was greater (P<0.01) in foetuses from the low treatment (58.9 {\textpm} 2.5 g/100 kg) than in foetuses from the moderate treatment (47.4 {\textpm} 2.6 g/100 kg). Weight of foetal membranes was greater (P<0.05) in the low treatment (262 {\textpm} 16 g) than the moderate treatment (213 {\textpm} 16 g). Foetal weight was correlated with cotyledon weight (r=0.59; P<0.05). Moderate compared with low maternal liveweight gain reduced foetal weight relative to maternal live weight.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Hickson RE and Lopez-Villalobos N and Kenyon PR and Morris ST}
}
