DEER INDUSTRY NEWSISSN 1176-0753 - Deer Industry New Zealand
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
xoxoxxoxoxoxo
ISSN 1176-0753
DEER INDUSTRY NEWS
Issue 69 • December 2014/January 2015 • Official magazine of Deer Industry New Zealand and the NZDFA
Best wishes to all our readers
for Christmas and the New Year
Understanding good tucker: p8
Also in this issue:
• Clayton: Innovation station
• Alliance Group’s Pure South venison
• The exotic world of Maral deer
• Dr Colin Mackintosh: A career in deer
• Branch Chairmen’s Conference
Issue No 68 • October/November 2014 1
Woburn Abbey Warnham Park
NZ’s oldest & Finest stud is
having its 30th and last elite sale
JOIN US in this milestone achievement
1.30PM, 4th January 2015 at Bangor, Darfield
FEATURING: Two year sons of the outstanding sires
NORTON II AT 8 YEARS BLOOMSBURY AT 6 YEARS
BIG CHIEF AT 5 YEARS HERBRAND AT 9 YEARS
PLUS: Mars, Haywood, Sackville, Callum, Bartholemu
and new sires Gibson, F40 and Big Chief*
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES
PGG WRIGHTSON VENDOR: CLIVE JERMY RURAL LIVESTOCK
Graham Kinsman – 027 422 3154 03 317 9167 Simon Cox – 027 209 7665
Ron Schroeder – 027 432 1299 021 924 317 Craig North – 027 473 0864
Brian Newall – 027 595 6448 stanfield@vodafone.co.nz Adam Whaanga – 027 418 3438
Brian Duggan – 027 432 4212 www.stanfielddeer.co.nz Peter Guard – 027 432 5885
INDEPENDENT Paul Lampp – 027 422 6477 and Neville Clarke – 027 598 6537
* Owned by John and Anne Scurr.
editorial
Playing to our strengths
Deer farming is still a relatively young industry in New Zealand and Alliance Group has been operating in the venison
market for only 15 years. For me, it’s exciting to work with a sector that is still evolving.
One area I particularly enjoy is working with people in the One of the key barriers
sector. Deer farmers are high-performance farmers, forward is the productivity. It’s
thinking, business focused and open to new ideas. not a high productivity
Inevitably, a young industry has its challenges. Peak sector compared with
demand from the major European markets is during the other livestock. A ewe
prime game season of September and October. That’s the can have twins or
best time to pick up premiums for chilled meat but not the triplets, but that doesn’t
best for supplying venison from New Zealand. Conversely, happen in the deer
when our venison season is at its height, the European industry.
demand is at its lowest. There’s a lot of science
Another challenge latterly has been the land use change to behind the industry with
dairy – which has seen many venison farms pushed back research into forage and
into the hills. It’s a deer’s natural habitat, but it’s tougher, farming systems and
colder, makes it harder to finish animals and also brings we’re glad to have been
Terry O’Connell.
increased feed costs. able to help through the
Deer Progeny Test (DPT)
It’s a credit to the nature and resilience of deer farmers that project. Through the DPT, we are assessing the product off
they have worked together to address these challenges. For the farm and regularly feeding information back to farmers
instance, those who are good at finishing stock will buy so decisions can be made from those results.
animals from someone who is geographically higher up.
We’re also working to expand chilled sales into new
Addressing the timing for markets is a two-way street. The markets that do not depend on the European game season
industry is working on many initiatives to increase supply – currently Germany takes 33 per cent of New Zealand
into the vital September–October period; everyone in the venison. We are exploring other opportunities, including
sector is familiar with “faster, earlier and heavier”. doing a lot of work with the US and Canadian markets.
Deer farmers are always looking for improvements to their We certainly have many selling points. The great strengths
operations. The genetic input over the past 20 years has of New Zealand grass-fed venison are its mild taste and
been staggering. The work done by DINZ and initiatives consistent quality. We know the meat we supply will give
such as Deer Industry Focus Farms and Advance Parties are our customers a premium eating experience every time and
valuable. we can position it as a superior product.
When we take overseas customers for deer farm visits –
such as Jonathan Wallis’s Minaret Station – the incredible
Contents locations and pristine environment leave a major
Editorial: ............................................................................................................................. 3 impression.
On farm: Venison is a great fit for our business. We don’t have any
Smart thinking at Clayton Station .............................................................................. 4 one customer who takes solely venison, so we can build the
Getting to the guts of the matter at Quartz Hill ......................................................... 8 Pure South Venison brand without reinventing the wheel.
General news: Total New Zealand production is about 420,000 animals
Obituary: Bob Robertson ............................................................................................. 7 but this is predicted to drop to 385,000 this season before
South Canterbury/North Otago velvet competition ................................................22 stabilising . Alliance Group processes about 30 percent of
The exotic world of maral deer..................................................................................24 the New Zealand total.
Dr Colin Mackintosh: A career in deer........................................................................27
Flying start for Top of the South Velvet Competition ...............................................30 As long as venison can be cost effective, we believe there
will be a market and we want people to stay in the sector
Coming events ...........................................................................................................42
and expand.
Industry news:
Pure South venison on tables around the world ......................................................14 If we keep doing what we are good at, deer farmers keep
Venison dishes amongst culinary finalists ...............................................................18 doing what they are good at, and we all remain committed,
Market Report: then we will achieve the results we are aiming for.
Venison ......................................................................................................................19 Terry O’Connell, Alliance Group Marketing Manager,
Velvet ........................................................................................................................20 Venison, Lamb and Sheep Meat
NZDFA Branch Chairmen’s Conference:
Challenges and opportunities ahead: Coup .............................................................31
Venison marketing session .......................................................................................33 Deer Industry News is published by Deer Industry New Zealand six times a year in February, April,
June, August, October and December. It is circulated to all known deer farmers, processors, exporters
Positive outlook for velvet season ............................................................................35 and others with an interest in the deer industry. The opinions expressed in Deer Industry News do
The not-so-secret agents ..........................................................................................36 not necessarily reflect the views of Deer Industry New Zealand or the NZ Deer Farmers’ Association.
Grassroots environmental stewardship ....................................................................38 Circulation enquiries: Deer Industry New Zealand,
Tough message on red meat sector ..........................................................................39 PO Box 10-702, Wellington, Ph 04 471 6114, Fax 04 472 5549, Email info@deernz.org
Update from OSPRI New Zealand .............................................................................41 Editorial and advertising enquiries: Words & Pictures, PO Box 27-221, Wellington,
DINZ news: Ph 04 384 4688, Fax 04 384 4667, Email din@wordpict.co.nz
Body condition score chart .......................................................................................32 Cover: Jono’s breakfast, by Angela Blair (Bayer New Zealand Deer Industry Photo Awards, 2014).
Image work: Rory Stewart.
Issue 69 • December 2014/January 2015 3
on farm
Smart thinking at Clayton Station
❚ by Tony Pearse, Producer Manager, Deer Industry New Zealand
When the Orbell family bought the 4,102-hectare Clayton Station in 1967 there were just 12 paddocks and 5 blocks
and no history of fertiliser use. Today the sheep, beef and deer operation is run on 158 paddocks and 25 blocks,
dressed by 200 tonnes of fertiliser. That is big progress over a couple of generations but for Hamish, Anna and Ruth
Orbell, there is plenty more scope for improvement. DINZ Producer Manager, Tony Pearse, went along to the final
Focus Farm field day at Clayton Station and was impressed by the attitude and innovative approach of the hard-
working young team on the property.
Three and a half years’ good progress was reviewed at a The field day featured three recent innovations at Clayton
well-attended final day of the South Canterbury Focus developed in response to productivity issues identified
Farm involving Clayton Station (breeding) and Downlands during the programme:
Deer (finishing). Discussion focused on changes in feeding, • self-feed silage pit and hind management
environmental management and addressing opportunities • hind breeding programme and environmental plans
identified at the first field day. This article provides an • matagouri spraying and hill country grain feeding in
overview of the progress made at Clayton Station by the late lactation using Advantage grain feeders.
Orbell family.
While some performance measures such as weaner Productivity improvement
weights have been static for the past three seasons (Table
1), the numbers of tail-end and late weaners have been Facilitator Nicky
dramatically reduced. There is a significant opportunity Hyslop discussed
to make further advances, aided by the recent purchase productivity
of elite hinds and a new policy of breeding known-value improvement on
replacement hinds. the property, both
historically and over
Another opportunity identified is growing surplus high- the past three years
quality grass and using this more efficiently and profitably (Figures 1 and 2).
in new wintering systems, a strategy enabled through While this was not
subdivision and cattle grazing. This will be discussed in always straight forward
more detail in the February Deer Industry News. to measure – and
Additional cash flow has been generated through contract the industry doesn’t
dairy heifer grazing. routinely report
productivity as a
Deer currently make up 20 percent of the station’s 25,000
benchmark – she said Nicky Hyslop (with microphone) and
stock units (SU) (Table 1). There is scope to increase deer Hamish Orbell at the Clayton Station field
it is a valuable index
numbers and that has been done to a limited extent, but for day.
against other industry
Clayton Station this will require positive market signals and
standards and key
confidence in longer term strengthening of venison returns.
performance indicators (KPIs). Important points from this
YEAR 1967 1992 1996 2000 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014 discussion were as follows.
Target • The project and Clayton are focused on the impact of
costs in achieving the increased productivity.
Hind 100 826 1,000 1,000 1,00 1,291 1,261 1,400
Numbers • An important KPI for productivity is the weight of
product going out the gate to sale, relative to the
R2 Hinds 161 120 227 186 170
weight of livestock wintered. To achieve its deer
R1 Hinds 230 300 270 232 300 productivity KPI, Clayton’s target in the deer breeding
Velvet Stags 220 200 240 150 88 90 150 operation (and selling weaners in March to Downlands
Deer) is 26.5 percent (Table 1). Hyslop cautioned that
R2 Stags 106 66 116 50
the real success in reaching targets like these can be
R1 Stags 240 54 175 392 70 known only when the costs of production are factored
Sire Stags 6 14 23 25 33 31 30 in.
Deer SU 200 2,443 2,749 3,972 3,273 4,203 4,641 4,482 • Sheep productivity has benefited significantly through
price rises over the past three years.
% of Total SU 2% 10% 11% 15% 16% 22% 20% 20%
• All enterprises are now benefiting from the aggressive
Productivity 1,582 17,505 26,472 37,026 30,388 47,895 60,095 52,125 development programme over the past 46 years.
kg product
Clayton now runs about 25,000 SU, up from 7,000 SU
Productivity 14.5% 16.1% 19.6% 24.4% 26.0% 23.3% 27.9% 26.5% in 1967. More importantly, per-head and per-hectare
kg/kgLW production is also significantly higher.
Wintered
• Revenue has increased from $1.53 million in 1999/2000
Fawning % 50% 58% 75% 85% 90% 90% 85% 92% ($57.90/SU) to $2.1 million in 2013/14 ($92.9/SU). The
Weaning 40 42 45 48 53 54 54 58 average South Island high country return in 2013/14
Weight (kg) was $86.98/SU.
• Costs have remained high because many of the
Table 1: Deer numbers and productivity at Clayton Station, 1967–2014. activities are still part of a large
continued on page 6
4 Deer Industry News
on farm
Clayton: continued from page 4
development programme which requires a strong team
of young staff and a big investment in lime, fertiliser,
Deer stock policy
stock feed and animal health. Total expenses are $55.0/ The aim is to increase replacement hind weights and body
SU ($1.25 million) relative to the South Island high condition score at mating to increase fawning percentage
country average of $52.54/SU. and quality (through genetics and feeding) and to increase
• Clayton’s expenses are targeted at productivity long-term weaning weights.
enhancement. For deer this means improving genetics The deer operation has been reviewed over the past five
and the quality and quantity of feed as they affect
years. The emphasis for the deer herd (currently 4,641 SU)
lactation and weaner performance (weaning weight).
has been to produce sale weaners as part of a long-term
and well planned contractual arrangement with Downlands
Deer. Historically, 50 percent of the hinds have gone to an
English red maternal sire and 50 percent to a terminal sire.
There will be a shift to an expanded and re-balanced deer
unit involving velvet production and the establishment of
an elite herd for replacements (35 percent of total hinds).
Some replacement hinds will be purchased, preferably in
fawn. A core elite antler herd allows Hamish Orbell to retain
his keen interest in trophy antler production.
Table 2: Clayton Station progress against key performance indicators
2011–2014.
Measure 2011 2012 2013 2014 DINZ
Target
Scanning % (30% hinds (30% hinds (100%
MA Hinds scanned) scanned) hinds
Figure 1: Financial performance at Clayton Station 1999/2000–2013/14, R2 Hinds scanned)
including deer net income
98% 98% 85% MA 97% MA 95%
95% 92% 79% R2 76% R2 85%
(lower due
to snow)
Fawning % 90% 90% (MA+R2) (Wean%) 90%
MA Hinds 87% 78–91%
R2 Hinds 76%
Weaner 52kg 53kg 54kg 53kg 65kg
liveweights:
10 March
Weaner liveweight gains (g/day)
Autumn 194 (red) 150 (red) 125* (red) 280–300
Winter 118 (red) 70 (red) 90 (red) 100
Spring ~327 (elite 250 360–400
stags)
Figure 2: Productivity by livestock class (total kg, left axis) and total for ~186 (term.
farm (kg/ha, right axis) stags)
~111 (red
hinds)
Average 54kg 56kg 56kg 65kg +10%
venison
carcass weight
(kg)
*sheep tapeworm found
Coming up
In the February 2015 Deer Industry News we will review the
SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)
analysis that was done for Clayton Station at the beginning
of the Focus Farm programme, and show how the Orbells
and their team have responded. We will also take a closer
look at some of the innovative ways they have tackled
challenges such as improving the quality of water leaving
the farm, and some clever thinking “inside the box” to help
It is a given that today’s development at Clayton Station emphasises ensure animals receive the quality and quantity of feed
environmental protection and water quality. required to meet productivity targets.
6 Deer Industry News
general news
Obituary: Bob Robertson
Bob Robertson lost his short battle with cancer on 16 November, just five weeks after being diagnosed.
The results of this work were reflected in awards in both the
National Velvet Competition and the National Hard Antler
and Rising Star Awards.
A keen hunter, Bob was one of only a handful of deer
farmers in the late 1980s to begin bringing overseas clients
to hunt animals on a game estate. A relatively new concept
for New Zealand then, Bob set out to break the SCI world
record, which he had done within the first year. He went
on to break the world record three times and he was very
proud when he broke the SCI World Record with a home-
bred stag, Prince Philip, in 2012.
Bob has produced a number of top stags supplied to the
industry in the past 30 or more years. He has also purchased
many high-priced stags from other studs over this time.
He was passionate about deer farming and will be
remembered for his enthusiasm and major contribution to
the New Zealand deer industry.
Bob was also well known outside the deer industry for his
ambitious and visionary business ventures.
His Infinity Group company led developments throughout
the South Island, including in Wanaka and Christchurch,
including a proposal to build a $150 million monorail
Bob took over the family farm in 1982 and began deer
linking Queenstown and Milford Sound.
farming shortly afterwards, changing the name of the farm
from Foveran Station to Foveran Deer Park. The group’s ongoing property developments include Marina
Terrace Apartments, 44 luxury apartments overlooking Lake
He was an entrepreneur and always thought big. He invited
Wanaka, and Ravenswood, a lifestyle development in North
potential investors to purchase deer that he would farm
Canterbury.
for them in return for a share of the progeny. It wasn’t long
before he had bought all of these deer and farmed them in Bob also developed the new Pegasus township, north of
his own right. Christchurch, which was sold to Todd Property Group last
year.
Bob initially purchased helicopter-captured hinds from
Tim Wallis and then bought imported elk from Canada and Paul Croft, who took over as Infinity Group general manager
red deer from Glaadt Park in Germany. These were farmed when Bob became ill, described Bob as “a visionary force in
jointly on Foveran and deer sales began 32 years ago. the local market for over a decade”, adding that in addition
to his high-profile business activities, many local people
Eventually Bob decided his passion was for red deer
and community organisations benefited from his generosity
farming and sold his entire elk herd, which included some
and support.
of the best genetics available in New Zealand at the time. By
this time he had purchased a large number of Glaadt Park Former Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive
red deer in England. He embarked on an embryo transfer Geddes said Bob would be most remembered for his ideas
(ET) programme and began importing the progeny from and energy and for his support of the community he chose
there. to live in.
From small beginnings, Bob built his red deer herd up to One of Infinity’s first projects in Wanaka was to build
3,000 head and from 1989 continued to improve the genetics Lakeside Apartments, which “rebooted the development
of the deer on Foveran through ET programmes. During this economy in Wanaka that had been in recess for some years”.
time he invested heavily in genetics from other studs to a The deer industry extends its condolences to Bob’s partner
point where most top industry sires were represented in his Anna and their two teenage children Ben and Kim.
herd and used in his ET breeding programmes. Bob was very
modest about these programmes, which were the biggest of Sources: Barry Gard, The Press
their kind in the world.
Velvet scales - OK to ask Mark Acland
Some velvet producers have asked DINZ about how to As many in the deer farming community may be aware,
ensure buyers’ scales are accurate. DINZ has raised this Mark Acland – a pioneer in the industry – passed away on 7
with several velvet buyers who report that they check their September. An obituary for Mark is being prepared with the
scales each season. If you are selling velvet you are within help of his friend and colleague, Sir Tim Wallis, and will be
your rights to ask a buyer for documentary proof that their published in the February 2015 issue of Deer Industry News.
scales have been calibrated.
Issue 69 • December 2014/January 2015 7
on farm
Getting to the guts of the matter at Quartz Hill
❚ by Phil Stewart, Deer Industry News Editor
Good technical advice from nutrition adviser Greg Smith provided a focus for the September meeting of the
Canterbury Advance Party at Quartz Hill Station. What goes on in the murky depths of a deer’s rumen provided a
useful platform for a constructive session on nutrition, while Dan and Georgie Harper talked over getting the best out
of a newly fenced hill block and also managing the transition of hybrid weaners onto fodder beet.
There are nine farms in the Canterbury Advance Party, dressed) and the balance higher hill country. There is also a
which is facilitated by consultant Wayne Allan. finishing block 9km away at Windwhistle.
The day started with a quick report from each of the group’s Several environmental challenges make things interesting,
members. Most were troubled by the dry spring conditions including dry summers and autumns, cold winters,
at that stage. frequent winds and a clay pan. Nonetheless it’s a successful
operation combining Rakaia red deer with Angus and Angus
cross cattle and about 4,200 Perendale ewes.
The Station runs 850 red
hinds and 300 velvetting
stags. About half the hinds
are mated to red stags
to breed replacements
and the other half go to a
terminal sire. The station
has traditionally been a
breeding-only operation,
running a weaner sale
Many in the Advance Party group had been affected by a cool, dry spring. each autumn, but in a big
Dan Harper explains the strategy
change this year, they have
behind using the hill block for the
Several were interested in use of in-shed wintering systems, Quartz Hill hinds. moved to finishing their
noting that the systems and adaptations made to feeding own deer.
and management had a considerably positive effect on In March this year there was a bit of a hiccup with an
feed intake and growth rates. The economics of wintering outbreak of yersiniosis following weaning the hybrids, when
systems were also discussed. While building a shed for the they were caught out by the same storm that caused serious
job could be a viable option, factoring in depreciation could
flooding in Christchurch. Only 10–15 animals were lost, but
wipe out any direct benefits from the increased growth
rates, it was agreed. The advantages of having a bank of many more were ill and needed antibiotic treatment with
early spring pasture feed for the weaners at the end of the Bivatop®. All of the hybrids were also given a course of
in-wintering period were noted but not costed into this Yersiniavax® vaccine and no further deaths occurred after
discussion. this. Colin Guild said he had overestimated the resilience
Other points of note from the group included: of the weaner hybrids but was unsure whether they should
• weaner growth rates were significantly checked by an continue vaccinating next year.
extended wet spell Others noted that a feed check, which slowed gut
• better nutrition of mixed age hinds on one property movement, and the stress of handling could precipitate
was behind an 8 percent improvement in scanning to yersiniosis and several of the Advance Party group now
98 percent routinely vaccinate.
• a big range of weight gains within weaner mobs was
Dan Harper said the hybrid weaners had been put onto
causing concern on several properties
fodder beet around the beginning of July and had been
• a trial with chemical topping to improve feed quality
doing well, putting on up to 166g per day in August. By early
during late lactation had been successful; only part of
a paddock had been done, but the area was growing September that had eased back to about 113g/day and they
visibly better and producing great feed were soon to come off the crop.
• a dry summer–autumn period and poor nutrition The Harpers were keen to know what the best strategy was
had resulted in a 30 percent dry rate among first and for using fodder beet. The weaners had now plateaued and
second calvers on one property. needed to come off – supporting the conventional wisdom
that 60–70 days is enough – and were being replaced on
State of play at Quartz Hill there by the velvetting stags (see update below).
Quartz Hill Station is the family property of Colin and Hilary The red weaners had been run on kale with baleage through
Guild, and is being managed by their daughter and son-in- winter and, while they still looked good, Dan suspected they
law, Georgie and Dan Harper. The 2,910 hectare property might have been getting sick of the diet and were ready to
runs up to 970 metres. About 30 percent is cultivable rolling move to something else.
country, 20 percent is easier hill country (mostly top-
continued on page 10
8 Deer Industry News
ENSURE YOUR WEANERS
ARE READY FOR THE CHILLED MARKET
“No time is more key for deer farmers than January/February
during and immediately after weaning”
BY GARETH GILLATT
Advantage Feeders’ new grain feeder
system has become an essential tool
for keeping weaners and hinds in
top condition for North Canterbury
deer farmer Stuart Stokes.
Stokes farms 800 English Red breed-
ing hinds on his 300 ha property at
Sheffield, one hour west of Christ-
church.
While there are many crucial times on
the calendar for deer farmers, Stokes
says that, in terms of feed budgeting
and animal nutrition management,
no time is more key than between
January and February, during and im-
mediately after weaning. Barley is used to supplement live- “There was wastage both in barley
stock’s diet and Stokes says before and in animals,” says Stokes.
With hinds going out to stags in 2011 it was fed out once a day from a
January-March, Stokes says hinds He bought his first 1800 litre NGF1800
tow behind grain bin onto the ground Advantage Feeders in 2011 and no-
need to be put on a rising plain of nu- behind his truck.
trition to get them cycling ahead of ticed how much time he was saving.
This is a time consuming exercise
mating so they will produce a fawn Instead of traveling out to paddocks
which didn’t give him much control
early in the next season. once a day, he only needed to refill the
over how much the deer were eating
feeder once a week.
Feeding is also crucial for weaners at or who was getting it.
this time too says Stokes as animals “It is like feeding lollies, they’ll meet Stokes introduces the feeders to
that can’t produce a 45kg carcass you at the gate and it’s hard to get the hinds and fawns in January,
weight by the close of the chilled mar- into the paddock. just before weaning.
ket in late October need to be pro- Within two minutes of getting into While Stokes uses that time to get
cessed frozen and bring a much lower the paddock it’s gone,” he said. hinds to teach fawns how to use the
price. feeder, he has also noticed other
Stokes says this resulted in wasted
benefits including hinds recovering
“If you can get that part of it right you time, effort and stock losses due to
from calving faster and better growth
get a hind back in calf early and get a the manner deer were eating the high
rates in weaners.
better fawn rate the following year as protein food.
well as getting a good weaner that is “Because of the way animals were To learn more about our
ready for the chilled market. eating it some weren’t getting any Advanced Adjustment System and
It really plays a big part in how profit- while some deer were getting far too how it can work on your farm, call
able the rest of the year will be”. much,” he said. us now on 09 431 7276.
on farm
Quartz Hill: continued from page 8
The importance of gut function
Guest nutrition adviser was Greg Smith MSc, an
independent whole-farm nutritional consultant and trainer
with significant experience in deer. Introducing Smith,
Wayne Allan recalled a beef cattle client who was frustrated
at achieving growth rates in heifers of only 300g/day, while
his neighbour using the same crop was doing 800g/day. The
difference, Wayne said, was the way the transition to crop
was managed. Once that was done properly, his client was
matching his neighbour.
Smith said there were three important aspects with feeding
and nutrition: quantity, quality and digestive efficiency.
Feed management affects all these factors.
He began with a lesson in deer gut function. Of the four
stomachs (rumen, omasum, abomasum and reticulum), the
Red weaners had been on kale and baleage, but were probably getting rumen is the all-important fermentation chamber.
sick of this diet.
With certain deer species, some studies in various countries
“We’re still not sure what to put on when and where in these have shown that the larger the rumen in relation to body
crops.” weight, the more likely a deer will tend to be a grazer, he
Another question was whether or not to try and “beat the explained. “The relative rumen capacity can affect the type
schedule” when choosing a time to send away slaughter of feed that a species will process more efficiently.”
stock, a familiar quandary for many finishers. “We don’t Looking at the papillae or “fingers” in the rumen lining,
know whether to concentrate on weight gain or on catching Smith said the longer the papillae, the more efficiently they
the peak schedule.” will help with the absorption of nutrients from the rumen.
A 220-hectare hill block had been deer fenced this year and The type of feed given to deer can affect the rumen papillae
fertiliser put on for the first time in five years. It was home size, although there is a lag time, he added. On a balanced
to 750 hinds for up to three months. “They came off in diet, carbohydrates in feed can help develop a more
really good condition – we’re not sure if we could have left efficient rumen function, although this can be delayed by
them there longer, but we didn’t want them losing condition weeks if there has been a feed or nutritional setback.
and then paying for it later.” The rumen wall contracts about one to three times a minute
In later discussion, Wayne Allan said there are two reasons in deer to help expel gas through the gullet, mix the gut
for taking hinds off a hill block: because there is not enough contents and keep the digestion process moving. Anything
feed, or because they are not keeping up with the growth. that interrupts the contractions, such as poor diet or certain
plants toxins, can lead to bloat or inefficient digestion.
The hinds were now on straight silage and only about 10 On fodder beet crops, a poorly managed transition could
skinny ones needed to be taken out to be brought back up potentially cause marginal cases of rumen acidosis, which
to good condition in their own grass paddock. undermines digestive efficiency. “In those marginal cases
The mixed age stags were on fodder beet, moving to good the animals might look all right but they are not performing
pasture after button drop. as well as they should be.”
Early summer update
As Deer Industry News was going to press on the first official Dan said the mixed-age stags that had three weeks on
day of summer, there was snow on the hills and conditions fodder beet at the end of winter came off in excellent
were still tough at Quartz Hill. Dan said it had been a kind condition. While it was too early to tell if this had translated
winter but a very tough spring with persistent nor’westers into velvet production, weights looked to be about 100g
and lack of sunshine put grass growth well below average. ahead of last season.
Despite the challenges, the new policy of finishing their
own stock had made a promising start, with 140 hybrid
weaners being processed to date, averaging 57kg carcass
weight. Dan said it was not a bad start but there was room for
improvement. “We could possibly get more weight onto the
weaners before winter and we’re looking to further improve
pasture swards with red clover, chicory, plantain and so on.”
At the suggestion of Advance party members, the Harpers
had set stocked the newly fenced hill block a month earlier
than usual at 1.8 hinds per hectare, to try and control feed
quality. “We put 350 wapiti-mated hinds onto this block, all
with a condition score of 4 or better. The ten lighter hinds
were set stocked on the paddocks.”
The mixed-age stags came off the fodder beet in great condition.
10 Deer Industry Newson farm
He said it was important to keep some effective fibre in
the diet when animals were on fodder beet. “Although the
time may be less, it can take up to two weeks for rumen
microbial populations to adapt to a new crop.”
WITH YERSINIOSIS,
Beneficial microbes latch on to the food particles and IT’S ONLY A QUESTION
secrete enzymes that help digest them. “The rumen is a
continuous fermentation vat where food is broken down
OF WHEN.
into usable substances. The microbes get the first shot at it.
If you upset them,
because of your
feed management,
you ultimately
upset the animal’s
performance. If
you’re farming deer,
you’re farming
rumen microbes
too.”
Smith explained
Greg Smith: It’s not just about the quantity or that during the
quality of feed, but also efficiency of digestion. feed digestive
process the bacteria
produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are required
by the animal and are largely absorbed from the rumen.
Each of the three main types of VFA (propionic, acetic and
butyric acids) has important functions in the animal. “For
example, in general terms, propionic acid absorbed by the
animal is converted to glucose in the liver and mostly used VACCINATE NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
for energy production – brain function, muscle function,
milk production and so on, while acetic acid is principally
involved in fat deposition and milk fat.” These acids are
Yersiniosis is a highly infectious disease that strikes
balanced in the rumen by saliva. weaner deer during late autumn and winter. Commonly
triggered by stresses such as - poor nutrition, changes
“The more sugar and starch you have in the diet, the in feed, yarding, transport and bad weather - it rapidly
more acid tends to be produced and also the ruminal leads to bloody scours and death.
acid balance changes, hence the potential for rumen To protect your herd over weaning and through the high
risk periods, talk to your vet now about Yersiniavax®.
acidosis to occur, so physically effective fibre is needed to
stimulate saliva production. Also, well-developed rumen-
lining papillae help the flow of acid out of the rumen into
the animal’s bloodstream. Too much fibre though, and
performance will go down. It’s about balance.”
Smith said deer that were natural browsers, including red
deer and elk, had been shown to have larger salivary glands
than other species. Substances in the saliva also helped
process condensed tannins in the diet. Although these
tannins can have some advantages in the diet, you can have AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION.
ACVM No: A6151. ®Registered trademark. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd.
Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz . NZ/YSVX/0914/0001
too much of a good thing.
Digestive efficiency could be affected by:
• balance or imbalance of the diet
• sudden changes in feed Digestibility of pasture varied at different times and, as
• underfeeding a general rule, the more digestible the feed, the less that
would be required from a nutritional perspective. Smith
• excessive sugars and starches
noted that roller or hammer milling barley could make it
• feed protein imbalances
more digestible, but for deer there was a risk of making the
• excessive minerals
carbohydrates too quickly degradable and causing acidosis
• inadequate water
– the key was to make sure the diet was properly balanced
• disease organisms. including with the right amount of effective fibre.
Smith said the pH in a healthy rumen of a deer on pasture Chicory ranked higher on the digestibility scale, although
fluctuated within the 5.8–6.4 range. It was generally lower that advantage had to be balanced against its persistence.
on fodder beet and a little higher on hay-type diets. If this Variable pasture species generally provided enough fibre. A
dropped too low (more acidic) it could result in acidosis possible exception was during the spring flush, when extra
which damages the rumen lining. nitrogen might make feed more tender and soft.
continued on page 12
Issue 69 • December 2014/January 2015 11on farm
Quartz Hill: continued from page 11
Smith said that while high feed digestibility is desirable, through the rumen wall. Ammonia is inherently toxic to the
a balance is needed in the diet, with some effective fibre animal. It finds its way through the blood to the liver where
component available. “You don’t want it moving through it is detoxified through conversion to urea, which can be
the animal too quickly. It’s not just about the quantity seen in pasture as urine burn patches in extreme cases. To
of feed, or its quality, but also efficiency of digestion. be useful in the rumen microbial digestive process, protein
Importantly, the more a farmer or manager can understand in the diet needs to be balanced by energy available from
about what actually is happening inside the animal, the sugars and starches. Rumen microbes also require minerals,
simpler it becomes to determine the cause of problems but excessive mineral inputs may adversely affect these
and to solve the issues. Improving our knowledge of how microbes and their function.
the animal functions is very useful. It’s important to ask When getting pasture analysed, Smith said the commonly
whether your feed management conflicts with what the used metabolisable energy (ME) measure was a
animal really requires.” mathematical calculation derived from digestibility. It was
Nutrition and antler growth useful to a point, but a true measure of sugars and starches
Antler growth is like a jigsaw, Smith said. Factors such as in pasture could be more helpful in fine-tuning diets.
hormones, photoperiod, nutrition and genetics all interact Silage quality
and play a part. If silage gives off a sickly, a “sharp” or a vinegary smell, that’s
Noting that some traits were significantly heritable, Smith a sign all is not well. Greg Smith said as well as the usual
said poor nutrition or disease could prevent velvetting stags silage tests, it’s worth spending a few extra dollars getting
from realising their true potential. In practice, genetics silage analysed for fermentation acids, soluble sugars
may not mean a lot if there are ongoing issues with feed and starches. This gives a better indication of how well or
quantity, quality and digestive efficiency – the animals are poorly the silage’s fermentation process has gone, and its
restricted from reaching their genetic potential. Protein nutritional value. He said typically most contractors charge
was an essential component – not just “protein” itself, but based only on dry matter, but that really doesn’t address
the types of protein and protein fractions and how often it pasture quality, which can be compromised, for example, if
was fed. Consistency is a key. Smith said genetics and gut the baleage wrapping is inadequate or ensiling was poorly
function interacted in a complex way. Trials have indicated done. Smith finished with pointers for making good silage:
that some deer do worse than others while all under the • Good silage cannot be made from poor quality pasture.
same good feed conditions; others do well only when feed • Poor quality silage results in lower intake, lower silage
conditions are good; and some perform better than others digestibility, lower nutrient intake, reduced production
on the same restricted diet. and possible animal health problems.
Dietary mineral content and its effect on antler growth was • Take care to get the chop length right for the crop
discussed a lot in many countries, Smith said. But while being harvested (grass, cereals, lucerne, etc.)
some minerals had been well-researched in relation to • Avoid contamination with earth.
deer antler, others had not. The calcium–phosphorus ratio • Avoid poor quality pasture at ensiling and overly
had been examined and appears to have an influence on wet (low dry matter) or overly dry (high dry matter)
antler strength and growth, as may copper content. Some pasture.
research has indicated that low copper and phosphorus • Compact and seal well – generally at least six layers of
could lead to undue antler breakage. If calcium (in balance wrap for baleage.
with magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese) was • Focus on quality for deer – levels of sugars, starches,
inadequate, at certain times the animal can start to resorb protein and minerals over simple dry matter weight.
This might put you at odds with the contractor. It’s an
calcium from its bone to compensate.
educational process.
Links have also been observed between weaning weight, as • Use an inoculant with lactic acid bacteria to kick-start
well as later antler growth, and how well a stag was fed by fermentation if you want “cheap insurance”.
its mother when it was a fawn. If animals are compromised • Feed silage as quickly as possible after the pit is
when they are young, this can affect their later productive opened and the face is exposed to the air.
lives, said Smith. Good nutrition through lactation can • If there is mould visible in places, there could be
benefit not only weaner weights, but also, it appears, velvet microscopic moulds and toxins in other places that
production later on. are invisible to the naked eye. More often than not it’s
Wayne Allan noted that there was a law of diminishing near the exposed surface or the surfaces near the wrap
or cover. Mycotoxins from fungal growth can result in
returns when it came to feeding for good velvet growth –
abortion, lowered production and weight loss.
there was a sweet spot where production was enhanced, but
additional feeding beyond this would yield no extra benefit.
Want to know more?
Protein component
For further information on deer feeding and feed sources,
Smith said the minimum crude protein component in visit the Deer Hub: www.deernz.org/deerhub/feeding
a diet should be around 16 percent on average, but this
For a silage making manual: www.pioneer.co.nz/assets/
figure depends on the type of animal and its growth phase
publications/inoculants/SpringManual.pdf
or other status (e.g. pregnancy, lactation). It also depends
on the balance of protein fractions in the feed. Too much To contact Greg Smith: contactgreg2010@gmail.com
rumen-degradable protein in the diet will see excessive For an interview with Dan Harper and discussion at the
conversion to ammonia with subsequent absorption Advance Party meeting: http://tinyurl.com/nh3v8kw
12 Deer Industry News273 McKeown Rd
Deer Genetics NZ Woodbury, Geraldine
ELITE SIRE STAG SALE
9am Tues 6th Jan, 2015
Breakfast 7.30am
For Personal viewings
Don 0274 955 007
Kelly 0274 324 215
SERAPIO DG
Growing @ 4yrs
30 Nov 14
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Updated every few days online
Look what you missed.
Be Smart. Don't miss out this year.
IMBRIUS DG
Growing @ 3yrs
www.deergeneticsnz.co.nz 30 Nov 14industry news
Pure South venison on tables around the world
Alliance’s Pure South venison is making its way to the kitchens and tables of Europe and in exciting new markets
in Asia. Deer Industry News writer Ali Spencer talked to Alliance’s venison marketing team John Rabbitt and Terry
O’Connell about the past, the present and what they think should be the future for New Zealand venison.
While it was first established as a network of subsidiaries, importers
co-operative in 1948, Alliance is a and other offices. These include
relative newcomer to venison and the New Zealand Lamb Company
added the meat to its product mix in North America, owned by a
only in 1999, nearly four decades collaborative consortium of Kiwi
after it started processing sheep and exporters including Alliance, and
beef cattle in 1960. the cooperative’s wholly owned UK
With a recently announced turnover subsidiary, New Zealand Farmers.
of $1.46 billion for the year to 30 The cooperative has invested a
September 2014, the world’s largest lot into its refreshed “Pure South”
sheepmeat processor and exporter brand over the past few years, under
now accounts for 30 percent of the which the majority of its venison is
New Zealand deer kill, producing more than four million kg sold. Product going into North America is marketed by the
of venison for export each year. New Zealand Lamb Company under the Cervena® brand,
About 120,000 head of deer are processed in two plants: however, which is well known in the United States and
in a standalone plant alongside another for sheepmeat at Canada. Another brand, Ashley Venison, targets Metro retail
Timaru-based Alliance Smithfield, and at the deer specialist stores in continental Europe.
plant Alliance Makarewa near Invercargill. A lot of Alliance’s Pure South brand development is
Within its 5,000 shareholders the cooperative has 450 outsourced to in-market specialists who handle advertising,
venison suppliers, ranging from very small farmers to large public relations, point-of-sale material, events, sampling
operations. and online activity. Like other exporters, the company has
found social media is becoming increasingly important,
“In Southland, particularly, we have very loyal supporters,” particularly in China and India.
says marketing manager, John Rabbitt, adding that they talk
to the “big guys” about their time of supply. “It’s a case of exploiting those opportunities,” explains
Rabbitt, adding that information technology using
Alliance has been heavily involved in the Deer Progeny applications for smartphones and iPads, plus QR Codes, are
Test (DPT) project, which is now entering its final stages. becoming an integral part of campaigns.
Carcasses of DPT progeny – the largest number scanned
in New Zealand at one time – are being measured for traits A lot of the product development goes on in-market, adds
and will be entered into the database. O’Connell. The team works with in-market partners on pre-
cooked ready meals, for example.
The company is working with farmers and scientists on
venison yield grading using the VIAscan® grading system Over the year, 70 percent of the Alliance product is exported
but, because of the lack of fat cover with venison, this is a frozen, as opposed to chilled, but the chilled component
very different proposition to lamb and more development rises to 50 percent during the Northern Hemisphere game
work is required, says Rabbitt. “We remain committed to season.
the project to help our suppliers produce a quality raw
material.” Old friends, new friends, special friends
The venison product range is sold as an extension to the Rabbitt alluded to the company’s marketing philosophy
Alliance sheepmeat business through the company’s at this year’s Deer Industry Conference: “Old Friends, New
Invercargill sales team. Working alongside Rabbitt is Friends, Special Friends.”
venison marketing manager Terry O’Connell and Katrina
For those old friends, based on traditional sheepmeat
Allan, Alliance Group sales manager for sheepmeats/North
customers mainly in Europe and North America, the
Europe and venison. They are linked to the Alliance global
John Rabbitt (left) with Terry O’Connell, two-thirds of Alliance Group’s
venison marketing team. Pure South venison on the plate.
14 Deer Industry Newsindustry news
business is run on a key account basis. Strong relationships
on the lamb side have been built up over many years of
trade with customers such as Davigel in France, UK retailer
Marks & Spencer (where it is the exclusive New Zealand
lamb supplier) and Sainsbury’s, explains Rabbitt.
“Venison is an extension of the product range and sold
alongside sheepmeat.”
He doesn’t expect relationships in those more mature
markets will change. Alliance personnel will continue to
travel as they have done this year. O’Connell visited Europe
in early September, ahead of the European game season
and Rabbitt attended the giant SIAL (Salon International de
L’Alimentation) Trade Fair in Paris as part of the company’s
annual lamb marketing offensive. Customers have made the
trip downunder as well.
The pair have noticed a focus on the supply chain by their
customers, with many changes in European systems. The
horsemeat scandal of last year “turbo-charged” a raft of
changes started during the global financial crisis.
“Price isn’t the first thing on their lips now; it’s integrity of
the supply chain,” says Rabbitt.
This makes Alliance’s work with Oritain – the company
offering scientific verification of origin – something of an
insurance policy. The German version of the Ashley Venison website, targeting Metro
customers in Continental Europe, incorporates information about New
“If something does erupt, we have that to back us up,” he Zealand venison with videos, tips and recipes.
says.
products, including venison, edible offals and co-products,
Making new friends which was sent to the Grand Farm team, with another in
transit at the time of writing. The R&D team is working with
Alliance has also been seeking to diversify and make those to see what new products they could come up with.
“new friends” in a sweep from the East to the West in the
emerging “BRIC” markets of Brazil, Russia, India and the “It’s going to take time, for sure,” says O’Connell, adding
People’s Republic of China. that he is confident the work will produce interesting new
products. “There is a lot of potential there and I’m sure we
It has been trading in China – a culture with a completely can extract better value for co-products, in particular.”
different way of thinking about food, compared with New
Zealand’s traditional markets – for more than 20 years and However, while there is currently no access for venison
O’Connell says the company is still learning from its two into the market, it’s India that is the cooperative’s “new and
principal in-market partners. One of them, Grand Farms, special friend”.
is the biggest importer of New Zealand sheepmeat and Alliance has been working in the sub-continent since 2013
has an extensive research and development department, and has invested in a brand partnership with Quality New
based in Harbin, a city with a population of 6.7 million in Zealand, owned by current and former Black Cap captains
Heilongjiang province in Northeast China. Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Stephen Fleming
Approval of Alliance’s two venison plants by the Chinese along with Sir Richard Hadlee and Geoff Allott. This is
authorities in July, “put a skip in the step” of the marketing primarily to develop a new market for premium lamb
team. This released a 40-foot container of a variety of in India, but will also have spin-offs for venison, should
access be granted. The company was also part of recent
New Zealand trade delegation, which aimed to highlight
New Zealand’s hosting of the 2015 Cricket World Cup and
resulted in the rejuvenation of free trade agreement talks
with the country.
Rabbitt visited India last year, where he says there was
unusual and consistent interest in venison.
“At every meeting – without fail – buyers asked about it.”
In complete contrast to China, which started with the
cheaper cuts and is gravitating up to the premium end of
the spectrum, new Indian customers – primarily in high-
end foodservice – have plunged straight in at the high end
with orders for Frenched racks, legs and loins.
In time, “it could be the new China,” he believes.
Pure South venison.
continued on page 16
Issue 69 • December 2014/January 2015 15industry news
Alliance: continued from page 15
“We need to keep the industry heading in the right direction
as we work towards building the confidence of all
stakeholders to ensure a vibrant, robust venison sector.”
Alliance Group venison: Vital statistics
Number of deer suppliers: 450
Plants: Two (Smithfield and Makarewa)
Annual venison produced: >4,000,000kg
Venison brands: Pure South, Cervena and Ashley
Markets sold to: 20 countries
Further information: www.alliance.co.nz
Alliance committed to P2P
Alliance is “completely supportive” of the deer industry’s
P2P programme according to Rabbitt, who represents
Alliance as one of the five exporters looking at new
marketing approaches for the deer sector.
He agrees with the deer industry’s current mantra of “Faster,
earlier and heaver”.
“Within New Zealand, we have invested heavily in
operational excellence to produce a quality product that
has unique attributes such as grass fed, free range, mild
tasting, and tender. Where we have a problem, however, is
telling our story.”
Other issues identified by Rabbitt are:
Black Cap captain Brendon McCullum at the launch of the
Alliance Group/QualityNZ partnership in New Delhi last year. • over-reliance on the game season, where product is
consumed over a three month period
Brazil has been the most complicated of the four BRIC • most venison exported is frozen
countries to work in, according to the pair. While Alliance is • industry needs to move up the value chain.
putting product in and has engaged an in-market facilitator,
they have found working in the market and dealing with the It all points to the need to reposition venison as a new meat
Portuguese language is surprisingly difficult. in Europe and to find exciting new opportunities in Asian
markets, especially China.
“We need to keep moving in there. Today it’s hard, but
tomorrow the work will pay off,” says Rabbitt. The five major venison exporters plan to collaborate,
sharing resources and manpower, along with support
Highlights: Venison into China and from Government through Primary Growth Partnership
(PGP) funding – should it be approved. The P2P case
support for P2P was presented by NZDFA and DINZ to PGP’s Investment
The stand-out highlights of 2014 for the duo have been the Advisory Panel in early November. At the time of writing, a
delivery of the first container of Pure South venison into decision on the application was still pending.
China and the industry’s continuing strong support for the
“What is achieved could be a template for other activities
Passion 2 profit (P2P) programme.
for other meats,” Rabbitt believes.
The challenges will be unwinding dependence on the
Once approved, the plans are to determine the structure
German game season, increasing of out-of-season chilled
and take a coordinated approach. Proposals are for the
venison exports and changing venison’s positioning to the
main PGP programme to start in the next European
high-end protein, they believe.
summer: June–September 2015.
“Venison is the new meat. It’s not a mature product and
In the meantime, they’ll be looking for suppliers to stop
needs repositioning,” says Rabbitt, who is aiming to spend
reducing deer numbers and to make a return on
a lot more time in 2015 with Alliance’s UK and North
investment.
American offices on developing it.
With major importers of venison regaining confidence on
the back of an improved European game season, overall
the company expects 2015 returns for venison to be at least
similar to 2014.
“While the market fundamentals look OK for 2015, the
challenges of product positioning and growing chilled ‘out-
of-season’ remain,” O’Connell remarks.
16 Deer Industry NewsHIGH BV
SIRE STAGS
A limited number of
2yo sires are available
for sale. These will sell
out quickly. Call now
THE FASTEST GROWING to secure an option.
RED DEER IN THE INDUSTRY
DEERSelect has ranked all sire Breeding
Birth Herd Stag
stags on the industry database Value*
including bloodlines from every 1 Deer Improvement NADAL 30.7
red deer population in the world. 2 Wilkins Farming TUI* 28.1
Deer Improvement has been operational for 3 Deer Improvement LAZIO 28
10 years, sampling all promising bloodlines 4 Deer Improvement FEDERER 27.5
and utilising every available technology to 5 Deer Improvement GAGARIN* 27.4
drive genetic gain to new heights. 6 Deer Improvement TUNDRA 27.3
• Achieve spring schedule premiums for 7 Landcorp Stuart R290/10 26.6
your yearlings
8 Deer Improvement SICILY 26.3
• Lift carcass weight toward the top of the 9 Landcorp Stuart R386/10 25.7
premium range (65kg)
10 Deer Improvement POLARIS 25.3
• Slaughter all non-breeding stock before 11 Deer Improvement SIBERIA 24.6
the next crop of fawns and the summer dry
12 Deer Improvement 11053 24.4
• Kill sooner to reduce maintenance
13 Deer Improvement NAPLES 24.4
feed cost
14 Deer Improvement 11093 24.2
• Choose your ideal replacement hind and
15 Deer Improvement LORENZO 24.1
turn the rest into cash
16 Deer Improvement GALILEO 24.1
• Breed your own sire stags
17 Wilkins Farming MACH SEVEN 23.7
With 12 month weight Breeding Values at
18 Black Forest Park BENDIGO 23.5
30.7kg and climbing (that is, liveweight
at 12 months 30kg higher than the 1995 19 Deer Improvement TUSCANY 23.2
Invermay herd), the rapid and ongoing 20 Deer Improvement DJOKOVICH 22.9
genetic gain in red deer is making the wapiti 21 Deer Improvement MOSCOW 22.8
terminal system obsolete. Get the growth
22 Deer Improvement CONSORT 22.8
rate you need without the headaches and
without sacrificing half your herd to breed 23 Deer Improvement BEETHOVEN 22.6
unimproved replacement hinds. 24 Deer Improvement 11111 22.6
Genetic gain offers your biggest opportunity 25 Deer Improvement GENIUS 22.4
for productivity improvement because it is 26 Black Forest Park KURGAN* 22.4
permanent and cumulative. Now you have a 27 Landcorp Stuart TONGARIRO* 22.3
choice of AI or sire stags from a source with
28 Deer Improvement FRANKEL* 22.3
unparalleled reliability and biosecurity status.
29 Stanfield Eastern YESENIN* 22.1
The genetic solution is as close 30 Deer Improvement DAVINCI2* 22.1
as your phone.
LIC0803
* DEERSelect economic index (12 month weight breeding value) November 2014
Bruce McGregor 027 233 2063
General ManagerYou can also read
