19 September 1985 Deer production research at Lincoln College

Deer research at Lincoln College on the Canterbury Plains presently takes in manipulation of the breeding season to bring calving forward,
and examining copper metabolism in deer.

And research done over the last five years into antler growth is being consolidated.

Dr Paul Muir, in charge of the deer unit at the college, says quantitative data is being provided on antler growth and composition.

"We also looked at parasitism to see what effect sheep parasites have on young deer," he said.

Dr Muir said manipulating the breeding season had so far been successful in bring calving forward by about one month.

Ordinarily, hinds calve during December and are lactating during the summer when there is lower-quality feed or even drought.

"Bringing calving forward means we can capitalize on spring growth and improve calf-weaning rates," he said.

Lincoln College had the first deer farm in New Zealand - back in 1969 - but the present deer unit, concerned with both teaching and research, was established in 1980.

Presently the 24-ha deer unit runs 135 adult deer, 12 thar and 120 goats.

This has been built up from 24 hinds, helicopter-caught by the New Zealand Forest Service, and 24 stags lent by the Game Industry Association.

Dr Muir said a primary function of the deer unit was research for the developing deer industry.

Also important was teaching students to become familiar with deer farming techniques, and giving them some experience into research. "All agricultural students get some exposure to deer; some get to do mini-projects on deer."

And much of the research in the deer unit was done by postgraduate students working towards higher degrees, he said.

Further information from Dr Paul Muir, Animal Sciences Group, Lincoln College 8150