Massey Documents by Type

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Start date: 1940End date: 1949

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    Pasture utilization in relation to New Zealand dairy farming : a thesis presented in part fulfilment of the requirements for the Animal Husbandry section of the degree of Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1949) McArthur, Alistair Thomas Giles
    The world shortage of food is the most serious crisis which faces mankind today. It is a crisis which has no earlier precedent and one for which remedial measures will be hard to find. The problem, first mentioned by Malthus in 1798, is one of limited food resources combined with an increasing world population. The basis of food production lies in the soil mantle of the world which is limited in extent and decreases yearly both in quantity and quality through the use of bad farming practices which lead to soil erosin. The present level of human nutrition throughout the world is far from adequate. In North .America and Australasia, the average daily consumption of calories per head is above 3000 but in the Middle East it is only 2400 while in the Far East it varies between 1700 and 2100, which is well below requirements (Fawcett (1948)). Not only are these people in need of more food energy but they also require more protein, minerals and vitamins. Livestock products are, of course, rich in these 'protective' foods and the expansion of livestock production will play an important part in raising the level of nut­rition of the world's population. [From Introduction]
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    A preliminary study of some factors affecting the production of milk for supply to Auckland city : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree by "546" for the Animal Husbandry section of the Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1947) Flux, Donald Souter
    The great value of milk as a human food has been well emphasised by the fact that milk production was given, during the war years, first place in the efforts to produce food in Great Britain. Milk is valuable as a source of readily digestible protein of high biological value and because of the high content of protective elements such as Vitamin A and riboflavin. Its importance in the diet is not surpassed by any other single food. An adequate supply of milk is particularly important in urban areas, since it is here that diets are most likely to be deficient in protective foods and the need for protective elements is likely to be greater. In comparison with total milk production in New Zealand, the proportion used as whole milk and cream is small. It was estimated by Hamilton (N.Z. D.S.l.R. Bull. 89) in 1943-44 as about 4.5%. Nevertheless, in view of the value of milk in the human diet this portion is of great importance, and that importance increasing. [From Introduction]
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    The effects of defoliation and rootpruning on cocksfoot and perennial ryegrass and the influence of soil moisture on root initiation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Field Husbandry, University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1949) Edmond, D. B.
    The world is short of food (1). The population of the world is unequally distributed in relation to the productive ability of the land. Countries, where an extension of the farmed area is possible, are handicapped by a lack of available labour. In general these are the countries where production has not, as yet, reached a maximum level. As labour hinders extension an endeavour must be made to utilise present farm areas in the most efficient manner possible, In this way surpluses of food may be accumulated in these countries, e.g. New Zealand, for despatch to needy areas where the consumption of food is at a low level. New Zealand produces animal products in quantity. To increase this quantity better use must be made of our chief stock food - grass. By more efficient use of our grasslands the production of our existing herds and flocks will be increased. while an increase in our animal population will be inevitable. [From Introduction]
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    A study of the Romney fat lamb ewe, with particular reference to milk secretion and its effect on fat lamb production : thesis submitted by "392" [Alan Graham Logan] for the M. Agr. Sc. degree at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1946) Logan, Alan Graham
    One of the distinguishing characteristics of mammals, is the dependance of the young, during early post-natal life, on nourish­ment secreted by the mammary gland of the mother. Hence milk secretion is of fundamental importance in all our farm animals with the exception of poultry. The essential attributes of milk (viz., high water content and liquid state, high digestibility, high protein content of excellent biological value, high calcium and phosphorus and the presence of most of the necessary vitamins) are specially suited to the needs of young rapidly growing animals. In dairy cattle extensive study has been made of milk­ producing ability and conscious effort made to improve this by breeding, and nutrition. Comparison of the characteristics of modern dairy cattle (highly developed milking qualities but inferior meat carcasses) and of beef cattle (early-maturing and good carcass quality but often poor milk yield) clearly indicate the extent of improvement from the wild form and the variation in productive efficiency of different types. Valuable work on the milk-producing ability of other species, and its relationship to the welfare of the young has been carried out by Bonsma and Oosthuizen (1) and Donald (7) with Sows; and Ritzman (30), Fuller and Kleinhanz (10), Neidig and Iddings (24), Bonsma (2,3), 30a, Pierce (27,28) with ewes of non-milking breeds, and by several workers with specialised milking sheep, Scheingraber (31), Muhlberg (23), Maule (17). [From Introduction]
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    A preliminary economic survey of the citrus industry in New Zealand, by "Cliff" : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1943) Cliff; Hamilton, William Maxwell
    This survey was undertaken primarily because it was considered that some comprehensive survey was a necessary preliminary to any sound advancement in the citrus industry in New Zealand. Of necessity it has been subject to limitations of time and of means to collect all the data which would have been desirable; many of the data are not yet available or are of a confidential nature while many of the "facts" frequently quoted with regard to the industry are little more than assumptions - an unsafe foundation for the sound development of the industry. The survey is therefore tendered, not as the last word with respect to the aspects of the industry discussed, but rather as a partial collection of such information as is at present available, presented. in fairly logical sequence, and with some attempt to give a balanced and comprehensive, if somewhat sketchy outline of the industry in its various phases. Much information, of a detailed nature, dealing with particular phases of the industry was, of necessity, excluded in order to preserve the balance of the whole, while owing to the limitations of time and finance it has not been possible to check as carefully as would have been wished, the tables and statistical analyses. There are doubtless minor errors in computation in some of the table and some errors in the typing which have escaped detection but it is hoped that these omissions will not be regarded too critically. [From Foreword]
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    Seasonal root changes and their relationships to leaf production and persistency of growth in some grasses and clovers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Field Husbandry at Massey University, by 550 [D.E. Yen]
    (Massey University, 1947) Yen, D. E.
    The seasonal behaviour of pasture plant species is of fundamental importance to the farmer as one of the indices of value of any particular species, and the uses to which it can be put; and to the plant breeder, since it is his primary object to produce pasture plants which suit the farmer under his particular system of farming. To illustrate this point specifically, the example of the ideals aimed at in the breeding of short rotation ryegrass in New Zealand may be cited. Quoting Levy (1945), "... Italian ryegrass is a one- to two-year plant for the temporary pasture, and the true perennial ryegrass can be used widely in rotational and permanent pastures. There is, however, too large a gap between true perennial ryegrass and true Italian ryegrass, and many years of breeding and selection within these species accentuated the gap rather than reduced it." It can be seen that the short rotation system of farming, incorporating pasture leys of 3-4 years was not well served in the choice of a suitable ryegrass. Thus the plant breeding section of the Grasslands Division (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research) turned its attention towards breeding by hybridisation of perennial and Italian ryegrass, a type that would possess as far as possible the desirable qualities of these two species in combination; that is, it would combine some of the rapid establishment, high winter and early spring growth and palatability of Italian ryegrass with an appreciable degree of persistency of perennial ryegrass. Seasonal growth thus played the major part in the objectives of the resultant programme from which short rotation ryegrass was produced. Comparative trials of yields of the three grasses, perennial, Italian and short rotation ryegrasses were conducted in different localities, serving a very important purpose in providing farmers with direct information regarding the seasonal characteristics of production of the new type. These trials, which are continuing, show that short rotation ryegrass conforms largely to the objectives aimed at, so that the requirement s of the man farming under short rotation system have been met, to a great extent, by the work of the plant breeder. [From Introduction]
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    The value of dried buttermilk as compared with skim milk for calf rearing, and the effect of feeding at two different levels on growth to weaning under New Zealand conditions : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science, University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1949) Corbett, J. L.
    It is startling fact that each year in New Zealand, the digestible protein lost for human consumption through the inefficient conversion of dairy by-products into pigment, is approximately twice the total annual output of protein in lamb and cheese; and the food energy lost nearly equals the energy in these two commodities (Filmer 1944). Though a proportion of the loss is through the associated feeding of coarse grain and meat meal, and also some from whey, the great majority arises from the feeding of skim milk and buttermilk which are of immediate human nutritional significance. The case for making these high quality foods directly available for human consumption is strong, despite any repercussions on the pig industry and notwithstanding such economic considerations as secure markets. In order to do so it is obvious that the raw materials must be processed to reduce bulk and improve keeping quality for transportation. The utilisation in this way of skim milk is set back by the considerable problem of its collection from the cream supplying farms, though it may be easier where the density of these in an area is high. Since the butter­milk is produced at the dairy factory, this difficulty does not apply. [From Introduction]
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    A study of the yields of various species of pasture plants, and some of their strains, when growing in a soil brought to various levels of hydrogen-ion concentration : thesis submitted for M. Agr. Sc. degree / by "548" [A.J. McNeur]
    (Massey University, 1948) McNeur, Archibald James
    During the past few decades, our country, along with other important primary producers, has come to realise with increasing force the real importance of pasture production to mankind. In New Zealand over nine tenths of the value of our exports comes directly or indirectly from grasslands. This realisation has been reflected in the marked extension in research, not only towards the improvement of pasture species and strains, but also in an attempt to learn more of the conditions in the soil that are most ideal for maximum production. As a plant can produce only as much as its inherent potential and its external environment will allow, it becomes all workers to consider both sides of the question of maximum production. As a result of work done by the Grasslands Division of the Plant Research Bureau since its inception, strains of new pasture species have been developed which will produce very highly under conditions favourable to their growth. Thus if these strains are used in agriculture and maximum production is not obtained, managemental and environmental factors must be the limiting ones. Of the environmental factors, five claim pride of place where pasture production is concerned:- (a) Soil moisture (b) Soil and air temperature (c) Light intensity (d) Soil fertility (e) Soil acidity. In practice the first three factors are mainly dependent on climatic conditions, though by suitably controlled irrigation and drainage both soil moisture and soil temperature can be influenced and plant growth markedly increased. [From Introduction]
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    Some aspects of the progeny testing of New Zealand Romney Marsh rams : being a thesis presented by "393" for the Animal Husbandry Section of the Master of Agricultural Science Degree.
    (Massey University, 1946) Rae, Alexander Lindsay
    Present animal breeding methods were devised empirically. many of them having their beginnings far into pre-historic and pre-scientific times. Men found by actual experience that certain procedures generally gave more desirable results than other procedures although the basic reasons for this were unknown. Selection, or the choosing for breeding purposes of those animals deemed to be superior, has been the most important of these methods and indeed, fundamental to the application of any breeding system. the quality of all types of livestock as we know them to-day is largely the result of its consistent application as a breeding method. Selection has as its objective the identification and propogation of those superior individuals which are believed to be capable of reproducing their good qualities in their offspring. The major emphasis must be placed on the word "identification". It is in this word that are embodied the essential differences in the methods of application of selection to live-stock breeding. Three methods can be used for the identification of superior animals, by the individual merit of the animal, by the evaluation of its pedigree and finally by the evaluation of its offspring. [From Introduction]
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    Studies of the coat of the Romney lamb : practical and theoretical aspects of hair morphology, with special reference to the evolution of the fleece : thesis submitted by "Bourn" [for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science]
    (Massey University, 1940) Goot, Henry
    The original purpose of the present thesis was to answer this question: "To what extent is a britch of high halo-hair abundance an indicator of the non-kemp hairiness of the fleece?" It was assumed by Dr Dry in the light of earlier observations, that, on a britch with very many halo-hairs, the large Curly Tip fibres would be very hairy, and this has proved to be so. Especially did we want to learn about the degree of hairiness on the part of the fleece near to the britch. The gradient over the body from the britch was also much in mind, all the more because the boundary between the area on the britch with very many halo hairs and the neighbouring region with far fewer halo hairs is often abrupt. The aim of the work was that just defined, but the analysis of the samples examined provided information on a number of other matters, several of which may be thought more interesting than the problem proposed at the outset. These various results are reported in this thesis.