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End date: 1969Subject: search.filters.subject.Dairy cattle

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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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    Studies of variation in the rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and skin temperature of some New Zealand Jersey cows with particular reference to summer climatic conditions : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Agricultural Science in the University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1959)
    The field of research known as Environmental Physiology covers Studies on the physiological responses of animals to variations in their immediate environment and on the adaptation of animals to environment. Generally, studies with cattle in this field have been pursued either in tropical environment or, lately, in very cold climate (see series of papers by MacDonald and Bell, 1958). The use of climatic chambers, such as those described by Brody (1948) and by Findlay (1950), has enabled research workers to study the effects on animals of a wide range of climatic variables but the results have a restricted application in the field. [From Introduction]
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    Some aspects of the development of rumen function in dairy calves reared on pasture : a thesis presented at Massey College in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in the Victoria University of Wellington
    (Massey University, 1962) Stewart, John Alexander
    Economy in feeding the ruminant is based on taking full advantage of rumen function. At birth however the rumen is not functional and the very young animal is dependent on a diet which it can digest without aid from microbial fermentation The need for a readily assimilated diet is normally fulfilled by the mothers milk. In the case of naturally reared animals this milk may continue to provide a significant proportion of the nutrients in the diet of the young animal even when rumen function has been established and it is capable of obtaining its nutrient requirements from grazing alone. Recognition of the fact that milk is an ideal food for young animals is reflected in the extended periods of milk feeding which in the past have been characteristic of the rations fed to artificially reared dairy stock. However there may be several disadvantages in such a practice, not the least of which being the amounts of milk and labour involved. In the search for more economical methods of calf rearing, the possibility of weaning at an earlier age has been investigated. Calves have been weaned as early as 3 weeks of age (Preston 1960), and it is known that calves which are provided with high quality pasture may be weaned at about 8 weeks of age without ill effect. [From Introduction]
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    Observations on ruminant fat metabolism with particular relation to lactation : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M. Agr. Sc. of the University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1949) Mayhead, J W
    In that animal fat is a major economic "building block" the mechanism of its production has attracted particular study. Although observations regarding digestion of fats may be traced back as far as those of Asellius in 1622 it was in 1843 that specific investigations into body fat production were first instituted by Lawes and Gilbert. From 1900 onwards biochemical research has made its greatest advances but, in spite of the volume of literature published on the subject of fat metabolism the state of knowledge in this field may yet be in its infancy. The three main experiments to be described relate principally to the changes effected in the degree of unsaturation of milk fat from dairy cows when highly unsaturated oils are included in the daily ration. The immediate effects of short-term inanition are also investigated. Two minor experiments are described; the first concerning the tracing of ingested stained fat into the milk and depot fats of simple-stomached animals; the second relation to the keeping qualities of milk fats of varying degrees of unsaturation.
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    The effect on food intake and milk production of adding concentrate to the ration of cows fed pasture : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1967) Taparia, A. L.
    It has long been appreciated that well managed leafy pasture will provide sufficient energy and protein for high milk production. However, because of seasonality of pasture production there are periods in the year when the supply of pasture is deficient. Hay and silage are used to supplement pasture during these periods of shortages on New Zealand dairy farms, but are limited in their ability to maintain high levels of milk production, particularly early in lactation. Thus recourse may have to be made to the use of concentrates to maintain milk production during periods of pasture shortage. The limited amount of experimental work conducted in New Zealand on the use of concentrates (Hancock, 1953; Wallace, 1957) indicated that their use may be worthwhile. However, information on the effects of supplementing pasture with concentrates under controlled (indoor) experimental conditions is non-existent under New Zealand conditions. Results obtained by overseas workers on the effect of concentrate feeding on milk production suggest that responses have been most erratic, especially when concentrates have been fed with pasture. In general these responses were less than would have been expected on the basis of feeding standards. Reports on supplementary feeding of dairy cows by Corbett and Boyne (1958), MacLusky (1955) and Seath et. al. (1962) suggest that the concentrated fed acted as a substitute for pasture. In all of these experiments, however, the intake of pasture was measured by indirect methods. Taking the above points into consideration two experiments were conducted. The first one was a small grazing experiment with the object of studying the effects of concentrates on milk yield and composition and to obtain experience in the problems of experimentation in a simple continuous trial using 16 Friesian cows. The other experiment involved nine Jersey cows and was mainly designed to study the effect of feeding concentrates on voluntary intake of pasture. This experiment consisted of a 3 x 3 Latin square replicated three times, with squares being run concurrently. Measurements of milk yield and milk composition were also carried out. Additional information was obtained on the rate of passage of feedstuffs with some of the cows, on digestibility of feeds with sex wethers, and rumen fermentation studies with four (extra) fistulated cows.
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    The influence of importations on the New Zealand pedigree Jersey breed and the level of inbreeding, 1895-1950 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science of the University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1952) Jhala, Girish Manilal
    Of the 1,845,000 dairy cows in milk in New Zealand in January 1950, 85% were either purebred or grade Jersey cattle (A & P Statistics 1950). With the exception of the Island of Jersey no other country has such a predominance of this breed and it is of interest to both the animal husbandman and the geneticist, to trace not only the growth of the breed in this country but also the changes in its structure during the last half century. There is at present no authoritative information available relating to the breeding methods employed by New Zealand dairy farmers and the lack of comprehensive records of performance in the Jersey breed as a whole makes it unlikely that the selection policies of the last fifty years will ever be adequately presented. The dependence of the more popular breeders on the importations during the present century is, however, generally recognised but no attempt has yet been made to measure the influence of these much popularised animals on the breed as a whole. If imported animals differ in their genotype from New Zealand-bred animals, then a general preference for the former or their descendents should gradually change the average genotype of the breed. That such a preference exists is suggested by Fahimuddin (1952). He found that the Jersey breed was divided into strata and that the herds using imported sires were in the upper and the most important strata. There is no way of calculating whether imported and New Zealand-bred animals do differ genetically, but estimates of the proportion of the genes in the breed as a whole for which imported animals are ultimately responsible are of interest for several reasons.
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    Selection in dairy cattle in New Zealand : a dissertation
    (Massey University, 1939) Gilmer, H G
    Selection is not, in itself, generally believed to be a creative process. Ideally, it is a means by which the good, bad and indifferent elements comprising a given population are identified and classified. As such, selection is necessarily fundamental to any breeding system, whether the aim is consistent improvement or merely the maintenance of advances already achieved. Without some differentiation of the material, no firm basis can be established upon which to carry out further work. The fact that in dairy cattle breeding in particular, it is seldom possible, where characteristics of economic importance are concerned, to conduct an intimate inquiry into the different genetic elements comprising the given subject with any degree of certainty, should not be permitted to detract from the value of preliminary selection as a foundation for more comprehensive determination of worth. With such "aids to selection" as progeny tests, production records, pedigree estimates and type valuations, a fairly accurate estimate of hereditaty constitution can frequently be arrired at in so far as it affects the functions of economic value. The mode of operation of inheritance is now known in considerable detail and the breeders pursuing a broad programme of improvement may "act as if he knew the genes themselves" and make selections accordingly.
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    Herd recording in New Zealand : being a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M. Agr. Sc., Massey Agricultural College, University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1952) Edey, T N
    Recent developments have made herd recording in New Zealand the responsibility of a single organisation, the New Zealand Dairy Board, and since August 1st, 1951, there has been virtually only one system of recording. However, since 1904, when the Department of Agriculture introduced systematic testing in the Weraroa herd, many organisations and numerous systems of recording have contributed to the development of the herd recording movement. The time is opportune, therefore, for a study of this work in New Zealand, embracing the history of production recording, a review of the associated investigational work, and an assessment of the past role and probable future place of herd recording in the improvement of dairy cow production. To supplement data from published material much information has been obtained from private files and personal interviews. In this respect, grateful acknowledgement is due particularly to Professor W. Riddet for access to his private files relating to herd recording, and for helpful discussion. Thanks are due to the Director and staff of the Herd Recording Department of the New Zealand Dairy Board for their assistance: to Mr. H. G. Philpott, late of the Dairy Division, Department of Agriculture; to Mr. C. M. Hume; to my supervisor, Dr. A. Stewart for helpful guidance and criticism; and to many others for their ready co-operation. This work was completed during the tenure of a Victorian Government Scholarship.
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    Genetic changes in a New Zealand pedigree Jersey herd : being a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M. Agri. Sc., Massey Agricultural College, University of New Zealand
    (Massey University, 1952) Ecka, S T
    The majority of sires used in New Zealand herds are obtained from pedigree breeders and in consequence, the genetic merit of the national herd depends largely upon the quality of the pedigree section of the cattle breeding industry. The continued use of pedigree sires by many commercial farms has probably resulted in a narrowing of the genetic margin between registered and non-registered dairy cattle. Upon this genetic margin the present elite status of pedigree cattle depends and if it were possible to demonstrate that this margin was negligible then the present rigid distinction between pedigree and non-pedigree stock would not be justified. This would have far reaching implications the most important of which would be that there would be little justification in restricting sires used in the industry to those bred in pedigree herds. On the other hand if it were possible to demonstrate that pedigree herds were improving genetically and preserving a genetic margin over commercial herds then the present policy of attempting to effect national herd improvement through the pedigree section of the industry would be vindicated.
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    Changes in bovine mammary enzyme activities and milk composition : a thesis presented in part fulfilment for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Animal Science, Massey University
    (Massey University, 1969) Currie, William Bruce
    Preface: Concurrent study of mammary biochemical parameters and changes in the composition of the secreted product allows an examination of possible causal relations and is fundamental in identifying sites of action of physiological factors influencing the secretory activity of the gland. Changes in biochemical parameters accompanying various physiological states are now well documented for rodent species, e.g. Baldwin & Milligan (1966), but the relationships these bear with trans-lactation changes in the composition of milk have not been studied. The bovine provides ample material of sufficient diversity to characterise changes in milk composition and the specie's importance as a food producer justifies any attempt to determine how milk production is controlled and seek possibilities of artificial regulation. Prerequisite to such a study is a technique for repeatedly obtaining tissue from lactating udders without seriously influencing future production. The present experiment was undertaken to develop such a sampling method and use it in a first attempt to study milk production at the synthetic level throughout whole lactations in dairy cattle.