New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts

---

Invited paper

Application of new technologies in New Zealand for beef cattle and deer improvement

C. A. Morris

AgResearch
Ruakura Research Centre
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

J. A. Archer

AgResearch
Invermay Agricultural Centre
Private Bag 50034
Mosgiel 9053
Dunedin, New Zealand

Abstract   This review considers the application of new technologies to beef cattle and deer improvement. Many potential opportunities are linked to the concept of monitoring and then tracing the unique identity (ID) of livestock through the use of DNA methods and electronic IDs, including: identifying or confirming pedigrees; collection of field, yard or abattoir data linked to an electronic ID; marker-assisted selection using DNA and measured phenotypes; and trace-back facilities for meat products at the point of sale by matching a DNA sample taken there with one taken earlier in the abattoir. Opportunities with assisted reproduction are described, with the greatest potential payoffs being from much wider use of artificial insemination, provided that more practical and economical insemination methods can be found (especially in beef herds). Some new goal traits are considered which could become more important than at present, when applied to new production environments (e.g., selection to improve feed conversion efficiency, resistance to feed-borne toxins, resistance to nematode parasites, and deer calving earlier in the season). We conclude with a discussion of technology adoption for beef cattle and deer improvement.

Keywords   beef cattle; deer; breeding; AI; DNA; MAS; identification

A06056; Online publication date 2 May 2007; Received 2 October 2006; accepted 5 April 2007

New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2007, Vol. 50: 163—179
0028—8233/07/5002—0163 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2007

PDF file of entire paper: Print-quality (344K) | screen-quality (427K)

---

This year's abstracts | Journal home page | All abstracts | Publishing home page