Zealand Lamb Research Articles

Long-term analysis of price, productivity, and profitability trends in New Zealand agriculture

Much has been written and spoken over the years about continually declining inflation adjusted commodity prices, the volatility of the New Zealand dollar, and the difficulties of competing against subsidized agricultural sectors. While NZ agriculture has enjoyed good levels of profitability in recent years these underlying forces still remain and will continue to impact farm profitability. Rising land prices and improved productivity of our competitors are likely to erode NZ agriculture's tr aditional position as a low cost producer in the future. The commonly cited responses to the forces outlined above are 1) adding value to commodities, and 2) increasing productivity. An earlier analysis showed that the NZ sheep and beef sector, in particular, was experiencing decreasing prices in real terms and farm productivity had remained largely unchanged for fifty years. In contrast to the data reviewed earlier, this paper shows that over the last fifteen years the NZ agricultural industry has been exhibiting just those responses required to combat the forces above. New Zealand lamb prices have increased in real terms since the late-1980s and in comparison with international prices. Beef and dairy prices have also fallen substantially less than the comparative international price, however wool and wheat prices have fallen more than the international price. In addition, there have been significant increases in farm pr oductivity, most notably lambing percentage, lamb carcass weights, and milksolids production/ cow. The result has been a 57% increase in dairy Earnings Before Inter est and Tax (EBIT) over the past 5 years, compared with the previous half decade (measured in real terms). Sheep farming has experienced a 79% increase in EBIT over the same period. The challenge and subject of significant debate which is outside the scope of this paper is how NZ agriculture is to remain at the forefront of global pastoral agriculture as a low cost, innovative, and profitable sector. Keywords: agricultural productivity, farm profitability, product prices, New Zealand agriculture.

Abstracts

Wild animals as reservoirs of infectious diseases in the UK Simpson, V. R. (2002) Wild animals as reservoirs of infectious diseases in the UK. Veterinary Journal 163, 128-146Diagnosis of selenium...

Effects of testicular status and feeding diets containing date palm by-product on the sensory attributes of Omani lamb meat

The effects of testicular status and diet on the tenderness and flavour intensity of Omani lamb meat were evaluated. Thirty male lambs were divided into three testicular status treatments shortly after birth, entire, castrated or induced to cryptorchidism. The animals were fed a maize and soya bean meal based diet, isocalorically supplemented with either palm fronds or Rhodesgrass hay. The animals were slaughtered at an average age of 161 days and weight of 27.6 kg. Sensory evaluation of meat for tenderness and intensity of flavour were undertaken using descriptive analysis with unstructured scales. Meat from New Zealand lambs was also evaluated for comparison. Meat from castrated lambs tended to be more tender than meat from either entire or cryptorchid lambs. This effect was related to the significantly lower daily weight gains, lower carcass weight and lower intermuscular fat content of castrated lambs. The effect of induced cryptorchidism or inclusion of date frond was not significant on tenderness, nor flavour of the lamb meat. Meat from New Zealand lambs was significantly more tender, but similar in flavour compared to Omani lambs.

Nutrient and Related Food Composition of Exported Australian Lamb Cuts

Nutrient and physical composition data for nine cuts of exported Australian lamb trimmed to 1/8-in external fat were obtained to provide the information for nutritional labeling and for 50 items for the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Vacuum-packaged primals from eight carcasses were fabricated into matching cuts for raw and cooked analyses from left and right carcass sides. Physical composition was similar to earlier estimates made for U.S. and New Zealand lamb trimmed to 1/8-in external fat except for higher portions of separable lean in Australian loin and rib cuts. Separable lean and separable fat were analyzed for proximate composition, cholesterol, fatty acids, 10 minerals and six vitamins. The results confirmed similar variation in chemical composition among lamb cuts to that reported in earlier studies of U.S. and New Zealand lamb. These included an inverse relationship between moisture and lipid content and a relatively constant protein content among the cuts. In general, changes in the nutrient density of cuts of Australian lamb and comparisons with similar cuts from U.S. and New Zealand lamb represented less than a 5% change per 100 g edible portion in recommended dietary intake per component.

Composition of lamb carcasses and cuts based on the October 1983 to 1998 export lamb carcass classification standards in New Zealand

Data were available on 1621 carcasses from New Zealand lambs born in 1982 and 1983 that were classed for export and cut into export cuts. Each cut was dissected into subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, muscle, and bone, and total carcass composition was determined chemically. These data cover carcass classes representing 99% of 1998 New Zealand lamb carcasses or cuts prepared for export. Results showed that carcasses and cuts became fatter with increasing carcass weight within a fat class from the leanest (A) to the fattest (F) fat class. The carcasses and cuts were far leaner than those of the early 1940s to 1960s, presumably a result of changing market signals. The results give proportions and composition of cuts for most markets as described in the New Zealand Meat Trade Guide or for North America using the DEVCo cutting system.

Economic Effects of a Countervailing Duty Order on the U.S. Lamb Meat Industry

This paper provides the model, analysis, and results of the investigative research by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) staff on the U.S. lamb market impacts from the countervailing duty (CVD) order imposed on certain U.S. imports of New Zealand lamb meat during 1985–90. Presented here are the monthly three-stage least squares model of the U.S. lamb meat industry at the wholesale or meat-packing level, along with the econometric results and analyses obtained from the USITC investigation. Analysis of model results quantifies average estimated CVD-attributed effects on U.S. lamb price, demand and supply of domestically produced lamb, and U.S. lamb import levels. A number of economic parameter estimates and inference results concerning U.S. wholesale lamb market relationships are reported and are of interest, given the scarce published research on the U.S. lamb industry.

A model for nematodiasis in New Zealand lambs: The effect of drenching regime and grazing management on the development of anthelmintic resistance

A model for nematodiasis in lambs was expanded to incorporate both the contribution of ewes to nematode epidemiology and the genetic parameters required to simulate the development of anthelmintic resistance in the nematode population. The expanded model was used to assess the impact of various drench and grazing management strategies for ewes and lambs on the rate of development of anthelmintic resistance. Three grazing management options, under a range of drenching schedules, were compared: one in which lambs and ewes were rotationally grazed as separate flocks over the same area after weaning (common grazing); a second in which lambs were grazed, after weaning, on areas from which ewes were excluded (separate grazing); and a third in which lambs were moved to “safe” pasture at weaning and again in early autumn (integrated control). Drenching strategies examined under the first 2 grazing options included a 5 lamb-drench “preventive” programme with 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 additional lamb drenches, and 0 or 1 ewe drench treatment at either tail-docking or mating. Under the third grazing option, lambs were given either 1 or 2 drench treatments at or following each move to safe pasture and ewes 0 or 1 drench treatment at either tail-docking (i.e., 3–4 weeks after lambing) or mating. Model output suggests that drenching ewes prior to any lamb drenching programme is likely to significantly increase selection for drench resistance by pre-selecting the larval challenge to the lambs and, under some grazing systems, by reducing the diluting effect of eggs of susceptible genotypes passed by undrenched ewes. The results highlight the potential importance of undrenched ewes as a refuge for susceptible worm genotypes and indicate that on its own, drenching frequency is likely to be a poor indicator of selection pressure for resistance and thus of limited value in selecting strategies for the management of anthelmintic resistance.

A model for nematodiasis in New Zealand lambs

A strategic model is described for the epidemiology of mixed nematode infections in New Zealand lambs. The model successfully reproduces known patterns of parasite epidemiology and production loss in lambs under currently implemented control strategies. The variation in model output during sensitivity analysis was within acceptable limits defined by field data. Model output was most sensitive to variation in parameters affecting survival and migration of the free-living stages and host resistance to infection, suggesting that these factors are most influential in regulating parasite populations. It is intended to use the model to focus research on key aspects of nematode epidemiology and control and, following the incorporation of appropriate genetic mechanisms, anthelmintic resistance.

Public Administration Old and New: A Letter from Frederick C. Mosher

This morning, as has become our custom, our maid brought in our first breakfast, which we had in bed-consisting of orange juice, grapefruit, toast, coffee, and an egg or two. I then dressed and repaired to the dining room for my second breakfast: hash brown potatoes and three delicious little New Zealand lamb chops. Edith and I then had our daily lecture on bridge from Jay Becker and then the lecture of Professor Piianaia on the settlement of the Polynesians. We then threw bottles into the sea containing our names and addresses and a dollar bill for whoever picked them up to get in touch with us. After a lunch, somewhat more ambitious than breakfast, we repaired to the swimming pool for the reception of Neptune who came aboard because we had just crossed the equator. Then I took seven swings around the promenade deck-about a mile and a half. Clear, warm, very windy. Then a shower, a nap, a novel, a martini, and finally this letter. We have not seen land now in six days but will reach Tahiti on Saturday, whence it will be mailed. Printed with the permission of Edith Mosher

Similarity of Lectin Histochemistry of a Lysosomal Storage Disease in a New Zealand Lamb to that of Ovine GM1 Gangliosidosis

Similarity of Lectin Histochemistry of a Lysosomal Storage Disease in a New Zealand Lamb to that of Ovine GM₁ Gangliosidosis

A Comparison of Flavor and Texture Profiles for Lamb Leg Roasts from Three Different Geographical Sources

Lamb leg roasts from Canada required less time to reach 75 °C internal temperature than roasts from Australia or New Zealand, and sustained lower total cooking losses than roasts from Australia (P<0.05). In addition, complete flavor and texture profiles compiled from the evaluation of 60 fresh (unfrozen) legs of lamb (20 from Australia, 20 from Canada, and 20 from New Zealand) revealed that both Australian and New Zealand lamb generally rated higher (P<0.05) than Canadian lamb in textural traits not directly related to tenderness and that New Zealand lamb generally rated higher (P<0.05) in textural traits directly related to tenderness than Canadian lamb. They also revealed that Australian lamb had the most intense lamb flavor (P<0.05) and that Canadian lamb was perceived to contain the most fat. In addition, fishy and metallic notes were most intense, (P<0.05) and occurred most frequently (P<0.05) in New Zealand lamb, while a livery note was most intense and occurred most frequently (P<0.05) in Australian lamb. It should be noted, however, that in the present study differences in flavor and texture amplitude or overall impression were not detected as a result of differences in geographical source (P > 0.05).

Nutrient composition of U.S. and New Zealand lamb

Seven retail cuts from each of 51 lambs from the United States (U.S.) and New Zealand differing in age, sex, grade, and weight were analyzed for proximate composition. The vitamins, fatty acids, and cholesterol contents were determined for New Zealand lambs only. In general, retail cut accounted for most of the variation in nutrient composition of the lean tissue, whereas age, quality grade, and carcass weight had little or no significant impact on the nutrient differences. Protein content was not different (P > 0.05) between the U.S. and New Zealand lambs; however, U.S. lambs generally had less cholesterol, higher fat, and lower moisture and ash content than New Zealand lambs.

Mineral composition of lamb carcasses from the United States and New Zealand

The mineral composition—iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), fluoride (F), and phosphorus (P) (New Zealand lamb only)—of lean tissue from lamb retail cuts was studied. Twenty-four US lamb carcasses of different ages (5 to 11 months), geographical regions (Texas, Colorado and Montana) and USDA quality grades (Prime and Choice) and 27 New Zealand lamb carcasses from three weight groups (11 to 12·5 kg, 13 to 14·5 kg, and 16·5 to 18 kg), age rangining from 7 to 8 months, were selected for use in this study. Mineral concentrations were influenced more by retail cut and age than by quality grade or weigth group. Foreshank and shoulder cuts from both the US and New Zealand group consistently had the highest ( P < 0·05) Zn content among the cuts. The K content of the muscle in US lambs increased as age increased, while the level of Ca and Zn in New Zealand lambs decreased as carcass weight increased. Except for Ca, the mineral concentrations of the lean tissue from US lambs were higher than the New Zealand lambs, although the differences were not always significant. US lambs had approximately 20%, 30% and 37% more Fe, Zn and Mg, respectively, but 27% less Ca than lean tissue from the New Zealand lambs.

Les politiques agricoles françaises et britanniques : origines et différences

Ever since the first British application to join the EEC in 1962 agricultural policy has proved to be a stumbling block in Anglo-French relations. The origins of this conflict lie far back in history. In the face of the arrival in Europe, around 1880, of low priced temperate agricultural products from overseas, the reaction of the French was to erect a protective wall in favour of their rural population. The British, on the other hand, preferred to let their predominantly urban population enjoy the benefits of cheap food. This difference of approach has continued to colour the relations between our two countries, whether it has been over New Zealand lamb and butter, the oils and fats tax, or the level of budgetary expenditure on agriculture.

Prevalence of dog-derivedSarcocystisspp. in some New Zealand lambs

Pepsin: hydrochloric acid digestion and histological examination of the myocardium of 51 hearts from five to nine month-old lambs from the southern half of the North Island, showed that 47 (92%) were infected with microscopic sarcocysts that are presumed to be dog-derived. Of 157 sarcocysts detected histologically, 32 corresponded morphologically with Sarcocystis ovicanis and 120 with Sarcocystis tenella (Syn. S. arieticanis). The remainder could not be identified as to type.

Influence of Romney, Coopworth, and Perendale breeds on lambskin leather quality

Abstract Skins from 5-month-old wether lambs reared under hill country conditions were processed and evaluated in terms of their impact on the New Zealand tanning industry. Breeds examined in this work were the Coopworth, Perendale, and Romney. The Perendale produced the most desirable wool characteristics for the production of leather tanned with the wool on. Although the Perendale showed the poorest grain leather qualities, the grain layer itself was stronger and more elastic than in the Romney and the Coopworth skins. It is suggested that increased selection of the Perendale for wool-on leathers would mutually benefit fellmongers and tanners of all leathers derived from New Zealand lamb pelts.

Composition of cuts and carcasses of New Zealand lamb when graded by United States grade standards.

Composition of cuts and carcasses of New Zealand lamb when graded by United States grade standards.

British Food Journal Volume 68 Issue 3 1966

A new Protection of Consumers (Trade Descriptions) law to replace existing legislation was before the House of Lords—it had a second reading and passed to the Committee stage but has now lapsed because of the Election —as the outcome of the Molony Committee on Consumer Protection which made its final report about three years ago. Merchandise Marks law has proved extremely valuable protection for the consumer in a wide field of misdescription and in the narrower sphere of food control a useful measure for supplementing Sect. 6, Food and Drugs Act, 1955, especially where the latter seems less suitable in application. The broad purpose of the Merchandise Marks Acts is to deal with misdescription of goods—false trade description—and as far as food is concerned, this is not always a matter of quality. On rare occasions it has been seen to work in reverse. In the curious case of Essex County Council v. Tuckwell (Butchers) Ltd., 1964, where the defendant had inadvertently supplied English instead of the New Zealand lamb ordered, generally accepted as being meat of better quality, the L.C.J. held that there was no defence against the charge of having sold meat with a false trade description.

The leg and the loin as indices of the composition of New Zealand lamb and mutton carcasses

Summary The use of the leg and the loin as sample joints for estimating the carcass composition in terms of fat, muscle, and bone of 120 New Zealand lamb and mutton carcasses is discussed. In all cases the correlations between the dissectible components of these two joints and the same components of the whole carcass were highly significant. The correlation coefficients show that the combination of a leg and loin are better indices of carcass composition than either joint alone. Regression equations are presented for estimating carcass composition from the weights of the components of the leg and the loin. The use of the neck, thorax, shoulder, and pelvis as sample joints is also considered.

OVINE RICKETS

Rickets is common in New Zealand lambs which are grazing on winter greenfeeds, the incidence being highest on cereal crops, lowest on brassicas, while ryegrasies appear to lie between these extremes in rachitogenic potency. The disease is more common in the milder seasons which favour good growth during late autumn find early winter. The presence of a rachitogenie substance in greenfeeds was first postulated by Fitch, and the results of subsequent work has not only confirmed his opinion but indicated that carotene, the main plant carotenoid precursor of vitamin A, is the main factor involved. The rachitogenic properties of vitamin A or its precursors have been described recently, and it is apparent that the higher the vitamin A uptake the greater will be the vitamin D requirement of the animal.