Down to earth. Presidential address, NZVA Conference 1975

Authors: Dewes HF
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 23, Issue 11, pp 245-248, Nov 1975
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Veterinary profession
Article class: General Article

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Abstract: The Polynesian migrations included the rat and the dog. There is no historical link to connect the two endemic New Zealand species of bats with any migration. With these exceptions there were no mammals introduced into New Zealand until early in the 19th century. Today the WHO yearbook records the cattle and sheep population as 8.9 and 59.9 million, respectively; 40.3% of total export income is derived from meat and by-products. Total export income from meat, wool, dairy produce, livestock on the hoof and horses exceeds 80%. All are the harvest from the medium energy, high protein crop pasture. Considering that one-twentieth of the population is engaged in farming, or one labour unit per 500 head of all classes, this remarkable development, growth, and output over 130 years is unparalleled, and somewhat staggering…

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