The deer industry: a veterinary perspective

Authors: Wilson P
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 31, Issue 12, pp 207-208, Dec 1983
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Deer, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Animal industries, Veterinary profession
Article class: General Article

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Abstract: In 1978 a leading article in this Journal stated “The veterinary profession is being offered a unique opportunity to extend its activities to encompass a new concept in animal production: the farming of deer “. The same article concluded “Many veterinarians have enthusiastically accepted the challenge offered by the deer farming industry, but others must be prepared to further their knowledge of deer to meet future requirements. Veterinarians must not abdicate their responsibilities in dealing with veterinary problems on deer farms, otherwise the profession will lose the opportunity to play a major supportive role in establishing a sound basis for our most recent and most promising livestock industry.” Five years on it is appropriate, particularly in this “deer issue” of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal, to review progress within the deer industry, to examine how the veterinary profession has accepted the challenge offered, and to cast an eye to the future and the continuing contribution that veterinarians can offer the industry. This country has become firmly established as the leading deer farming nation in the world. Growth of the industry has been dramatic. From approximately 30-40,000 farmed deer in 1978 to 98,000 in 1980 the population is now approaching 250,000 and estimates are for a farmed deer population of over ¾ million by 1990. Currently there are in excess of 2,000 deer farms in New Zealand and the number is steadily growing. However, growth of the industry has not always been smooth, with changes in velvet prices, standard values and Government budgets. The fall in velvet price two years ago heralded the beginning of an era in the deer industry: the production of farmed venison. It became economically dubious to retain lower antler weight producers. These stags had to be slaughtered, but how?…

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