The optimal stocking rate and stock policy for red deer: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

The deer industry is a rapidly developing component of the agricultural sector, in which Red deer have become the predominant farmed species. Recently there has been interest in Wapiti or Wapiti x Red deer hybrids. Wapiti type deer produce more venison or velvet per animal than Red deer of the same age, however more Red deer can be carried per hectare. This project examines the effect of stocking rate, in terms of animals per hectare, on the profitability of a deer farming venture. A linear programme has been developed which compares the profitability of breeding, venison finishing, and velveting enterprises carrying either light, medium or heavy weight deer. The model developed is based on a 100 hectare irrigated property in mid-Canterbury. This project also examines the growth and development of the deer industry and the marketing and economics of deer farming. Major features include the organisation of the deer industry and venison and velvet marketing. This is followed by a discussion of the biology and production aspects related to deer farming. The discussion centres on recent development s and current trends. Performance targets for breeding, velveting and venison finishing are discussed. Nutrition and animal health are also discussed. Recent issues such as artificial breeding, hybridisation and Tuberculosis are examined. The results show that finishing heavy Wapiti type stags at 27 months is the most profitable deer farming enterprise, producing a gross margin per animal of $1042.60. Heavy Wapiti type animals were also more profitable than lighter Red deer for both velveting and breeding hind operations . The higher production per head of the Wapiti type animal is not negated by the higher stocking rate of Red deer. Risk and cashflow also need to be considered to determine the optimum deer policy. This model needs further testing for further use.