Deer farming as an alternative in New Zealand: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of Bachelor of Agricultural Science Honours in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to examine some of the basic principles which have become established for efficient and profitable deer farming in the 1980s. Firstly, I will outline what is involved in setting up a deer farm in terms of the type of land, facilities, personnel and stockmanship. Then I will look at the various factors affecting productivity and how management can be used to optimise production. I will discuss the profitability of deer farming from a number of alternative deer systems , with special emphasis on the export values for venison and velvet as opposed to inflated domestic live sale values. Finally, I will have a brief look at the world market and future prospects for venison and velvet production.