Deer milking study shows results

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A trial of twice daily machine-milking of deer has shown the hinds respond to increased "demand" by producing more milk, Lincoln University researcher Graham Barrell says.

Once hinds got into the routine, they produced about 700ml a day, but this increased to about 900ml a day by the end of three weeks.

The study to measure the milking potential of red deer was to gather information of potential use to deer breeders, and Dr Barrell said that initial analysis suggested farmers did not need to breed hinds for milk production.

More important factors were the ability of deer calves to suckle and "demand" more milk.

"The study was to determine the importance of the inherited drive for growth in deer calves, compared with milk production in hinds," Dr Barrell said.

Farmers had been selecting hinds for milk production, but the Lincoln studies were indicating the most important factor in calf growth was the calf's genetic drive for growth.

The longterm aim of the research was to improve venison production on NZ farms.