PASTURE FOR DEER PRODUCTION

Abstract

Diversification in agriculture has seen the establishment of new enterprises such as deer farming. While still a small industry in absolute terms the deer industry is growing rapidly. The utilisation in situ of pasture by deer is discussed in relation to their feed requirements for two types of farming viz. weaner production and a 15 month venison stag operation. Seasonal feed requirements are poorly aligned with average pasture growth with both types of farmmg being characterised by surplus spring pasture and a deficit during summer and autumn. The primary constraint to increased on-farm production is the summer deficit. It is suggested that alternative pasture species with improved summer growth charatieristics be examined. It is also argued that earlier calving and the use of larger terminal sires could ease the pressure on summer pature and more closely align feed requirements of deer with pasture growth. Keywords: Farmed deer, red deer, pasture growth. pasture intake, feed requirements, calving date, terminal sire.