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Publication Date

1993

Location

New Zealand

Description

Initial findings of a farm let study comparing biological (agrochemical­ free) and conventional sheep and beef production are presented and discussed. Little difference was found in sheep production between the two systems in 1991-92, despite large differences in the level of internal parasitism, particularly in young sheep. In contrast! growth rates of rising 1 year steers and heifers on the conventional unit were superior to those of the biological farmlet throughout spring and summer of the first year. While a reduction in the use of anthelmintic drench would have little impact on the productivity of sheep systems, the productivity of cattle systems would be significantly reduced.

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System Research: Preliminary Results from a Farmlet Comparison Between a Biological and Conventional Sheep and Beef System

New Zealand

Initial findings of a farm let study comparing biological (agrochemical­ free) and conventional sheep and beef production are presented and discussed. Little difference was found in sheep production between the two systems in 1991-92, despite large differences in the level of internal parasitism, particularly in young sheep. In contrast! growth rates of rising 1 year steers and heifers on the conventional unit were superior to those of the biological farmlet throughout spring and summer of the first year. While a reduction in the use of anthelmintic drench would have little impact on the productivity of sheep systems, the productivity of cattle systems would be significantly reduced.