During an almost 40-year career in deer medicine and production there have been many stimulating projects. It was difficult for Wilson to pick out one as the best although a deer herd health and production profiling project in the mid-1990s was notable.
“This was ground-breaking research into analysis of deer production systems, providing the first benchmarking data for industry and identifying a large number of best practice management tools in the areas of health, reproduction and growth,” he said.
Interestingly, these key performance indicators have changed very little since, especially around reproduction.
“There is also evidence of very little change in carcaseweights though the date at slaughter might confound that data.”
For some outcomes, such as mortality and disease data there have been no studies since. In Wilson’s opinion these topics are a high priority for research and development funding
“We really don’t know the real impact of disease on deer production – there are enormous assumptions being made about these questions.”
Deer welfare, particularly around antler removal, has been a career-defining topic. Wilson’s research led to the best practice for antler removal and showed the calicrate bander was not appropriate.
“The procedure was noxious but [at the time] there was a strong push to have it accepted by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWC).”
Wilson was a key driver in establishing the National Velvet Standards Board and the veterinary representative on the group that developed the NAWC velvet antler removal code. He wrote the current antler removal code that was controversial at the time of development in 1992.
“It gives satisfaction that it is regarded as an exemplar of a highly credible industry welfare programme that protects not only the stag but the integrity and image of the velvet industry.”
More recent research highlights were the investigation into multi-species aspects of Johne’s disease, leptospirosis and internal parasites.
The very nature of scientific research brings with it frustration. A project
topic could take several years of dogged pursuit and even then lead to a dead-end or grey rather than black-and-white result.
A case in point was the investigation into abortion in yearling hinds, which PhD student Kandarp Patel was in the throes of trying to answer. It appears there are potentially multiple causes, which makes the problem a hard nut to crack.
“There’s significant evidence that Toxoplasma is a contributing factor but it doesn’t explain all the abortions,” Massey deer expert Peter Wilson said.
An added frustration from this project was getting broader industry and farmer support, he said.
Working in the deer industry from the very early days has given Peter Wilson unparalleled insights and opportunities.
“I’ve had a virtually unique academic, research and professional career, having the opportunity to develop a farm animal specialty from a virtual nil-base,” he said.
His introduction to deer started as a young vet and before long he was hooked into a vibrant, buoyant, innovative and challenging industry.
Forty years on, the industry was still innovative and challenging – but also challenged.
“You get to the point of asking where the next increment of progress is going to come from, that’s why the industry is challenging and challenged. The critical mass is dropping which means the [research] funding is as well.”
As it was the industry spend on scientific research was woeful, Wilson said.
“The deer industry along with many others in New Zealand underinvests enormously when you look internationally. Some invest 10% of revenue in R&D – the deer industry is well under the 1% mark.”
Another concern for teachers and scientists was the decreasing number of farmers willing to open the farmgate to researchers and tertiary students. Most hated saying no but did so because they didn’t have the time to commit and deliver what was required.
“Life has become so much harder for farmers. When I started out the average farmer had around 1400 stock units, now it’s more like 4500 stock units – they simply haven’t got the time and don’t get paid for it although it’s something we’ve had to start doing.”
Service honoured
At the NZ Veterinary Association conference in June, Massey’s professor of deer medicine and production Peter Wilson was presented with a special award recognising his outstanding contribution and service over 40 years to the NZ deer industry. He was also awarded life membership of the NZVA along with Dr Colin Mackintosh of AgResearch.
