Deer Research Unit

The Deer Research Unit was established in 1980 near the southern end of the Massey University Manawatū campus.  The unit is essentially flat and mantled with Tokomaru Silt Loam soils. 

Wintering 100 breeding hinds (red deer ), facilities include recently constructed yards and a new deer shed for hosting research.  Currently research topics include evaluating different pasture cultivars and investigating the effects of velvet removal. It is also used as a teaching unit for Massey University veterinary students.

Deer Research Unit platform

• Area – 22.30ha 
• Soils – Tokomaru Silt Loam soils. Drainage is tiles and mole, with the soil still wet in winter.
• Animals – deer. Sheep and cattle from Keebles farm are utilised to graze any surplus grass and clean up paddocks.
• Forage – Predominantly perennial ryegrass with clovers, chicory, and
  plantain.
• Paddocks – Intensively sub-divided into 36 paddocks, ranging from 0.14 to 1.77 ha (averaging 0.59 ha).
• Infrastructure – A purpose built handling shed constructed in 2005 with yards. Deer Research Building including up to 12 metabolism cages for nutritional studies and pens for other research requiring housing.

Deer Unit Information Sheet.pdf (1,357 KB)

Page authorised by Director, Agricultural Services
Last updated on Friday 08 November 2019