Our research
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Recently completed B+LNZ research projects
Facial Eczema in beef cattle
The aim of this study was to analyse existing data sets from animal health laboratories around New Zealand and from animals at slaughter via meat processing companies to see if the prevalence and distribution of facial eczema (FE) in beef cattle could be quantified.
Hill Country Futures programme
Hill Country Futures is a long-term $8.1m programme focused on future proofing the profitability, sustainability and wellbeing of New Zealand’s hill country farmers, their farm systems, the environment and rural communities.
Pasture raised advantage
New Zealand scientists are conducting a ground-breaking research programme to explore the benefits of eating pasture-raised beef and lamb.
Understanding the psychosocial impacts of Facial Eczema
This project aims to outline the social and psychological impacts of Facial Eczema (FE) on livestock farmers, their families, and local communities.
Wairarapa finishing farm triple drench resistance case study
The aim of this study was to provide an understanding of introducing refugia into a lamb finishing operation that had a triple drench resistance issue. Refugia, introduced through lambs with susceptible parasites, was compared to the more conventional practice of quarantine drenching.
Pasture management in a volatile world
The objectives of this project were to quantify the benefits of deferred grazing, and establish criteria to help farmers identify when deferred grazing is appropriate in their farm system.
Catch crops for sediment control
This project will evaluate a range of catch crop species and establishment techniques to reduce sediment and surface flow losses following the winter grazing of forage crops. Trials will be carried out on hill country in the Hawkes Bay and Horizons regions, but the systems developed will provide spill-over benefits to all farming regions and terrains nationally.
Assessing the impacts of long-acting drench products
This project investigated the potential effect of long-acting drench products on the rumen microbiome, the effect of parasites on ewe growth, Body Condition Score and fecundity over the summer-autumn period.
Managing parasites and resistance in cattle
This project measured the concentrations of ivermectin (a macrocyclic lactone) reaching target cattle tissues (abomasum and small intestine) and the target parasites (Ostertagia and Cooperia) when given to cattle orally, by injection or pour-on.
Ewe udder health and its effects on lamb production
The aim of this project was to develop an udder scoring system associated with udder health, lamb survival and lamb growth rates and can accurately be used by farmers.
Catch crops for reduced nitrate leaching
Previous research has shown that sowing a catch crop can reduce nitrate leaching losses by as much as 40%, as well as improving nitrogen use efficiency and farmers’ profitability. This project aimed to upscale this previous applied research into working winter crop rotations in Canterbury and Southland and adapt it to the various soil and climatic conditions.
Assessing communication tools to support parasite management
The aim of this project was to evaluate different ways of communication for their reach, impact and associated behaviour change.
Grazeable shrubs for hill country
This project aimed to understand how to better manage tagasaste (commonly known as tree lucerne) on-farm in the Hawkes’ Bay region and Taupō.
Retaining twin lambs born to hoggets as replacements?
This is a five-year project to study the lifetime ewe efficiency.
Farmer interviews – reduced drench for internal parasites
The aim of this project is to inform what influences farmers habits and decision making associated with parasite management, and how a farm system operates with reduced drench.
Protecting our soils
The main findings from this project showed that helicropping can be undertaken and utilised in a way that minimises environment risks.