The pattern of breeding and management within the New Zealand Thoroughbred breeding industry 2005–2015. 1. The stallion population
Y. Y. Chin
A * , C. W. Rogers B C , E. K. Gee B , K. J. Stafford C and E. Z. Cameron A
A School of Biological Science, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
B School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
C School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
Handling Editor: Wayne Bryden
Abstract
There has been a contraction within the New Zealand Thoroughbred racing industry and there are limited data demonstrating how this has affected, or been reflected, within the breeding industry that supplies horses for the racing industry. A reduction in the breeding industry, to a greater extent in the sector servicing domestic rather than export market has been speculated.
To describe the demographics, breeding pattern, reproductive career and workload of New Zealand Thoroughbred stallions between 2005 and 2015.
The breeding records of all Thoroughbred stallions covering >10 mares during 2005/2006–2015/2016 breeding seasons and the lifetime breeding records of all the mares covered by these stallions were extracted from the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing website. The demographics, population numbers, career pattern, and 10-year trend in market share of stallions in different stud fee categories were examined using descriptive analysis. The stallion’s reproductive workload was modelled deterministically.
The breeding population reduced over the 10 years examined (mares by 20%, sires by 32%). This industry consolidation was almost entirely due to the 50% reduction in the number of mares mated to the low-priced stallions, which generated horses for the domestic market. The relative proportion of mares sent to medium- and high-priced stallions (breed to sell and export sector) doubled. The commercial breeding career of low- and medium-priced stallions and shuttle stallions was short (4–5 years). The number of mares covered by a stallion increased with stud fee category. Stallions covered a greater number of mares in October and November than in September and December because of the restricted opportunity to cover foaled mares early in the season, caused by the long gestation length of mares and the need to cover mares before December.
Findings in this study support that the contraction in the New Zealand Thoroughbred breeding industry was due to a reduction in the industry sector that focuses primarily on supplying horses for domestic racing. Commercial pressure and biological constraints heavily influenced the reproductive management of the breeding industry. The breeding management of stallions during the season is heavily influenced by stallion service fee category, which reflects his book size and the commercial appeal of the resultant progeny.
The contraction within the domestic sector of the breeding industry was reflected in the concurrent contraction within New Zealands domestic racing population and fewer colts and geldings entering racing. Industry breeding trends demonstrate that economic viability and optimisation of revenue depend on the breeding industry focusing on the export rather than domestic market.
Keywords: agribusiness, animal production, economics, equine, farm management, horses, livestock production, population dynamics.
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