Veterinary science and animal production

Abstract

Extract

In retrospect, 1964 may be recalled as the year of the Agricultural Development Conference, a searching probe into the state of the New Zealand agricultural industry. Amongst other things, it was requisite to determine the measures that would have to be taken to ensure that sufficient animal production would be available to support the level of prosperity we hope to enjoy in the years to come. Our overseas income is our wealth and almost all of this is derived from our exports, 93% of which are produced by the animals grazing our pastures. The stark fact is impressed upon us that our continuing prosperity is vitally dependent upon an ever-increasing volume of exportable animal produce. Simply, our material well-being is measured in terms of the value of our exports, and our chief exports now and in the foreseeable future are of animal origin. In a world hungry for protein, New Zealand has the opportunity to discharge a moral obligation to help alleviate this hunger and at the same time to lay a firmer foundation for her own successful future.