Thread: Pere Davi's deer

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

There were some of these in NZ. I'm not sure if they are still here though. Whittley Ottway from Kaukupakupa(?) near Hellensville imported some. They have double muscled hind quarters, similar to Belgun Blue cattle. He was trying to cross them with Red deer for increased venison production. Invermay research centre also had a herd. They are very susceptible to Malignant Catarrh Fever, a respiratory infection which sheep carry. It tips them up very quickly. I haven't heard if there are any left in NZ. One of their identifying features is that their antlers do appear to be on backwards.

One of my students was involved in research based here in NZ on them, they have a very interesting skin and tail etc with a nice raised ridge down the spine.

Yes , They are still in N.Z .
I n canterbury at Mt Hutt Station .
The herd first came from Tim Wallace
He had them at Wanaka ,