He also said men joining the course tended to "find out about booze" in first year, leading to dropouts.
But he was later reported saying the information he gave "was not factual".
His comments inflamed opinions in the country and some people called for him to resign.
In an interview, Chris Kelly said the veterinary field, once a majority-male career, was now "dominated by women".
He continued: "That's fine, but the problem is one woman graduate is equivalent to two-fifths of a full-time equivalent vet throughout her life because she gets married and has a family, which is normal.
"So, although we're graduating a lot of vets, we're getting a high fall-out rate later on."
Critics have pointed out that men also have families and care-giving responsibilities.
The interview was in the context of changes being made to the university's veterinary science course, to make it more practical.
The university's website says it offers the only veterinary degree in New Zealand.
Mr Kelly said more men than women dropped out in the first year "because women mature earlier than men, work hard and pass. Whereas men find out about booze and all sorts of crazy things during their first year."
Tweets and a Facebook post sent out by the university, purportedly including an apology by Mr Kelly, appear to have been deleted since. The New Zealand Herald reported that he wrote: "I was trying to explain changes Massey University has made over a number of years in the veterinary science programme in response to industry needs, and I also concede that the information was not factual."
In response to the comments, a wildlife hospital attached to the university posted a picture of seven female vets and vet technicians, calling them "awesome 100% of the time".
As well as taking on ceremonial duties, chancellors in New Zealand have a role in the governance of universities. Vice-chancellors tend to take on a more active role.
From 2017, the vice-chancellor of Massey University will be Professor Jan Thomas, a woman who is a veterinarian and biochemist by training.

Humberside Police advertised for the Â£117,078-a-year senior post on its website.
The Chief Constable said it was "vital candidates embraced new technology".
But a marketing expert has said the force should not have used "the tactic" for a very "serious role" that commands a degree of respect in the community.
Emma Pearson-Kendall, director of Fred Marketing, said: "You would hope in a role this serious people would take it seriously.
"I think it would be better maybe if they were saying this [area] was a great place to live and work and all the opportunities here, focusing on that rather than how the applicant looks."
Ms Pearson-Kendall said she hoped the selfie was not being used to "discriminate" against any potential candidates.
"I wouldn't do it and I probably wouldn't recommend that clients do it," she said.
Chief Constable Justine Curran said the force had "invested heavily in new technology in a bid to modernise the way we work".
She said: "We currently have a vacancy for a Deputy Chief Constable which is a key role within the force and as such it is vital that potential candidates understand the importance of embracing new technology within Humberside Police at the point of applying for the role.
"This is why we have created a recruitment advert that reflects our aims and ambitions as a force by encouraging candidates to get involved from the outset."

The 56-year-old was sacked by Chester in April after a run of just one win in 10 put the club in a relegation fight.
Southport relieved Andy Bishop of his duties on Saturday with the side lying second from bottom in the table.
Ex-Kidderminster boss Burr takes over a side that has picked up four points from their first eight league matches of the season, suffering six defeats.
The chancellor of a New Zealand university appears to have apologised for saying a woman vet was "equivalent to two-fifths" of a man because she would take time out to have a family.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
A police force recruiting for a new deputy chief constable has requested applicants submit a "selfie" in order to apply for the role.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
National League side Southport have named former Chester boss Steve Burr as their new manager.