DRY FEEDING OF SHEEP

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27917, 14 March 1956, Page 16

DRY FEEDING OF SHEEP

NO HARMFUL EFFECT LIKELY LINCOLN COLLEGE BOARD DISCUSSES DROUGHT No harmful effect to sheep would be caused by dry feeding, Dr. M. M. Eurns, Director of Canterbury Agricultural College, informed the college board of governors yesterday, when the drought situation was briefly discussed. Had the staff any information on the continued dry feeding of sheep at Ashley Dene? asked the chairman (Mr W. H. Gillespie, M.P.). There had been a long spell of dry weather and no sign of rain was seen. Dry feeding right through to lambing might have a serious effect. “It always rains in March or April," replied Dr. Burns. Mr Gillespie: That is not the answer. “I know it is not,” said Dr. Burns. Farmers were concerned about the hand feeding of stock and were inquiring of the college had any information, said Mr Gillespie. If sheep were given an adequate ration, there was no reason why hand feeding should not be continued for a leng period, said Dr. Burns. The feeding had no undue difficulties, except those of labour, extra work and costs: but he would anticipate no difficulties in relation to the health of the animals. Most of the evidence on dry feeding came from Australia, said Dr. Burns. He knew it was part of the high-class seed policy of farmers in Canterbury to dry feed their sheep over the summer. It required more management than when green feed was available. With that extra management, the feeding could be done quite successfully. Either high-class hay or concentrates had to be used. In Central Otago, it was quite common for farmers to dry feed over a P? ri ° d of seven or eight months, said Mr G. A. Holmes. They fed dry hay alone, without concentrates. “Some people in Wellington don’t realise the terrific loss we are suffering in the South Island from the drought, or, if they do know about it. there is no suggestion that they know how to help,” said Mr Holmes. No concentrates were in New Zealand and a stable and reasonable price for them was wanted. With clover hay advertised at 15s a bale, that food was impossible. The only way out of the feed difficulty was to subsidise the importation of concentrates from Australia. “This is a crisis,” Mr Holmes continued. “Funds are taken from the sheep farmer to meet, crises and this is the time they might dip in. This time, the drought affects farmers from Picton to Bluff. Sheep cannot be taken to other districts, and last week Corriedale lambs could not be given away. “I think farmers are doing well enough not to need a subsidy on feeding.” said Mr W. C. Stafford. “The worst period, as far as the health of the animals is concerned, would be that of the transition from dry feeding to the growth starting in the spring—if it does.” Mr Gillespie said the discussion might be a little premature. The problem might not be reached. The drought could easily continue for two months, as he had seen the ground so dry in April that trouble was caused when a match was thrown.