Loss of Lambs

Cromwell Argus, 29 July 1929, Page 6

Loss of Lambs

NOTE ON THE 1028 SEASON'S WORK. D. A. GILL, M.R.C.Y.S., D.V.S.M., In the Journal, of Agriculture. The investigation commenced in 1026 in Central Otago concerning the morality among' lambs about two to six weeks old was continued in the Maniototo and adjacent districts. On this occasion the work was confined to the technical aspect of the question, and for this reason no detailed report will be published. This general note on the work of the- 1928 season, however, will apprise jthe farming community that the investigation is not allowed to lapse in any way. The main line of investigation was concerned with the' possible presence in the bowel of affected Lambs of certain types of organisms which might induce the condition in question through producing an unusually large amount of toxins. No definite evidence 01 this was obtained, nor could any likely germs be discovered in the blood, cerebrospinal' fluid,, or various organs. The work on the flora of the intestine is exceedingly difficult, and suitable cases are hard to find, but further intensive work on these lines has been planned for the future. Specimens were also obtained for use in various biochemical tests. The most probable train of events, culminating in the death of the lambs, seems to be that the condition 1* due to toxins which are formed in, and absorbed from, the gut; that these toxiiis may be produced in the gut by bacteria which are common and constant inhabitants of the gut, and which normally lead a quite harmless existence there; that through some factor or factors connected with the diet these bacteria have been enabled to increase in numbers and to produce larger quantities, or possibly more powerful types, of toxins. 'I his by no means precludes the possibility that such organisms may have simultaneously increased in virulence so that they now attack •types of lambs that wero previously immune. It. will be seen from tins that while the writer is not in full agreement with what is popularly understood as the ••overnutritJon theory'' lie does consider that at rock-bottom some dietary fault is responsible for the mortality. In addition to the above-mentioned work a large series of, preventive experiments with the use of various mineral-lick mixtures was carried out, but no % definitely beneficial effects were noted so far as the mortality was concerned. It? may be also recorded that in several further cases where it was tried the preventive method of yarding- for twenty-four hours every five to seven days gave good results, as it may be expected to do in all cases provided it can be properly and systematically carried out. Details of this method. and other preventive measures were given in the Journal for March, 1928, pages 140-152. An extensive programme of work lor next season has been planned out. embracing preventive experiments as well as further investigations aimed at clearing- up the true nature of the disease.