SHADE FOR SHEEP

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LIII, Issue 13, 16 February 1932, Page 8

SHADE FOR SHEEP

AN IMPORTANT PROVISION. Sheep cannot be expected to do well f deprived of ample shade during the summer months. At the time of the year when this form of stock is grazied on stubble paddocks, the failure of farmers to make provision for shelter by the retention of suitable shade trees or by planting an occasional shelter group is particularly" noticeable.

Though in normal seasons it would je difficult to point to any direct loss jccasioned by the absence of shade in the paddocks, there have been occasions when the value of a few trees or shelter clumps has been well demonstrated. At times, when grass seed is plentiful, it is apt to work in and pierce the skin, thus causing considerable pain. In one such season it was noticed at an Australian experimental farm that sheep so affected congregated under the trees in the early morning, but as the shade moved off the animals often would not make the effort to draw their legs under them in order to move, and that unless assisted to their feet, thfey died from heat stroke within a few hours. Despite unceasing attention, heavy losses occurred, due entirely to this cause. Although some farmers ridicule the idea that sheep require shade, the instance emphasises the need for making adequate provision of this kind.'