SALT AND STOCK.

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 30, 4 August 1917, Page 10

SALT AND STOCK.

The use of salt for stock i» not a modern idea. Spanish shepherds knew the value of salt many generations ago, and fed it regularly to their sheep. They allowed 2^lb per sheep, and it was consumed in about five months, none being allowed when the sheep were travelling from summer to winter pasturage/as they did annually, nor during the winter months. The salt was placed on flai stones about 15ft apart, and the 1 sheep woro led among the stones. Sheepmen then had an idea that ealt was apt to cause abortion in |Gwes, and the impression hos persisted till modern times. If salt were withheld, and only fed for a short period, or if the ra.lt wore scattered over the feed in excessive quantities, it is possible that harm might result. When the sali or a mixed lick is made available at all times in the paddocks, it is not likely that the stock will use it in harmful quantities. In wet seaeons like these, when worms are very prevalent, a good lick is one of the best preventives, and should be combined with frequent changes of pasture, a certain amount-of dry feed, and Temoval to higher ground if possible. It is well known that salt in largo quantities is very harmful to pigs and poultry. Fatalities 1m vo often occurred from old brine lxiing left about; but in these eases there is often a suspicion of ptomaine poisoning. Half a pint of strong brine is quoted as /'a fatal dose' for a pig, .and 25 grains of salt per pound of jive weight for birds, according to experiments carried out at South Dakota College, U.S.A. A large dose of castor oil is prescribed, followed by milk or, as an emetic, 15 grains sulphate of zinc in warm water. On the other hand, salt meat is often fed to sows to prevent thorn, eating their young; but the intention is to give a distaste for meat and blood.