THE BRUISING OF LAMBS

Evening Star, Issue 21217, 26 September 1932, Page 1

THE BRUISING OF LAMBS

FARMERS' UNION DISCUSSION (From our Balclutha Correspondent.)' In response to an invitation, Mr Fv Nicholson, manager of the South Otago Freezing Works, was present at the monthly meeting of the Clutha. Farmers’ Union on Saturday night to discuss the various causes of the bruising of fat lambs. Mr Nicholson said the freezing works were as much concerned over the problem as the farmer, and at the local works special investigations had been made in an effort to gain some definite information. An analysis of the stock admitted to the works showed that 55 per cent, was railed, about 29 per cent, lorried, and the remainder, about 15 per cent., was driven. Further examination showed that the railed stock had the largest proportion~of bruised stock, that driven was second, and lorried had the smallest proportion. The cause was often extremely difficult to discover; in cases where it was reasonable to expect a fairly large percentage of bruises it was sometimes found that the sheet was practically clean, and, again, stock which had apparently had_ every care would reveal a number of bruised lambs/ In his opinion the worst cause was the rushing of stock from the pasture to the killing board. Farmers feared the drop in weight caused through delay, but experience showed that haste had the opposite of the desired effect. The stock was liable to grade higher if at least twentyfour hours was allowed to elapse after removal from feed and transport. _lf stock were taken off feed and hurried to the railhead, and possibly loaded in haste, some of the lambs were bound to get down in the truck and be trampled. Overloading would produce the same effect. It was also bad policy to rail a mixed truck .of. .ewes and lambs. Hough dogs and inexpert handling were also causes of bruising. In connection with the latter, experience had showed that a twitch of the wool would not leave a bruise, but marking would certainly be caused if the skin was also caught in the grip. Another cause was the use of drafting yards in poor repair or having rough projections. Running under barbed wire was also very bad. The matter could really be reduced to the individual handling and care of the stock in the week previous to arrival at the works. Mr Nicholson stated that he thought most of the bruises were caused between mustering and the arrival at the works. Supervision was exercised on the “board” and at the unloading yards, and, while he would not totally disclaim responsibility, the proportion of bruises caused after arrival at the works was small.

After general discussion of the matter a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Nicholson for his address.

During the general meeting an interesting suggestion was made by Mr J. Christie that the establishment of a.n orderly system of offering wool for sale to avoid overlapping and unnecessary expense was very desirable. He suggested that a system of Government grading such as that already used with success in other lines of'primary products should be instituted.

A motion to this effect was *passed asking'tliat the Department of Agriculture give the matter consideration with a view to formulating some scheme of co-operation.