STOCK-LICK USE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22416, 25 August 1947, Page 3

STOCK-LICK USE

FARMERS’ TROUBLES CRITICS CRITICISED HEALTH OF ANIMALS ''There has been a good deal of controversy over the usefulness of stock licks, but the position as I find it is that fanners using a good lick find they do not have the troubles experienced by others.” said Mr. Harry E. Dwcn, Gisborne, in an interview when referring particularly to the incidence of mortality in lambs. "Dr. Cunningham lias made statements which cannot be proved and has laid himself open to criticism, which a man in his position should not have done.” continued Mr. Dwen. "If he would interview fanners who use a good lick he would find that many ol these complaints and diseases of cattle and sheep are overcome by this means. "I could show that where good licks have been used consistently and correctly, both in Poverty Bay and Hawke's Bay. still-born lambs are a rarity and weights are better.” lie said. Trouble Fxpericnced “Dr. Filmer. who is one of the leaders of the veterinary club movement to which most farmers. subscribe, has also expressed disparaging remarks on the usefulness of licks,'' Mr. Dwcn continued. “Many subscribers to the veterinary club who have listened lo Drs. Cunningham and Filmer and discontinued the use of licks are now experiencing trouble among their stock. "Furthermore they have to get a specialist from Wallaceville to find out the cause of their troubles. Still born lambs are caused through lack of minerals. mosliv copper, potassium iodide and calcium," said Mr. Dwen. "I have proved that a sickly two-day-old lamb will camp beside a lick box and the ewe will feed it there until that lamb is fit and well. This is clear proof that even newly-born lambs know their own requirements. “Maybe these apostles of Drs. Cunningham and Filmer are suffering for their belief Before deciding against the use of a good lick they should remember that every still-born lamb means, bodies a pound less in the farmer's pocket, one lamb less for Britain.”