RUBBERS FOR SHEEP

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 290, 8 December 1936, Page 9

RUBBERS FOR SHEEP

Efforts to Eradicate Foot-rot

BOOTS DESCRIBED A novel demonstration took place on Coldlmrbour Farm, Wye, England, recently when the Dunlop ariti-ioot-rot hoots for sheep wero demonstrated in the presence of a number of eminent veterinary surgeons, states the Kentish “Express.”

Tho boots are mado in the Dunlop footwear factory at Walton, Liverpool, and their object is to arrest the effects, of foot-rot by holding dressings in position.

Foot-rot is a disease affecting the soft and horny parts of tho sheep’s foot, and it is treated by cleansing the foot, paring and removing all distorted and decomposed tissue and applying liquid, ointments and other remedies. Following tho treatment with ointment and other remedies spread on the exposed wound without covering, the practice has been to turn the sheep out, with the result that' the ointment or remedies have been rubbed off in the grass in a short time and any effect has been so limited as to bo comparatively negligible. The boots demonstrated keep tho dressings in place and the result of tests have shown that all normal cases of foot-rot can bo completely cured in a week when tho boots are used. They are of rubber and are waterproof and pliable. Tho rubber is acid proof and evidence of how it stands up to tho chemicals used in dressings was shown by samples which had been in soak since September 13 in solutions of copper sulphate fivo per cent, and butter o fantimony, and which remained unaffected.

Tho boots are built to fit tho sheep’s feet closely. They have an inward curv e at. the top of tho horn structure to reduce tho splasliings of dressings on the leg; an outward curve to give tho fetlock joint free play and stop chafing; a bag at tho back to givo the “knuckles” fredom; stout soles which give to tho tread; and narrow tops which grip tho legs. The boot is slit part of the way down tho front and flap which is then drawn back into position and the boot is fastened, w-ith a the foot is slipped into it behind a press fasten and a lace hole or with a zipp. The boots are tnade in five sizes, three of which cover eighty per cent of the sheep in the country. They weigh an average of two and a half ounces. Sheep wear tho boots without noticing then and placidly go about living their normal life. The boots cost either 3/6 a pair (with zipp) or 2/11. After being cleaned and disinfected they can readily be used on one sheep after another.

At the demonstration a number of sheep were fitted with boots to show how easily they are worn and do not interfere with normal movements, while in other pens sheep with foot-rot were treated and the procedure of applying tho boot explained.