MORTALITY AMONG LAMBS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20421, 25 November 1929, Page 5

MORTALITY AMONG LAMBS.

PARASITIC GASTRITIS

Deaths of lambs from parasitic gastritis is referred to by the Director of the Live Stock Division of the Department of Agriculture in his report on the 192829 season.. He says mortality from this causa was considerable, more particularly in the Wellington province, where some flocks suffered rather heavily. Owing to the damp season experienced this was to be expected, he continues, and under such circumstances owners should see that their lambs are well cared for particularly at weaning time. At this time, if lambs are allowed to fend for themselves without suitable feed being provided, a check in their growth is unavoidable, thus weakening the resistingpower of the young animals, with the result that they become prey to parasites. Once such a condition becomes established it is almost impossible to avoid heavy mortality, as only those with strong constitutions will be able to survive. In snch cases the lambs eat but sparingly and cannot be induced to take artificial food. At this • stage medicinal treatment frequently does more harm than good, for even if the parasites are destroyed the animals have not sufficient recuperative powers to enable them to recover. In those flocks where suitable feedingconditions are available to enable them to get over ths weaning and carry them into the winter without going back in condition, the loss is infinitesimal compared with that in those flocks for which little or no provision is made. Many sheep farmers now realise that it pays to give their lambs proper attention, and it is to be hoped that the remainder wiU follow their example. When, this condition is general the heavy death-rate among hoggets during the winter months will be i reduced considerably.