THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22610, 29 June 1935, Page 22

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

English Wool Market Some interesting comment on the London May wool sales lias been received by Dalgety and Co., Ltd., from their London office. . J t _ "The Home trade continues to operate gteadilv and France has bought much more heavily than for a lone time past. Other Continental countries are also giving good support, except Germany, from whom there has been no appreciable direct buying so far. Recently there has been evidence of Russian buyinor, which has helped the market substantially for those descriptions in which they are interested. The trade appears optimistic and the uncertainty and depression of only a comparatively short time ago seems to have entirely disappeared. ". . " Consumption is being well maintained and stocks in the hands of manufacturers topmakers, and spinners are still believed to be light, though some merchants are reported to be carrying fairly heavy stock*.. The price improvement has brought out a fair amount of business, but it is still difficult to pass on the increase to the ultimate user. This state of affairs has been evident for a long time past when any market rise takes place and can be traced, to some extent, to the strong influence .on the market. exercised by the big multiple tailors. These people, ot course, do not entirely control the trade, but with their huge outputs they are a very important and growing factor, and, aa they have developed their trade on fixed and very competitive prices for suits, they resist strongly any increase in the cost of cloth. It now remains to be seen whether they can continue these tactics or if the strength of the raw material position will prove too much for them. "The series is being curtailed by one day and will now close on Thursday. May 23. This is, perhaps, rather surprising in view of the strength of the market, bui it is largely due to the big quantity 01 New Zealand crossbred wools still Withheld from sale, as even the recent improvement does not make the price of the coarser varieties a particularly attractive one."

Australian Wool Clip Returns issued by the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia show that from July 1 to May 31 sales of wool in the principal se ling centres of the Commonwealth totalled 2,806,151 bales, which realised £35,360,712. . Compared with the similar period of the previous season the quantity sold displays an increase of 303,548 bales, but the amount ■ realised a decrease of £15,438,139. The Treasy and scoured wool sold averaged £l2 12s per bale, or 9.96 d per lb, the average 12 months before being tiO.M per bale, or 16.2 d per lb, and ur 1932-33 £ll 6s 4d per bale, or 8.85 d per lb. The greasy wool sold in May averaged 10.8.;d per lb. The following figures show the quantity of wool sold, the amount realised, and the average per lb obtained during the 11 months of seven seasons:—

On May 31 the quantity of unsold wool in store, including carryover lines on hand at June 30 last, was 192,962 bales. The quantity showed an increase of 15.0UU bales, compared with the similar date of 1934, but auctions have taken place in June this year, and the bulk of the wool submitted has been sold, while in June, 1634, no auctions were held, the sales arranged being cancelled. Draft on Wool

Australian woolgrowers have informed buyers that, unless they agree voluntarily to abolish the draft allowance of lib in every 1121 b of'wool purchased, the growers will ask the State and the Federal Governments for legislation, to provide that every lib of wool bought is paid lor. The making of a draft allowance is an old practice in wool buying, which originated when scales for weighing wool were much less accurate than they are now. One pound of wool in every 1121 b was allowed to compensate for any shortage which might have occurred because r.t faulty weighing. Graziers say that modern scales are so accurate that the reason for the draft allowance has vanished, but the practice has been established for• so long that efforts to procure its abohtion have been unsuccessful in every wool-pro-ducing country. ~ • ... . Buyers of wool claim that, if the present system were abolished, they would have to readjust all their estimates ot yields, which are the result of many years of practical experience. If .they had to work to a new scale, the margin which would be added would probably be so wide that the grower would lose. The drait allowance is not the same in other counties as it is in Australia. The allowance made on British wool is 21b in 112ib, and in South Africa an allowance of 131 b a bale is made to cover both tare and draft. Bradford Turnover

.Figures covering turnover at the Braciford Conditioning House for April show that the weisht of goods dealt with was 7 640.4011 b, being 1,625.9711 b more than in April, 1934, but 1,759,6901 b less than last March, which was a particularly bulky month. The tops handled totalled 4,734,0361 b, an increase of 701,3571 b, compared with the similar month a year be fore, but 339,8521 b below last March. During the four months, January to 4pril the total turnover at the Conditioning House was 38,744,7771 b, being 7,572,5371 b more than in the period of 1934, and 12,375,2901 b greater than in

By Rtjsticus

Items of interest to those engaged In agricultural »d pastoral P™*** with a view to their publication in these "columns, m" *• g£g* The* should be addressed to "Rnsticus." Otago. Dailjr Times, Duneoia.

1933. The quantity, of -tops dealt with was 23,056,0681 b an increase of 2565,2621 b on the 1934 total, and 3,784,4671 b abov, 1933. The turnover recorded to Apr" indicates a bulky consumption of the law material at the English establishments, and has been responsible for large purchases of the staple made Jby Yorkshire in Australia this season. English oidexs for wool have only been moderate oi late, but their previous volume, was great ana assisted to the most decided degree in enabling the Commonwealth to sell her clip and place the market in its present improved position.

South African Sales From July 1 to March 31 the wool sold in South Africa realised 8d per lb W African currency, compared with 10*d pei lb during the similar period of the preceding season. Exports of greasy showed a decrease of 27,628,0001 b, compared with the similar nine months of Due exports to Germany showed, an increase oi 1,273,0001 b, and to Italy an increase ol 4333,0001 b. All other large purchasing countries displayed an appreciable decrease, the total for the United Kingdom being 17,053,0001 b lower, and the quantity for Japan 845,0001 b lower. Shipments ot scoured, which are only a small proportion of the quantity, exhibited similar changes. Great Britain has bought increased weights of the staple in Australia. The larger totals taken by Germany and Italy are due to the trading arrangements made with those two countries, but the Japanese agreement in respect to reciprocal trade has not apparently had the effects anticipated. It is rather significant that Yorkshire, Belgium and France have decreased their buying activity when increased purchasing by German and Italian millmen was experienced! Apparently the attitude of the former was influenced by the greater concentration of the latter on African auctions. If the former had continued competing as freely as usual prices in Africa would have been decidedly above world parity and made the raw material bought in that quarter over-dear compared with purchases made elsewhere.

Sydney Sheep Show The judge of the English Leicester section at the Sydney Royal Show said that the sheep compared favourably with the Scottish types, and breeders in both countries appeared to have the same ideals as to the wool covering.- There was some variation in the wool, the fleece of the New Zealand animals being stronger, but not so good in lustre as that of the Australian. The carcasses were good, and very few leggy specimens" were to be found. Some improvement could be made in regard to colour on the points, and several sheep were faulted for having wool on the crowne. The strongest class judged was acknowledged to be that for rams, two years and over. This included the champion ram imported from the flock, of Mr D. Grant, of Timaru, New Zealand, and the reserve, imported from Berwickshire, Scotland, both owned by Mr S. L. J. Bowen, of Gillarwarrina, Trangie. The leader, had an exceptionally good carcass, a masculine head, and was very true in the wool, and showed character throughout. The runner-up was little inferior, but on the day had not the same bloom. Mr W. O'Neil continued his run of successes by annexing both major awards for ewes. First place in the groups also went to Mr O'Neil. Mr D. Grant was second in the pens of two rams, and Mr A. S. Brunskill. of Dalkeith, Wagga, was placed first and third in the ewe pens.

Course for Farmers The annual short course of instruction at Lincoln College for farmers commenced on Tuesday, and will continue for 10 days. The present course promises to be very successful, as there is a larger number of farmers attending, and they represent a much wider area, including some from Southland, South Otago, Otago, and South Canterbury. The total billeted at the college is 40, and others who are staying at their homes and attending the courses daily are expected to increase this number to approximately 50. The weather on Tuesday prevented any field inspection, and the programme consisted of lectures. The director (Professor Alexander), who welcomed the visitors, lectured on the subject of breeding, Mr A. M. Leslie, F.R.C.V.S., on fertility, and D r Hilgendorf on wheat. On the last day of the course—Thursday, July 6—there will be a field day, which wili be open to farmers. HOGGET MORTALITY RAVAGES OF PARASITES IMPORTANCE OF FEEDING Some interesting and instructive . information on the subject of hogget mortality and its prevention is contained in the following article supplied by Mr C. V. Dayus, of the live stock division of the Department of Agriculture. The experience of the past two seasons in both the North and South Islands has demonstrated that the successful rearing of lambs after weaning—carrying them through the autumn and winter with a minimum of loss—is a subject which requires close attention by sheepfarmers. It must be realised that eound management, and feeding of the flock are the main principles upon which to base successful rearing. The outstanding factors in regard to the mortality in the last two seasons were feed conditions and parasites. These factors were considerably aggravated by the seasonal climatic conditions, in which an increased rainfall associated with mild humid weather resulted in a more or less rank growth of pasture. The unsuitability of such feed for sheep is undoubted. On account of their closegrazing habits, short feed, with a fanproportion of fibre to assist in rumination, is the most suitable pasture tor sheep of all ages. . Sheep do better when grazing pastures have been eaten down by cattle. ine cattle population has undoubtedly decreased of late years on many farms which in previous years carried sheep without any very serious mortality. Here is one reason for the unsuitable teed conditions in some cases. On low-lying flats with a high carrying capacity tne sheep pastures are more liable to become contaminated; the pastures become "sheep-sick" on account of the absence of cattle. If heavy growth occurs in the autumn months and sheep are unable to control it, the feed not only becomes unsuitable for them, but also makes excellent cover for the spread and propagation of internal parasites. These unfavourable factors are thus met with by .lambs at the most vulnerable period in their life. There is no doubt that when the lambs are weaned, after the loss of the mothers milk and while the rate of growth and the demand for nourishment are both imperative, any set-back, together with a possible infestation with internal parasites, renders the animals typical cases lor hygienic attention and treatment. An important point in this connection is the fact that the early lambs and those which have the best foundation for surviving any critical stage are as a rule drafted off their mothers and killed tor the meat export trade. Ihis only emphasises the need for greater attention to the feeding of the other members of the flock and those relegated to the cull class by the fat stock buyer. The far-reaching results of the system of sel ing off the earliest and best lambs for the fat lamb trade have been recognised by many tarmers. Not only is this important in relation to the constitution of the breeding flock in later years, but other factors such as breeding capacity and wool deterioration must be considered. Lambs should be weaned ns early as possible within reason, depending on the season and the state of the pasture available after weaning. Late lambs require special supplementary feeding at time of weaning, and the encouragement of lambs to take dry, nourishing feed is a practice

worthy of considerbale extension. A salt lick should always be provided. The iise of good clover hay in racks, or a daily feed of crushed oats and/or linseed, makes an excellent substitute for the loss of milk. The lambs should be weaned on to as clean pasture as possible, preferably that which has been grazed by cattle. With a scarcity of suitable pastures owing to a shortage of cattle, any clean paddocks which have been under cultivation and are carrying a young grass crop may be used for the lambs. A paddock from . which a crop of hay has been saved may > be used, provided the feed is not allowed ! to become rank before use. These remarks apply more particularly to the rich flats where the carrying capacity-is greater than on more hilly country- The lambs should not be put on in too great numbers; overstocking must be avoided. On the hill country there is less difficulty as a rule in regard to parasitic trouble. Low-lying or damp areas of any kind should be avoided for the weaner lambs. On farms where it is possible to growearly rape, grass, oats, barley, or any other suitable green feed, such feed will give the lambs a good start; late lambs in particular need special treatment. Thousand-headed kale is a useful standby. With any of these supplementary green feeds care is necessary until the lambs become accustomed to the new diet, and it is always advisable to have a runoff on grass. Lambs running on pasture country should be changed regularly. The weaker lambs or hoggets may be separated from the rest of the flock and put on feed of a more invigorating nature. Young lambs may be taught to feed from troughs or racks while still suckling their mothers, so that when weaning takes place such feeding may be continued and increased. Self-feeders would prevent the necessity for daily attention by the farmer or shepherd. • , A practice which has been followed with considerable success in some districts is that of grazing the paddocks first with the older sheep and afterwards with the lambs and younger sheep. This practice has had to be adopted where no clean pastures were available upon which to wean the lambs. It may be here argued that the older sheep have in this way every opportunity of contaminating the pastures with the eggs and embryos of parasites, but the counteracting factor is that the feed is rendered more suitable for young stock. This advantage appears to outweigh any disadvantage. The higher country has many advantages over the rich fiats in a rainy mild autumn. The drier soil, with its less luxuriant growth and also with a lesser tendency to the spread of parasites, is more suitable for the younger sheep when clean pastures cannot be obtained on the flats. On the flats, where the carrying capacity is high, the possibilities of closer subdivision with rotational grazing are considerable. Under this system not only would a frequent change of pasture be provided, but the pasture could be better kept in control and any long luxuriant growth could be shut up and utilised for the production of ensilage and hay for winter feeding. Moreover, such areas would provide a fairly clean pasture upon which to weaji lambs. The conserved herbage would be put to better advantage in providing winter fodder than by being trampled down. With regard to the treatment which mav be adopted once evidence of parasites is obtained, in the first place it must be again mentioned that a sick sheep is difficult to treat either medicinally or by increased dieting. Lambs should be tanght to feed early, and extra feeding is one ot the main factors in the treatment of parasites. Medicinal agents can be relied upon only as subsidiary to the feeding and management precautions already outlined. Adult sheep harbour parasites, and the ova or eggs reach the pasture, where, under suitable conditions of temperature and moisture, the larva? hatch out and are swallowed by animals grazing sucn pastures. The symptoms set up and the losses met with, especially in young animals, are fairly well known. Several agents have been used for dosing infested sheep. Probably that most commonly used and proved to be effective against the stomach-worm is a 1 per cent, solution of copper sulphate (blueetone). The dose varies with the age of the sheep to be dosed, from 6 drams for a young lamb to 3oz for an adult sheep. Early dosing as soon as possible after weaning is quite essential in a rainy autumn. Dosing can be repeated every three weeks. Other agents used include terpentine, which may be given in milk or in raw linseed oil. If given in oil a little soda may be added and the whole made into an emulsion. From a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful may be given to each animal, depending on its age. Besides its vermicidal properties, turpentine, in medicinal doses appears to have a stimulating effect in the case of weak animals. There are numerous other preparations used for worms in sheep, but those just mentioned are most commonly employed. In conclusion, the factors concerned in the prevention of hogget mortality may be summarised as follows: — 1. Wean lambs early on to clean pasture, if "available. 2. Pastures which have been grazed by cattle are most suitable. 3. If clean pastures are not available the lambs should be taught to feed from troughs before or after weaning, weaned on to the driest paddocks, and supplementary feeding increased after weaning. 4. In wet seasons early dosing soon after weaning is advisable, to be repeated as necessary. 5. Avoid overstocking with the young animals. , . 6. The possibilities of closer subdivision of paddocks, rotaticnal grazing, the shut-ting-up of paddocks in case of heavy growth, and the utilisation of the herbage as ensilage or hay, offer great possibilities for providing a clean area upon which to wean lambs. , 7. Where arable farming is carried out in the production of supplementary green crops a clean area should be obtainable upon which to wean lambs. 8. Late lambs require more attention than early lambs; sick lambs are the most difficult to treat. . Careful observation for the first indications of going off in health and condition are necessary and one of the essentials is to train the young animals to take good dry feed while they are fit and well, so that if a flush of unsuitable autumn feed comes about the unfavourable feeding conditions can be corrected by a ration of good dry feed, which the hoggets will then take readily. If not trained to dry feed, and an attempt is made to get them on to it after sickness I has manifested itself, usually they will I not take it at all, with a resultant heavy mortality.

Amount. Avee Bales. £ 1928-29 .. 2,533,447 55,239,311 16.8 [929-30 .. 2.204,097 .. 2394,720 29,445,814 10.5 1930-31 26,781.527 8.8 1931-32 .. 2,582,584 28,544,767 8.6 1932-33 .. 2,807,332' 31,771.445 8.85 1933-34 .-. 2,502,603 50,798,851 16.2 1934-35 .. 2,806.151 35.360.712 9.96