SHEEP-DIPPING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2761, 13 February 1907, Page 6

SHEEP-DIPPING.

Under the law of the count iv t-lieep in Xew Zealand must be dipped every year some time in the mouths of February to Ma\ . inclusive. Compulsory dip ping w<is instituted as a means of combating she*p-scab, and has been continued in order to keep shoep free of other troubles, to the undoubted benefit if the flocks and their owners. The operation of dipping, however, is in very many cases carried out anything but thoroughly, and theie are few farmers who make a practice of buying in sheep for grazing who have not suffered from taking in unawares badly-dipped or undipped sheep. The subject was discussed at the last agricultural conference, when a proposal that greater latitude be allowed in regard to dipping was brought forward. There was an emphatic negative to the proposition, the almost unanimous opinion of the conference being that the dipping regulations should rathtr be made more stringent and be more stnUlv on kneed. It is notorious that many sh^ep-ou r.crs systematically e\udc clii'f'ir.j,_ takiru lue chance of the

condition of their sheep escaping detection; while if the neglect results in the owner being prosecuted the fine is generally so ' small that it is less than the cost of dipping. E\en amongst owners who comply with the law there are many who musteT very carelessly for dipping, and also many who carry cut the operation of dipping in a very inefficient manner. Dipping off the shears is not to be depended upon as effectual, but merinos should not go undipped longer than a month to two months and crossbreds than six weeks to three months after shearing. It is important that none be missed ; a single sheep undipped may harbour enough vermin to infect a whole flock. The dipping material must be of proved efficacy in the district ; unaccountable variations in the action of some dips are well known to occur; but there is no difficulty in procuring a dip which is effectual everywhere. The material must be carefully mixed ; powder or paste dips should be mixed the day before dipping, if possible, into a smooth cream, in quantities sufficient for, say, 100, 200, or 400 gallons of water, oil drums being con\enient vessels for the purpose. Tanks of the above capacity are generally used for holding the water, and when required the mixed dip is poured into the proper quantity of water, thoroughly stirred, then run into the dip and thoroughly mixed with the previous contents. The liquid should be frequently stirred, as the action of the sheep in swimming through is not sufficient to keep the ingredients evenly distributed, especially if an arsenical dip be used. (For the same reason the dip should not be constructed of too great depth.) It is a "good practice to turn back the first score or so of sheep which are put through, and give them a second swim, so that they may receive the thoroughly mixed liquid ; but, as said before, stirring must not be dispensed with. It is important to note that the dip for merinos should be about 20 per cent, weaker than for crossbreds and longwools, and for stud sheep 50 per cent, weaker than for flock sheep of the respective breeds. Sheep should be cool and quiet before being dipped, and well drained after. They must not be put on grass before they are dry, more especially during rain ; and rams should not be put with ewes until both are thoroughly dry. There is a tendency with many sheep-owners — and with some managers of public dips — to endeavour to economise in materials. This is to be discouraged, and, on the other hand, no increase in the prescribed proportion of materials to water can be permitted. The dip should be used of the exact strength directed by makers, bearing in mind that a .veaker solution will be ineffective, while a stronger mixture may be dangerous. An increased strength -will not compensate for a shorter immersion in the dip; the important point is that the liquid, of uniform strength, must reach every part of the fleece and skin of the sheep, leaving after draining a deposit sufficient to destroy any vermin which may subsequently develop 3r be acquired by reinfection. The value of thoi-ough dipping in promoting the welldoing of sheep (always including lambs) is so universally admitted that it is surprising any farmer should grudge the trouble and small expense of the operation ; but it would seem that nothing short of the imposition of severe penalties upon the owneis of infected or undipped sheep will have the effect of bringing the negligent and the wilful offenders into line.