LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

Southland Times, Issue 20771, 11 May 1929, Page 14

LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

RED CLOVER RESEARCH FURTHER STATEMENT BY MR LEVY. The following statement by Mr E. Bruce Levy concerning red clover research as forwarded by the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture: Red clover occupies an important position in tho pastures of the world. It varies in type, probably more than any other clover, and this variation must needs call for investigation into the question of which variant or type best suits the particular needs of the farmer. Continental, European and English stations have all devoted much time towards studying the Red clovers of the world. The outcome of this work has enabled the Red clovers to be classified into four main groups. Group 1. —Broad Red clover: Known also as Early Red clover, Cowgrass or double cut cowgrass. Group 2.—Late Red clover: Known also as Late Flowering Red clover or single cut cowgrass. Group 3.—Late late Red clover: Known also as Extra late flowering Red clover of which Montgomery and Cornish Marl are representative types and the only ones so far identified. Group 4. —Wild Red clovers of which there are two sub-groups:—(a) Early flowering; (b) late flowering. This type largely resembles Montgomery Reel in general type and usefulness. (1) Broad Red clover is the least persistent of these types and in Europe and England is considered, under their condi- , tions to be more or less an annual. The name is based on the fact that plants belonging to this group have large and relatively broad leaves during the early growth periods, i.e. when the plants are young and at the first flush of sprmg growth after the plants are established. The number of shoots or tillers produced per plant is small in comparison with that of the late form of Red clover. Under English conditions spring sown Broad Red will give good growth in the following autumn, a hay crop at midsummer and a second hay crop in the late summer of the second year. Only a small percentage of the plants will survive the second winter, and virtually under these conditons Broad Red clover is an annual. In New Zealand Broad Red clover lasts on the whole longer than at Home, but under normal grazing conditions the stand has thinned tremendously by the end of the second year. Under light grazing, combined with haying (which almost invariably permits of reseeding) stands up to seven or even ten years are frequently met with. (2) Late Red Clover.—ln Britain this form will give good growth the first year, but not so heavy as that from Broad Red. The second year gross yield is heavier than Broad Red both under hay and grazing conditions. It will further . survive the second winter and produce fair hay crops or pasture feed in the third year. . Only a small percentage of the plants will survive the third winter i.e., the plant is virtually a biennial. Individual plants of late flowering red clover produce more shoots per plant than Broad Red and, therefore, make a better bottom and a denser crown.

(3) Late Late Red.—ln Britain these do not start off so rapidly from seed as the two former groups, but produce heavy crops both as hay and pasture during the second year down and will continue on the third and fourth year. They are heavier yielders as pasture plants than any of the other groups; they are denser and bear more tillers at the crown. (4) Wild Reel Clovers.—There is a wider f variation in type within the wilds than within the cultivated strains, but the majority of this group, although not markedly heavy yielders are very persistent, and for this reason are of interest to the plant breeder as forming the basis for longer lived strains than even the best of the late late reds. In New Zealand the latter three groups of Red have not been sufficiently well tested for one to speak with authority but the indications are certainly such that if Broad Red persists longer in New Zealand than at Home so, too, would the Late and Late late Reds give correspondingly longer stands of profitable grazing. Speaking generally, however, of the four above types there appears to be no doubt that for long rotation and truly permanent pastures tho Late Reds and the Late late Reds are preferable to the Broad Red types. For annual pastures, for short rotation pastures and for the special hay crop Broad red with its quicker and bulkier early growth would no doubt be the better type to use, but in New Zealand at any rate, with topdressing becoming more and more general the effort now and in the future will be for longer lived pastures, and if only we can incorporate into those pastures a grazing strain of red clover that is reasonably persistent and not so inclined to smother in the early stages as is Broad Red, the value of those pastures particularly for summer grazing should be greatly enhanced. The Late Reds and the Late late reds seem to offer more . reasonable chance to success in this direction than do the Broad reds. All New Zealand Red clover or cowgrass as it is more commonly called belongs to the Broad Red group, and as a member of this group is proved by experiment at Home to be among the best of the Broad Reds; yet. the undeniable fact remains that all New Zealand Red clover is Broad Red and it was while making this point to farmers at the Massey College recently and indicating the apparent superiority of the Late Reds and Late late Reds from a growth form for grazing purposes point of view that led me to voice the opinion that in all probabilities it would pay New Zealand to replace the New Zealand Broad Reds with a Late Red or Late late Red type. Apart altogether from working towards a more permanent Red clover for New Zealand herself there is little doubt that consequent upon recent work in Britain the future will see a demand at Home for seed of Late Red and Late late Red clovers considerably in excess of supplies. It is very significant to note that at the present moment. Late Red clover seed is being produced in Scandinavia, Poland, North Russia, Czecho-Slovakia and Canada.

New Zealand is probably one of the best, if not the best clover growing countries of the world. We should be in the fore-rank of world growers as regards type and there is no doubt that in regard to the Broad Reds New Zealand excels as to quality and the hope is that as the Late Red and Late late Red demand increases New Zealand will be in a position to meet that demand.

A new departure for Great Britain in the way of granting long-term loans to farmers, which are to be repaid on the instalment plan, came into operation on January 14. Most of the leading trading banks are co-operating with the Government in the scheme. This provides for the granting of loans on mortgages of agricultural lands for period’ up to sixty years, repayable by equal half-yearly instalments, which cover interest, renayment of principal, and sundry small charges.. Loans will also be granted to landowners for improvements for periods up to forty years on similar terms. The repayments on agricultural land sixty-year loans will be on- the basts of £2 15/- per half-year, and on forty-year improvement loans at the rate of £3 every six months, per £lOO borrowed in each case.

CARE OF SHEEP AND LAMBS

TROUBLE WITH INTERNAL PARASITES

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT.

At the present time farmers should be watchful for signs of interna] parasites among their sheep and lambs. The follow, ing article by Mr. J. E. Mcllwainc, of the Animal Husbandry Section of the Live Stock Division, appearing in the Journal of Agriculture, is therefore opportune. Where any class of stock is depastured for a number of successive seasons on the same paddocks, such areas very often become what is termed cattle-sick, sheep-sick, or horse-sick, as tho case may be. An interchange of stock is very desirable for this reason alone. Continual grazing of the same class of stock ou the same pasture is very liable to contaminate it with the eggs and embyros of the various internal parasites. There are certain factors in late summer and early autumn which render young stock liable to internal parasites. When lambs are weaned and have to live entirely on grass or supplementary catchcrops there is always a tendency for them to receive a check, and any check at this time to debilitate the animal and allow internal parasites, if present, to badly affect it. The common symptoms shown by parasiteinfested stock are debility, anaemia (as shown by a certain degree of paleness of the mucous membrane), scouring, and even emaciation. Associated with the parasites which inhabit the stomach and intestines and are responsible for these symptoms, there may also be a more or less infestation of the parasite whose common seat is the smaller bronchial tubes in the lungs. In some cases this particular parasite may preponderate, and the common short cough indicating lung-worm trouble may be the only symptom.

If a post-mortem is held upon such an animal it is usually a very easy matter to demonstrate this worm in numbers in the smaller bronchial tubes. It is not always so easy to demonstrate the stomach worm in sheep. When such proof is necessary it is advisable to kill a lamb which is showing typical symptoms as evidenced by emaciation and diarrhoea. _ The stomach is then suspended and an incision made along its upper border. The contents may then be seen to be disturbed by a seething movement, indicating the presence of the worms. In some cases the parasites become embedded in the mucous membrane of tho stomach, and can only be seen with a magnifying-glass or with the aid of a microscope. In cases where adult worms are numerous, if a needle is taken and drawn through the contents of the stomach some of the parasites cling to it, and can then be demonstrated by transfer to a glass conI taining water. If the lambs have already been dosed, few parasites may be seen in the stomach. In one case which came under my notice the large bowel and the caecum contained large numbers of parasites which the farmer had mistaken for partly digested grass-fibres.

Diarrhoea may not bo present till the trouble is far advanced, but invariably this is a common symptom. The characteristic cough is perhaps the most frequent symptom when parasites are also present in the bronchial tubes and lungs. The parasites sometimes become encysted. in the lungs and set up broncho-pneumonia. The life-history of all the parasites which infest the stomach and intestines is very similar. The adult lives there, obtaining nourishment from the partly digested food in the alimentary canal or by sucking blood from the bowel wall. Here it lays its eggs, which leave the body with the dung. Under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature embryos hatch out from the eggs in a variable time, depending on the factors mentioned. These young parasites are capable of an independent existence for a considerable time, so that pastures once infected are likely to remain so for a long period. The parasites are capable of withstanding considerable drought and cold. The dew on blades of grass provides sufficient moisture to enable them to exist, and at night they are thought to leave the grass and seek to bury themselves in the ground, in this way resisting cold, with the exception of severe frosts. It is stated also that the larvae of some of the parasites can remain over from one season to another; hence the necessity of dosing lambs and young stock early and as often as possible, to prevent the spread of the parasites and reduce the contamination of pastures to a minimum. It is very probable that the adult sheep acts as a carrier of the parasites, and although ablo to contaminate pastures docs not itself become seriously upset on account of its greater powers of resistance. On the other hand, the young lamb—more especially if it receives a check at this time of the vear—having a lower power of resistance and requiring all nourishment aval, able to build up a growing frame, is an easy prey. All lambs, whether on infested land or not. will pay for careful attention, f.rst

to prevent a check, and secondly to ward off parasitic attack. Many farmers make it a rule to dose all lambs soon after weaning, this being repeated later on, depending on the appearance or otherwise of symptoms of parasites. _ A frequent change of pasture of a nutritious and easily digestible nature is much desired. _ I»ng coarse grass is quite unsuitable—in fact, dangerous—as sheepfeed; moreover, such pasture, on account of its retaining moistu c better than short cropped grass is an ideal ground for the spread of parasites On re-J Sntlv visiting a farm where lambs were scouring badly, and where there was no doubt that parasites were playing havoc, the feed was found to be of this nature. Where sufficient cattle arc not, available to eat off all such roughage the grass should be mown if a mower can be. used Ihe young green sward of grass, either following mowing or following cattle, is excellent sheep-feed and the feed so much needed fot lambs if a check is to be avoided. Excellent results are generally obtained by dairyfarmer who make a habit of buying cull lambs, either to fatten or for their own use, and who graze such lambs in blocks eaten down by the dairy-cattle The explanation is,firstly, that the pasture is not sheep-sick and does not contain parasitic I larvae, and, secondly, that the short growing feed is highly nutritious, having a high protein content. As regards the actual dosing and treatment, there are various agents which are more or less effective in getting rid of the parasites. The Live-stock Division recomHs ihe “ 1 ' ler S ° !U v On ih Of copper sulphate (bluestone.) To make this up take Uoz. of finely powdered bluestone and dissolve thoroughly in 1 gallon of water, which gives exactly a 1-pcr-cent. solution. Lambs can be given 1 fluid ounce, hogcets 1-Joz. to 2oz„ and ewes 3oz. of this ‘ solution. An ounce equals about two tablespoonfuls. Care should be taken to see that the bluestone is thoroughly dis- ’ solved and mixed before dosing, as any ’ crystals escaping have a caustic action, and • would therefore cause harmful results in an . animal whose stomach and bowels are ali ready inflamed by the presence of the para- . s ;tes AU animals require to be fasted , for at least twelve hours before dosing, I and to obtain the best results it is not ,- advisable to hurry the sheep back to , nas ture. After the administration of the r copper-sulphate solution four or five hours r should be allowed to elapse. t Lambs and sheep can be dosed every three or four weeks over a period or ’ throughout the year, commencing m the

case of lambs immediately after weaning. Pregnant ewes should not be dosed within two weeks of lambing. But it must be fully realized that medicines alone cannot always be relied upon to prevent parasitic trouble. Careful attention to the feeding conditions is the most valuable and necessary measure.

Preventive measures against internal parasites include if possible complete change of pasture. The sheep must be removed from the contaminated area, and, if the infestation is a very severe one, it is advisable to graze the area with horses or leave it vacant for not less than a year. Infested pastures may as an alternative be ploughed and cultivated, and the crops fed off by sheep. Drainage, liming, and tho use of salt licks are also indicated as means to be resorted to in combating the persistence of eggs and embryos of the worms. The sheep should be dosed before being placed on fresh pasture, otherwise this in turn will soon become heavily contaminated. If possible extra feed (particularly in winter-time) in the shape of a daily ration of crushed oats, chaff, or concentrates should be fed from troughs. An allowance of hay fed from racks is also advisable, and oaten chaff is very valuable. At first sheep, and more particularly lambs, may not take to this dry feeding; there is often difficulty when green feed is abundant. . Nevertheless, the absolute necessity of giving some supplementary feed in addition to dosing with medicine must be recognized. A certain amount of good can be expected from the use of medicine, but unless this is supplemented with good food the best results will not be obtained.

A few remarks may be devoted to the parasites which infest the smaller bronchial tubes, and which are the cause of what is commonly called“lung-worm” in sheep, or “husk” and “hoosc” in calves. In the case of sheep it is not desirable that special treatment should be given for this particular parasite, the stomach worms being by far the more harmful in their results. It is sufficient to treat sheep for stomach parasites and to build up their constitution with good nourishing food to enable them to throw off the worms which invade or infest the lung. Medicine given by the mouth has very little, if any, effect on the lung parasites, although in the treatment of calves for this complaint turpentine in milk or oil is frequently given.

Salt licks arc given for a number, of stock troubles, and for internal parasites such licks as a rule contain sulphate of iron among other ingredients. Sulphate of iron is a valuable aid to other lines of treatment already mentioned, being a good tonic, and assisting in warding off the anaemia which is so common in all parasitic affections.

In these notes I have referred more particularly to the small round worms which infest sheep, and it must be emphasized that these are the most dangerous. There are a number of flat worms which also infest sheep—namely, the tapeworms and the liver-fluke. The tapeworms, although they present a rather formidable appearance when seen in a post-mortem examination, are not nearly so dangerous ns the small round worms to which chief attention has been given. Liverfluke is very localized m its distribution in New Zealand, and has been the subject- of several special articles in* the Journal. The control measures advised have been attended with very encouraging success where efficiently carried out.

FARM WITHOUT HORSES

UTILITY OF TRACTOR. The Oregon Agricultural College Dairy Farm recently sold its last horse and is now using tractor power for all field work. This was done after careful, estimates by the Animal Husbandry and Farm Mechanics Departments showed that the farm could be run more economically with a tractor than with horses, says an American paper. A tractor which can be used for cultivating row crops is the main power plant under the new scheme of management and operation. A complete list of attachments for this tractor is used, including a plough, mower, rake and cultivator. With the tractor and equipment the dairy department will work the main farm and 90 additional acres recently rented. The entire acreage can thus be used to produce crops for profitable production of dairy products. The smaller amount of labour and the large number of jobs which can be done with the tractor easily absorb the added cost of interest and depreciation on the power equipment, according to the dairy department. A seven-foot mower driven by a power take-off from the tractor is used. A side delivery rake can be pulled at the same time, if desired. A sweep rake attachment is used for buckling up the hay to a stacker or baler.