LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

Southland Times, Issue 20939, 23 November 1929, Page 14

LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

VALUE OF ENSILAGE. ADVICE BY INSTRUCTOR. ' . GOOD QUALITY EMPHASISED. The importance of ensilage as supplementary fodder is emphasised by Mr J. W. Woodcock, agricultural instructor, Hamilton, writes the Waikato correspondent of the New Zealand Herald. Now that intensive methods of grass farming were becoming more general in the Waikato, and as successful grassland.fanning was entirely dependent on as near complete utilization of the grass as possible, the importance of ensilage on the farm was being widely realised. It was anticipated, he said, that there would be a big increase in the amount of ensilage made in the Waikato this season, as compared with last year, and when one remembered the dry periods of the past two summers, ■•that was easily understood. For not only .was the making of ensilage the most satisfactory way of dealing' with the big flush of feed in spring, which naturally followed top-dressing, but it could be fed out at any time of the year when shortage occurred.A Continuing, Mr Woodcock said a big reserve of fodder in the way of hay and ensilage had a great advantage over hay in that it could be prepared just when the material was ready. Weather conditions did not interfere to any great extent, and the work could go .on day after day.. It was thus an advantage to those farmers who, through shortage of labour, were compelled to work with others on the co-oper-ative system, and operations could be kept more up to schedule than with hay. The objection to ensilage was the cost of handling the green material, as compared with the cured hay, but ensilage made in pits or trenches required much less manual labour than in cases. where the material was stacked in the field. Although quality in ensilage was always important, that required for feeding in the dry summer months, should be of the best, and should be made from succulent grass, which had not been allowed to get into seed. It was now a well-known fact that for milk production short, succulent, quickgrowing grass was desired. As the grass growth became older and more rank, its feeding value declined, and rank old grass, which had been allowed to seed was quite unsuitable for milk production. The quality of ensilage for milk production was therefore dependent on the stage at which the grass was cut. Although the grass might be cut on the short side and the quantity of material might be less, better results would be obtained during the dry spell, with the resultant ensilage.

Many farmers had been disappointed in previous years, through ensilage not keeping cows up to their milk, when fed in late summer, and in most cases the fault could be attributed entirely to the stage at which the crops were cut. It was often asserted that ensilage could replace soft turnips quite succssfully on the farm, but it was only ensilage of the finest quality, made from the best material, that was capable of giving equal results during dry weather. Ensilage fitted so well into the scheme of things on the all grass farm, added Mr Woodcock, that its manufacture was likely to become the most important operation of its kind in the Waikato.

Better utilization of grass and its control, . was probably more important than increasing grass production by the more liberal use of fertilizers. The extension of the practice ■ of ensilage-making, to conserve as much as possible of the surplus summer production of grass for periods of grass shortage, was of prime importance and improved present methods of grass utilisation. Pastures cut for ensilage in November, produced much more feed in the autumn than pastures cut for hay in December.

CARE OE PASTURES. BENEFIT TO GRASSLANDS. VALUE OF NITROGEN. Although theoretically, nitrogen can be most economically supplied from the atmosphere through the medium of clovers and other leguminous plants, and by the manure of animals, there is much grassland where the growth is enfeebled by the absence of sufficient soluble nitrates in the soil. In such cases a minimum amount of nitrogenous manure is essential to their healthy development. According to Mr Eric Rideout, B.Sc., who writes in an English paper on the subject, a case which illustrates this point is to be found in connection with the vegetation of Spitsbergen. In this region, unfavourable both in; soil and climate to luxuriant vegetation, grasses are not generally abundant. On account of the extreme climate and the consequent scarcity of soil bacteria, and fungi, the amount of available nitrogen in the soil is limited. The naturally sparse vegetation is therefore quick to respond to a favourable stimulus. This is supplied in certain areas by the droppings around the nesting places of Arctic terns and other birds. Here the contrast between the neighbouring areas not so manured is vividly seen by the luxuriant vegetation and its deep green colour. Stimulated by this nitrogenous manuring, the grasses, elsewhere insignificant in amount, become dominant and form a close sward. Similar phenomena are familiar in more temperate climates, in mountain regions and in the lowlands where' poultry congregate, though often the results are less spectacular, since the soil may be deficient in the essential phosphates and potash, which limit the growth of grasses. Again, in pastures, it will generally be found that the grasses are stimulated at the expense of other plants around the droppings of animals pastured there. These latter observations induced Mr Rideout in 1922-23 to try the effect of quick-acting soluble nitrogenous manures on poor temporary grassland, when similar striking results were obtained, the grasses rapidly covering the bare patches of soil with a close bottom growth. At the same time the stock grazing in the field exhibited so marked a preference for the plots dressed with nitrogen that the fresh growth was rapidly eaten down, thus further stimulating the bottom growth, in marked contrast to the spindly appearance of the field even where both phosphates and potash had been applied. There can be little doubt, as numerous recent experiments have demonstrated, that large areas of grassland in many countries will benefit by the addition of- soluble nitrogenous fertilizers, particularly when sufficient supplies of potash and phosphates are available in the soil. Although the lastnamed are, of course, essential to plant life, it does appear certain that grasses, especially the finer varieties, flourish at the expense of other species when adequate supplies of nitrogen are available. What has yet to be determined says Mr Rideout, is' the extent to which nitrogen may profitably be applied, and what is the precise balance, which must be maintained between the phosphates and potash on the one hand, and the nitrogen' on the other. The economic balance will undoubtedly vary both with the soil and the type of farming; it can only be found by careful experiments; but determined it must be in order that grassland may be utilized , with the maximum economy.

ROTARY CULTIVATION.

EFFECT ON SOIL AND WEEDS. The advantages of the rotary method of tillage have not yet been sufficiently brought to the notice of agriculturists. It is not only in the production of the seedbed and the resulting fine tilth that the rototiller scores, but also in the thorough, aeration of the soil. Since early times the plough has been the only practical and speedy method of turning over the soil in preparation for the subsequent operations of cultivate" and harrowing. The effect of the plough, in heavy lands, particularly, is that the share squeezes the soil together, as almost to counteract the good done by turning. It is claimed by an expert in the North British Agriculturist that the problem of finding a rapid mechanical means of turning and aerating the soil in one operation has been solved by the advent of rototillage. There are several soil factors that ensure the satisfactory growth of crops, and perhaps the most important is thorough cultivation, so that the finer particles of soil come into contact with the root hairs of the plant. The finer the particles of soil the greater the number of delicate root hairs (the organs by which food is absorbed in solution) that are able to come in close contact with the source of nourishment. The second important factor is that this thorough cultivation, and the breaking-up of the soil into fine particles, must be done deeply, so that the contact with the soil moisture in the lower levels of the ground be obtained and the plants supplied with a constant amount of water. After ordinary ploughing and cultivating, the surface soil may be in a reasonably fine state after repeated harrowing, but below, the effect of the packing action of the ploughshare and mouldboard must still be manifest. What is the effect of rototillage upon the control of weed growth? It has been suggested that the tendency would be to distribute the harmful root system, and to promote increased growth. This is not so if the tiller is operated correctly and with suitable tines. It has been found from experience that the best method for surface weeds is to cultivate to a depth of only 2in or 3in, the machine being fitted with broad scuffling tines. This has the effect of leaving the growth on the surface, which, when exposed to the sun, will soon wither up and die. It must be remembered that the action of the rotary miller is to mix evenly throughout the soil any growth—and, it might be added, incidentally manure —that is on the surface. It stands to reason, therefore, that attacking surface weeds with the machine set at, say Bin deep, would just be providing a very effective tilth for such growth that was buried just under the surface. GOOD HERD YIELDS. WAIKATO AVERAGES. Some excellent butter-fat records were given by cows tested by the New Zealand Co-operative Herd-Testing Association last season. The 29 cows of Mr H. H. Dorr, Te Aroha West, yielded an average of 4001 b. fat in 292 days. The cows were pasture fed on a well subdivided farm of 70 acres, of which 50 acres are fully improved. The 10-year-old Jersey, Mataroa Buttercups, owned by the Mataroa Land Company, Tokoroa, gave 7631 b. fat in 312 days. An average of 389.91 b. fat in 307 days was yielded by the 35 cows owned by Mr. J. Bones, of Kaipaki. There were 22 pedigree cows in the herd. A herd of 108 cows owned by Mr. P. H. Rowe, of Otorohanga, gave 328.251 b. fat in 280 days. The herd was the highest for the season in the 100 cow and over section, tested by the Association. With the month’s milking following the Association’s closing date, the herd yielded 3371 b. fat, giving a return on the basis of 1/6 per lb. butter-fat, of £2729. The best individual record in the herd was 472.51 b. fat, while the best 25 cows overaged 417.5. VARIATION OF TESTS. EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE. Investigations have disclosed that the test of milk is inclined to be lower during the summer months than during the winter, says Hoard’s Dairyman. This has improperly been assigned by some to the difference in the feed, but experimental work has shown this to be an error. For instance, a group of cows calving in February (August in New Zealand), reached their low point of test in June (December in New Zealand), and then raised in test toward the winter. Another group calving in June was low during that month and the succeeding month, but increased toward the winter. The effect of the season is apparently the result of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity. It is found that during a period of hot, humid weather the percentage of fat is decreased, while if the weather is dry and cool, there is a tendency for the test to increase. The effects of weather are especially noticeable with high producing cows on official test. Professor Eckles cites one example in which a certain Guernsey cow when she calved in the spring produced 401 b milk testing 4.6 per cent, for two months after freshening. This cow was again tested when she calved in the fall and produced the same amount of milk but testing 5 per cent, for the first two months. Whether the general conclusions as to the effect of the weather would obtain as between the two months of February and March (August and September here), is somewhat doubtful. It may have some effect but it is always difficult to ascertain just what may cause a variation in the test of milk. There are so many factors involved that it is difficult to know which one to assign to a particular change in the test. For instance, it may be that the cows were subjected-to more inclement weather by being turned out of doors in March, whereas in February they were kept in the barn and possibly under somewhat better conditions of feed and care.

“FISHY” TAINT IN PORK.

EXPERIMENTS IN WAIKATO. During a brief visit to Hamilton recently, Dr E. Marsden, director of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, took the opportunity to visit the farm of Mr R. Chilcott, Frankton, where experiments are proceeding with a view to eliminating the “fishy” taste in New Zealand pork, complained of in overseas markets. As it is generally believed the variation in the flavour of cured bacon is due to the feed given pigs before slaughtering, Mr Chilcott, with the support of the Government, has, during the last six weeks, been trying the effect of meat meal, faterine and other products on about 80 pigs. It is anticipated that the different types of diet given will result in the discovery of an ideal feed, which should eliminate the “fishiness” trouble permanently. Officials of the Government Department, are carefully watching the experiments. Dr. Marsden, expressed himself as satisfied with the steps, which so far have been taken. The success or otherwise of the tests will, of course, not be realized until the pork and bacon are prepared for consumption. It is possible that the pigs which have been the subject of research will be taken to Wellington for slaughtering. HAYMAKING. WINNING WINTER FEED. AN IMPORTANT OPERATION. An Australian would say that wc don’t know what a drought is in New Zealand, and, from the Australian’s point of view, he would be quite correct. But the long dry spell which we have had since about the end of September is quite bad enough. If it keeps on much longer it will be splendid for hay-making, but there may not be much hay to make, comments an agricultural writer in the Christchurch Times. The farmers in this province generally make a fair quantity of hay every year, but it is very doubtful if they make enough in most cases to see them comfortably through the lean months, and one secs far too many undernourished stock in the winter and spring. Possibly the newer ideas regarding the management of pastures and the better utilisation of our grass crop may improve this undesirable state of affairs. As a general rule December is the month in which the bulk of our Canterbury hay is made, and it is better practice to begin the job reasonably early than to leave it late. Too often one sees grass left until it is very much more mature than is desirable, and the result is that the quality of the hay suffers a good deal, though the quantity may be rather more than would have been the case if the grass were cut at the best time. The remarks on this subject in this article refer more particularly to what may be called the ordinary hay crop, i.e., a crop made up of ordinary grasses and clovers found in the average pasture, and not so much to the saving of special hay crops sown for the purpose. The successful making of hay depends a great deal upon the weather experienced during the operation. With a spell of fine, sunny weather, the farmer’s work is lightened to an enormous extent, whereas a continuance of showery weather means an anxious time for the man on the land, and he may have the mortification of seeing his hay damaged badly without being able to do very much towards preventing the damage. However, this is one of those things that farmers are used to. Preparatory Work.

It is assumed that the farmer has already made up his mind what paddocks he intends to save for hay, and that he has shut these up six weeks to a couple of months ago for this purpose. While the grass is comparatively short, it is worth while to have a look over the paddocks and remove any bits of stones, wood, wire, etc., that might possibly do damage to the mower when cutting time comes. These may cause a breakdown just when it is not wanted, for once hay-making starts, one wants to get it finished with all speed and take advantage of the fine weather that may be present. It is advisable also to give the hay-making gear an overhaul well before the time for using it comes. Any parts of the mower that are needed can be obtained, the knife or knives sharpened, if necessary, and any repairs done to the rest of the' implements that will be used. To cut the grass at the correct time is of very considerable importance for on this, to some extent, at any rate, will the subsequent quality of the hay depend. Of course, in an ordinary paddock it is not possible to so arrange matters that all the herbage will be at the ideal stage for cutting, so one has to strike the. best average. But, in any case,' try to be a trifle on the early side instead of on the late, for grass soon gets away, especially in such weather as we have been having, and rapidly becomes woody and comparatively worthless so far as its feeding value is concerned. Perhaps the best time to mow is when the majority of the grasses are coming into flower, but if you have a lot of hay to make, it would be as well to make your first cutting even earlier. As the bottom herbage, weight for weight, is a good deal more valuable than the top, you should set your mower to cut as low as possible. Hay-making, under the old system of hand raking and forking, was decidedly a laborious job, but with modern horse-drawn rakes, tedders, sweeps, stacking gear, and so forth, much of the drudgery has been taken out of the business, and a great deal of time can be saved, thus giving the farmer a better chance to save his hay in good condition. By the time your first

paddock is all cut, you will probably be able to make a start almost at once with the making, providing of course, the weather has been kind. Directly the tops of the swathes are dry, they should be turned, and, if the crop is a heavy one, this operation should be performed several times, the object being to get the grass dried as quickly as possible. In good hay-making weather grass cut to-day may usually be given its first turning during the afternoon of the day following, turned again the next day, and possibly raked into windrows, and stacked on the day after that. In showery weather these operations may be aggravatingly prolonged.' Hay should be knocked about as little as possible, particularly if the clover content of the paddock be large. Every handling means that a percentage of the, leafage is lost and this is the most valuable part of the hay. With a light crop and good weather it is quite possible that one turning, or possibly no turning at all, may be sufficient and the hay can be raked into windrows and stacked within two or three days of being cut. Stacking Operations. Stacking can be done very expeditiously with modern sweeps and a stacker, but it is undoubtedly harder to build a good weatherproof stack under these conditions than when the old forking methods are used. With a stacker the hay comes up in big loads, K several hundredweights at a time, and it certainly needs an experienced builder to make a first-class job under these conditions. The main thing in stack-building is to make a weather proof job for it is useless going to all the bother of haymaking if your hay is, going to be ruined in the stack. When building is going on it is of prime importance to see that the centre of the stack is always kept well up and that the ends are kept a trifle higher than the middle. A stack always seems to settle down more at the ends than in the middle and if the ends are kept high it will be all nice and leve Iwhen the settling is completed. The actual shape of a stack is not very important, but as a general rule an oblong stack about twice as long as it is broad is about right. If you are sure that the top of your stack has been built right and that you will be using up your hay fairly soon it is hardly necessary to bother about thatching, but if you have the slightest doubt, or if you know that the stack may have to stand for another season, thatching is a good insurance. If you do decide to thatch, let the stack stand for a month or so to settle properly. Pick a really dry spot for your stack sites, for hay will absorb wet like a sponge and on a waterlogged site much of it will be spoiled. Hay will improve in a stack and two year old stuff, if well made and I kept, will probably be better in feeding value than one year old. FERTILIZER WASTAGE. TREATMENT OF EMPTY BAGS. Importance attaches to the thorough cleaning of bags containing such materials as artificial manures and lime, states an exchange. In the case of cement, for instance, it is estimated that 1 per cent, of the material is left on the inside of the I bags when they are emptied, and it would not be surprising if, in the case of fertilizers, lime and other agricultural commodities, the loss from the same source was found to be equally high. At all events there is a fairly large field for economy when the emptying from bags of these materials is concerned. The cursory shake which a bag receives at the hands of the man who empties it is rarely sufficient to detach more than a very small proportion of the material adhering to the inside and an appreciable loss, in the aggregate, must be the case where large quantities of fertilizers are used. Appreciation of this fact has inspired inventive genius to yet another effort On behalf of the agriculturist, for, according to English papers, machines are now on the market which adequately fill the purpose of cleaning manure, cement and other bags containing powdery materials. They are of simple construction and call for no intimate knowledge of mechanics on the part of the operator. The bag is simply inverted and placed in the cleaner. The bottom is gripped between rubber rollers and the bag is then wound out of the cleaner by means of a handle. At the same time it is thoroughly beaten by the internal apparatus, the residue from sides and seams falling into a drawer at tht bottom of the machine. No damage whatever is done to the bags in the process. CARE OF THE COW. Never let the cow suffer with Sore Teats or hard and inflamed Udder. When such trouble develops, the improved treatment, SYKES’S ANIMOL, should be used. SYKES’S ANIMOL is a scientifically based preparation formulated to destroy bacterial growth; a prevention, and an antiseptic soothing healer for Sore Teats, Udders, Cow Pox, etc. It quickly allays any local inflammation, and stimulates a healthy action of the skin. SYKES’S ANIMOL is sold everywhere at 1/6 per i-lb. tin.