LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

Southland Times, Issue 22490, 26 January 1935, Page 11

LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

(Conducted by W. S. Allan, B. Agr. Sc.)

ANSWER TO INQUIRIES

“Inquirer” Garston. Your horse is suffering from actinomycosis or wooden tongue. This disease is not uncommon among cattle in Southland but is more rarely found in a horse. It is caused by a fungus which gains entrance usually through a wound in the mouth. The earliest symptoms are that saliva keeps dripping from the mouth and the food is chewed in an awkward manner, bits dropping out of the mouth. The animal is unthrifty in appearance and the. tongue, gums and sometimes the jawbone become swollen. The condition is very contagious and great care must be taken to prevent other animals eating fodder that has been soiled by discharge or saliva. Strict isolation is necessary and as a precaution you would be well advised to report the case to the local stock inspector. , If an infected animal has been noticed early, treatment with Potassium lodine, internally will in many cases effect a permanent cure. One to 2 drams given twice daily and continued for about a fortnight as the circumstances and results warrant. If the swelling is in the jawbone a cure is more difficult than where the swelling is in the tongue. In either case if the disease is well advanced treatment is seldom effective. External application of strong tincture of iodine will also help. Care should also be taken to see that all fittings with which the animal has came in contact should be thoroughly disinfected with a strong solution of any reliable disinfectant in soap and hot water. RED POLL CATTLE EXPORTS STRONG CONTINGENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA. The secretary of the Red Poll Cattle Society, Ipswich, forwards the following details. Pedigree Red Poll cattle just exported to go overseas comprise a total of eight for South Africa, South West Africa and Kenya. Of these four including two bulls and two heifers go to the Transvaal, two bulls to the Orange Free State and a bull each to Kenya and South West Africa, the latter to the order of the South African Government, which has a fine herd of the breed at its Grootfontein Agricultural School in the Cape Province. The two bulls for the Orange Free State have gone into the Bishop’s Glen herd at Bloemfontein of Messrs Quin and Sons, who have acquired two exceptionally well bred animals, one a yearling Knepp Coastguard bred by Sir Merrik Burrell and the other the 18 months Henham Watchful bred by the Earl of Stradbroke. Knepp Coastguard’s dam Knepp Cowslip Bth. was a thousand gallon yielder with her first calf and was the dam of the second prize milk trials Ipswich Royal Show winner of 1934 which yielded 7 gallons of 4 per cent, butter fat milk. This cow is directly descended from Gressenhall Molly, which was champion over all breeds in the 1921 Royal show milk trials. Coastguard is a grandson of Capt. Alan Richardsons Seven Springs Quest, 28 of whose progeny and descendants including calves averaged £4l 7/- at his October sale this year. ... Of the four Red Polls that have gone to the Transvaal, three are to the order of Mr W. H. Hambly of Schweizer Reneke, who has purchased the 2 year old Knepp Slipper from Sir Merrik Burrell and two 2 year old heifers from Major J. S. Agnew of Rougham. The other bull purchased by Mr Neal Harman of Gollel, Transvaal from Lady Chesham is an extraordinary well bred animal Meddler Trump Card, whose sire Henham Laird, a first prizewinner at the Suffolk show three years ago, was sired by the Royal champion in 1931, Henham Rajah, who was the son of a 1380 gallon dam. Lairds dam Henham Lorinda which has averaged over 1000 gallons of 4.1 per cent, butter fat riiilk, was a first prizewinner in the London Dairy show milk trials in 1931, since when she has been maintaining her milking properties, and high butter fat percentages. , The bull sent to South West Africa from the Froyz (Essex) herd of Mrs C. C. Courtauld was the three year old Grauntcourts Rex, whose sire Hardwick Rex 2nd. was third in the competition last lear for the cup given by the Duchess of Montrose for the bull whose progeny wins the most points, at the shows during the year. Hardwick Rex 2nd’s sire was Ashmoor Alert, who stood eighth in the list of winning sires. Ashmoor Alert now 11 years old and owned by Mrs C. N. Dyer of Crawley in Sussex was a Royal champion at two and seven years old. ' The Earl of Stradbroke sold to Mr H D Hinde of Nanyuki, Kenya, the 15 months bull Henham Wanderer, an extraordinary well bred youngster, whose sire Basildon Councillor is above mentioned. His dam the 1,000 gallon 4 per cent, butter fat Henham Wanley was out of Henham Walnut that averaged 12.6001bs of milk for six years. The reserve Royal champion bull, Yoxford Royal 2nd. who is a typical example of a dual-purpose sire, has been purchased at a big figure to go into the Haddon Rig herd at Warren, New South Wales, Australia of Mr u. B. S. Falkiner who has been visiting Red Pol! herds in England. Yoxford Royal 2nd. is a fine example of a well bred bull; his sire is Abbeycombe Drake, the'winning sire of the breed this year and last, while his dam £°. x “ ford Mavis 2nd. is out of the tkrl f e Royal champion cow,. Royal Mavis, bred bv H. M. King, which first secured those high honours as a two year old, and finally as an eight year old. CROPS OF PIGS KALE A GOOD FODDER. The ground on which pigs are run should be kept as fresh as practicable in order to minimize the concentration of diseases which collectively produce pig-sick land. Resting the land is of considerable value, but by itself is insufficient. The cultivation necessary for the production of crops exposes a much greater part of the affected soil, and the influences which are toxic to parasites’ eggs and disease germs have greater scope. . . The sowing of suitable crops is important, writes Mr H. Davidson, in The Farmer and Stockbreeder (Eng.). The main essential is to have a supply of green and succulent food for the stock. He contends that kale is one of the best winter green fodders, and mentions a preference for the 1000-head variety. Cabbages are sound, but have a tendency to constipate pigs. Few other crops will resist winter frosts as well as kale, and in addition there is no inedible fibrous stem. Kale will withstand almost unlimited manuring, while spring cabbage is always a good crop where plenty of manure is available. In many respects potatoes are the ideal crop to grow in conjunction with pigs. A high nercentage of clover is desirable, but pigs have the habit of I biting out the roots if the grazing is [poor or reduced in quantity.

PASTURE PROBLEMS A SURVEY OF PRESENT KNOWLEDGE. . By G. H. Holford B. Sc. Agric. Series. 7. The Balancing Effect of Potash. So far as farm and horticultural crops are concerned, potash has been proved to have quite a beneficial effect in regard to resistance to disease on plants, and to the quality of the product on many soils. In fact, potash has been the balancer, particularly where soil nitrogen supplies are heavy. Very complete experiments have been earned out, and results of this kind noted on fruit manuring at Home. Under ordinary pasture experiments there has been no opportunity given to note the effect of potash, so far as quality or herbage is concerned. However, it may be mentioned that at one trial carried out at Lincoln College over a term of six years, it was found that whereas potash did not give increased growth of pasturage, it gave an increase in live stock weight op the plots so treated. In England, similar results have been noted regarding milk production. There is a.good deal of evidence for thinking that potash manuring enables better results to be secured from the use of both phosphate and nitrogen, ana a survey of a large number of American experiments showed that the addition ot potash increases the efficiency of both nitrogenous and phosphatic manures applied. A number of Southland farmers state that they have much less trouble from stock scouring when they treat their paddocks with potash. Some say it '“hardens” the feed, and improves it from a fattening point of view, especially in the case of lambs. It is known that potash stiffens the straw of cereals, and the writer has seen marked instances of this in Otago and Southland. The point about potash influencing feeding properties of pasture is one that could only be ascertained by a fairly elaborate trial, but the fact that the evidence has been tendered from a number of sources leads me to think that it is a factor that should be well considered before potash manuring of pastures in any area is considered as unnecessary. . It has also been noted that the effect of potash is somewhat ; complex, and does not manifest itself in the same manner under all conditions. There is no doubt that many farmers have a feeling that balanced manuring, even in the case of grassland, is a desirable thing. Just prior to the onset of the depression, in 1929, there was a notably marked increase in the importation ot 30 per cent potash salts—the potassic fertilizer most commonly used on grassland. In fact, in one year, the importation increased by 250 per cent. Since that period, whilst the importations have been considerably lower, there is no doubt that the increase in price of potassed fertilizers brought about by the raising of the exchange rate together with the effect of lowered returns from farm products, have been major causes in the decline m the use of potash on pastures. Stock Show Preference for Potashtreated Areas. I have referred to the experience noted on pastures in Southland. I notice there that in quite a number of districts stock grazed potash-treated areas much more closely than they aid those not so treated. Root crops also manured with potash were eaten much more readily than where potash was omitted from the fertilizer, treatment. Palatability in stock feed is a factor that cannot be ignored. Responses in other Areas.

The writer then goes on to state that in Taranaki, particularly, the use of potash is to-day, as important as that of phosphate. The writer has also noted dehnite potash responses in other areas of grassland—notably in some parts of Westland, in some areas in Canterbury, and in the Waikato and Taihape districts; also, a number of farmers scattered throughout New Zealand have uted potash consistently, considering that its use is beneficial. Trials By Cawthron Institute.

Reference has already been made to the grazing trials at Lincoln College. One of the most complete trials carried out in manuring with various fertilizers was conducted by the Cawthron Institute over a period of years. A full report of the results secured was published in Bulletin No. 26, issued by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The trial was conducted on typical dairying pasture in Nelson, and the writer of the bulletin, Messrs T. Rigg and H. O. Askew, says: “One of the most outstanding features of the yield data is the great increases in yield which have resulted in both pasture and soil experiments on plots 4 and 5, where potash has been consistently used for a period of six years. These plots have maintained a good sward, and can be clearly picked out by the eye during the midsummer and autumn periods on account of their freshness, density of grasses and clovers, and greater freedom from weeds.” The present writer may here interpolate that one of the effects rioted from potash is the way in which the treated pastures tend to keep their greenness during the dry _ summer period. The effect of potash is mainly noticeable on clover growth, and there is no question that the maintenance of a sufficient percentage of white clover in a sward is a very important feature in maintaining nutritive pasture in the driest parts of the year. Although it is generally considered that potash effect is mainly on clover growth, quite marked response on ryegrass has been noted in certain areas in New Zealand. One that particularly impressed the writer was in Poverty Bay.

The detailed figures given in the Nelson trial carried out by Messrs RjSS and Askew show a very substantial increase in dry-matter production P er acre where potash was added to phosphate and nitrogen used on the plots. It was also noted that the increases in growth were particularly marked in January and the early part of February, the potash-treated plots a quick recovery after rains. The bulletin writers state: “There can be no doubt that' the inclusion of sulphate ot potash manuring programme has benefited immensely the floor of the sward, and has enabled a much higher production to be achieved.”

It may be pointed out that the Nelson trial was carried out over six years. Possibly the one reason why so many trials of potash have been considered negative has been that they are so often continued only for one or two years, and possibly in many cases the of potash applied has been on the light side. , I have been struck by the number or progressive farmers in New Zealand who get consistently good returns from their pastures, and who would not consider the omission of potash from their manurial dressings. Of course, some farmers may have a “hunch,” and use potash because of this, and not because it gives an economic

result. However, it is because I have noted potash responses on clay and otlier soils, which chemical analysis show to have ample soil potash reserves, that I feel there is need for a greater degree of tolerance towards the advocacy of potash for New Zealand soils and certainly for more experimental work to be done on the subject. The question of metabolism in stock is one on which all too little is known. Professor Duerst, of Bern University, says in regard to potash: “The effect. of potash rests in promoting metabolism, improving the tone of the muscles, and increasing, nervous activity. The ability to lay on fat is thus decreased, and a type suited for milk production in the case of cows, and for bacon production in the case of pigs, is produced. The resistance of the body to vitamin deficiency is increased by potash.” So far as New Zealand is concerned, there can be no question that phosphate will always be by far and away the most important fertilizer used. However, I do think that there has been a tendency to rather underestimate the importance of other fertilizers, and in this category potash is included. I think that observational trials alone have hardly done justice to the effects of potash, and I think, also, that the odd trials of a number of fanners who tried potash in one field for a year is a quite unsatisfactory method of asking the soil a question as to the possible result from the use of potassic fertilizers. There is sometimes a tendency to rather belittle the effect of such a fertilizer as potash on quality of feed, also its influence in regard to rendering more efficient other types of fertilizer applied.

SHEEP DISEASES LOSSES IN THE FLOCKS. PREVENTIVE TREATMENT. Some years ago British importers of New Zealand and Australian mutton, levelled considerable criticism against our meat on account of some of the carcasses being Effected with caseous lymphadenitis. This disease is a swollen and tumorous condition of the glands situated in front of the shoulders at the base of the neck, and in the flanks of sheep. The normal duty of these glands is apparently to catch and destroy any germs which may enter the blood stream through the medium bf cuts or abrasions, but under circumstances where they are overtaxed, the gland becomes the seat of an abscess, which is ultimately relieved only by breaking out and discharging through the skin of the flanks or shoulder.

Agitation against “diseased” imported mutton lessened considerably, however, when it was discovered that home-grown was more frequently affected than even Argentinian and Australian mutton and lamb, which, in turn, showed a higher percentage of lymphadenitis than the New Zealand product. Further, examination by Government officials in the freezing works reduces the possibility of any carcass affected with caseous lymphadenitis being sent overseas. . Precautions Necessary.

Because one now hears little discussion of this disease it is to be feared that sheepfarmers have been lulled into a sense of false security regarding it, and are not generally taking those precautions to prevent its dissemination, or secure its elimination, that recent research has made possible. From birth onward in increasing degree proportionate with age, lambs and sheep are subject to caseous lymphadenitis.. The wounds inflicted at docking are “open doors” for the entry of the causative germs, especially when the .docking is done in sheep yards which-are regularly used for working older sheep, or when the docking yard is erected on the site of a sheep camp. In the latter situations the surface soil is almost certain to be contaminated by the pus from abscesses on older sheep, which have camped on the site, and as a lamb, after docking, usually seizes the first available opportunity of lying down to recover from the shock, it is possible to see how easily the disease may be spread to the youngsters. Apart from avoiding sheep camps and old yards as sites for docking operations, a considerable amount of caseous lymphadenitis can be prevented by swabbing the purse and tail with iodine or by smearing them with hot tar. Tar applied cold does not stick to the wound and is therefore of little use to prevent the entry of disease germs. Effect of Age.

An examination by veterinary officers over a number ot years has revealed that the percentage of affected animals increases with age. This can probably be accounted for by infection gaining entry through wounds inflicted at crutching and shearing. Particularly during shearing the combs and cutters come in contact with pus adhering to the wool on affected flanks, and where these cutters later make a cut or abrasion on another sheep, establishment of the disease in a new victim is almost certain. Some measure of protection against this method of dissemination can be secured by insisting that combs and cutters, when not in use, be immersed in strong disinfectant, and that the handpiece itself is frequently wiped over with strong disinfectant. Another method of preventing the spread of the disease, which also gives promise of ultimately eliminating it from the flocks treated, has been employed by Messrs C. V. Davis, M.R.C.V.S., and C. S. M. Hipkirk, B.V.Sc., who have been detailed by the Department of Agriculture to study this trouble. This is to discover, by handling each sheep;—when the swollen glands can be readily detected—which animals are diseased. These are marked, and if possible, segregated, but if this is not possible they are always drafted off and crutched or shorn after the balance of the flock is disposed of. Using this method, which was first employed in 1931, it was found that in 11,196 sheep of varying ages examined, 1046 were found to be affected, a percentage of 9.34. On the second examination in 1932 of the same flock the affected percentage was reduced to 3.72, while at the last recorded examination in 1933, the percentage had been reduced to 1.85. Percentage of Infection.

It is interesting to note the increasing incidence of the disease according to age as recorded in a table dealing with the last season’s examination. Among the various ages the percentages of affected sheep were: Twotooths, 0.25; four-tooths, 0.93; sixtooths, 2.35; full-mouthed, 4.08. It is also apparent that affected animals recover from the abscesses once they have discharged, and are apparently none the worse once the poison has been eliminated from the system. There is nothing intricate or obscure in the “palpation” method of discovering affected sheep. Any farmer could make himself proficient by spending half a day, or less, with a meat inspector at any freezing works, and would thereafter have the knowledge which, regularly applied, would enable him to eliminate a 10 per cent, loss by wiping out caseous lymphadenitis from his flock.

CLYDESDALE HORSES

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. < CERTIFICATES AND INSPECTORS. 1 The Clydesdale' Ifcrse Society of ■ New Zealand reports that the ■ ing prefbees and certificates ; approved -.—Aberdeen, S. ' Thompson, Lyndhurst; Argyle, P. Si^’ rl J ston : coe R.D.; Ashbourne, Charleston, Frankton Junction; Auchlethen, Wil liam Third, Kia Ora; Avondale, Mrs H. E. Dahlenburg, Waikouro; Banks, James Thomson, Maungatua; Bantaskin, J. A. Williamson, Wylie s Crossing, Birchlea, W. Musson, s P™go£ Broadleas, Buckenham Bros., Leeston, Burnbank, J. A. Lindsay, Drummond, Burnbrae, E. Davis, Waihorunga, Camside, J. M. Young, Kaiapoi; Cloverbrook, J. R. White, Middlemarch, Fairhall, W. T. Neal, Omaka R.D.; Galatea, A. R. Turnbull, Rotorua; Glenaladale, William MacKenzie, East Chatton, Glensowan, Robert Wylie, Seaward Downs; Grasslands, R- G. McClure, Killinchy; Hazeldene, G. W. Kier, Waikaka Valley; Idaho, W. W. Wiight, Upper Riccarton; Kamano, H. B. Jonnston, Feilding; Kilmarnock, W. and A. V. Smith, West Eyreton; Kyledale, R. T. Simpson, Waikaka; Lmcolnfield, E. Ackerman Smith, Lincoln; Longheld, John Williams, Drummond; Meadowpark, T. J. Bell, Wheatstone; Merrivale, E. C. Wolff, Pleasant Point; Middlebank, John Craig, jun., Mokoreta; Mostyn, C. H. Watson, Mount Hutt R. Oaks, R. J. Robinson, Waiuku; Owairaka, Thomas Kay, Te Awamutu; Netherlea, R. Dick, Weston; Newfield, William Dyet, Ryal Bush; Riverbank, E. R. V. Winter, Brookside; Riverslet, J. M. Mackie, Dunsandel; Riverview, S. Soper, Athol; Roseville, J. S. Connolly, Rakaia; Roundhill, John Thornthwaite, Clarksville; Silverlea, R. M. Tweed, Bumham; Springbank, T. G. Dobbie, Menzies Ferry; .Springbum, C. Teschner, Gore; Sunnyside, Sunnyside Mental Hospital; Tara, Ryans Estate, Springton South; Te Moana, F. L. Graham, Leeston; Terrace, R. Lundy, Morven; Valleyfield, estate William Bell; Wairuna, J. Stewart, Waipahi;. Wattle Grove, F. J. Bonnington, Riverside. Export certificates have been issued for the following:—On account of D. G. Wright, Windermere, Windermere Obligation (2243), V. 10; Windermere Intermediate (2719), V. 14; S. P. Taylor, Ashburton, Riverbank Vanda (5418), V. 14; Donald Macdonald, Edendale, Abbotsford Gallant (2581), V. 14; Peter Fisken, Edendale, Silver Creek Lady (4383), V.ll; John Young, Allanton, Fincairn Lad (2757), V. 15; Banks Hero (2756), V. 15; Cannie Scot (2141), V. 10; J. M. Smith, Kakanui, Master Renown (2758), V. 15; Oak Flat Chancellor (2759), V. 15; Sanguine Select (2760), V. 15; Sandy Hurst (2692), V. 14; Stanley Obligation (2761), V. 15; Downs Black Rose (4532), V.ll; Lady’s Hope (4901), V. 13; Rosalie Fyvie (5813), V. 15, Thomlie Duchess (4784), V. 12; Thornlie Flower 2nd (5493), V. 15; Crighton Choice Lady (5495), V. 15; Sherwood Maggie (4739), V. 12; Bumside Choice (2998), V. 16; Mitchell and O’Brien, Oamaru, Bold Kate O’Shane (5496), V. 15; Queen Rosalie (5501), V. 15; Andrew Carruthers, Middlemarch, Cloverdale Charm (4993); Bogside Blossom (5500), V. 15; Mossdale Modern Lady (5007), V. 13; Primrose Bell (4910), V. 13; Links Mary (5503), V. 15; Freetrade (2762), V. 15; Nethterton Imperialist (2665), V. 14; Pride of Gladfield (5498), V. 15; J. R. Patrick, Willowbridge, Fyvie Ideal (2763), V. 15; Sims, Cooper, and Co. Ltd., Christchurch, Aorere Margaret (5505), V. 15; Waldendene Noleen (5011), V. 13; Aorere Desire (2428), V. 13. The following animals were examined and gained their certificates:—On account of J. M. Smith, Kakanui. Happy Choice (2166), V.lO, G.V.LC.; Kura Belle (5241), V. 14, P.C. R. Kennedy, Otautau, Cloverdale Flower (4419), V.ll, G.V.L.C. P. Fisken, Edendale, Silver Creek Lady (4383), V.ll, G.V.L.C. Brown Bros., Kakanui, Aorere Desire (2428), V. 13; P.C. P. Watson, Otipua, Exchange (2840), V. 15, J?.C. Alex. Bathgate, Outram, Gowrie Doris (5173), V. 14, P.C. J. A. Fairweather, Amberley, Broomfield Betty (4940), V. 13, P.C. G. P. Johnston, Oamaru, Sanguine (21677*), (2399), V. 12, G.VXi.C.; Dunmore Superb (22284*), V. 16, P.C. H. E. Cook, Christchurch, Downs Black Rose (4531), V.ll, G.V.L.C. Estate J. W. Blair, Outram, Abbotsford Ideal (2582), V. 14, P.C. Fleming Bros., Crookston, Springfield Mona (4387), V.ll, G.V.L.C.; Springfield Vic 111 (3997), V.lO, G.V.LC.; Eden Lady (57419*), (4384), V.ll, G.V.L.C.; Springfield Viola (3071), V. 7, G.V.L.C.. P. W. Shacklock, Oamaru, Winnie Hurst (4960), V. 13, G.V.LC.; Willowbank Collette (4544),

V.ll, G.V.L.C. J. F. Langley, Rakaia, Fabrics Flower (4210), V.lO, G.V.L.C.; Rakaia Wattle Blossom (3922), V.lO, G.V.L.C. R. A. Oakley, Rakaia, Rashness (2359), V. 12, G.V.L.C. Import certificates for the following animals have been received: On account of A. Carruthers, Netherton, Ngapuna, Netherton Mac (22380*), Cambletown Jean (60261*), Doreen (60262*), Glack Sunray (60,263*). G. P. Johnston, Comely Hill, Oamaru, Dunmure Superb (22284*). Andrew Grant, Allandale, Dunlop’s Renown (22124*).