FARM TOPICS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20969, 23 February 1938, Page 4

FARM TOPICS

PIG CARCASS CHAMPIONSHIPS Smithfield pig carcass championships have been awarded since 1904. They have gone to Berkshire 20 times, Large Whites four, Large White crosses six, and other breeds twice. USE OF BORAX A recent investigation on the west coast of the South Island showed that where borax was used, either topdressed on the land or incorporated in the manure, the crops of swedes and turnips were free from mottled heart. PASTURE EFFICIENCY Tlie best way in which to ensure evenness of sward and consequent pasture efficiency is to make good use of harrows for the distribution of droppings, m addition to sound grazing management and regular top-dressing. Tlie spreading of the stock manure serves a two-fold purpose, since it not only makes use of the stock nitrogen, but keeps the pastures clean and even. WORLDS CHEESE CONSUMPTION. The cheese consumption among the various nations per head of population per annum is approximately: Switzerland, 23 pounds; Holland, 141 pounds; France, 134 pounds; Denmark, 131 pounds; Italy, 12 pounds; Germany, 111 pounds; Great Britain, 91 pounds; Scandinavia, 7 pounds; New Zealand, 4S pounds; United States, 41 pounds, and Canada, 31 pounds. STUDENT SHEARERS “The flocks of sheep were shorn by the students,’’ stated the sheep farm manager in his report to a recent meeting of the Massey College Board. “None of these students had shorn before (some never handled a handpiece), yet by tlie time shearing was finished all, with one exception, were able to pass test and the performance of the winner of the competition staged at the end of shearing merits special mention. His sheep were a credit to any shearer. Shearing under these conditions is a long busmess. All other routine work is at a standstill, yet I cannot see any way of speeding up the shearing and at the same time teaching students to shear.” GOOD BEEF CATTLE Dr. Hammond, British expert on animal diseases, who is visiting New Zealand, expresses tlie opinion that New Zealand has some quite good beef cattle, particularly in the Aber-deen-Angus breed. They were a little too old when finished, but lie understood that primarily they were only used to help out the grazing of sheep, Dr. Hammond said. From the marketing point of view, New Zealand’s main trouble with its beef cattle was that it could not supply requirements equally all the year round, or there would be a much better sale than at present. Dr. Hammond stated that meat shipped under gas ctorage was opening up well at Smithfield, and some of it was almost equal to Argentine beef, but the latter enjoyed the advantage of being 26 months old, compared with about 36 months for New Zealand beef.

ISOLATE PIGS WITH COUGH Where there are a number of pigs running together, there are frequently one or two with coughs. These may have a number of causes, and their treatment must vary accordingly. Frequently the cough is accompanied by a mucous discharge from the nose. In this case it is simply a cold in the head, caused, probably, by damp bedding, draughty sleeping quarters, etc., and is not serious or difficult to cure. It is wise to isolate the pig or pigs affected, or the Infection will spread to others drinking at the same trough. Good, warm, dry bedding, a completely draught-proof shelter and, if possible, a dose of castor oil, will effect a speedy cure, in such a case the cough is loose, but should, not be neglected or it will turn to pleurisy or pneumonia. AMERICAN EXPERT’S LONGER STAY When speaking at Morrinsville last week, the Minister of Marketing, the Hon. W. Nash, stated that the eminent American bacteriologist, Dr. D. H. Hucker, had been asked to remain in the Dominion for a further six months. The Government was perturbed at the high incidence of disease on dairy farms, said Mr Nash, and was anxious to benefit as much as possible from the American expert’s visit. Mr Nash also stated that it had been arranged for Dr. S. C. M. Hopkirk, director of the Wallaceville Laboratory, to go abroad for 6 or 8 months to investigate the incidence of disease in other dairying countries with a view to arriving at a solution of some of the disease problems in the Dominion. CANADIAN PIGS IMPORTED Three Canadian Berkshire sows recently purchased by Mr Geo. Jamieson, of Horotiu, and Mr H. E. Fieldhouse, of Rongotea, through the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, were recently released from Somes Island Quarantine Station. Bred by Messrs E. Brien and Sons, of Ridgetown, and Mr P. J. McEwen, of Wyoming, Ontario, Canada, these outstanding Berkshire sows were mated before shipment to top sires, and there is no doubt that their progeny will be in keen demand amongst the breeds in New Zealand. Described as typical representatives of the improved Canadian Berkshire type, the interest shown in the arrival of these animals indicates that breeders fully recognise the necessity of securing new blood, and it is anticipated that further purchases will follow shortly.