RANGIAOHIA.

Waipa Post, Volume IV, Issue 153, 11 October 1912, Page 3

RANGIAOHIA.

(Own Correspondent.)

According to promise, and for the benefit of the farming community generally,- the remaining notes of interest as per lecture delivered by Mr Collins, Government Veterinarian, in the local hall here a fortnight ago, are submitted. After speaking on mammitis which has already been reported, the lecturer next referred to abortion, and in speaking of this disease (a serious one at times), Mr Collins strongly impressed upon all farmers to remember that this wasanothcr germ disease, and one in which the germs were easily (too much so) spread. Practically speaking there were no symptoms of this disease, and though seemingly had little effect on the animals affected, except for the loss ot progeny, yet was a most serious matter for the dairy farmer. Remedy as in mammitis, strict isolation and absolute disinfection of animal so affected, disinfecting treatment to be- carried out until no further discharge from affected animal. And also every effort should be used to find and destroy calf either by burning (the most effective plan) or by burying deeply, and usingplenty of lime. In answer to questions Mr Collins said it was not advisable to deal with non-infected animals, and that although the various disinfectants were useful, yet it must be remembered that lysol was more kritating than such as are in common use, viz., Jey’s Fluid, Condv’s Fluid, etc. In referring to milk fever, the speaker said that this usually attacked cows within 3 or 4 days after calving, and as was generally known often the best-conditioned animals fell prey to this disease. The usual symptoms were fully described, and it was pointed out that until the discovery of a Danish professor this disease had been pronounced incurable, but that with this valuable discovery, viz., of pumping air into the udder, there were now few cases, but were cured by this treatment. No drenches were necessary, and there seldom was a relapse after this treatment. Still referring to milk fever, Mr Collins strongly recommended placing animals likely to be too flush in milk, on moderate feed, and advised milking before calving if circumstances demanded it,

Red water was the next disease spoken of, and the lecturer gave it as his opinion that this was often caused by animals feeding on turnips in the cold season and an insufficient amount of dry food, thus setting up serious trouble in the digestive organs. The remedy suggested in this case—and one that seemed to have the approval of all present (many having proved its value) — was common salt given in milk, milk being much preferable to water. f Before closing his lecture Jm: Collins spoke briefly on ther important subject of cal Clearing. It was- pointed out thatjsfie system of small calf paddfks. was a most undesirable ofie, as when a number of so penned | any disease casting must spread, and severe Losses were often thus occasional Too much food was as bad too little. More care in the feeding of calves, especially in tire cleanliness of tins, etc.,

wjfe a matter of £.s.d. to all confined. Mr Collins most emphatically drove it home to all

present that skim milk was insufficient as food, and some substitute for the fat the creamery was absolutely necessary. Many foods were suggested, but, Mr Editor, let the different firms producing such advertise.

Mr Collins’ lecture was one of

the most interesting and useful delivered in the district and on the motion of Mr j. Buttcrworth seconded by Mr F. Bowden, the speaker was accorded a most hearty vote of thank ; from the Hairini branch of the N.Z.F.LL for his'great kindness in coming and helping in such a practical wav.

Mr Collins, in responding, called attention to the fact that all officers connected with the Agricultural Department were always ready and willing to come and help in any way possible- a remark that met with genuine applause.