H—29

Diseases of Pigs Tuberculosis.—This disease is one of the chief causes of condemnation of pig-meat on inspection. The pig is very susceptible to any trace of infection which may be present in the milk products commonly used in the fattening of pigs in the intensive dairying districts. Stiipestifer Infection. —In the numerous specimens forwarded by the field staff for laboratory examination, the reports show that infection with the suipestifer organism is a common finding. This infection is responsible for quite large mortalities on certain properties. Other Diseases.—No cases of mange in pigs have been recorded daring the year. Neither has kidney-worm infestation been seen, and it is hoped that this parasite will not become established on pig-farms. A type of lameness in pigs, described as foot-rot, is being investigated in the field and at the laboratory. Because the disease retards fattening of pigs, it is of considerable economic importance. Sivine Husbandry Pig-meat Production. —For the first time for six years, pig-production figures show some evidence of recovery. Though the increased weight of pig-meat produced in the year ended 30th September, 1947, from fewer pigs might be ascribed largely to the better dairying-conditions experienced in that year as compared with the previous one, the tendency for the figures to increase has been carried through the season and the slaughterings to 31st March, on both numbers and tonnage basis, are higher than for the preceding twelve months. The increase is more than 40,000 by numbers and 3,000 tons of meat, or 6-6 per cent, by numbers and 8-1 per cent, by weight. This increase is the first real sign of recovery in the pig industry since the uncertain days of 1941-42.

A summary of the position as at 30th September for the past six years is as follows:-

Breeding-sow numbers had dropped to 67,938 at 31st January, 1947, the lowest figure since 1931. The figure at January, 1948, is not yet available, but it is hoped that it will show some recovery. That breeding-stock has fallen to too low an ebb is clearly shown by the increasing number of heavy pigs being slaughtered. In the year ended September, 1946, 36 per cent, of all baconers slaughtered were over 1601b., and this figure increased to 39 per cent, during the ensuing twelve months. These heavyweight pigs tend to be overfat, and for the good name of New Zealand baconers on both the local and United Kingdom markets it is essential to aim at the slaughter of an increased number of pigs at more moderate weights.

52

Year. Breedingsows (as at 31st. January). Total Pigs slaughtered. Pigs per Sow. Slaughtered asPorkers. Baconers, 40-120 lb. J 121-200 lb. Choppers, over 200 lb. Total Weight of Pig-meat (as Carcasses). 1942 91,338 925,982 10-1 1 494,126 397,717 34,139 47,987 1943 81,882 772,744 9-4 321,049 418,943 32,752 44,320 1944 77,300 740,913 9-6 254,126 464,558 22,229 43,251 1945 77,200 681,280 8-8 170,852 489,220 21,208 42,378 1946 72,000 664,275 9-0 256,821 385,782 21,672 38,437 1947 67,938 645,728 I 9-5 198,631 423,368 23,729 39,491