IRON-HUNGER IN RUMINANT STOCK.*

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXX, Issue 3, 20 March 1925, Page 175

IRON-HUNGER IN RUMINANT STOCK.*

THE SEASON'S WORK AT MAMAKU DEMONSTRATION FARM.

B. C. ASTON, F.I.C.,

F.N.Z.Inst., Chemist to the Agriculture Department.

In summarizing the work of the Mamaku Demonstration Farm during the season now closing one has to record an unfortunate visitation of mammitis, which is liable to attack any milking-herd. This has to a considerable extent interfered with the scheme of medicinal and other treatment which had. been decided upon. Data of a most interesting and valuable character have been acquired, however, in spite of the outbreak. In the following pages is set down the history of the cows belonging to the experimental herd and their offspring. The April, 1924, Journal should be consulted for previous details of their history. • The salient features of this record are a complete confirmation of the curative properties of iron and ammonium citrate, the preventive effect of the concentrated foodstuff molasses, and the beneficial effect of a winter ration of hay made from grass grown on land cultivated and top-dressed, together with swede turnips, coincident with a grazing on pastures top-dressed with phosphates. The novel features of this season’s work are the successful use of the double citrate of iron and ammonium in conjunction with hay. The method of using this drug, which may prove to be a most valuable one in farming practice, is the idea of the Farm Overseer, Mr R. A. Jackson. He first suggested the method of mixing the drug with the hay when it was being built into the stack. Feeding this treated hay has given excellent results on the few animals upon which it has been tried. The idea commends itself as a practicable one in the administration of the curative medicine, and surpasses the other methods tried — i.e., by drenches and by licks — in being automatically taken by the animal, while at the same time being only consumed in small repeated doses. This improved method removes the two great objections to the use of drenches and licks which the hardworking farmer will urge — the time taken to give drenches, and ’ the difficulty in controlling the amount given automatically as licks. With drenches the labour of dosing a herd of cows is great. With sugar-iron bricks the animals are so greedy for the stuff that there is difficulty in controlling the consumption, and calves are apparently stunted in their growth by an overdose (see Fig. 3). There is the additional difficulty that such licks in a moist climate like that of Mamaku absorb water very rapidly and soon deteriorate. The cost of the sugar is an additional item of expense. Salt-iron bricks for some reason are not efficacious. When, on the other hand, the iron compound, either as scales or in solution, is sprinkled on the hay, the iron is fed out to the stock suitably diluted by the hay, and no animal can consume too much.

This season Mr. Jackson has made some 20 tons of excellent hay treated in the following manner : The iron and ammonium citrate (23 lb.) was dissolved in 8 gallons of water ; when all dissolved 45 lb. of sugar was mixed in, and the whole was then mixed with 4 gallons of molasses. The liquid was sprayed on to the layers of hay by means of a Ver morel knapsack sprayer, and was. sufficient for 15 tons of hay. The solution is absorbed and dries at once on the freshly made hay. Another method which is being tried on a smaller scale consists in merely sprinkling the solid scales of the iron compound on to the layers of hay without the. addition of water, sugar, or molasses. 'The writer considers that the outlook for the future of these ironhungry lands was never more promising. To succeed in combating the trouble in a practicable manner at Mamaku, where the climate is severe in winter, argues for a much more favourable result in districts, which are situated at lower elevations under less rigorous conditions. In this connection the Department would welcome assistance from farmers in demonstrating the effective use of iron ammonium. citrate as a preventive and cure of iron-hunger, and for this purpose will supply at cost price (3s. pd. per pound, postage free) a limited quantity of the drug. An amount of 1 lb. will be sufficient to drench for two months one cow, which, should then, if the trouble is not too advanced, show an improvement. ' TREATMENT OF COWS .OF THE DAIRY HERD. It was resolved that as certain cows which had been on the farm for two or three years (see April, 1924, Journal) were due to calve in winter — a most trying season at Mamaku — they should be given exceptional treatment in the shape of a change to the Tirau paddock. The cows thus, treated were “ Te Kuiti ” (who was in good condition when she went to Tirau on 1st February, 1924), “ Roanie ” (also in good condition when she went there on 21st February), and “ Ginger ” (in very good condition when she went on the . same date). “ Te Kuiti ” came back from Tirau in first-rate condition on 8th May. She did well, and was springing on 30th June. She was then getting hay and turnips, and calved on nth July; the strong, healthy bull calf was destroyed. At 31st July she was giving 18 lb. milk daily ; condition good : 31st August, 22 lb. milk, being in good condition and getting hay and turnips: 7th September, 25 lb. milk; went to bull in good condition: 30th September, 251b.: 1st November, 271b. : 1st December, 22 1b.: 1st January, 1925, 171b.:. 23rd February, 171b. milk; condition good. “ Roanie ” came back from Tirau on 8th May, and on 13th gave birth to a dead calf, but was in good condition herself, milking well, and giving 20 lb. milk daily; 9th June, still giving 20 lb. and in good condition, getting hay and turnips, also 1 lb. molasses in a little chaff once a day ; 30th June, still giving 20 lb., and treatment being continued ; 1st August, molasses treatment discontinued, condition being good 31st August, giving 2 J gallons milk, still getting hay and turnips ; 6th September, all turnips finished, condition good, giving 26 lb. ; 1st October, 23 lb. ; 1st December, 20 lb. ; 1st January, 16 lb., her condition being good throughout; at 23rd February was a little dull about the eye and hair rough, but animal in good condition ; 12 lb. milk daily. “ Ginger ” came back from Tirau looking well, but must have slipped her calf there. After getting hay and turnips she . was sold for beef on 25th September as she was not in calf. .' “.Brindle” and “Cherry,” two cows, the former of which never had any exceptional treatment except molasses, are an outstanding

testimonial to its efficacy in keeping both themselves and their offspring healthy. (The ash of molasses contains up to 7 per cent, of iron oxide.) Maud had the advantage of a recent change to Tirau, but is also a testimonial to molasses. The previous records of these cows can be seen in the April; 1924, Journal. “ Cherry ” and “ Maud ” have previously gone “ sick,” but “Brindle,” whose sole treatment has been molasses, has never been sick. Like the other two, she lost her first calf, but subsequently raised three healthy calves in succession, all now alive and doing well at the farm. The success of these cows and their offspring can only be attributed to the* treatment. “ Brindle-.” — At 10th May, 1924, this cow was milked once a condition being good —up to 9th June, when she was dry, and was running on swedes with a good run-off ; on 30th July she was given hay with the swedes ; on 7th September the swedes were finished, and the treatment of giving ij lb. of molasses once a day was commenced. The treatment was discontinued on 30th October, the condition

of the cow being good all through the winter. She calved 4th November — roan bull calf, strong and healthy. Cow in first-rate condition, and giving 56 lb. milk daily till 1st December. At 1st January, 1925, she was. giving 441b. milk, her condition being first rate ; on 23rd February, condition first rate, 40 lb. milk. “ Cherry ” was giving on 3rd March, 1924, 30 lb. milk ; 10th April, 24 lb., test 3-4 per cent. ; 30th April, 18 lb. On 30th May was in good condition and milking once a day. On 1st June commenced to receive 1 lb. molasses once a day in local chaff ; weight of milk, 10 lb. ; feeding on hay and turnips. She was dry on 1st July, and the molasses were discontinued ; condition good. On 31st August she was still on swedes and getting a little hay with a good run-off. . On 7th September the swedes were finished, and the molasses treatment was recommenced as on 5th June. On 5th October she calved, the calf being strong and healthy and the cow in good condition. On 31st October was giving 43 lb. milk and was in good condition. On 16th November the molasses treatment was discontinued. She has continued in good condition, and was giving at 1st December 42 lb. ; st January, 1925, 40 lb. ; 23rd February, 35 lb. milk; condition good. ,

“ Maud,” on 10th April, 1924, was giving 9 lb. of milk; testing 3 per cent., once a day, and was in good condition. She was dry on 10th May, and was put on soft turnips on 16th May. She was turned on to the swedes on 9th June, but hay was not given until 7th September, when all the roots were finished, the cow being in good condition and springing. She calved on 10th October, the calf being strong , and healthy, but as the cow was affected with mammitis she was turned out with her calf. Both were well on 1st January, 1925. “ Polly.”— This cow had been brought back to health' by the iron-ammonium-citrate treatment last year, giving 19 lb. milk, testing 3-6, on 10th April, 1924. She was dry on 16th May, 1924, and not in calf. She was grazed on swedes and given hay and a good run-off in June, July, and August. She was in first-rate condition at 31st August, and was sold for beef on 25th September. “ Daisy ” was a cow which in the past had no special treatment, but a good supply of hay and turnips. On 10th April, 1924, she was giving 19 lb., milk, testing 3 per cent., and was in good condition. At 30th April she was giving 10 lb. ; on 10th May she was in good condition and giving 7 lb. ; on 30th May, 4 lb. Badly affected with mammitis, she was turned on to soft turnips, and on to swedes on 9th June. Thence till 31st August she had swedes with hay, and her condition was first rate. She was springing on 1st October and calved on 30th November, the calf strong and healthy, but the cow no good to milk owing to mammitis. At 1st December the cow was looking well, but the calf was not doing well, not getting enough milk. This was also the condition of things at 1st January, 1925. At 23rd February cow was fit for beef ; calf destroyed,, as not enough milk from cow.

“Lily” had in the past failed to be kept healthy on turnips and had lost her first calf, and had to be sent to Tirau, so rapid was her decline through bush sickness after calving. After her return the iron treatment was given and a healthy calf was born. In April, 1924, she was giving 26 lb. milk, testing 3-8 per cent., and her condition was good. At 30th May, milking once daily, 12 lb. milk ; 30th June, 7 lb. milk, on hay and turnips ; condition good. On 1st August, the iron treatment was commenced ; getting 2 J oz. home - made iron ammonium citrate made from commercial lime-juice, in local chaff, twice a day, the cow being dry. On 7th September the turnips were all finished. The iron treatment was terminated on 1st October, her condition being first rate. Calved on 14th October, the calf being strong and healthy and the cow in first-rate condition. On 1st December was giving 43 lb. milk daily, and on 1st January, 1925, 38 lb., condition continuing first rate ; 23rd February, condition first rate, 34 lb. milk.

“ Darkie.” — On 10th May, 1924, commenced to milk this cow once daily ; 30th May, condition good, milking once daily ; 1st June, commenced on hay and turnips, and getting citrate sugar brick ; 30th June, milking once daily, and on same feed and treatment. Cow did not take the brick well, so it was given crushed up with chaff, which she took well. On 31st July finished giving iron sugar brick, cow not taking it well. (The composition of the sugar brick was 8 lb. raw sugar and 4 oz. or 8 oz. iron ammonium citrate scales.) Cow then on swedes, condition good. On 5th August she seemed to be getting abnormal in size, although chewing cud and eating well. On 17th August she died of dropsy of the womb. A postmortem examination showed seven-months-old twins and 15 gallons of fluid. ' Cows which arrived at Farm in 1923. The cows which arrived at the farm in 1923 will now be discussed. “ Spot ” (arrived July, 1923), a year-old Shorthorn, white and yellow, was in good condition on 20th May, 1924, and was getting soft turnips and grass. From 7th July to 6th September she grazed on turnips and got hay. The calf was born dead on . 22nd September, but the cow was in good condition, though bad with mammitis, and it not being possible to milk her she was turned out to fatten.. At 1st November her condition was not good, and on 10th December she was obviously going bush-sick. On 15th December a new method of treatment, the subcutaneous administration of sodium iron citrate, was commenced. Treatment was finished on 7th January, 1925, but no improvement except a brighter eye was noticeable after twenty-five days’ treatment. On 1st February, going ’ bush - sick quickly; commenced to drench twice daily with home-made iron ammonium citrate. On 23rd February, improvement marked ; treatment continued.

“Mona,” a Shorthorn six-year-old roan, arrived 2nd July, 1923, and calved 5th August. At 9th June, 1924, she was getting swedes and hay, and milking once daily. At 30th June she was dry and in good condition. She was given 2J bricks during three weeks (iron ammonium citrate and sugar). She was turned into swede-paddock, on 31st July, and by 6th September they were all finished. Cow was then in first-rate condition and treatment with, sugar brick was recommenced. On 17th November she calved. On 1st December was giving 421b. milk, and on 1st January, 1925, 401b., having been in first-rate condition since 5th November; 23rd February, condition first rate, and giving 40 lb. milk.

“Buttercup,” a six-year-old Shorthorn, arrived 2nd July, 1923, and calved 7th August. On 10th May, 1924, she was dry and in fair condition, and grazing on No. 1 paddock, soft turnips and grass. On 9th June she was transferred from No. 1 to the first break of swedes. On 30th June, when still on the swedes, she had gone back in condition, and on 5th July was given molasses in local chaff, . a treatment to which she did not take. On 31st July, as she was evidently not a suitable subject for the molasses treatment, she was given the drenching treatment with the home-made iron ammonium citrate, 2J fl. oz. twice a day. On 31st August a little improvement was noticeable; the cow was still getting hay and turnips. On 3rd September cow calved a little prematurely ; calf dead ; was poorly nourished. On 8th September cow just a little better, but weak; drenching continued. On 30th September decided improvement ; milking better ;. weight of milk, 24 lb. ; drenching continued. On 1st November drenching continued; improvement in milk-yield, 44 lb. On 15th November still improving ; drenching discontinued. In December was in good condition, quite recovered; weight of milk, 44 lb. On 1st January, 1925, condition good milk, 38 lb. On 23rd February, condition good; 30 lb. milk. • “ Maggie,” a light-roan Shorthorn six-year-old, arrived on 2nd July, 1923, and calved 8th August. On 30th May, 1924, was grazing in No. 1 paddock; if anything, better in condition. On 5th June was put into No. 4 paddock and given hay containing commercial iron ammonium citrate scales and molasses put into stack at time of building, and was still getting turnips daily. On 30th June her condition was fair, with same treatment continued. On 31st July treatment continued ; condition, if anything, better. On 31st August continuing to improve, condition' good, treatment continued. On 30th September treated hay all finished. On 20th September cow calved ; calf strong and healthy; cow in first-rate condition. Calf was put on to “ Molly,” and subsequently fed “ on the bucket.” On 5th October weight of milk 45 lb. ; 5th November, 44 lb. ; cow in good condition. On st December, 401b. milk; cow in good condition. On 1st January, 1925, milk 31 lb. ; .cow in good condition. On 23rd February condition fair ; 29 lb. milk. " Peggy,” a light-roan Shorthorn six-year-old, arrived on 2nd July, 1923; calved 9th August. On 10th May, 1924, she was dry; grazing on No. 1 paddock on soft turnips and young grass ; condition good. On 30th May still on soft turnips. On 9th June put on to swede turnips with no hay. On 30th June still grazing on turnips; condition fair. On 31st, July still on swedes and getting hay; condition improved. On 31st August continued to run on swedes with a little hay and a good run-off ; condition good. On 6th September finished all swedes. 30th September, in first-rate condition. 5th October calved ; calf strong and healthy. 5th November, cow in good condition ; milk, 35 lb. 1st December, weight of milk 34 lb. 1st January, cow losing condition, but as she was giving a high-testing milk this was perhaps natural; milk, 31 lb. 23rd February, condition good ; 23 lb; milk. “ Fanny,” a roan Shorthorn six-year-old, arrived 2nd July, 1923 ; calved 10th August. On 10th May, 1924, grazing in No. 1 paddock on soft turnips and young grass ; condition good. 9th June, put on to swedes but no hay, as she. had a good run-off; remained on swedes to 31st August. 7th September, finished swedes. 26th September calved, but no good as milker, being affected with mammitis; calf dead at birth; put two calves on to cow Jean’s and “Maggie’s”); did not take to the calves, which had to be killed; milking the cow to dry her off. 5th November, milking much better35 lb.—and cow in good condition. 1st December, condition still good; 331b. milk. 1st January, 1925, condition good ; 26 lb. milk. 23rd February, condition good ; 23 lb. milk.

“ Jean,” a red Shorthorn six-year-old, arrived 2nd July, 1923,. and calved on 10th August.. On 10th May, . 1924, was dry and. grazing in No. 1 paddock on soft turnips and young grass, where she continued in good condition until 9th June, when she was put into the swede-paddock. Continued with this treatment ' ..until 31st August, when the swedes were finished. Calved on 25th September, the calf being strong, and healthy and the cow in first-rate condition. On 5th October was giving 35 1b. milk. On 1st November, she was losing condition and. not milking so well as in the previous year; milk, 27 lb. ■ 1st December, decided improvement; milk, 39 lb. 1st January, 1925, condition good; weight of milk, 34 lb. 23rd February, condition first-rate; 34 lb. milk. This cow had no special treatment, the maintenance in health being due 1 to the good rations. ' " ■ ■ “Judy,” a red - and - white Shorthorn eight - year - old, arrived 22nd July, 1923, and calved 12th August, 1923. On 30th May, 1924, was in No. 1 paddock and condition good. 9th June, put into first break of turnips ; turnips continued, but no hay; condition good. From 31st July to 31st August feeding as on 9th June continued ; condition good until 7th September, when the swedes were finished. 30th September, caught a bad chill, and though covered end given hot drink, died of pneumonia on 6th October. " Molly,” a red Shorthorn seven-year-old, arrived 2nd July, 1923, and calved 12th August; On 30th May, 1924, continued in No. 1 paddock; condition good. 9th June, put in first break of swedes and hay. 30th June, still on swedes, but no hay ; a good run-off available; condition good. This feeding was continued till' 7th September, when swedes were finished. She calved on 25th September, the calf being strong and healthy, but, although cow’s condition: was good, she was unsuitable for milking owing to mammitis. .She would not take to a strange calf tried on 30th September. On, 1st November she was losing condition rapidly, and the strange calf died. On 15th December she was still going bushsick rapidly, so was drenched with iron ammonium citrate made from commercial lime-juice, 1 fl. oz. twice daily. . On 1 st January, 1925, quite a marked improvement was noticeable. 23rd February,-drenching continued.;. cow now in very fair condition. ' . . ■ . “Pansy,” a red Shorthorn six-year-old, arrived ,2nd July, 1923; calved 14th August. 30th April, 1924, was dry, and from then to 30th May was grazed in No. 1 paddock, her condition being first rate. On 9th June was put on to first break of' swedes, where she continued in first-rate condition till 30th June, with a good run-off but no hay. On 24th July she calved, the calf being strong and healthy. "Beauty’s” calf was also given to her, but it died on 28th . July. Pansy’s calf remained in good condition, and. cow continued on swedes until 7th September, when swedes were, all finished. Since . this date, to 23rd February, 1925, both have done well. This cow - developed mammitis, and was not milked. “ Beauty,” a roan Shorthorn seven-year-old, arrived 2nd July, 1923, and calved 30th August. On 30th April, 1924, she was dry and grazing in No. 1 paddock till 30th May ; in good condition. On 3rd June she was put into the first break of swedes, where she continued until 30th June, without hay but with a good run-off. Her condition was good, but not improving as she should. On 5th July commenced to give her 3 lb. molasses daily, which she took well. Calved on 25th July, the calf being weakly, and cow with dry, rough' coat and signs of going bush-sick. On 31st July she was not taking molasses well. Calf died 28th July, having been put on to “ Pansy.” On 2nd August commenced to drench cow with home-made iron ammonium citrate made from commercial lime-juice, giving 2-J-fl. oz. night and morning. The treatment was continued with hay and' turnips, with no improvement noticeable. On 7th September swedes were finished. The medicinal treatment was continued twice daily ; milk-yield, 23 lb. on 30th September. On rst November weight of milk 27 lb. ; a' little improvement noticeable in’cow. On 15th November quite an improvement ; weight of milk 29 lb. ; finished medicinal treatment by drenching. On 1st December much better milkyield— 29 lb.—but not as much as in previous year. On 1st January, 1925, condition good ; . milk, 24 lb. On 23rd February condition good ; milk, 22 lb.

“Blossom,” a red Shprthorn six-year-old, arrived 2nd July, 1923, and calved nth September. . On 30th April, 1924, she was dry and grazing in No. .1 paddock. On 31st May she was still in No.' 1, and condition was no worse. On 9th June she was put on first break of swedes, with no hay but a good run-off. As she was.

not improving on 5th July she was put on molasses and- chaff treatment-3 lb. molasses daily, and turnips and hay carted to her. At 31st August she was looking a little better. On 7th September the swedes, were finished, but she continued getting a little hay. At 30th September was looking better and springing, the molasses treatment being continued. On 8th October she calved, the calf being strong and healthy, but the cow was affected with mammitis, so was turned out with calf. Treatment finished. From November to 1st January, 1925, cowand calf did well. 23rd February, condition fair, calf doing well.

“Blot” a red Shorthorn, .which arrived on 2nd July, 1923, slipped her calf. On 8th May, 1924, she returned from Tirau in good condition. On 30th June was springing and in good condition. On 10th July she calved bull calf, which was destroyed. ' Cow getting hay and turnips. On 31st July was giving 2-J gallons milk per day, her condition being good. On 3rd August giving 2J gallons milk daily, getting hay and turnips, her condition still good. On 7th August finished feeding swedes. On 30th September was losing condition a little ; giving 23 lb. milk. 1st November, looking better; giving 30 lb. milk. 1st December, picking up in condition quickly and giving 30 lb. milk. On 1st January, 1925, was in good condition and giving 27 lb. milk. 23rd February, condition good ; milk, 23 lb.

HISTORY OF THE CALVES BORN AT MAMAKU FARM. The following notes should be read in connection with and subsequent to the details given in the Journal for April, 1924, pp. 231-34. Dam “Brindle.” This cow's second calf was born on 1st September, 1922 white-faced Hereford bull (see Fig. 4, p. 233, Journal, April, 1924). On 30th May, 1924, he was turned onto turnips and young grass. On 15th June was running on swedes, where he continued up to 7th September, also getting hay. On 30th September he was turned on to the back part of the farm, his condition being good. He continued to remain in good condition until last noticed on 1st . January, 1925, when he was fit for the butcher and in first-rate condition (Fig. 2 above). Third calf, born 4th November, 1923—a brindle bull (see Fig. 5, ibid J. ‘On 1st May, 1924, was weaned, and finished the feeding on molasses for a time'; grazing on No. 1 paddock off turnips and young grass. At 16th May the two calves “ Darkie's ” third calf and this which had been on molasses, were ,quite the best up to the time of weaning. At 30th May his condition was good ; still grazing on soft turnips and young grass, and also getting about 2 lb. crushed oats once daily. On 5th June was turned on to the swede tops, but still getting crushed oats. At 30th June still feeding on swedes and getting a little'hay ; looking well. At 31st July was grazing on swedes and getting a little hay ;■ had lost a little condition during the month. On 31st August was at a standstill, looking rough and not growing ; still getting hay and turnips. On 1st September

commenced giving -J lb. molasses twice daily. At 15th September no improvement ; still getting molasses. At 1st October the molasses were stopped ; a slight improvement was now noticeable. Calf continued to graze in No. 2 paddock, recently top-dressed with J cwt. sulphate of iron per acre. At 1st December this yearling had improved during the month passed in No. 2 paddock. At 1st January, 1925, he was still grazing in No. 2 paddock, his condition being very good. At 23rd February he was doing well. Fourth calf, born 4th November, 1924, is shown in Fig. 1, and is doing well. Dam “ Te Kuiti.” Second calf —a Jersey heifer born 6th October, 1922 (see Fig. 4, ibid,.). The calf was originally of weak constitution. Had various treatment, and was reported to be going back, but owing to delay in receiving instructions was not given proper treatment, and died 3rd May, 1924. Dam “ Daisy.” Calf born 19th November, 1922 —a red-and-white bull (see Fig. 4, ibid,.). In May, 1924, he was in good condition. A strong calf, treated with iron ammonium citrate, home-made, in J lb. molasses. twice daily since 22nd April. A little improvement was noted on 30th May, when the treatment was increased by a little crushed oats and local chaff. By 30th June he had quite recovered, and was put on to the. swede-paddock. At 31st July was still on swedes, with a little hay; slowly improving. At 31st August, a good improvement was noted ; still on swedes, with a little hay and a good run-off. By 7th September the swedes were all finished, and his condition was still improving. On 30th September was turned out on back paddock, where there was more feed ; condition still good. On 31st October was doing well and in first-rate condition, which was maintained till 1st December. At st January, 1925, was at a standstill, or, if anything, going back in condition, although on good feed but not top-dressed pasture. At 7th February was going sick quickly; commenced drenching with iron ammonium citrate,' with a little molasses. . ■ ■ ■ Dam “ Store Heifer.” Calf “ Flora,” born 25th August, 1922. At 10th May, .1924, condition of calf was good ; still in No. 1 paddock. At 5th June in No. 4 paddock, receiving hay treated with commercial iron ammonium citrate incorporated with stack ■ when building, and getting swedes daily. ■ 30th June, still feeding as at 5th June ; condition fair. 31st ■ July, condition good. On 20th September the treated hay was finished, and "Flora” was running on cultivated pasture and springing to calve; condition first rate, which was o maintained until 8th December, when a strong calf was born ; cow in first-rate condition. 12th December, weight of milk 18 lb. 1st January, 1925, had lost a little condition during the month, but was giving more milk— i.e., 25 lb. 23rd February, condition fair and doing well for a two-year-old ; milk, 25 lb. At 28th December the calf was not doing well, scouring badly. On 1st January, bad with white scouts. Died subsequently, shortly after New Year. . . , , ■ Dam “ Cherry ”

A strong healthy calf, born 17th October, 1923. At 30th May, 1924, was still on No. 1 paddock; lost condition through the month —weather rough. Getting 2 lb. crushed oats in a little local chaff once daily. At 5th June was turned out on swede-tops still getting crushed oats. At 30th June was running 011 turnips and getting a little hay, but lost condition this month. At 12th July was going off quickly ; was put on home-made iron ammonium citrate made from lime-juice, twice daily (2 fl. oz.), in warm water and a little molasses to sweeten it; which it . readily took. Treatment was stopped on 31st July and calf put on swede-tops; condition about the same as on 12th July. From 4th to 20th August recommenced giving iron treatment, also molasses, and calf getting swedes and hay. At 21st August turned into swede-paddock, also getting hay and a good run-off. 31st August, a little improvement; still on swedes. 1st November, finished giving iron and molasses ; quite a marked improvement in condition. In November was grazing in No. 7 paddock, recently top-dressed with iron oxide, super, and slag. At 1st December was in very good condition and grazing in the top-dressed paddocks. At 1st January, 1925, condition was good; still grazing in the top-dressed paddocks. , v' -. • ' ■ ■■ ■

Second calf, born October, 1924 a roan bull, strong and healthy. At 31st October was feeding on new milk, and at 30th November - on half new and half separator milk. Dam “ Polly.” A red heifer calf with white hind legs, born 20th October, 1923. At 30th May, 1924, was still grazing on No. 1 paddock; condition good getting 2 lb. crushed oats once daily in chaff. 5th June, turned on to swede-tops, and getting crushed oats as well. 30th June, still on turnips, and getting hay; had lost condition through the month. 12th July, put on to No. 5 paddock ; going back slowly in condition, although on good feed. Commenced giving sugar-iron brick and the run of haystack, also carted turnips. 31st July, taking sugar brick well; condition unchanged. 31st August, treatment continued, condition the same. 30th September, slight improvement noticeable; treatment continued.

20th October, taken oft lick ; quantity taken, about bricks a week. None of the three calves on this brick treatment had done as well as those on molasses or those getting iron ammonium citrate in water twice daily, with a little molasses to make it palatable. 1 st November, condition about the same ; then running on No. 7 paddock. 1 st December, calf growing as well as it should; condition fair ; grazing on top-dressed paddock. In January, 1925, calf was, if anything, losing condition, though running on the best of feed. J, (See note to dam " Daisy.”) Dam Maud.” Heifer calf, born 28th October, 1923 —strong and healthy. At 30th May, 1924, was still grazing on No. 1 paddock; condition good; getting 2 1b. oats in local chaff once daily. 5th June, turned on to swede-tops, still getting oats. 30th June, getting hay; in swede-paddock'; lost condition through the month. 12th July, now losing condition all the time put on to sugar-iron brick, in No. 5

paddock, also had the run of haystack and getting turnips, carted. 21st July, no improvement, though taking the lick well and getting plenty of hay and turnips. 31st August, still getting sugar brick; no improvement. 30th September, same treatment, little improvement. 20th October, finished sugar-iron brick ; slowly improving in condition, but not grown much; ' i| bricks taken per week. 5th November, a little improvement on this brick, but this animal had not grown like some of the others ; now running on No. 7 paddock (top-dressed with super, slag, and iron oxide). 1st December, improving very slowly, but not growing much. January, 1925, like its mate, losing condition if anything. None of the three calves treated with- sugar-iron brick is equal to the others. (See note to dam' “ Daisy.”).

Dam “ Daisy.’-’ Third calf a roan heifer with light strip in centre of backborn 5th January, 1924. At 20th May was still in No. 1 paddock ; condition good; getting 2 1b. crushed oats once, daily in chaff. 4th June, was turned on to swede-tops, where she remained up to 30th June, getting a few handfuls of crushed oats, but losing condition. 12th July, put into No. 5 paddock, having run of haystack; getting sugar-iron brick and carted turnips. 31st July, holding her own if anything, but little improvement; taking brick well. 31st August, under same treatment as on 12th July. Condition the same at 30th September. 30th October, finished lick ; took 11 bricks a week. Calf just about held its own through the winter. 25th November, condition about the same. The three calves under this treatment had not done so well as the others. In December this calf was in good condition, but, like its mates, had not grown like the other calves under different treatment. 1st January,. 1925,< now doing fairly well; grazing, on top-dressed pasture.. (Note.— three calves of ‘.‘Polly,” “Maud,” and Daisy,” which had the sugar-iron brick in winter, went on to it again on 20th January, 1925, and at 23rd February were still on this treatment, but getting a controlled quantity—not ad lib. as previously.) Dam “ Darkie.” ■ Third calf —a brindle bull born 16th November, 1923. On 16th May, 1924, was grazing on soft turnips. 30th May, stilb on turnips, getting 2 lb. crushed oats in local chaff once daily. On 1st June was turned on to swede-tops getting handful of crushed oats daily. On 30th June was still on the turnip-tops, with a little crushed oats; in good condition. 31st July, feeding on hay and turnips all through this month ; now put on to new break of swedes) also getting hay. 31st August, on turnips all through this month, and getting a little hay, but with a good run-off ; condition good. 3rd September, condition good ; grazing on pasture grown on cultivated land. 31st October to 1st January, 1925, condition good and similar throughout. 23rd February, doing well. Dam “ Spot.” Red-and-white bull calf, born 3rd July, 1923 (see Fig. 6, p. 235, Journal, April, 1924). On 1st April, 1924, was doing well, but on 30th May condition was not so good ; on turnips and young grass, and getting 2 lb. crushed oats in chaff once daily. 1st June, put on swede-tops ; also getting a few handfuls of crushed oats. Calf had not grown much since weaning. At 30th June was still on turnips and getting a little hay. At 5th July was going back quickly. Put on treated hay in No. 4 paddock ; this stack (2 tons) had 5 lb. of commercial iron ammonium citrate scales mixed.with a little molasses and sprayed on to hay when built. On 12th July calf was holding its Own. At 31st July was still on the treated hay and getting turnips, and its condition was improving. At 31st August, with the same treatment, it was looking better. At 20th September, the treated hay being finished, it was put on to top-dressed pasture ; condition fair. At 1st November was not putting on condition, but looked healthy; was then placed on No. 7 paddock, top-dressed with iron oxide, super, and slag. At 1st December was losing condition and showing signs of sickness. On 10th December commenced giving lb. molasses in a little oats ; calf took it well ; grazing on No. 2 paddock, which was top-dressed with iron sulphate (| cwt. per acre) on 8th August, 1924. 1st January, 1925, condition maintained, no worse; treatment continued. • 1st February, as no improvement had occurred, drenching-with iron ammonium citratewith molasses was tried. This is a poor-constitutioned calf.

Dam “ Mona.”

Red-and-white heifer calf, born 5th August, 1923 (see Fig. 6, p.-235, ibid.}. At 1st April, 1924, was doing well. . At 30th April condition was not so good; weather rough ; in No. 1 paddock. On 30th May condition; was about the same ; getting 2 lb. crushed oats in chaff daily, with soft turnips and young grass. On 1st June was put on swede-tops and given a few handfuls of crushed oats daily, but at 30th June had not grown much since weaning, being still under the same treatment; condition being about the same. On 12th July was given molasses in warm water twice daily. . Calf had stopped growing and was going back quickly. 31st July, treatment continued; put on turnip-tops in new break; condition about the same. At 21st August the molasses treatment was stopped, and on 31st August condition was about the same. At 7th-September the swedes were finished and the molasses treatment was recommenced. At 30th September was improving in condition. At 1st November molasses treatment was discontinued condition was fair ; was turned into No. 7 paddock (slag, super, and iron oxide). At 1st December was in very good condition and grazing on the top-dressed paddocks, and at 1st January, 1925, all the conditions were similar and the animal in good condition. 23rd February, doing well.

Dam “ Fanny.” - White bull, born 10th August, 1923. At 30th April, 1924, was grazing, on No. 1 paddock, where he continued until 20th May; in good condition, getting crushed oats and chaff once daily. On 1 st June was grazing on swede-tops with a few handfuls of crushed oats and chaff once daily, which was continued until 30th June, when he was losing condition, not having grown much since weaning. At 12th July was going back quickly and was put on to home-made iron ammonium citrate made from commercial lime-juice, given 2 fl. oz. twice a day in a little warm water, with J lb. molasses, in it to make him take it. At 30th July, the medicinal treatment being continued, he was put on swede-tops in new break; condition still poor. • At 31st August was looking better, being still on the swedes. . On 7th September, the swedes being finished, he was put on to the treatment started on 12th July, and on 30th September a great improvement was noticed. The medicinal treatment was continued until 1st November, when, being in first-rate • condition, the treatment was • discontinued and calf placed in No. 2 paddock (top-dressed with iron sulphate). His condition up till 1st January, 1925, was first ■ rate, and he was continued grazing in -No. 2 paddock. . 23rd February, doing well.

Dam “ Jean.” Red-and-white bull calf, born 10th August, 1923 (see Fig. 6, p. 235, ibid.}. On 3rd April, 1924, was on No. 1 paddock, with soft turnips, and getting a little crushed oats in chaff; weather very rough. On 1st June was put on to swedetops, with a little crushed oats ; continued there till 30th June on this treatment, and was then losing condition, not having grown much since weaning. On 12th July was going off quickly, so was given 1 lb. molasses twice daily in a little warm water, a treatment which was continued until 21st August, when he was turned into the swede - paddock, with a little hay. On . 7th September the swedes were finished and the molasses treatment was recommenced. At 30th September a good improvement was noticeable. On 1st November molasses treatment was discontinued ; was put in No. 7 paddock (super, slag, and iron oxide). At 1st December was in first-rate condition and grazing on the topdressed paddocks. Same at 1st January, 1925, his condition being then first rate. 23rd February, doing well. , , Dam Beauty.” Red heifer calf “ Rose,” born 20th August, 1923. At 30th April, 1924, showing signs of sickness. 10th May, commenced giving 2 oz. iron ammonium citrate in milk with J- lb. molasses twice daily ; grazing on No. 1 paddock, soft turnips and young grass. 30th May, condition about the same giving little crushed oats daily in chaff; very rough weather feeding as on 10th May; calf improving. At 20th May continuing to improve, though low in condition. On 31st July was still improving and was put on swede-tops, the medicinal treatment being continued. On 20th August the medicinal treatment was stopped, and on 31st calf was looking better, being on swedes and a little hay. On 7th September, the swedes being finished, the treatment was recommenced, and on 30th September calf was looking well. At 1st November the treatment was discontinued, and calf was grazing in No. 7 paddock. She continued in good condition to 1st January, 1925, grazing on top-dressed paddocks. On 23rd February she was doing well. Dam “ Maggie.” Second calf, born 30th September, 1924, strong and healthy. At 1st November was getting new milk. Doing well in December, getting half new and half skimmed milk. At 1st January, 1925, was still doing well on quarter new and three-quarters separated milk, and 3 oz. of fluid molasses twice daily. CURATIVE TOP-DRESSING OF PASTURE. For the cure of iron-hunger the writer advises the top-dressing of pasture with | cwt. per acre of sulphate of iron (ferrous sulphate). This is a small dressing, and it is not advisable to increase it or to mix it with soluble phosphates before applying it to the soil; but it is permissible to mix it with any ground phosphate which is insoluble in water, such as Nauru ground rock, bonedust, or basic slag. The •difficulty of applying such a small dressing as | cwt. is then got over. It is also permissible to spray closely cropped or mown pasture with the iron - sulphate dissolved in water 3| lb. dissolved in 4 gallons of water will be enough for acre of land. Messrs. Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (Auckland), Messrs. Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co., and •others stock this compound.. The first-named firm has a fairly large ■quantity for sale at 13s. per cwt., finely ground. The work of the farm has continued under the immediate control of Mr. Jackson, to whose capable and energetic direction much of the success attending the experiments is due. He has been well supported by Mr. MacMillan, his assistant. Mr. J. Lyons, M.R.C.V.S., District Superintendent at Auckland, exercised supervision over the operations and the farm as a whole. . -

* A very general response having been made to the suggestion that the misleading term “ bush sickness ” should be abandoned in favour of one more in keeping with the known facts, the term iron starvation or iron-hunger will in future be used by the present writer to denote what is locally known as “ bush sickness ” or “ the skinnies.”