STOCK LICKS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 52, 11 July 1947, Page 6

STOCK LICKS

OPPOSITION TO USE CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT One of the biggest features to be recorded in the farming history of New Zealand for 1947 was the publication of a paper opposing the use of stock licks. This paper by Dr. I. J. Cunningham, of Wallaceville Laboratories, was read before the New Veterinary Association. It was a very convincing statement on a most controversial subject, writes H.A.S. in the Dominion.

Just how convincing I became aware recently when I realised that for the first time in long years I had not provided any lick to cattle in my care.

It was anticipated that a considerable discussion would be raised at the gathering of sheepfarmers at Massey Agricultural College when Dr. Cunningham addressed his audience on stock licks. And this proved to be so. Furthermore, the question and answers were not confined to sheep matters, but would have been of equal interest to those concerned with dairying. Here are some of the observations noted.

Speaking of soil analysis, in answer to a general question on its worth, Dr. Cunningham advised that this had but limited value, was certainly not final and that which was really needed was analysis of the pasture. That does appeal to one’s common sense, for after all plant life has wonderful capacity to transform the mineral elements of the soil into feed for our stock.

About the only case for lick was its use as a remedy for iodine deficiency. A difficulty here, however, was that, iodine had a tendency to “rust.” To preserve its value, experiments were being made with a form of soap covering for licks containing iodine. Very definitely, block licks were condemned and loose lick was preferred for reasons well given. Rock salt was not a satisfactory provider of iodine for its content was too low and variable.

The question was raised about whether bone-chewing evidenced a need for licks. While this was viewed as possible evidence of deficiency, it was held to be more often due to depraved appetite, resulting largely from chancey habit. Incidentally, one of the audience was able to bear out this idea from an observation he had made of a cattle beast. The term “trace elements,” so often heard nowadays is really a very apt one, as this illustration will bear out. A sheep will be kept well provided for its cobalt needs by just one thirty-thousandth of an ounce daily. That means one ounce would last a sheep for a lifetime of eight or nine years.

An assurance was given that animals can absorb minerals direct—without the necessity of these having to go through a plant and be transformed. This is a point of interest, covering the whole principle of medicine.

A sound question was whether lick might not aid the digestion of animals wintered hard, as on danthonia and brown-top roughage—salt and molasses was suggested. Dr. Cunningham’s personal view was that no benefit would be gained—but he was not dogmatic on the point.

Discussion then wandered away from licks to other matters of animal science. It was asked.,.whether there was any vaccine for foot-rot in sheep- or any research into this ailment. It was advised that Australia had two men fully engaged on such work and, as there was a free interchange of information between the two countries, it was not felt needful for us to do similar work. This appeals as a sensible cooperation spirit.

It was also asked whether there was any research on rabbit destruction, of the means to attack this pest. It was learnt that one officer of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research was now engaged in a study of rabbits for that purpose—a preliminary survey, as it were.