HEAVY LOSS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1929, Page 3

HEAVY LOSS

DISEASE IN DAIRY HERDS Axx'EAL TO MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE. PALMERSTON N., Feb. 28. A statement that half of the cows in the Moutoa district were suffering from the disorder know has viginitis, which causes temporary sterility, was made at to-day’s meeting of the Dairy Farmers’ Union executive, it was emphasised that the trouble was very seri oils from the point of view of production. It was pointed out that the Moutoa district was not the only one affected, and that the disease was playing havoc all over the Dominion. The Kangiotu branch wrote asking if any further information was available respecting tbe disease, which bad gone through the district, affecting hundreds of cows, perhaps thousands. It was feared that the disease would mean a decrease in production by inent had been tried without success. At a recent Himitangi sale three empty cows were sold, which two years ago had produced 5981 b 4241 b, and 400 lb of butter-fat-. Each of those cows produced heifer calves. Their yearly aggregate return, with butter-fat at Is 6d per 11), would be £llO Bs. Such cows should never have to be sold as stores. The branch suggested that the matter be brought before the Department again as the most serious problem confronting the dairying industry to-day.

Speaking to the question, Mr F. J. Legg stated that two suggestions bad been made. The first was that Massey College should buy the cows and try them out. ihe second suggestion was that a scientist should be specially employed, even if it cost £IO,OOO One man be knew of Had bad a setback that would take him ten years to recover from.

Mr P. J. Small suggested that a copy of the letter he sent to the Minister for Agriculture in order to bring before the Deptment as often as possible the necessity of decreasing the mortality of cows from, the disease. Mr W. H. Gimblett stated that without exaggeration half of the herds

o fthe Moutoa district were affected by the trouble. He thought the Department should send an officer there to conduct an investigation. Mr Small’s suggestion was adopted.