RESEARCH WORK

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1931, Page 2

RESEARCH WORK

LINCOLN COLLEGE ACTIVITIES.

SHEEP, PASTURES, AND WHEAT

CHRISTCHURCH, June 10

Research being carried out at the Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, in the course of the past year is summarised in a report presented at yesterday’s meeting of the Board by the director, Professor R. E. Alexand.

“Wheat-breeding is now under the control of the Wheat Research Institute who are occupying 25 acres permanently and have erected a large barn for “storage purposes,’ states the report. “The feature of the work last year was the introduction of varieties from all over the world and intensive trials of cresses between these and New Zealand varieties, as well as extensive trials of new varieties possibly suited to New Zealand conditionss. The College still keeps up multiplication o. pure lines and supplying seed to growers.

“Several varieties and crosses of oats are under trial. 8.49 the new Algerian oat distributed last year, has proved superior to A. 86, and was grown on a large scale at the College for seed distribution. • PASTURE PLANTS, With regard to cocksfoot, perennial ryegrass, an dred clover, the area under selected plants, and intnsive trials is about, three acres. Sufficient seed from our first cocksfoot selection will be available this year to sow a block of 8 to 10 acres for multiplication; it is hoped to plant out an area of perennial next year. Replicate trials of grass sees obtained from various sources have been laid down to test their permanence. The trial plots of cocksfoot and ryegrass at centres all over, the South Island are,still being carried on as indicated last year. There are, some 3000 under observation. PIG-FEEDING TRIALS. “Frther trials on . meat meal' whey paste, and whey, have been carried out on some 300 pigs. In; addition to comparison of foods, comparisons are also being made in regard; to breeds and crosses with a view-' to determining which breed or cross [utilises food most economical]}', and wliich is most suitable for bacon or pork. The Board regret that they have , been compelled t~cease exporting pigs owing to lack of finance. The information obtained in regard to typo best weight and finish of carcase fer pork has been most valuable, and will be mrt’st useful in helping to frame a guide as to the roOist suitable pig for eSpftrt, "The Board also regrets that owing to the withdrawal of the grant, the College has had to oease its pig recording activities. Here again most useful information was being obtained and the cessation of work is regrettable in that our progress depends on production, and any investigation tending to show what relation breedings bears to production, is invaluable. The Board feels that in the future, more and more attention _ will be concentrated on breeding for production, and they hope to utilise the College flocks, and herds for this purpose. “Further trials on the new synthetic measures were,carried out.on cereals and the narrow strip replicated grass plots were extended to include other manures and applications at different seasons. The cumulative results from these trials will provide us with most valuable information.

WORK WITH SHEEP. “Sheep grazing trials on the small manuriai experimental plots in Paddock 21, ■ have been advanced and will be retained until it is possible to make a definite pronouncement. Botanical and chemical analyses of the herbage are made regularly. “The experiments on the utilisation of pasture with sheep under the controlled or intensive grazing system has been extended to an area of 33 acres. The results and improvement of the pastures are satisfactory and proof is being afforded that it is possible to increase returns by adopting this system on a sheep farm. The sheep utilised in these trials, 150 breeding ewes, are wintered on the area with surplus grasses, stored for the purpose to demonstrate the possibility of ■ wintering ewes satisfactorily with stores. Further, these sheep are used to test a balanced ration as against an unbalanced ration on wool and lamb production, which tests are used to measure the efficiency and economy of intensive winter feeding. “Co-operative trials in the winter feefling of sheep and cows with concentrated foods ,providing a balanced ration were carried out by a large num her of farmers last winter, with satisfactory results. It is also gratifying to find that very great interest has been taken hv.stock-owners in mineral licks. Prescriptions suppled by the College have been tried all over Canterbury with satisfactory results. EFFECT OF lODINE. “The investigation into the effect- of iodine on production in sheep is still being tested, A report of the first year’s work has been issued .It is interesting in that up to the present, no 4®denee has been ohtaine dtha tiodine possesses any dietetic value.

“Our Veterinary Division has been engaged in investigating some of the common diseases of sheep. One disease in particular, ‘Dopiness in Ewes* was thoroughly investigated, and our officer was able to point to a means of treatment, and was further able to come to denfiite conclusions as to the cause, and to issue directions, which, if carried out, would.ensure that the trouble could be Lugly avoided.’-’