MORTALITY AMONG LAMBS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5045, 29 October 1926, Page 4

MORTALITY AMONG LAMBS

A DIETETIC AFFECTION.

CENTRAL OTAGO MAIN SUFJJBRER.

Dr. C. J. Reakes (Directorjlencral o£ Agriculture), who hju just returned from a visit to Otag<>, made spepial inquiries while there into mortality which was occurring among lambs. With the departmental officers of the district vis,its were .made to farms upon which deaths had occurred, and a great deal of information was obtained.

“The trouble is nothing new,” he states. “It is commnply known as re.nal congestion, a characteristic post mortem feature beng a softened, often quite pulpy, appearance of one cr both kidneys. Its origin is dietetic, and there is nothing infectious about it. Over nutrition is responsible, and it is almost invariably the best grown and the best nourished, single lambs, which die. Twin lambs, having to share the milk of their dams, are rarely affected. The loss of blood resulting from cutting and tailing checks the mortality for a time, but it is liable, after the lapse Of some days, to recur, and many farmers with knowledge of the trouble leave the, tail stump long enough to enable a further portion to be removed, and more blood drawn later. “The losses in Central Otago recently have been larger than is usual in most parts of the Dominion, and the farmers there are naturally much concerned. Their pastures are in better condition than was, the case up to two or three years ago, and this, combined with the naturally rich soil, doubtless accounts for the increased losses they are nokv experiencing. The very cold snap which occurred a week ago reduced the mortality greatly, but with improved weather conditions more cases may be expected. “This trouble has been present in New Zealand for many years past, and its nature has been well understood. But the specially good soil condiitions in Central Otago and the mortality occurring render it well worth.while carrying out a detailed investigation into the exact scientific aspect of the mater. This has been commenced by a specially trained veterinary officer, who is co-operating with the district staff. His work will be supplemented by a close examinatiion of the pastures, chemical analysis of soils, pasture plants, and ewes’ milk, a,nd it is hoped that as a result further knowledge will be obtained which will be Of assistance not only to Central Otago, but to farmers throughout the Dominion, in helping to prevent losses through this dietetic affection.”