AILMENTS IN STOCK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 243, 11 September 1940, Page 8

AILMENTS IN STOCK.

After the Woodvillo Young Farmers’ Club had disposed of routine business on Monday evening, members resolved themselves "into a class to listen to or partialpate in a discussion on the subject or -seasonal troubles in cows and sheep at this particular time of the year. Mr A. Murray, who was chosen as leader, emphasised that he did not speak as an expert. As to the cause of milk fevoi, one speaker cited the Waikato experience, where this was prevalent in 1938, when feed was plentiful, hut not last year. Other experiences pointed to an over-supply ot lucerne. Thu theory ot mineral (calcium) deficiency in the animal was cited by several speakers, as being held by moit farmers as tho cause tor it hud heen found that the ailment was less frequent where there was no shortage of hme. Ihe danger of putting cows near profit on rich pasture was also stressed by several members who had observed these effects. As to treatment, Mr Murray stated that he had found a compound of bone-flour, salts and molasses most successful. Hie boneflour, as with other remedies, contained calcium, and this was in aecoidunce with the widely-held theory of mineral deficiency in the animal. His opinion, however, was that most fatalities occurred not troni' fever, but from pneumonia caused by remedial drench getting into tho now’s lungs. As to prevention, common experience pointed to the avoidance of moving cattle, at a critical stage, from hill or low-grade pastures, to new rich feed. In this connection Mr M. Mitchell and others cited specific inslances of lover undoubtedly being the result of such pasture changes. Close relation of paralysis and milk-fever was Indicated by common experience, and Mr Murray advised the bone-flour and molasses treatment, followed by a stimulating drench. In staggers, similar causes had been noticed; for instance, changing from hay or ensilage to fresh pasture. Oxy-gas treatment was recommended. Bloat was a form of indigestion, and was usually well on the way before observed.- It could be avoided by vigilance, i.e., putting the stock in night paddocks. Mr Murray mentioned various treatments, but said the one he liad found most. successful was a compound of linseed oil. turpentine and ammonia, followed by prepared lime-water, which should always be on hand ready for use. In bad cases, hydrochloric acid treatment would have to be resorted to. Lung-worm (in calves); Most pastures hold this germ, and rain developed it. Calves fell an easy prey to the parasite, whose presence is revealed by the calf coughing. Scours (in calves): Difficulty of treatment, said Mr Murray, was encountered, by the variety of forms of this disorder. The commonest cause was over-rich feed. Even milk should he broken down for a time. It was a digestive trouble, and lie had found the formalin treatment good; also a mixture of raw egg (complete with shell) and nutmeg. Ibis formed • a protective lining for the stomach, the lining of which had been injured. Lambing trouble: Very interestin gand remarkably ingenious treatment advised by Mr M Mitchell was discussed. At the conclusion of the talk, Messrs Murray and Mitchell and others who had conlrt buted were thanked.