HAND-FEEDING STOCK.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20260, 31 July 1937, Page 26 (Supplement)

HAND-FEEDING STOCK.

CATTLE LICKS FOR WINTER. Present indications suggest that this winter will be a difficult one for dairy farmers in many parts of Australia, and some form of hand-feeding of stock will be necessary, says The Australasian. Under such conditions better results will be obtained by feeding small quantities of concentrated foods rather than by feeding large quantities of bulky fodders. Stook licks containing mineral supplements are necessary in many districts throughout the year, and should, therefore he continued during the winter. However, mineral licks, plus any grazing available, will not be sufficient to maintain stock in reasonable condition, owing to the fact that the protein present in such a combination is not sufficient for the requirements of the animal. The provision of a protein concentrate is essential if condition is to be maintained. The actual form in which the concentrates should be fed will be largely a matter ol convenience. Most farmers are acquainted with the commercial protein concentrates, e.g., linseed meal, cotton seed meal, coco-nut oil cake, bloodmeal, and the various nut cakes commonly used for drought feeding of sheep.

It is almost certain that the majority of deaths amongst stock during the winter months can be avoided by making sure that the animals are not suffering from a deficiency (almost total absence in many cases) of protein in the food available. All farmers are, therefore, urged to make provision against this shortage and provide protein in the form of any of the well-known protein-rich foods mentioned, selecting the particular one that bests suits, both his convenience and economic requirements.