May 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.JF. 425 



xVs regards mean temperature at the above places during the month, India, 

 Perth, and Adelaide were below, and Hydneyand Melbourne above normal — 

 the greatest dej^artures having occurred at Perth and Adelaide with 2-4 and 

 2 '7 degrees, I'espectively, below the average. 



Adelaide was the only city which had both elements (pressure and tem- 

 perature) in defect, and, of the whole five shown in the table, was the only 

 place reporting wet conditions throughout the State. 



After-birth in Cows. 



JAS. D. STEWART, M.R.C.V.S., 



Chief Inspector of Stock. 



In my opinion sufficient attention is not given by dairymen to the " cleaning " 

 of their cows after calving, and the retention of portions of the placenta, or 

 after-birth, is a frequent cause of sterility and abortion in these animals. 



Naturally^ the " after-birth " comes away cleanly of its own accord. 

 Occasionally it is retained for over twelve (12) hours, and in these latter 

 cases it is necessary to adopt treatment. Often the administration of a 

 drench containing the following brings about the desired result : — One ounce 

 ammonia carbonate, twelve ounces sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts), two 

 ounces common table salt, and one ounce of powdered ginger. Dissolve these 

 in two pints of warm water or ale, and add a cupful! of treacle. When 

 thoroughly mixed the drench is given by the mouth with usual care. 



If the " after-birth " remains intact after the drench has operated it is 

 necessary to render assistance by passing the hand and arm, lubricated with 

 carbf)lised vaseline, into the womb, and exercising gradual traction. 



If the whole of the membranes have not been completely removed, and the 

 discharge becomes foetid in character, the womb should be irrigated in a 

 manner similar to that practised in cases of contagious abortion. To do this 

 all that is required is about one and a half yards of rubber tubing, 1 inch 

 in diameter, and fairly stout ; a glass funnel (bottle with bottom knocked 

 out will answer), and a supply of corrosive sublimate in tabloid form. The 

 funnel is attached to one end of the tubing, and the other end, after being 

 lubricated, is gently passed by means of the hand into the mouth of the womb. 

 The corrosive sublimate is dissolved in water in the proportion of one part tO' 

 3,000 parts, and then poured into the funnel which is held higher than the; 

 animal, so that the fluid passes into the womb. When the womb has been 

 irrigated with a sufficient quantity, usually about a quart, the animal ejects 

 the fluid, and frequently portions of the retained membranes will come away 

 at the same time. 



This treatment should be repeated daily until the discharge assumes its 

 natural appearance or ceases. The buttocks and tail should also be washed 

 down with the corrosive sublimate solution, which is a reliable germicide. 



