10 May, 1918."] Government Qertificatinn of Stallions. 



;77 



For the coining season tlie same conditions will apply, but, no doubt, 

 when the members of the Veterinary Staff return from military service, 

 the system will be extended to embrace all niares. 



Thirty-three mares were submitted to Government inspectioii during 

 the season, and six, or 18.1 per cent., were rejected for unsoundness — five 

 on account of sidebone, and one for ringbone. 



Examinations and Rejections. 



The percentage of stallions rejected for unsoundness shows a falling 

 off on previous years, being the lowest on record, viz., 8.02, as against 

 11.25 per cent, last year, while 27 per cent, were rejected as being below 

 standard, as against 30.9 last year. As in previous years, sidebone is 

 still the main reason for rejection under the first heading, 9.92 per cent, 

 being rejected for this unsoundness, as against 11.7 and 16.32 during 

 1916-17 and 1915-16 respectively. This is as was to be expected, and it 

 is pleasing to find expectations being realized. 



Ringbone was found in 1.65 per cent, draught horses, none being 

 found in any other breed. This is a reduction from 3.72 per cent, last 

 year. With the fluctuation in the total number examined, there is bound 

 to be some swaying backwards and forwards of the percentage rejected, 

 but the general downward trend is an indication that the Avork, so far as 

 it goes, is having a beneficial effect. 



The following table gives the details of the examinations for all 

 horses : — 



