THE FEEDING OF FARM STOCK. 



801 



Various Foodstuffs. 

 Swiib Feedinj. —The varieties of native scrub and trees available for 

 feeding stock in drought depend on the districts affected. Probably the best 

 known are kurrajong, wilga, mulga, myall and willow; others not so palatable, 

 but extensively used ate apple, box, rosewood, boree, pine. &c. Certain 

 drought-resistant plants, such as saltbush, &c, are not included in this 

 category, since they are the natural sheep food of the western districts. 

 It is a matter of regret, as some stockowners are beginning to realise, that 

 these natural fodders should have been so ruthlessly cut out. Even when 

 being cut for sheep it is noticed that in some cases, instead of being lopped. 

 the trees are felled, thus destroying their future usefulness, not only as 

 food but as shade and shelter. 



An old Kurrajong tree before lopping. 



It must be borne in mind that these are only emergency fodders. They 

 ■do not provide a balanced ration, and while alone they may keep up the 

 health of stock for a limited period, eventually condition will be lost and 

 signs of digestive disturbance be noted. In any case they are entirely 

 •unsuited to lambing ewes. Their value is much increased by — 



(a The addition of small amounts of grain daily, say, 4 to 8 oz. per sheep. 

 (b) The addition of salt, Epsom salts, and molasses in the form of a lick. 

 This acts as a corrective, and lessens the liability to impaction of 

 the digestive organs. The proportions might be 1 part Epsom 

 salts, 3 parts Liverpool salt, 4 parts molasses. The amount of Epsom 

 salts might be increased if deemed necessary. Sulphate of iron, 

 although it is recommended as a good tonic in normal seasons, 

 should not be used, as it is an astringent, and increases the liability 

 to constipation. 



.-■4797 — -1 C 



