SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
Tempering Droughts : Fodder for Lambing Ewes 
and Lambs. 
A letter, dated Ist October, 1918, was received from the Secretary of the 
Graziers’ Association of New South Wales, stating that the Council of the 
Association had expressed a wish that the Institute of Science and Industry 
would undertake research in stock diseases, particularly the stock disease which 
is causing heavy losses in the southern parts of New South Wales. The Secretary 
of the Association forwarded an extract of a letter from a member of the Associa- 
tion, urging that the Federal Goyernment should undertake an investigation into 
the question of finding a fodder which will take the place of green feed for lambing 
ewes. The writer of the letter pointed out— 
(a) That, owing to dry spells during lambing time, the average lambing 
from ewes put once to the ram for the year is very low, about 50 per 
cent. If the lambings can be increased to, say, 80 per cent., there 
would be a large increase in the number of sheep, in the wool clip, 
and in the quantity of meat available. 
(b) Grown sheep can be saved during droughts, there being suitable fodders 
available. 
(c) There is nothing at present available that will save young lambs 
except green food. 
(d) The fodder required must be one which will make milk in ewes, and 
at same time be easily digested by lambs. 
(e) He suggests that a suitable fodder-cake should be devised. 
The Council of the Association hoped that the Institute of Science and 
Industry would make investigations into the matter in view of its great 
importance. : 
As a preliminary step; letters asking for their views on the matter and for 
information as to the lines on which experiments might be conducted were sent 
to the following:—Professors Watt, D. Stewart, and Paterson, and Mr. A. E. 
Richardson. 
The replies received are summarized as follows:— 
Professors Watt and D. Stewart sent a joint rely, stating— = 
(a) That the investigation might quite well be carried out by the State 
Departments of Agriculture, which have all facilities available. 
(b) The New South Wales Department of Agriculture has already carried 
out experiments with regard to supplementing the silage rations for 
ewes and lambs. (Particulars of these experiments have since been 
obtained from the Department, and are referred to below.) 
(c) The main difference between the requirements of mature stock and 
lambs or milking ewes is that for the latter a succulent food is 
required, and the most promising basis of a suitable drought ration 
for them is properly prepared silage. 
Professor Paterson pointed out— 
(a) That ewes with lambs want a less heating ration than mature stock; 
_ one that is more digestible and more nitrogenous in amide nitrogen. 
(6) The desired qualities are found in immature forage, roots, silage, and 
brewery by-products. Roots, mangels, and turnips are excellent, but 
too costly. Silage, judging from its utility in dairies, should give 
milk to ewes, but may possibly hurt young lambs, if allowed to eat it, 
owing to high acid contents and various decomposition products. 
The best stand-by would be lucerne or wheaten hay cut at an immature 
stage, fed chaffed in troughs in a dry condition, or moistened with 
water and treacle. Lucerne meal ground and pressed into cakes does 
not seem to offer any special advantage to justify its high cost. 
(c) Professor Paterson outlines a scheme of experimental work. A number 
of l-acre plots could be fenced off with netting on a bare paddock, and 
20 ewes with lambs placed in each. Provide water and 14 to 2 lbs. 
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