SALT AS A STOCK FOOD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3310, 31 August 1911, Page 2

SALT AS A STOCK FOOD.

VIEWS OF AN EXPERT

Referring to tlie vaiue of salt as a stock food, Mr. B. C. Aston, F.1.C., F.C.S., of the Agricultural Department, says that, possibly owing to the fact that New Zealand for the greater part is swept by salt sea winds it has been found unnecessary in many parts to give animals a salt lick. Animals would, however, says Mr. Aston, do better with more salt than is supplied in the natural pasture, especially in the inland situations which are shielded from the sea winds by ranges of mountains. Animals fed on mangolds, which contain more sodium than potassium, need no salt lick, but the reverse is the case with animals fed on turnips, which contain much more potassium than sodium. An excess of salt, however, is very injurious to pigs, and it is best not to give them any exoept that existing naturally in tlieir food. Speaking generally, Mr. Aston says a plentiful supply of common salt (sodium-chloride) is a- necessary ingredient in the food ration of all ruminating animals if it is desired to maintain them in tlieir best condition, and if the salt is not present in sufficient quantity in the natural food, it must be supplied as a lick in the form of rock or coarse salt.