The efficiency of a method of cobalt supplementation for ruminants using cobaltic
METHODS
Sheep.Two similar groups, each of twenty-five Southdown ewes, were selected on the basis of age, body-weight and origin. These ewes were grazed on pastures where lambs show signs of Co deficiency annually, but adult sheep are apparently normal (Skerman & Sutherland, 1957). Treatment. One group was selected by the toss of a coin and treated with cobalticoxide pellets (5 g, 90% cobaltic oxide, sp.gr. qo), now commonly known as Co bullets. Each treated ewe received one Co bullet. The ewes were treated on the day that rams were introduced. Known parentage was required for stud purposes so the two rams used were each placed with one group of ewes each in separate paddocks. Rams were withdrawn after 8 weeks and thereafter all ewes were grazed together. During lambing, the farm caretaker kept the ewes under observation from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day and noted the known or estimated time that each ewe lambed. Visits were made each day to identify and weigh lambs and to collect colostrum or milk samples as required.Colostrum and milk samples. A sample of colostrum was taken from each ewe as soon as practicable after parturition, and the known or estimated time after parturition was
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