Copra

Fatten Pigs !

Experiments in Use of Copra

AS the result of an experiment on the use of copra as a piig food carried out by the Hydra. Bacon and Meat Company, Limited, of Auckland (says “N.Z. Herald”, of October 1), the opinion has been formed by the company that it would be of great feeding value if used in rationed quantities. In view of the need for increased pig production to assist Britain, and the present shortage of the usual foods in New Zealand, the experi ment is one of wide interest to pig raisers and feeders.

A small bacon pig fed solely on copra in Fiji under the supervision of the Dir ector of Agriculture, was slaughtered in Fiji, half of it being retained in Suva and the other half being frozen and sent to the company in Auckland to cure. The main object was to determine the effect of copra feeding on the firmness and tex ture of the fat, and contrary to all ideas that it might produce soft or oily fat, the opposite, resulted. The fat was so firm and hard that the company formed its favour able opinion.

Tests also were taken on the eating quality. The ham was boiled and the bacon fried, and in both instances the flavour was good. There was no evidence of the fact that the pig had been fed solely on copra.

New’ Guinea Experiment

The “P.1.M.” learns that a similar ex periment with almost precisely similar re sults has just been carried out by a lead ing firm in New Guinea. Further details may be available later.

The “P.1.M.” asked. “But is it an economic proposition to produce copra, in the ordinary way, and depend on the sale of fattened pigs for a return?”

The answer was: “Yes, provided the wholesale curing of hams and bacon is undertaken in a systematic manner, at a reasonably central place.”

As Sheep Fodder

The use of copra as a food for sheep, in droughts, is being investigated by the Graziers’ Association of New South Wales, at the request of Burns, Philp and Co.

The company stated that favourable re sults attended an experiment recently on Mulga Station, Roto.

Mr. William McCredie, of the staff of the “Fiji Times and Herald”, Suva, visited Sydney in September.