For Pigs

Copra As Food

Economic Factor Much in Doubt

PUBLIC interest in the subject of using copra or undried coconuts as fodder for stock seems to be growing. The “PIM” is being asked constantly for information, but we can supply only the results of discussions in Fiji, New Guinea, etc. (See article on page 23 of this issue.) An important contribution was made to the “Fiji Times” of November 11, by Mr. N. S. Chalmers, who conducts his Waidranu Plantation and farm on mod ern lines. He says he raised good cattle: but there is no market for them, so about 150 head a year were killed, and converted into meat meal for pigs. As for pigs: Mr. Chalmers introduced the best strains obtainable in New Zealand, and conducted the pig farm in scientific fashion: a liberal proportion of copra screenings was introduced into their food: but, although costs were kept low, there was no profitable market for first class pigs., and pig-raising was being abandoned. Mr. Chalmers concludes:— “I am one of those who believe that copra districts will never be able to pro duce pigs of that high quality demanded by overseas markets unless the producer is prepared to feed them on rations which must make production unprofitable.

Owing to there being no winter in this country we are unable to produce those root crops which can be produced so cheaply in other countries and which form such an important part of the pig ration. Figures compiled by the New Zealand Pig Recording Association tend to show that pig raising becomes un profitable when the supply of skimmed milk is insufficient to feed the pigs on hand. It is then that the farmer invari ably quite his surplus.”

Not Fed On Copra Only

IT was reported recently that a small bacon pig fed solely on copra in Fiji under the supervision of the

Director of Agriculture was slaughtered in Fiji, half of it being retained in Suva and the other half being frozen and sent to Hydra Bacon & Meat Co., in Auckland, to cure. It was of most excel lent quality. It was said that this test had demonstrated the value of copra as a pig food, if used in rationed quantities.

The Director of Agriculture in Fiji, however, reports that the pig (which was of Large White type, medium size) was not fed solely on copra. It was bred by Mr. A. McKenzie, of Rewa, Fiji, a dairy man, and it is believed that a large part of the animal’s diet was milk, or milk products.

Tests Suggested

Letter to the Editor IN a recent issue of “PIM” I noticed that experiments had been carried out in the use of copra for fattening pigs. The article suggested that much copra could be used for this purpose, but the inference seemed to be that this should be done on the plantation.

As the export of pig products (bacon, hams, etc.) is the second string in the economy of the dairying districts of this State, I suggest that endeavours be made with the Department of Agricul ture in Sydney to arrange for the feed

ing of experimental litters at one or other of the State agricultural farms or col leges. It may be possible of demonstra tion that copra, used as a supplemen tary ration in varying proportions, may be more economical than complete farm feeding.

I am, etc.,

Casino, NSW.

J. Bryan.