The Rural Voice, 1978-09, Page 32OMAF
Tabs offer
vets back up
Getting help in diagnosing livestock or
poultry disease is as easy for the farmer
and his local veterinarian as making a
telephone call.
There are six Veterinary Services
laboratories operated by the Ontario
Mnistry of Agriculture and Food.
"The main purpose of these laboratories
is to provide backup diagnostic services to
veterinarians in the field and the farmers
they serve." says Dr. D.E. Galt. head of
the Brighton laboratory.
A farmer should contact a nearby
laboratory only after consulting his
veterinarian. When more technical in-
formation is needed, veterinarians use the
laboratory as a reference service. Dr. Galt
offers some tips on using the services.
"Either farmers -or veterinarians can call
the laboratory to explain the disease
problem and its history. The staff can then
advise how many carcasses or samples to
send," he says.
When an animal dies. tissue destruction
begins. so it is important for the farmer to
transport the carcass quickly to the
laboratory.
"If the carcass cannot be delivered
immediately, sprinkle thoroughly with cool
water from a garden hose," advises Dr.
Galt.
Post-mortem diagnosis often depends
on a record of symptoms, environment and
diet. This information may be critical for
early recognition of the disease in other
animals.
When contagious diseases are
identified. the farmer's veterinarian is
telephoned immediately. He advises the
farmer on the best remedy.
In less serious cases, the farmer and his
veterinarian receive a written report. If the
farmer has questions after the veterinarian
interprets the findings, he should contact
the laboratory.
"Many other diagnostic procedures are
carried out here. For example, parasites.
bacteria and fungus are identified.
Technologists examine thin tissue slices
under the microscope for abnormalities.
Tests on poisons. urine and blood are also
available." he says.
The central laboratory in Guelph is a
backup with specialists in all areas. Fee
schedules for all diagnostic procedures are
available from laboratories in Brighton,
Guelph, Huron Park. Kemptville, New
Liskeard and Ridgetown.
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PG.32 THE RURAL VOICE/SEPTEMBER 1978
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Supplements
may be needed
Dry hot weather has resulted in poor
pastures in many parts of Ontario, and
farmers are urged to use feed supplements
to maintain animal health.
Many types of feed supplements are
available to improve the nutritional value
of pasture, say Dennis McKnight, lecturer
at Kemptville College of Agricultural
Technology.
To be effective, the supplement should
provide the nutrients missing in the forage,
and be convenient to feed.
Locally produced hay, alfalfa pellets or
cubes (with or without fortification),
protein blocks, liquid protein supplements,
grain supplements or self-feedingsalt-feed
mixtures can effectively supplement poor
pastures.
Hay is a good pasture supplement.
Feeding 5 pound of dry hay daily will help
prevent pasture scours and bloat problems.
However, when no grain supplement is
fed. a 1:1 mixture of calcium phosphate
and trace -mineralized salt should be
offered free choice with the hay, since
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