The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1901-12-26
Danger in Stalk Fields.

wv PoA U VI LuC MCSl MuCIc |
corn stalks ale used fer the purpose of
stock pasturing are coming reports of
death and trouble from a disease that,
strange to say, is still called "d1y muir
ram" and commonly attributed to the
presence OF smut in the corn. The dis
ease, as we have often said in this de-
partment of the paper and in veterinary
answers, is not dry murrain, neither is
1T, In majority of cases, impaction of
the stomachs or intestines with dry fod-
der, nor is it due to smut, for expert
ments carried out on an extensive plan
have failed to show that cattle when ted |
even very large quantities of smut for
an extended period of time are ipjuri-
ously affected. Despite the fact that
death is surely in the stalks stockmen
year after year continue the foolish and |
dangerous practice of pasturing corn
stalks o" Of making it an exclusive ra-
ton for their cattle. This year there is
more than eyer before tendency and |
excuse for the practice for feed has been
scarce as result of the extended
drought in late summer, but the loss
could be materially lessened if stockmen
would instil little common sense into
the work. There is no need to keep the
cattle or horsesin the stalk fields all the
time. 1t is an easy matter to see that
they come into the yards for hours at a
time ana are there given plenty of salt.
hay or other food and an abundance of
fresh, pure water. Where succulent
foods can be added so much the better
and oilmeal is valuable addition to
any ration of a dry and coarse character.
Psychologists tell us as result of care
full experimentation that there is fun.
gus spore upon the leaves and leaf
stalks of corn stalks and that they come
there after the stalks are dead and the
corn is ripened. They have not been
found or at least have never been found
to do harm where the corn has been cut
when the ears are in the milk and
shocked, and the practice of shocking
corn should now be generally followed
since perfect machines have made it an
easy and speedy task to cut and bind
the stalks while shredders and balers
make it possible to send this food about
the country in handy shape for use
where food is scarce. We are of the
opinion that cattle can be safely put
into the corn stalk fields for some hours
daily so long as they are we'll fed upon
other foods at the same time. The toxic
poisoning of 'corn stalk disease" seems
to be effective only when cattle or horses
get nothing but stalks to eat; it should,
therefore, be an easy matter to combine
other foods with the stalks if it is neces-
sary to use the stalk fields for pasture.
Horses at least should be kept out OF
the stalk fields altogether. 1t Is no
place for them at any time in our opin-
ion. Horses haye small stomach and
require, or ought to have, small quanti-
ties of nutritious food at frequent inter-
walls. Where an animal is noticed to be
coming down with corn stalk disease, if
taken in time, copious bleeding may be
resorted to with some promise of benefit.
Bleeding would only be indicated in the
very first stages Of the disease and
should be Immediately followed with
stimulants and nux vomica. 1t is usual
to give physic, but the action of this
is more apt to be dangerous than ef1ec.
tive. We think at least that we haye
noticed further absorption of toxic mat
tiers follow the administra ton OF a
drench of epson salts than would
otherwise have been the case and it is
therefore best to use an oil drench
which is soothing and more mechanical
in it's action upon the bowels. For the
purpose indicated quart or two of raw
linseed oil will prove effective and safe.
Unless there is some impaction or over
loading of the stomachs with food there