Pathological investigations

Abstract

During the year under review attention was again concentrated on the young stock rather than adults, because it had become only too clear that the mortality rate in ducklings was much too high. Lack of space at the New Grounds means a temporary overcrowding of the rearing quarters: this, although highly undesirable, must be regarded as inevitable. In previous reports mention has been made of the heavy losses that have occurred due to infestation with the stomach worm, Acuaria. As a result of this, radical alterations were made to the water supplies to the pens designed to ensure a supply of pure water direct from a well in preference to the previous system where surface water from a stream was used. This system appears to prove effective. Some losses have occurred from Acuaria but this in the main is attributable to the temporary breakdown of the pure water supply with the resultant necessity to fall back on the old source. The virtual eradication of Acuaria did not, during the season under review, produce the hoped for effect. Losses continued to occur in many species. Whilst this might be attributed to conditions inherent in the rearing system it is felt likely that there may be a more fundamental cause, namely a dietetic one. Little is known of the fundamental nutritional requirements of the majority of the species reared at the New Grounds. If only this information can be obtained it is the writer's personal opinion that a major handicap to successful rearing under artificial conditions will be removed.