CORNER CLARKE S CORNER. The Team at Clarkes Seed and Feed Ltd

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1 CLARKES SEED AND FEED QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER CORNER CLARKE S CORNER Published: May WELCOME! Hello and welcome to our second edition of Clarkes Seed and Feed s quarterly newsletter Clarke s Corner. In this issue we will be providing a variety of information from Winter feeding to current specials we have instore. As the colder months are fast approaching, it is vital for the health and wellbeing of your animals that they are given the correct nutrition to keep them in top condition. As for us here in store, we have been flat out selling duck tucker, Autumn Dairy Feed, finishing up our Mobile Seed Cleaning run and starting to organise for the upcoming Spring requirements. We hope you enjoy reading our second issue and we look forward to hearing your feedback! The Team at Clarkes Seed and Feed Ltd ISSUE 002 Winter 2017 IN THIS ISSUE... Dairy Feed Indications Harvest Feeding Your Chickens Alpaca Nutrition Topflite Wild Bird Products DID YOU KNOW? We are on Facebook! Find us by searching Clarkes Seed and Feed Like our page and keep an eye out for promotions and competitions!

2 DAIRY FEEDS With supply of feed grain being tighter than usual, now is the time to give us your best indication of volumes that you will require for this coming Spring through to February 2018 (next harvest). This will enable us to make decisions with local growers to secure the best possible pricing and help mitigate a possible Spring feed price spike. You can contact Garry at the office on or, alternatively contact our Feed Representative - Brian McDonagh on HARVEST At the time of writing this segment, the majority of the Southland harvest has been completed with a few late crops still waiting on some favourable North-Westerly winds to get them dry enough for storage. Wheat yields have been above average this year, but barley crops have struggled with the unseasonable growing weather and have been average at best. Our Mobile Seed Cleaning Autumn run has also almost finished, at the time of writing, after seeing a substantial increase in seed processed for sowing throughout the region. Taylor s Hydrated Lime A natural, fast-acting disinfectant for New Zealand farming Reduced odours Reduced bacterial growth and provides germicidal protection Aids in keeping pens dry Aids in preventing scours and pneumonia Improves overall hygiene of pens Application is simple! Simply sprinkle, by hand or applicator, at approximately 300 g per m2 then add bedding material over the top. Hydrated Lime can be applied weekly after soiled bedding has been removed. Protective gear - gloves, face mask, eyewear and full length clothing, should be worn when handling this product as it is highly alkaline. No surface preparation needed Available in 20 kg bags ex Clarkes

3 As with any animal, feeding a complete and balanced diet is essential for growing and maintaining healthy, happy birds that produce top quality eggs. Laying hens in particular should be fed a highly nutritious feed that contains the correct amount of vitamins and minerals that aid in egg production. One of the most essential minerals needed by laying hens for egg production is calcium. Calcium carbonate makes up about 97% of the entre egg, so a diet that does not contain the correct amount of calcium may result in numerous egg abnormalities and/or ill health for the chicken. Some signs your chicken may be deficient in calcium are: Eggs without a shell Thin or translucent shells Soft shells These symptoms could also be related to other health abnormalities such as a bacterial infection or disease, or the hen could just simply be starting or ending her laying cycle. Calcium needs to be fed in balance with two other essential ingredients - phosphorus and vitamin D. Without a proper balance, the chicken will struggle to maintain health and may not benefit from any supplemented calcium which, in turn may cause her to go off the lay and suffer from health issues related to calcium deficiency. Problems can also arise if there is an excessive amount of calcium in the chicken s diet, which can include: Chalky deposits on egg shells Lumps or abnormal growths on the egg FEEDING YOUR CHICKENS Increased thirst Sticky or wet droppings and soiled feathers around the vent A correct mineral balance is easy to regulate with correct nutrition. Feeding a highly nutritious hen food alongside a calcium supplement, such as Oyster Shell Grit, will provide your hens with the correct nutrition for optimum health and egg production. Helpful Hints As the summer daylight hours fade, you may notice your chickens coming off the lay. This is completely normal and natural behaviour caused by a hormonal change. Chickens require around 14 hours of sunlight per day, this can be either artificial or natural. Feeding Oyster Grit to your chickens will help aid with digestion of grains and is a great source of calcium. Oyster Grit should be made available for chickens to consume at their own leisure and should, ideally, not be mixed in with their daily feed source to avoid excess calcium intake. Oyster Grit (Mixed Grade) Locally Grown Grain Here at Clarkes we have a range of feeds for all your poultry needs! Poultry Pellets 25 kgs Chick and Layer Mash 25 kgs Feed Wheat 25 kgs 10 kgs - $ kgs - $20.00 Maize 25 kgs Feed Peas 25 kgs Animal Bi-Product Free! office@clarkes.net.nz 55 Annan Street West, Invercargill

4 NUTRITION FOR ALPACAS The alpaca has a very unique digestive system. Unlike the classic ruminant that has four stomachs, alpacas do not have an omasum (the third stomach) and are classed as pseudo-ruminants that belong to the camelid family. As they are classed as camelids, alpacas can do surprisingly well on poorer quality pasture, making them great rough paddock grazers. They are naturally very effective at converting feed into an energy source when compared with other ruminants. Vitamin D is an essential part of an alpaca s diet and should always be included in their daily feed. Alpaca originate from South America and are naturally accustomed to hot weather and plenty of Vitamin D-rich sunlight. Even after years of evolution across many countries over the world, deficiencies are very common, especially in young cria (baby alpaca) and pregnant or lactating females. It is more common to see problems arise from a Vitamin D deficiency in the colder winter months where there is limited sunlight throughout the day. Low levels of Vitamin D will cause the natural calcium phosphate levels of the alpaca to become abnormal, causing bone growth and development issues (Rickets) in young, growing cria. Adult alpaca may suffer from demineralisation of the bone structure (Osteomalacia) without a proper mineral balance. Supplementation of Vitamin D into the alpaca s diet is the easiest method of maintaining correct mineral balances. Here at Clarkes we recommend feeding a pelletised feed, alongside roughage and pasture, such as Clarkes Sheep Nuts (contains Vitamin D) or Clarkes Multi Feed Nut - both available in 25 kg bags. Vitamin D is also available in an injectable form and can be purchased from your local vet clinic. Please note - your vet should be contacted immediately if your alpaca are showing signs of any serious health abnormalities. Clarkes Sheep Nuts 25 kgs $23.50 Clarkes High Protein Sheep Nuts Did You Know? Contrary to popular belief, you actually should not feed ducks bread! Bread is considered as junk food for ducks and is very high in calories. Bread does not contain any of the vitamins and minerals that a duck needs on a daily basis and prolonged feeding can lead to malnourishment and dietary deficiencies. (seasonal) 25 kgs $27.00 Also available in bulk Clarkes Multi Feed Nuts 25 kgs $23.00 (prices may vary on seasonal availability)

5 YOUR BACKYARD BUDDIES Feeding for Winter We are immensely lucky to have an extensive range of wild birds right on our doorstep here in New Zealand. From native favourites - Tui, Waxeyes and Fantails to the more common Blackbird and Sparrow, there are lots of different species that make your garden their home. During the colder months of the year, wild birds have to work harder to find a food source to keep their energy levels up. When food is scarce you can help your local backyard birds through Winter by supplying them with a nutrient and energy rich food supply - such as the Topflite Wild Bird range. Topflite have created a range of Wild Bird Energy feeds that are an immediate source of energy and essential nutrients that are essential for survival through Winter. We have a range of Energy Food, seed, nectar and feeders to choose from here instore the hardest part is choosing which one! ALSO AVAILABLE INSTORE AT CLARKES Rabbit & Guinea Pig Food Ornamental Bird Feed (Budgie, Cockatiel, Canary etc) Sunflower Seed Millet Sprays plus much more!