asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if, in view of the alarming increase in the number of cows that have failed to prove in-calf during the past few years in County Leitrim and adjoining counties of Cavan and Sligo, his Department will take steps to have this matter investigated by experts, with a view to suggesting a remedy; and whether he will consider in the meantime the advisability of affording facilities to increase the number of bulls in these areas for this season.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - STERILITY IN CATTLE.
A recent investigation by a veterinary officer of the Department in Counties Leitrim and Cavan in regard to the causes of sterility amongst dairy cows in those counties showed that this was due in most cases to contagious abortion or contagious vaginitis. A similar investigation carried out previously in Co. Sligo revealed the existence in that county of similar conditions. Owners of stock were advised as to the preventive and remedial measures which should be adopted, and the local officers of the county committees of agriculture and of the Department were instructed in regard to the advice to be given to farmers in the matter. The Department have also issued a special leaflet on contagious abortion, which has been widely distributed.
In regard to the concluding portion of the question, the number of bulls of premium standard located by the county committees in these three counties under the Department's special scheme has increased from 109 in the year 1925 to 278 in the year 1927, and it is hoped to make a further substantial increase in the 1928 season.