LIVESTOCK REPORT
Issues to be aware of...
|
|
|
Grass tetany
Not unexpectedly, we’ve started to see cases of hypomagnesaemia (‘grass tetany’) in cows in our region.
While it’s older cows in peak lactation that are most susceptible, other classes of stock can still be affected, particularly if other risk factors are present (e.g. short green pasture, cloudy weather, mustering/transport).
Due to the very rapid progression of disease (leading to death in many cases), grass tetany can be very difficult to respond to and manage, but there are some strategies to reduce the risk.
If possible, avoid grazing lactating cows on very short, green pasture. For stock grazing tetany-prone pastures or cereal crops, a loose lick containing magnesium oxide (‘Causmag’®), salt, and lime should be available at all times. Intake of magnesium can be increased by spreading Causmag on hay or mixing it through grain – this strategy can be used during higher risk periods.
|
|
|
|
|
The mineral composition of lush green pastures can increase the risk of grass tetany
|
|
Bacterial infections
While many of the disease we’re seeing at the moment are related to broad management factors such as grazing practices, nutrition, and parasite control, we’ve also seen (and received reports of) lots of more sporadic infectious diseases. These issues – which have included meningitis, arthritis, ‘woody tongue’, foot abscess, and pneumonia – can sometimes be present at a lower prevalence within the flock or herd, so can be harder to detect. Investigating these illnesses allows for effective treatment strategies.
|
|
|
|
|
Bacterial arthritis is often seen in lambs, but can also affect adult sheep in some circumstances
|
|
Red gut
Red gut can occur when sheep (usually weaned lambs) are grazing highly digestible, low fibre feed – most commonly fresh lucerne.
Since feed quality is high and fibre is low, rumen fill is reduced, leading to increased space in the abdomen, allowing the intestines and associated blood vessels to twist and become blocked. If sheep are observed prior to death they often have a distended abdomen and evidence of pain, but in most cases affected animals deteriorate quickly and may simply be found dead without warning.
Red gut is not very commonly diagnosed and could present similarly to pulpy kidney or bloat (both also associated with grazing high quality feed such as lucerne), and many other diseases can cause sudden death. For this reason, any potential case of red gut should be investigated so that other possibilities can be excluded.
|
|
|
|
|
Red gut, also known as intestinal torsion, is a sudden death syndrome seen in sheep grazing lush pasture, particularly lucerne, clovers and other legumes
|
|
Pinkeye
There have been cases of pinkeye in both cattle and sheep in recent months. The disease behaves slightly differently between the two species, and different organisms are involved.
In cattle, pinkeye often occurs predictably in summer and autumn, and risk factors such as dust, flies, grass-seeds/thistles, and bright sunlight are usually present. The disease can be very severe in some cases, causing significant productivity and welfare impacts.
In contrast, pinkeye seems to be less predictable in sheep, occurring sporadically throughout the year, and sometimes without obvious risk factors. Compared to cattle, pinkeye in sheep tends not to result in severe lesions, and many cases self-resolve without intervention.
|
|
|
|
|
A relatively mild case of pinkeye in a sheep
|
|
LIVESTOCK ALERT
To look out for in the weeks ahead...
|
|
|
Brassica related conditions
With stock out on brassica crops it’s worth a quick reminder about some of the potential health issues we encounter. Photosensitisation in lambs grazing brassicas is the most common condition we see. The risk can be reduced by only grazing crops that are more mature, but cases can still potentially occur. If affected animals are promptly removed from the crop, given drier feed, and provided with shade, most will recover well. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications should also be considered.
Bloat is another risk when grazing lush brassica crops, so licks containing anti-bloat products (such as monensin) are advised for cattle during high-risk periods.It’s also important to manage introduction (e.g. don’t introduce hungry stock to bloat-prone crops/pastures), and monitor closely so that animals can be removed (and treated if required) if they show early signs of bloat.
|
|
|
Barber's pole worm
Even though we’re heading into the colder months, we’re still seeing cases of barber’s pole worm, so it’s one for sheep producers to keep in mind.
With a mild, wet summer behind us, larval contamination of many paddocks may be higher than average, and the time these larvae survive increases with cooler temperatures. If in doubt, a worm egg count will identify if drenching is required.
|
|
|
Foot and mouth disease (FMD)
As District Vets, our ultimate focus is always on maintaining surveillance for exotic diseases (those that aren’t present in Australia). These diseases are significant because an incursion would have huge negative impacts on trade, productivity, and animal welfare.
Recently, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has been diagnosed in Indonesia – a timely reminder for everyone involved in livestock industries to be aware of the signs and report anything suspicious to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
More information on the Indonesian outbreak can be found here.
|
|
|
Are livestock producers 'ground cover' obsessed at the expense of soil health?
Phil Cranney - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au
0458 745 478
GroundCover magazine is the primary hard copy communication vehicle for GRDC. It contains case studies and research updates. Why the “Ground Cover” title for cropping enterprises? Because they are putting their soil most at risk of erosion by having annual crops.
Annual crops, by definition, are plants that live and die within one year. Matt Newell, NSW DPI researcher based at Cowra, is one of the only scientists in Australia looking into the ability of wheat to be a viable perennial option for farmers. You can hear from Matt at the research update on Friday May 27 on farm at “Sunny Downs” 250 Burnt Yards Road, Mandurama.
So, are livestock producers on the Central Tablelands overly obsessed with maintaining ground cover at the detriment to soil health? The answer is - “I don’t know.”
Click to read Phil's exploration of the issue.
|
|
Insect and mite control in field crops - 2022 guide available now
NSW Department of Primary Industries has released the updated management guide for insect and mite control in field crops. This online only guide covers control of the more important insect and mite pests of winter and summer crops such as canola, millet, sorghum, winter cereals and lucerne. There are sections describing some of the features of the major pests and their associated damage.
It is important to note that not all insects are pests and there may be beneficials present. The beneficials can perform ecosystem services such as pollination and nutrient cycling. Some can keep the pests under control too.
There are sections in the guide that cover Integrated Pest Management (IPM), sampling and monitoring, as well as insect control thresholds. It also lists further information and useful resources on insects and crop damage.
The guide includes topics on pesticides, your legal responsibilities and safety. There is information on protecting the environment and honeybees, and a section on organic pest management. With conservation farming practices more common, there is also information on emerging pests related with these systems.
There are segments on the major field crops and associated pests and pesticide use, including permits as of January 2022. These tables also cover pests and thresholds, crop growth stage, crop damage and comments.
Lastly, there is also information on seed dressings including withholding periods. It is a timely guide for those currently growing lucerne, winter cereals and canola.
|
|
|
We invite you to attend a FREE workshop with red meat and livestock market analyst, Simon Quilty.
Simon has over 30 years working in the meat and livestock sector and has a very active meat and livestock consulting business working closely with medium size to large meat processors, live cattle exporters, Australian feedlotters, backgrounders and Australian farmers and importers in China, Japan and the US.
Simon is a highly regarded independent meat and livestock analyst in high demand featuring as a speaker at many international meetings and conferences.
Join us to hear Simon’s assessment of global meat trends and what the likely future is for meat and livestock prices. Simon will give a detailed analysis of supply and demand trends across key global markets and his analysis of where our markets are heading.
These events are highly interactive workshops with opportunity to have your questions answered and an opportunity not to be missed for all sheep and cattle producers of the Central Tablelands.
Watch the above video for more on what to expect from the day. Booking details are in the events section below.
|
|
BOUNCING FORWARD - ORANGE
Join Central Tablelands Local Land Services in a discussion and exploration of available programs and methods to bounce forward in an ever-changing climate. Presentations include world renown soil microbiologist; Walter Jehne, and researchers from Australian National University and the Mulloon Institute on the carbon sponge and natural assets.
Friday 20 May 2022
LET'S TALK WEEDS - CARCOAR
Join us for an opportunity to meet weed officers from Upper Macquarie County Council to talk about emerging weeds like sticky nightshade.
Monday 23 May 2022
PROPERTY PLANNING - BATHURST
This course focuses on soil and water management, biodiversity, vegetation, production, farm biosecurity and basic financials. The course is tailored to commercial, profit orientated farm businesses. Numbers are limited, with preference given to properties above 40ha.
Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 May 2022
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP - WOODSTOCK
Over two sessions, learn how you can improve soil health, your farm's biggest asset. You will learn practical methods of field assessment and fundamental sampling techniques. If you have a farm of 10ha or more in the Central Tablelands Local Land Services region you will be eligible for two free soil tests. Day one date below, with day two taking place approx 4-6 weeks after.
Thursday 26 May 2022
LONGEVITY IN LEGUMES, PASTURE NUTRITION AND PERENNIAL WHEAT - MANDURAMA
NSW Grasslands Society, NSW DPI and Central Tablelands Local Land Services combine to deliver the latest pasture research results. Join us as we summarise the Livestock Productivity Partnership (MLA & NSW DPI) local trial results, and discuss what the results mean for local farmers.
Friday 27 May 2022
BEEF MARKET AND HEALTH REVIEW - MANDURAMA
Join us for a practical afternoon discussing markets, management, and health for the upcoming season.
Friday 27 May 2022
LET'S TALK WEEDS - HARGRAVES
Join us for an opportunity to meet weed officers from Mid-Western Regional Council to talk about emerging weeds like sticky nightshade.
Tuesday 31 May 2022
PROPERTY PLANNING - LITHGOW
This course focuses on soil and water management, biodiversity, vegetation, production, farm biosecurity and basic financials. The course is tailored to lifestyle and smaller hobby farm farm operations. Numbers are limited, with given to those farms above 10ha.
Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 June 2022
LIVESTOCK MARKET OUTLOOK WITH SIMON QUILTY - VARIOUS
Join us at these free workshops with highly regarded independent red meat and livestock market analyst Simon Quilty. You'll hear Simon’s assessment of global meat trends and what the likely future is for Australian meat and livestock prices.
Tuesday 7 June - Bathurst
Wednesday 8 June - Dubbo
Thursday 9 June - Cumnock
Friday 10 June - Cowra
HEALTHY FARM DAMS - CARCOAR
Dams are essential infrastructure for many farming operations, including for livestock and irrigation. Enhancing a farm dam can lead to improvements in water quality and provide habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife. Join the ANU Sustainable Farms team and Central Tablelands Local Land Services to learn about the latest research into the benefits of enhancing farm dams.
Wednesday 15 June 2022
CONFINED FEEDING BUS TOUR - BATHURST
Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Bathurst Merino Association and Sheep Connect NSW bring you the confined feeding facility bus tour not to be missed. Removing livestock from perennial pastures at key times throughout the year has become a climate adaption management tool widely used by commercial wool, lamb and beef producers. Check out what other farmers have out there and how it may be applied to your operation.
Friday 17 June 2022
FISH SCREENS WORKSHOP - BATHURST
Fish-friendly diversion screens save farm businesses water, time and money, protecting the pump from clogging which minimises wear and tear and reduces the amount of time required for pump shutdown to clean secondary filters. The screens also contribute to the health of the river system by preventing native fish, larvae and eggs and other aquatic creatures entering the pump. Join us to learn about the benefits of installing fish screens in your water extraction system.
Wednesday 22 June 2022
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP - CUMNOCK
Over two sessions, learn how you can improve soil health, your farm's biggest asset. You will learn practical methods of field assessment and fundamental sampling techniques. If you have a farm of 10ha or more in the Central Tablelands Local Land Services region you will be eligible for two free soil tests. Day one date below, with day two taking place approx 4-6 weeks after.
Thursday 23 June 2022
|
|
Contact a district vet
Your District Veterinarian is a valuable resource for local and independent advice on biosecurity and animal health issues. They can investigate herd and flock problems to help maintain a productive and secure local livestock industry.
|
|
Rhys Powell, Orange
0428 710 002
Nigel Gillan, Orange
0438 700 398
Lucienne Downs, Orange
0417 043 966
Bruce Watt, Bathurst
0428 935 559
|
|
Jess Bourke, Mudgee
0417 803 685
Emilee Johnstone, Cowra
(Mon-Wed)
0419 334 077
Evie Duggan, Cowra
(Wed-Fri)
0427 147 939
|
|
|
Contact the ag team
The agriculture advisory team supports you in managing your livestock and landscapes by providing support services, pasture and livestock advice and industry training to increase productivity and profitability.
|
|
Phil Cranney, Orange
Pastures
0458 745 478
Clare Edwards, Mudgee
Pastures
0428 435 615
Casey Proctor, Cowra
Agricultural Systems
0429 110 072
|
|
Brett Littler, Mudgee
Livestock
0427 007 398
Claudia Macleay, Bathurst
Livestock
0438 302 501
Karen O'Malley, Cowra
Horticulture
0428 103 665
|
|
|
Report any suspicion or outbreak of an emergency animal disease
Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline - 1800 675 888
Emergency animal diseases are likely to have severe consequences for livestock productivity, trade or possibly even human health. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly if you suspect an emergency animal disease, you may be able to prevent these consequences.
|
|
|
If you know or suspect of a plant pest or disease, call the
Exotic Plant Pest Hotline - 1800 084 881
or use the online notification form
|
|
|
If you've had a farm visit or over the phone consultation with one of our District Vets or Ag team members, we'd love to know how it went. By rating your interaction with us via a series of smiley faces and a short optional survey, your feedback tells us how we’re going and how we can improve our service delivery. Click here to rate us.
|
|
|
Connect with us!
Click on the icons below to visit us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our website
|
|
|
|
|
