LIVESTOCK REPORT
Issues to be aware of...
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Bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
BRD refers to the disease caused by a group of viruses and bacteria, often following stressful events such as a change of feed, weaning, transportation, mixing of cattle from different sources.
It is very common in feetlots, but it is also seen reasonably frequently in less intensively managed cattle. Affected animals will usually stand away from the rest of the mob, be reluctant to move, stand with their head and neck outstretched. There may be a nasal discharge and coughing. Seek the advice of a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
While vaccinations against some of the bacteria and viruses are available, reducing stressors and early detection of clinical cases is probably more important for extensively managed enterprises.
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Phalaris toxicity
Producers are advised to be on the lookout for problems in stock that are grazing phalaris-dominant pastures. In recent weeks, our District Vets have diagnosed both chronic staggers and acute sudden death syndromes in ewes. Early winter is often when these two distinct conditions peak.
Sudden death may be observed within 36 hours of introduction to phalaris pasture and results from peracute ammonia poisoning. There is no prevention and treatments are often unsuccessful.
Most chronic staggers cases are seen within 1-3 months of grazing phalaris, but sometimes there is a delay in the development of symptoms. Head nodding and a wide-based bunny-hopping gait is often observed. These symptoms usually persist for life so severely affected sheep should be promptly euthanased.
Cattle are less susceptible to chronic phalaris toxicity than sheep, however they may suffer effects on the nerves involved with chewing and swallowing food leading to significant weight loss.
Cobalt foliar sprays and boluses provide protection against chronic phalaris toxicity and may have applications in high-risk grazing situations.
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Liver fluke
Our District Vets recently investigated a case of anaemia and weakness in crossbred ewes where the producer was concerned about persistence of Barber's Pole Worm despite recent drenching. Faecal egg counts revealed that no worms were present. Blood samples collected from the affected animals were then tested for liver fluke and a strongly positive result was received. These sheep were treated with triclabendazole, an anthelmintic with good efficacy against all stages of the parasite. Many combination worm drenches do not contain actives that kill liver fluke so obtaining a diagnosis and selecting an effective product is important for maintaining flock/herd health.
This case is a good reminder to producers to investigate situations where symptoms persist after administering treatment for a suspected disease.
Late autumn/early winter is a crucial time for producers in fluke-prone country to administer a flukicide. Much of the eastern tablelands with springs, slow moving streams and seepages offers potential habitat for the snail host of the parasite. If producers would like to investigate the liver fluke status on their farm, our District Vet team can provide advice about faecal or blood testing options.
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LIVESTOCK ALERT
To look out for in the weeks ahead...
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Grass tetany
Cattle producers across Central Tablelands are still reporting losses from grass tetany.
Grass tetany is caused by low magnesium levels in the blood and mostly presents as sudden death, but some producers report cattle are agitated and manic prior to death. Mature cows with calves at foot are the most susceptible. Cases are normally seen when cattle graze lush grass-based pastures during cold, wet and cloudy weather.
Most affected cattle respond poorly to treatment; hence, prevention is the best strategy. Prevention involves careful cattle management particularly in inclement weather and at weaning but also supplementing various forms of magnesium.
Further reading:
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Mice control through winter
While winter provides less favourable conditions for mice, producers should be prepared if mice are still active prior to harvest and consider what control options are most suitable.
According to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), observing and monitoring any changes in populations is essential before any effective and targeted mouse control plan can be rolled out.
We recommend producers read the GRDC’s ‘Tips & Tactics – Better Mouse Management’, which provides detailed baiting recommendations as well as specific advice at sowing (autumn), during crop growth (winter) and prior to harvest (spring and summer).
If you have already sown, it is important to have plans in place to manage mouse numbers should they increase coming into spring. For control during winter crop growth, GRDC advises that producers:
- Control weeds and grasses along fence lines and crop margins before seedset by spraying or slashing
- Mouse-proof houses and grain and stock feed storages
- Bait around buildings if necessary
- Monitor for signs of mouse activity
If you are baiting and are looking to purchase zinc phosphide products; we have produced a factsheet on the range of currently APVMA approved products and details of their manufacturers.
Click here to view this factsheet.
The APVMA is still working through the NSW Government’s application for the use of bromadiolone-treated grain to control mice around paddocks, but if you would like to receive updates about our pending grain treatment service, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/mice
If you would like more resources on mouse control, visit the GRDC website.
If you would like more information on the NSW Government’s mice control support program, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/mice.
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Pinning down underground pasture pests
Phil Cranney - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au
0458 745 478
Whilst most of the emphasis this year has been on controlling mice damage in crops and early sown pastures, there are a few pasture insect pests that should not be ignored this winter.
Redheaded pasture cockchafer, Adoryphorus coulonii, is one of those insect pests that can have a devastating effect on pastures in this region. The last major incidence of this pest occurred in 2015, uprooting large areas of pasture from Lidster in the west to Oberon and Lithgow in the east.
Other pasture grubs that look like the redheaded pasture cockchafer include the yellowheaded cockchafer, African black beetle and the Argentinian scarab.
Click to read about what signs to be on the lookout for and what management steps you can take.
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Redheaded pasture cockchafer larvae
Photo: Andrew Weeks, Cesar Australia
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Get a 10% increase in weaning weight of your cattle
Brett Littler - Senior Land Services Officer, Livestock
brett.littler@lls.nsw.gov.au
0427 007 398
No, I’m not trying to sell you a product, and no I’m not giving you a data free opinion (DFO) not based on science and research, I am talking about crossbreeding; the forgotten free kick.
When I grew up on the coast there was a big project at Grafton research station looking at crossbreeding cattle and this went on to change the face of the cattle industry on the coast. It saw the introduction of brahman cattle into mainly British breeding herds on the north coast and the F1 female reigned supreme and still does.
Click to read more.
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Six-month old limousin cross calf in excess of 300kg from an Angus cow
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Do super and lime pay?
Brett Littler - Senior Land Services Officer, Livestock
brett.littler@lls.nsw.gov.au
0427 007 398
A grazing demonstration has been run at Laggan in the NSW South East Local Land Services area since 2015, looking at the level of pasture and animal production that can be sustainably achieved on a native-based pasture through applying fertiliser (single superphosphate) and lime.
The project aims to investigate any effects on, stocking rates and overall farm profitability, soil carbon levels, pasture composition, soil fertility and pH.
Click to read the recently released results from 2020.
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Fence line comparison – 28 October 2020
Lime and super paddock on left-hand side.
Running 65 wethers and measuring 2660kg DMha.
Control on right-hand side. Running 30 wethers and measuring 930kg DMha
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MUDGEE SMALL FARM FIELD DAYS
Come learn all about the advice and support we provide to landholders – from understanding your biosecurity responsibilities when it comes to managing pests and weeds, animal welfare advice, to caring for natural resources on your property or improving the productivity and profitability of your farm.
Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July
SOIL AND PASTURE HEALTH WORKSHOP - RAGLAN
Join us to learn more about understanding soil health, soil fertility, soil testing and impacts on pastures production and sustainability.
Friday 23 July
AGRIBUSINESS TODAY FORUM - FORBES
Mixed Farming Enterprises - adapting to a changing climate.
4 and 5 August
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP - CUMNOCK
Learn how you can improve soil health, the farm's biggest asset.
Monday 9 August
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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.
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Kate Peffer, Molong
0409 496 908
Nigel Gillan, Orange
0438 700 398
Bruce Watt, Bathurst
0428 935 559
Amy Masters, Orange
0428 710 002
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Lucienne Downs, Orange
0417 043 966
Jess Bourke, Mudgee
0417 803 685
Emilee Johnstone, Cowra
0419 334 077
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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.
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Phil Cranney, Orange
Pastures
0458 745 478
Clare Edwards, Mudgee
Pastures
0428 435 615
Peter Evans, Lithgow
Sustainable Agriculture
0438 496 851
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Brett Littler, Mudgee
Livestock
0427 007 398
Karen O'Malley, Cowra
Horticulture
0428 103 665
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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.
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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
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