LIVESTOCK REPORT
Issues to be aware of...
|
|
|
Internal parasites
Many sheep producers have been caught out by Barber’s Pole, scour worms, or mixed infestations, which have rapidly progressed, causing production losses or deaths not long after the last drench.This is partly due to the wet and mild conditions, but in many cases it’s also mobs that have been set-stocked at relatively high stocking rates which have been most affected.
This year it’s going to be important to consider larval contamination of paddocks, since most places didn’t get a good hot, dry spell period over summer. This means that worm intake will be higher and worm testing and drenching may need to be done more regularly than in an average year.
|
|
|
|
|
A lamb with a significant barber's pole burden causing lethargy and weakness
|
|
Pneumonia in sheep
‘Summer pneumonia’ in sheep is a fairly common disease throughout our region, and we’ve continued to see cases in the past month, mostly in weaned lambs.
The severity of illness can vary. In some cases, little more than occasional coughing or subtle ill-thrift will be observed, while in other cases more widespread infection of the lung can be fatal in a proportion of sheep.
The presence of other stress factors can play a role in determining whether a mild illness develops into something more severe. Some of these stress factors (like weather) can’t be controlled, but it’s worth minimising those that can, such as transport, mixing of mobs (especially introduced sheep), or poor nutrition.
Formulating a treatment plan will depend on the nature of the disease and management system, so speak to your vet if you suspect pneumonia may be present.
|
|
|
|
|
A severe example of pneumonia in sheep - not all cases are this extensive, and signs may be limited to occasional coughing or mild ill-thrift. Photo - Belinda Edmonstone
|
|
Theileria in cattle
It’s not a disease we see regularly on the tablelands, but there have been several detections of Theileria in cattle in recent months.
Theileria are microscopic parasites that damage red blood cells, causing signs of anaemia such as lethargy, weakness, or pale/yellow gums.
The Theileria organisms are spread by ticks (and possibly by other biting insects), entering the bloodstream of cattle when the tick feeds.
Theileria is more commonly present in coastal cattle, so we most often see disease when cattle from the east are moved into our district, allowing the parasite to be spread into local cattle that have never been exposed and therefore lack immunity. That said, we also occasionally diagnose cases without a clear link to coastal cattle, so it’s possible there’s some local transmission from herds that are infected within the district.
You’ll find more information in this Primefact.
|
|
|
Japanese encephalitis
Earlier this year, the viral disease Japanese encephalitis was detected for the first time in pigs in NSW.
There are now multiple known piggeries affected across the state – many of which have experienced costly reproductive losses, due to stillborn, weak, or mummified piglets, or occasionally infertility in boars.
The virus can also (uncommonly) cause illness in other species, including horses and humans. Japanese Encephalitis virus is spread by mosquitos.
Given the absence of treatment or vaccine options at this stage, the best way to protect your pigs is to implement an integrated mosquito management plan.
Anyone suspecting the presence of Japanese encephalitis in pigs or horses must report it – speak to your District Vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Click the following links for more information on the disease in pigs, horses, or humans.
|
|
|
|
|
These stillborn, deformed, or mummified piglets are from a farm in our region where Japanese encephalitis was detected
|
|
LIVESTOCK ALERT
To look out for in the weeks ahead...
|
|
|
Grass tetany
We typically see the highest number of grass tetany cases in cattle in late autumn and winter, with fewer in early autumn or spring, and almost none in summer.
Grass tetany is the result of low magnesium in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and most often affects older cows that are lactating.
Grass tetany develops very quickly, and can be rapidly fatal, so it’s worth thinking through some preventative and treatment options before we’re into the really high risk months.
You’ll find more information in this Primefact.
|
|
|
Drench resistance
A few properties recently have reported suspected drench resistance in sheep, which, when worm burdens are high, can cause significant production losses in the time it takes to realise the drench wasn’t effective.
There are many flocks where worms have developed resistance to the older drench groups, such as BZs (‘white’ drenches), levamisole (‘clear’ drenches), and the MLs (‘mectins’), but ultimately each flock has a different resistance profile. The only way to know for sure is to perform a full drench resistance trial using multiple drench groups, but ad hoc resistance testing can also be done on individual drenches by performing a worm egg count 10-14 days after drenching.
It’s important to collect the samples in this window since going too early or too late can create falsely high or low results.
To do a drench resistance test, use one of the WormTest kits that you can pick up from your nearest Local Land Services office.
|
|
|
|
|
Drench resistance can easily be checked by performing a worm egg count 10-14 days after drenching
|
|
Metabolic diseases at lambing
Last autumn we saw numerous cases of hypocalcaemia (‘milk fever’) and pregnancy toxaemia in lambing ewes, often resulting in costly losses.
To prevent these issues, focus on providing optimal nutrition with adequate energy, minimising time off feed (e.g. when yarding), and providing a mineral supplement containing calcium and sodium, such as a loose lick of equal parts agricultural lime and salt.
Don’t forget about pre-lambing vaccinations and drenching too.
|
|
|
Warrego grass - a common warm season native grass this year
Clare Edwards - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
clare.edwards@lls.nsw.gov.au
0428 435 615
As I travel around the Central Tablelands and slopes, I have been receiving enquiries about Warrego grass (Paspalidium jubiflorum). From Trunkey Creek to Hartley to Cumnock to Mudgee, this is a native warm-season short-lived perennial grass that is commonly found in pastures in response to the summer rainfall this year.
 Warrego grass can be tussocky in nature, produce a large amount of leaf and can grow tall – from 30cm to 120cm in height. It can be found in a range of situations and soil types. It is often found on alluvial flats and drainage lines. The species is often regarded as good quality feed, especially when it is short and green. However, care should be taken when grazing as it can decline in population under high stocking rates and set stocking.
As a tropical grass, the seed tends to germinate in rising temperatures - eg Spring. It is noted that it will flourish after good spring rain or early summer rains. Allowing rest at this time will help thicken up stands of this grass.
There are three other Paspalidium species which are very similar and are found in the area. Knottybutt, spreading panic and slender panic grass are distinguished by features on their florets, the length of their spikelets and lemmas being finely ridged.
What is important to know is that all these species tend to be good quality when vegetative, decrease with heavy grazing and are important pasture species in the region.
Image: H. Rose Flickr
|
|
Are you affected by symphylan?
Karen O'Malley - Senior Land Services Officer, Horticulture and Plant Biosecurity
karen.omalley@lls.nsw.gov.au
0428 103 665
A number of vegetable growers in the Bathurst region experienced issues with garden symphylan (Scutigerella immaculata) damaging vegetable seedlings this season. Garden symphylan otherwise known as glasshouse symphylid (pictured below) is a small white translucent centipede, approximately 5-8mm, that feeds on roots of seedlings and young crops.
Root feeding damage by symphylan can be significant. Most commonly, damage can result in limited root/foliage growth, crops that fail to emerge, or crop death.
If you experienced this issue, please contact me. This information will be useful for mapping purposes so we can understand the extent of the issue. AusVEG are looking at studying the most effective control strategies for this sporadic pest.
Image - Garden symphylan - Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University
|
|
Planning prevents poor performance
Phil Cranney - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au
0458 745 478
Climate risk in livestock businesses can be managed by conserving quality fodder in good seasons.
While the past two years have been wet and therefore producing an oversupply of pasture and crop available for livestock, the conditions for forage conservation have been less than ideal.
Prices for livestock have skyrocketed since the break of the drought in 2020. For example, trade steers have gone from 520cents/kg cwt in 2019, to 685cents/kg cwt at the end of 2021 (MLA statistics database).
Land prices have also surged, therefore the pressure to maintain a healthy return on investment of 4-8% is becoming a challenge, especially while many businesses are still in a herd rebuilding phase.
One way of returning pasture paddocks into a more manageable vegetative phase, thus increasing feed quality, is to cut fodder. However, selecting the best paddocks for fodder conservation can take a few months of prior planning and preparation.
Click to read how you can improve the quality of the fodder you conserve this spring.
|
|
Developing a property plan
Planning is an important aspect of everyday life. If you are hosting a celebration, you need to have a plan to enable you to make decisions and ensure everyone has a good time.
We can apply the same idea to most aspects of farming.
Growing crops or breeding livestock? You need to have a plan to enable you to make the right decisions for your property.
Without a plan you can be unsure of the direction you are headed or the markets you are aiming for. A well-developed plan can not only help you to achieve your goals but can also allow them to become clearer and easier to achieve.
Developing a property plan can allow elements within your business to become clearer and allow you to include all aspects of your enterprise. They can be especially useful for all entities within the business to understand what the plan is and have clear sight of direction.
Previously a five-and-a-half-day workshop, we are taking the fundamentals of our Property Planning workshop and condensing it into a compressed format over two days in Bathurst and Lithgow -
- Bathurst - May 24 and 25 - course tailored to commercial, profit oriented farm businesses
- Lithgow - June 7 and 8 - course tailored to lifestyle and small hobby farm operations
Resources including aerial poster sized maps of your property will be provided to assist you to develop a physical plan for your property. The course will cover soil, water, vegetation, production, biosecurity and financials. The cost of the workshop is $50 per farm business for up to 2 participants.
For more information, contact Casey Proctor on 0429 110 072 or via email - casey.proctor@lls.nsw.gov.au
|
|
SOIL AND PASTURE HEALTH WORKSHOP - LITHGOW
The soil and pasture health workshop series is learning about your soils and their interaction with your pastures. We examine aspect of soil health and go into detail about soil testing and what the numbers mean.
Friday 6 May 2022
SO YOU'VE BOUGHT THE FARM; WHAT NEXT? - BORENORE
This is a huge networking opportunity for weekend farmers. This event will help you understand the basics by providing unbiased advice to help you enjoy and grow your farming experience.
Saturday 7 May 2022
ACID SOILS LOCAL RESEARCH UPDATE - TOOGONG
The soil and pasture health workshop series is learning about your soils and their interaction with your pastures. We examine aspect of soil health and go into detail about soil testing and what the numbers mean.
Tuesday 17 May 2022
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
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
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
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
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, Cowra
0438 700 398
Bruce Watt, Bathurst
0428 935 559
|
|
Lucienne Downs, Orange
0417 043 966
Jess Bourke, Mudgee
0417 803 685
Emilee Johnstone, Cowra
0419 334 077
|
|
|
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
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
|
|
|
|
|
