LIVESTOCK REPORT
Issues to be aware of...
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Lepto and botulism
As producers across the state continue to deal with ongoing mice activity, it’s important to remember that as well as damaging crops and hay rodents also carry diseases that can affect people and livestock. Leptospirosis and botulism are the two primary diseases of concern.
Lepto serovars L.hardjo and L.pomona can cause abortions and reproductive losses in cattle but not normally in sheep. Cattle can be vaccinated against lepto, but this requires two injections 4-6 weeks apart to ensure protection.
Lepto is also zoonotic and can cause serious illness in people.
Botulism is a disease seen in animals that eat decaying carcasses, including rodent carcasses. Again, there is a vaccination, but it requires two injections to provide protection so if you are planning on vaccinating planning ahead is key.
Further reading:
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Iodine deficiency in sheep and goats
Similar to this time last year, our district vets are seeing cases of Iodine deficiency in lambs and kids as well as mature sheep. Iodine deficiency usually presents as a goitre, an enlarged thyroid gland in the neck but can also present as dead, weak, ill thrifty lambs and kids.
Soil ingestion is one of the most important sources of iodine for sheep and goats and in years with thick pasture cover this ingestion is reduced.
Prevention is easily achieved by drenching pre lambing with potassium iodine.
Click to read more.
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LIVESTOCK ALERT
To look out for in the weeks ahead...
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Grazing brassicas
Our District Vets have been receiving numerous calls from producers inquiring about the animal health risk linked to grazing Brassica spp.
Brassica crops, whether dual purpose or grazing only, provide high quality feed to both cattle and sheep and can achieve excellent weight gains. There are, however, numerous diseases that can been seen in both sheep and cattle grazing brassica.
Fortunately, with careful agronomic and animal management these diseases can mostly be avoided. Please speak to your local LLS vet about the risks and how to mitigate them.
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Grass tetany
Cattle producers across Central Tablelands are 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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Drenching for fluke
We know from several surveys that about 80% of cattle and sheep properties in the eastern half of the Central Tablelands have liver fluke. As most producers realise, the snails that harbour larval fluke live in slow-moving water so stock grazing swampy country are at risk.
Now is the ideal time to treat for fluke because as the weather gets cold both fluke larvae and snails become inactive. Therefore, fluke treatments need only kill the easier to reach adults.
If you are unsure if your stock have fluke, you can submit faecal samples and request an egg count that includes fluke. This works well for sheep but in cattle the fluke egg count may be very low so blood tests on a sample of cattle gives an accurate determination of recent fluke exposure.
The NSW DPI Prime fact, liver fluke – a review, provides an excellent summary of treatment options.
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Mice control this winter cropping season
While we are all hoping that winter brings some relief to the mice problem, 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).
For control at sowing, GRDC advises that producers:
- Control weeds and volunteer crops along fence lines, crop margins and channel banks in autumn and before seedset to minimise sources of food and shelter.
- Consider changing crops in the rotation if mouse numbers are high. For example, chickpeas after barley are considered higher risk than beans.
- Sow as evenly and as early as possible for each crop to ensure strong plants establish rapidly.
- Do not dry sow because this delays establishment and leaves seeds vulnerable to mouse damage.
- Slightly increase seeding rates and sow as deeply as possible if mouse numbers are high at seeding. This will compensate for losses.
- Cross-harrow or roll after sowing to ensure good seed coverage and to remove sowing lines.
- When mouse populations are high at seeding, these practices are often insufficient to control damage and baiting at sowing may be necessary. Bait should be applied according to the label.
To assist with baiting, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has successfully applied to the APVMA to allow the use of zinc phosphide bait on bare fallows prior to the 2021 sowing period.
The permit allows for bait to be applied late in the afternoon to maximise consumption of bait by mice, which generally feed at night, and is in effect until August 2022.
The approval requires users of zinc phosphide to report any bird kill incident following application of the bait to fallow land to either NSW DPI at or NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Producers should not harvest crops or allow livestock to graze baited areas for 14 days after application.
It is important producers consider all their options prior to sowing and have plans in place to manage mouse numbers if they start to increase coming into spring.
For further information, GRDC has a useful resource on mouse control.
The NSW Government has also launched a $50 million support package to help farmers, households and small businesses manage current high mice numbers. This package includes:
- Free grain treatment with Bromadiolone (pending APVMA approval) for perimeter application to protect crops
- Cash rebates for households and small businesses to help cover the cost of baits
- A multi-agency advisory committee to provide expert advice to Government
- Research to fast-track new mouse control research
If you would like to receive updates about the treated grain program, you can register your details on our website.
For information on the rebate program, being run by Service NSW, updates will be published at www.nsw.gov.au/mice soon.
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Making the most of bulk dry feed
Brett Littler - Senior Land Services Officer, Livestock
brett.littler@lls.nsw.gov.au
0427 007 398
The first frosts have hit the region and we have seen all the summer grasses `hay off’ and turn yellow. Across the Tablelands we are seeing paddocks with large amounts of dry standing feed. This bulk of feed that is seen in lots of paddocks is as a result of reduced livestock numbers, the improved season and the summer rainfall. This pasture has been though it’s life cycle, is of poor quality and in some cases, makes cardboard look good nutritionally speaking (See digestibility table).
So, what does this mean for livestock performance and how can we make use of this dry/`hayed off’ pasture?
Click to read more.
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Cattle eating a protein meal
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Current pasture conditions
Clare Edwards - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
clare.edwards@lls.nsw.gov.au
0428 435 615
As I have been travelling around inspecting pastures this month (May 2021), I have observed a few plant diseases that I haven’t seen in a while. Most of these pasture diseases reflect current seasonal conditions or grazing and pasture management.
Many pastures have large amounts of biomass following high summer-autumn rainfall. This, combined with – in some cases – lower stocking rates, means that there is good herbage mass in many paddocks. I have come across several paddocks where rust on ryegrass, oats and fescue has been prominent.
Click to read more about rust, as well as other issues like fungus and mildew.
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Rust on leaves in pastures
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Multi-species cropping
Phil Cranney - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au
0458 745 478
With many farmers either trialling or considering multi-species cropping in the Central Tablelands, we would like to outline some of the key considerations before farmers dip their toes.
Click to read about research in this area and our top five key issues to consider before trying multi-species cropping.
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Before throwing your hat in the multi-species cropping ring, there are some fundamental advantages of single species crops that should be considered
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Low cost winter pasture improvers
Phil Cranney - Senior Land Services Officer, Pastures
phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au
0458 745 478
There are many ways to improve your pasture this winter. The high cost option of re-sowing a pasture doesn’t always have to be the binary option for farmers.
With pasture establishment costs running between $350-$450/Ha, depending on preparation and seed costs, it is now often matched by the opportunity cost of not using those hectares to derive an income while waiting for the pasture to establish.
Click to read about what options you could consider.
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A degraded pasture with only 40-50% perennial grass can still produce
excellent quality feed as seen here at Neville
with an abundance of sub-clover and annual rye grass
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PHIL'S PADDOCK PLANT RECOGNITION WALKS - VARIOUS
These field walks aim to help you recognise a greater variety of plants in your paddocks, so you can tailor management actions for a beneficial farm business and environmental outcome.
Friday 28 May - Newbridge
Friday 4 June - Euchareena
Friday 11 June - Cowra
Friday 18 June - Eugowra
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOPS - VARIOUS
Want to know more about your farm’s biggest asset? Join us as we investigate the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. In a small group over two sessions, we will discuss the key drivers of a healthy soil.
Tuesday 1 June - Billimari
Thursday 10 June - Cumnock
REBUILDING OUR PASTURE WORKSHOP - RAGLAN (BATHURST)
This a workshop for landholders thinking about sowing new pastures this autumn. The workshop covers decisions on varieties, terms used such as hardseededness, a checklist on pasture sowing principles and new information on choosing the most appropriate species for your situation.
Friday 4 June
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
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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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