Central West Local Land Services District Veterinarians are asking landholders to be mindful of the impacts of the heat on their livestock with another week of high temperatures forecast.
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Heatwave conditions with maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees and minimum temperatures remaining around 30 degrees are occurring across the region.
During these conditions, livestock producers are reminded there are a number of management practices that should be followed.
These include handling stock in the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or in the evening, and ensuring stock have access to shade and shelter, particularly in feedlot situations.
Central West Local Land Services District Veterinarian, Jillian Kelly said landholders also need to be aware that stock will drink up to two times the normal amount of water in hot weather.
“Larger than normal amounts of good quality drinking water close to shade should be readily available,” Jillian said.
“If water in dams and rivers is low, stock will wade through, which fouls the water and increases the chances of stock bogging.
“If the water is dirty, stock may reject it so landholders are advised to consider alternatives such as fencing off watering points and pumping water through troughs.
“Another aspect to consider is the effect that extreme heat could also be having on sheep in early gestation. Early embryos are particularly sensitive and could be terminated.”
Central West landholders with animal health questions relating to managing stock in hot conditions should contact their nearest Local Land Services District Veterinarian:
• Nik Cronin, Forbes, 0429 499 284
• Belinda Edmonstone. Forbes, 0428 521 699
• Hanna Thomas, Condobolin, 0428 434 336
Further information on water requirements for sheep and cattle can be found at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/96273/Water-requirements-for-sheep-and- cattle.pdf
