North West Local Land Services is reminding livestock producers to keep a close eye on stock health following recent rainfall events that may trigger patchy green pasture growth across parts of the region.
While conditions remain largely dry across the North West, the combination of rain and warm soil temperatures can prompt sudden pasture responses that create health risks for livestock.
North West Local Land Services District Veterinarian Heidi Austin said producers should be particularly alert to the potential for pulpy kidney, bloat and metabolic disorders when animals transition quickly from dry feed or grain-based rations onto fresh green feed.
“Sudden changes in feed can create significant health risks for livestock, particularly young or fast-growing animals, or stock with limited vaccination history,” she said.
Pulpy kidney is caused by the overgrowth of clostridial bacteria in the gut associated with consuming high carbohydrate feed. Animals being supplemented with heavy grain feeding or moved onto fresh green pasture can be at increased risk.
Producers are also being reminded that fresh green pick can contain very high water content, often up to 90 per cent, meaning stock may still require supplementary feeding even when paddocks begin to green up.
With colder weather following recent rainfall, the energy required by stock to keep warm increases their energy requirements by 20 per cent, making that green pick even more dangerous. Hay is a good way to provide warmth from the inside, and producers should also ensure diets have adequate calcium and magnesium.
Austin said producers should not assume that new growth means their feeding responsibilities are over.
“Pastures can take several weeks before they provide useful feed value, depending on pasture species, pasture density and the amount of rainfall received,” she said.
“Continuing supplementary feeding while pasture establishes can help reduce livestock health risks and avoid overgrazing recovering paddocks.”
North West Local Land Services is also encouraging producers to carefully manage grazing pressure in the wake of rainfall events. Recommendations include using smaller paddocks where possible and slowing paddock rotations to allow recovering pastures additional growth time.
The myStockFeed planner, a tool available through the NSW DroughtHub, can help producers with feed planning and livestock nutrition decisions.
Producers seeking further information about livestock health or supplementary feeding are encouraged to contact their Local Land Services District Veterinarian or Livestock Officer on 1300 795 299.
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