As another wave of extreme weather is forecast for much of the country, the Animal Health Alliance  is advising livestock producers to review their stock monitoring plans and take some extra measures to reduce the impact of sweltering temperatures on livestock.

While Australian farmers are no strangers to extreme weather conditions, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting that widespread and enduring above average temperatures are here to stay through to April.

CEO of the Alliance, Dr Peter Holdsworth, said extreme heat can cause significant stress for animals but some simple plans can help reduce the impact.   

“It is important to consider all the different groups of livestock on your property. Very young, older or dark coloured animals, or livestock being treated for other conditions are at higher risk on hot days,” he said.

“Ensure animals are in paddocks where they have access to shade. Shelter is especially important for higher risk animals and it may be necessary to look at constructing some temporary shade.

“The amount of water animals may consume cannot be underestimated.  So make sure they have easy access to large water troughs or containers, and check water sources morning and night on a 40 degree day.

“The transportation of animals should be avoided during extreme heat. If it is absolutely essential, have a journey plan in place that reduces the effects of hot weather on the animals.

“Minimise the distance animals need to walk. For beef cattle, don’t schedule any major stock movements or activity in the yards. If animals need to be moved, keep them in smaller mobs so they are easier to manage,” he said.

For dairy cattle, Dr Holdsworth encourages producers to reconsider milking times during days of extreme heat.

“It’s important to keep animals as cool as possible and leave dairy cows in paddocks closer to the dairy so they don’t have far to walk.

“It may also be necessary to make changes to summer nutrition programs and give consideration to feed supplements,” he said.

Animals consume less feed in the heat, but will compensate for it at night when the weather cools down.  It may be prudent to increase rations for night feeding during a spell of hot weather.

“Hot weather highlights the importance of always being up to date with animal health management programs to reduce any additional effects of heat stress on animals.

“It’s important to keep things quiet and calm. Observation is the key – get out into the paddocks and check your stock and water availability when the weather is extremely hot,” Dr Holdsworth said.  

Source; Austalian Anmil Health Alliance