January 23, 2018
Proper care of livestock in hot weather advised
Australia's livestock owners have been reminded to take special care of their stock during the current period of extreme heat.
The Primary Industries and Region South Australia (PIRSA) said shade, shelter and plenty of cool water are the key to keeping livestock healthy during the hot weather.
"Animals need shade and shelter to protect them from the sun and wind", said PIRSA Chief Veterinary Officer Roger Paskin.
"They need a supply of cool water close to the shade—animals drink up to double the amount of water in hot weather".
Paskin said troughs must be kept clean, especially when moving stock into a new paddock as evaporation can cause trough water to become very saline and undrinkable. "Where possible, bury water pipes to prevent breakage and build-up of heat".
Low dams risky
Paskin advised that animals should not be given access to dams at low levels since the dam can become boggy and animals accessing the water may get stuck.
Paskin also told farmers to check their livestock daily to ensure they are coping with the heat and to minimize any stock movements both on-farm and off-farm.
If there needs to be a stock movement at all, it should be done during the night or early in the morning.
PIRSA stressed that poultry are very susceptible to heat and that if they are kept in a shed that is not fitted with an effective cooling system, the shed should be cooled by wetting the shed or hanging wet hessian in breezeways.
"Birds too need access to plenty of cool water", it said.
