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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

By Department of Primary Industries - 21st May 2009 - Back to News

KEEPING STOCK ALIVE AND WELL

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is currently receiving an increasing number of calls from people concerned about livestock in poor condition, on paddocks with little or no feed available.

DPI Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Sue Hides, said that at this time of year it was important to remember that good management and appropriate supplementary feeding will ensure that livestock stay fit and well through to the next feed surplus.

"There is an industry Code of Accepted Farming Practice that focuses on the welfare of cattle, sheep and other livestock species, and it provides clear minimum standards on livestock management practices," Dr Hides said.

"Specifically the Code requires that livestock should have access to or be provided with food of adequate quality to maintain their well being.

"Feed needed should take into account the nutritional requirements of maintenance, growth, pregnancy and lactation and provide for any extra demands such as exercise or cold stress.

"Cattle in late pregnancy or early lactation are most at risk if starved."

In the current severe feed shortage being experienced due to prolonged periods of low rainfall and drought, or in other times of seasonal shortages, arrangements should be made to ensure sufficient feed quality and quantity to help maintain health and adequate body condition.

Dr Hides said that it is unacceptable for animals to be allowed to starve to death or reach the stage requiring destruction because of weakness caused by food depravation.

"Where minimal feed and water requirements cannot be met, cattle should be moved or agisted to a place where feed and water is adequate, or they should be sold or humanely slaughtered," Dr Hides said.

Livestock being fed for survival should be inspected regularly, at least twice per week. Where possible they should be grouped appropriately by sex, age and size to reduce competition.

Shy feeders require special attention and treatment depending on the type of feed offered, method of feeding and strength of competing stock.

"It is a legal and moral responsibility to ensure livestock do not starve," Dr Hides said.

"The code of practice can be used in conjunction with legislation relating to cruelty to animals to deter and prosecute cases of extreme or significant welfare abuse, including failure to feed livestock."

The Department of Primary Industry has a range of informative publications on drought feeding sheep and cattle. Copies can be mailed or obtained free of charge by contacting DPI Maffra on 5147 0800, DPI Bairnsdale 5152 0600, DPI Ellinbank 5624 2222 and DPI Leongatha on 5662 9900. Copies of the Codes of Accepted Farming Practice are also available.

In addition, a guide to drought support services in Victoria for individuals, families and farmers has been produced that provides a short description of each service, the eligibility criteria, timing and the best contacts for more information.

To access the guide please visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/drought or call the Drought Information Line on 136 186

FARMING DIARY

Special Focus Farm Open Day

The theme for this specially arranged Focus Farm open day is Physically and Financially Surviving 2009-10. Data from Matt and Robyn Colwill’s farm business will be made available to help other Gippsland dairy farming families gain another perspective on how to cope with the dilemmas arising from reduced milk prices.

When: Thursday, June 18.

Where: Mardan Focus Farm.

Time: 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

BYO lunch – tea and coffee provided.

Contact John Mulvany on 0409 935 578 or John Gallienne on 0407 863 493

Irrigation for Dairy Pastures

This free farm based irrigation course has been tailored for dairy farmers who want to grow more grass; increase their irrigation skills; use their water better and find out about the latest irrigation technologies. The workshops will be presented by Gavan Lamb, DPI Maffra, and Frank Tyndall, National Centre for Dairy Education.

When: Wednesdays, June 10, 17, and July 1.

Where: Maffra

Time: 10.00 am to 2.30 pm.

Contact: Sarah Killury on 5148 0800.

Fertilising Dairy Pastures

This free program has been designed to help farmers make confident decisions about their fertiliser needs.

When: Wednesdays, June 17, 24 and July 1.

Where: Department of Primary Industries, Leongatha.

Time: 10.00 am to 2.30 pm.

Contact: David Shambrook on 5662 9913 or 0427 350 928.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com