Well it’s hot! The New Year is here and just in case we needed any more reminders that it is summer, the New Year so far has thrown up some seriously warm whether to satisfy those sun lovers. While we are collectively putting thought into how we can best manage ourselves and family members in the hot weather, due consideration must also be granted to managing livestock, particularly in their preparation for transport.

In extremely hot weather, the daily water requirement of livestock can often double, particularly if there is a lack of shelter. Monitoring and maintenance of watering points should be a priority in hot weather.

When preparing livestock for travel, please be mindful of forecast temperatures in the preceding days leading up to transport, as well as the day itself. Effort should be made to move stock from paddocks to stockyards in the cooler periods of the day. Stock should be rested and watered after been driven long distances to stockyards.

When determining the water requirements for transporting sheep, the total time of water deprivation must be taken into account. The maximum water deprivation time for mature sheep is 32 hours (20hours for stock <6months old) in normal conditions. This includes any mustering time, yarding time, the water curfew time prior to transport, travel time and unloading time.

It is recommended that sheep be given access to palatable dry roughage until the point of loading (Australian Model Code Of Practice For The Welfare Of Animals –Land Transport Of Sheep, June 2004). Reducing the time off water on farm during hot whether can reduce dehydration of stock during transport and benefit presentation at the saleyard.

AUTHOR: Ryan Garnett, Animal Health Advisor, PIRSA Animal Health, Clare

CONTACT: Local Animal Health Advisor, by calling Rural Solutions SA 1300 364 322, and asking to speak to your local office.+