Most producers work hard to look after their livestock, especially when it’s very dry, but a few don’t.
Livestock below a Body Condition Score of 1 (BCS1) could result in animal welfare prosecutions.
When fodder is in short supply, it makes economic sense to start supplementary feeding before animals deteriorate. Similarly, as feed costs rise, it is better to reduce numbers before livestock prices fall too far.
When dams dry out, the mud is a death trap. Fence off dangerous dams, check others daily. Remove carcases to prevent biosecurity risks.
Cattle at High Risk 1 are in critical need of good supplementary feed. They can be transported to the abattoir or agistment but not to the saleyard. Cattle at welfare score High Risk 2 are not fit to travel. Sheep with a High Risk welfare score can be transported to the abattoir or agistment but not to the saleyard.
Other welfare issues
- Prevent increased distress during transport: In-growing horn; udder, vulva or ear cancer; advanced mastitis; blindness in both eyes - do not transport.
- Do not load animals with signs of severe disease.
- Late pregnancy: Cattle – last four weeks, sheep – last two weeks. Transport time should be no longer than four hours for healthy animals but not for animals in poor condition. Seek veterinary advice
- Drying dams can be a death-trap: Fence-off dangerous dams; check dams daily.
- Remove carcases from paddocks: A pit in a fenced-off area with no drainage pollution is best
Here are some useful links:
- DroughtHub - www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub
- Australian Animal Welfare standards – www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au/
- Is your livestock Fit to Load? - www.mla.com.au/
- Welfare scoring nutritionally deprived livestock – www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/449796/welfare-scoring-nutritionally-deprived-cattle-sheep-horses.pdf
Contact Local Land Services: Inverell 6720 8300, Glen Innes 6732 8800, Armidale 6770 2000, Tenterfield 6739 1400.
Nigel Brown is a Northern Tablelands Local Land Services district vet.
