StockedUp

For WA Sheep and Cattle Industries

Welcome to the first issue of the new ‘StockedUp’ newsletter.

Season and production advice

• Condition score ewes then revisit feed budgets and adjust accordingly to optimise feeding rates and efficiency. Visit Supplementary feed calculator and Feed cost calculator. 
• Keep an eye out for weeds entering in bought feeds and possible ryegrass toxicity (ARGT). More about ARGT.
• Sticking to a set joining length will shorten the lambing window and put less pressure on management tasks later in the year. A reminder the more concise, the better. 
• Vitamin A and E deficiencies in sheep are being reported this dry season. Watch for signs of deficiency and treat accordingly.  
• To hold or sell breeding cattle? Considerations for cattle producers. 

Image source: DPIRD

Confinement feeding

Confined feeding can play an important role in protecting the land from erosion while ensuring adequate nutrition for livestock. 

During dry years, paddocks are at an increased risk of overgrazing and erosion, particularly when ground cover falls below 50%. Poor seasonal conditions, grazing stubbles, paddock burning and cultivation are all factors which contribute to a high risk of wind erosion.

The drier than average conditions this season mean supplementary feeding is necessary and widespread. Common supplementary feed sources such as lupins and hay have increased in price and availability is low depending on location. Many producers may source pellets as a full ration, or look at using alternative and novel feed sources. The variable quality or alternative feed sources mean that feed tests are vital for calculating rations when using alternative feeds. 

Setting up confinement feeding areas allows for better control of stock and easier management of feeding, watering, monitoring and handling. Before moving stock into confinement, it's highly recommended producers assess the resources required to ensure stock can be managed until they can return to pasture.

For further information and advice on setting up confined feeding please visit the Confinement feeding webpage. 

Image source: DPIRD

Weaner management: pain relief 

The Weaner Pain Relief Trial was launched to evaluate the effectiveness of both short and long-acting pain relief products within the context of large-scale northern beef enterprises. This initiative, prompted by producer demand, sought not only to improve animal health and well-being but also to educate producers on the advantages of integrating pain relief into standard husbandry procedures.

The trial ran over 2 consecutive years with 3 Western Australian properties from the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, each providing weaners for the trial. A total of 1,619 Bos indicus, and Bos indicus cross, weaners were assessed for physiological and behavioural changes following these procedures.

Preliminary findings of the trial highlighted the significant impact castration and dehorning have on animal health and well-being which was observed throughout the trial. The trial demonstrated that although there were no cost benefits in using pain relief, it is an essential step in managing pain and critical for improving animal welfare outcomes.

By exploring the benefits and limitations of pain relief products, this research project aims to shape the future of animal husbandry practices in the Australian beef industry, ultimately enhancing the well-being of cattle and the sustainability of beef production.

Find out more on the trial, as well as further information from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) on Weaner management in northern beef herds. 

Image source: DPIRD 

The Saltland Genie web-based app, launched last year in collaboration with the Gillamii Centre, brings together 8 decision support tools to help landholders implement solutions on their salt affected land.

For steps on establishing a productive saltland pasture site, visit the Saltland Genie Webapp or read more on our Saltland pasture webpage. 

Image source: DPIRD 

Prevent livestock access to sources of lead

Lead is highly toxic to livestock, particularly cattle, and can result in neurological signs such as blindness, dullness, and sudden death.

Stock owners are reminded to remove or fence off items containing lead from grazing paddocks, such as batteries, sump oil, paint and old machinery. Preventing residues in meat and meat products is critical for human food safety and WA’s ongoing access to valuable export markets.

Animals that survive lead poisoning are quarantined for at least 12 months to ensure that animal products for human consumption or export do not contain lead residues.

If you suspect your animals have been exposed to lead, contact your local DPIRD field veterinary officer – see Animal Biosecurity and Welfare contacts for your nearest officer.

For more information on lead toxicosis and prevention, visit DPIRD’s lead poisoning and residues in livestock webpage.

Image source: DPIRD 

Our staff

Image: Some of the DPIRD Livestock Research and Industry Innovation team. 

DPIRD’s Livestock Research and Industry Innovation team has approximately 70 staff across the state, ranging from Kununurra in the North to Albany in the South! We will be introducing our talented team over our quarterly issues and highlighting the exciting research projects we are working on with industry. 

The team is headed up by Director Julia Smith, who has been with DPIRD since 2008. Before stepping into the Director role, she worked in the Albany office for over 12 years undertaking research, extension and policy work on a range of sheep industry challenges. 

Latest n-ewes

• eID infrastructure grants
• Grants for Cattle Biosecurity Research and Development.
• Driving sustainable and innovative outcomes a focus of DPIRD display at Wagin.

Further information

WA Sheep and Cattle Industries news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions, or require further information please email livestock@dpird.wa.gov.au

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Important disclaimer 
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2024.