WITH summer temperatures climbing, Central West farmers are urged to start planning ahead to avoid water shortages and livestock heat stress. Temperatures will soar into the early 40s for some parts of the region this week, with a low intensity heatwave alert issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. Central Tablelands Local Land Services senior land services officer, Brett Littler said providing cool, clean water, and shade and shelter was essential for animal welfare, and will ensure valuable livestock have the best chance to cope with extreme conditions. READ MORE: Heatwave conditions will have firefighters on alert A good quality water supply is essential for stock on warm days, however surface water in dams and storage can quickly drop to critically low levels in hot weather. Mr Littler said where livestock are relying on pumped water into troughs, farmers are reminded to maintain and monitor water infrastructure diligently. “Its easy to get caught out in the holiday period if a pump breaks down and the local merchandise store is closed over Christmas, so planning is critical,” he said. Unless you are around to continually check water containers, water should be provided through automatic or reticulated systems. The number of watering points and the amount of water flow should be increased if a large number of animals are kept together, and troughs need to be firmly fixed so they cant be tipped over. “If you are feeding 500 weaner lambs, their daily water requirements are 2000 litres on a plus 30 degree day eating grain,” Mr Littler said. READ MORE: Heatwave predicted for Central West “If you dont have a spare pump, youll need to have enough water in storage until the spare part arrives.” Water consumption by sheep is about 40 per cent higher in summer than in winter. During drought conditions stock need even more water to cope with tough, fibrous feed. Water requirements can be further exacerbated by routine activities such as shearing which dramatically increase the heat load on animals. READ ALSO: Keeping your options open after receiving your HSC, ATAR results Sheep adjust to the heat load by increasing evaporative cooling through panting, and water consumption can increase by 78 per cent under extreme conditions. In extreme heat its safest to postpone handling stock where possible. If unavoidable, jobs should be done early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. READ ALSO: Get ready to see police on jet skis breath testing our boat drivers Extreme heat causes significant stress for all animals. Keeping an eye on weather forecasts, and having a plan ready to ensure sufficient shade and a plentiful supply of cool, clean water will help prevent death and deterioration in valuable stock. More information about water requirements and managing heat stress is available here.
WITH summer temperatures climbing, Central West farmers are urged to start planning ahead to avoid water shortages and livestock heat stress.
Temperatures will soar into the early 40s for some parts of the region this week, with a low intensity heatwave alert issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Central Tablelands Local Land Services senior land services officer, Brett Littler said providing cool, clean water, and shade and shelter was essential for animal welfare, and will ensure valuable livestock have the best chance to cope with extreme conditions.
A good quality water supply is essential for stock on warm days, however surface water in dams and storage can quickly drop to critically low levels in hot weather.
Mr Littler said where livestock are relying on pumped water into troughs, farmers are reminded to maintain and monitor water infrastructure diligently.
“Its easy to get caught out in the holiday period if a pump breaks down and the local merchandise store is closed over Christmas, so planning is critical,” he said.
Water consumption by sheep is about 40 per cent higher in summer than in winter.
Unless you are around to continually check water containers, water should be provided through automatic or reticulated systems.
The number of watering points and the amount of water flow should be increased if a large number of animals are kept together, and troughs need to be firmly fixed so they cant be tipped over.
“If you are feeding 500 weaner lambs, their daily water requirements are 2000 litres on a plus 30 degree day eating grain,” Mr Littler said.
“If you dont have a spare pump, youll need to have enough water in storage until the spare part arrives.”
Water consumption by sheep is about 40 per cent higher in summer than in winter.
During drought conditions stock need even more water to cope with tough, fibrous feed.
Water requirements can be further exacerbated by routine activities such as shearing which dramatically increase the heat load on animals.
Sheep adjust to the heat load by increasing evaporative cooling through panting, and water consumption can increase by 78 per cent under extreme conditions.
In extreme heat its safest to postpone handling stock where possible.
If unavoidable, jobs should be done early in the morning when temperatures are cooler.
Extreme heat causes significant stress for all animals.
Keeping an eye on weather forecasts, and having a plan ready to ensure sufficient shade and a plentiful supply of cool, clean water will help prevent death and deterioration in valuable stock.
More information about water requirements and managing heat stress is available here.
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Nyngan Observer
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