Carefully managing livestock as they transition back onto pastures is crucial to avoid health issues.
Farmers currently with stock in containment areas may be tempted to shift to paddock grazing once spring hits and some lush green pick is available.
It's critical farmers manage this feed transition as the higher moisture content and lower dry matter in pastures, and sudden change in diet can lead to animal health issues such as acidosis.
To better manage the transition and reduce the risk of health issues the following strategies can be utilised:
Transitioning feed is critical
Feed transition is important to reduce the impact of digestive issues and plant poisonings. To manage this gradually reduce the amount of dry season ration offered and replace it by providing limited access to pasture (an hour or two each day).
This change in diet should happen slowly over a week to allow the rumen to adjust.
For more information on meeting the nutritional needs for your livestock visit www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au/beef-resources/
Monitor pasture composition
Keep a watchful eye out for bloat, especially in young cattle if they are grazing on fast growing legume species, such as clovers, lucerne or vetch, and ensure the stock have ready access to fibre such as straw and cereal hay.
Before grazing, inspect paddocks for weeds. If there are high levels of weed infestations, check the plant species and seek advice on their potential toxicity and how to best manage.
Manage and monitor nutrient toxicities and deficiencies
Monitor for nitrate/nitrite poisoning, which is a higher risk in the first weeks after rain, symptoms include diarrhoea, salivation, breathing difficulties, and blue/chocolate mucous membranes.
If these symptoms are detected reduce access to pastures and extend the feed transition with a more balanced diet.
For more information on drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.