With markets and meatworks closed over Christmas, livestock producers must ensure adequate feed supplies are available.
LLS principal program manager animal biosecurity and welfare Lyndell Stone said it could be simply whether there’s enough grass in paddocks, grain in silos or hay in sheds.
"Think about your livestock numbers, and the quality and quantity of feed you have available to maintain animals in a healthy condition until markets reopen in the new year," she said.
"Now is a good time to bring stock into the yards, condition score them and draft off any animals suitable for sale, either via the saleyards or direct to a processor before the abattoirs close for the holidays."
Water supplies require particular attention as summer temperatures rise.
Producers should ensure bores and troughs are functioning properly and plan to move stock to paddocks with secure water sources if dams are likely to dry up.
Livestock significantly increase water consumption during warm weather.
During summer, landholders should monitor animals for heat stress signs including open mouth breathing, shallow and rapid breathing, shade seeking, reduced feed intake, increased water consumption, staggering and potentially death.
When mustering or handling livestock, producers must meet basic animal welfare standards by moving animals during cooler early morning or late afternoon periods, providing sufficient shade and water for rest and cooling, and ensuring adequate feed and water availability during the Christmas shutdown.
"Ensure you have sufficient feed and water available during the Christmas shut down period to maintain animals in healthy condition until markets reopen in the new year," Ms Stone said.
Livestock producers with emergency animal disease concerns during the Christmas holiday period should call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately.
For further information and local livestock advice, contact an LLS district veterinarian on 1300 795 299.
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