WIMMERA producers remain on high alert for lamb and sheep losses with ongoing wet and cold conditions.
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Heavy rain has meant an increase in diseases among ewes and lambs, but the increase in available feed has caused fertility and survival rates to improve.
Agriculture Victoria Horsham senior vet officer Paul Beltz said the wet weather exposed ewes and lambs to different diseases.
“We see more infections in the umbilical cord because it doesn’t dry out,” he said.
“We also see diseases in ewes such as mastitis.
“Because there is such lush feed around, there could also be issues with calcium and potassium deficiencies, which could kill ewes.”
Dr Beltz said despite the diseases, overall the wet weather was positive for livestock and Wimmera producers.
“Yes we are seeing a change in diseases, but there is also more feed around so there are less issues with mismothering and lambs are also heavier, which increases their chances of survival,” he said.
“Ewes were also in better conditions, which leads to higher fertility rates.”
Dr Beltz said in the Wimmera there had been an outbreak of ‘good weather diseases’.
“Because of the good feed and the good season, lambs are doing better overall,” he said.
“With the floods, there could be issues with mastitis and issues with their feet, but there have been no significant problems yet.”
Willaura’s Yarram Park manager Jeremy Upton had to rescue stranded lambs from a flooded paddock with a tinny, after 100 millimetres of rain inundated his paddocks earlier this month.
“The rain has produced some challenges but the upside is far greater than the few problems it has caused,” he said.
“It has completely filled our storage dams, which sets us up for a fantastic start to spring,.
“We haven’t had that good start in many years.
“Producers will be able to turn out their stock in heavier conditions and maintain higher breeding numbers.”
Dr Beltz said any producers that were having problems with their livestock should call their vet.
“People can also call our customer support line on 136 186 for more information,” he said.
Erin Witmitz
Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
