LIVESTOCK MONITOR

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 12

LIVESTOCK MONITOR

Lambs have generally not “done well” this season, reports the Darfield M.A.F., due mainly to the unfavourable weather conditions, such as 16 days of rain in November. But January has at last brought some sunny weather, and many more lambs will be ready for drafting. The rain during the early summer has set up most farmers with enough feed to enable them to carry a majority of their lambs through to heavier weights. The consequent lack of freezing works throughput has been reflected during the season, with premiums placed on lighter-weight grades, and many stock being bought “on the place,” at a figure above schedule. At the beginning of the season, it seemed obvious that farmers should carry their lambs through to heavier weights. By doing this, the returns would be higher, and they would minimise, as best they could, the reduced returns from lamb. But as the season progresses, the price for heavy weight lambs continues to drop. The PX and PH grades on November 11, 1985 were 137.5 c a kg and 133 c respectively (90 per cent schedule). The schedule announced on January 27

(100 per cent schedule) has reduced these grades to 115 c a kg (22.5 c and 101 c a kg (32c) respectively.

Most farmers are planning on sending some special grade lambs away (e.g. Waitaki WX). However this requires special management of stock be-

fore the drafter arrives. A pair of scales is essential when drafting to a lower minimum weight. Anyone who has weighed sheep will know that weighing teaches you that you can’t tell the weight by eye appraisal.

Animals must be In the yards for at least 12 hours to reduce weight errors from gut fill and those animals above the minimum weight should be weighed and sorted before the drafter arrives. The drafter can then take those lambs with a suitable GR measurement, (i.e. less than 12mm fat). Shearing is virtually complete in the Darfield district and many iambs are also being shorn because of the incidence of seedy pelts. The weights of the animals in the livestock monitor flock are not available at present. However, to attain a good weight at mating, and in a season such as this, ewes should be slowly gaining weight. Don’t forget about the rams — they should be checked for fertility, and be in good condition at mating. Their feet should also be checked, said Caroline Carter, a farm advisory officer.

SHEEP • Warm humid weather during the spring and early summer has resulted in high worm burdens in lambs on some Canterbury properties, according to Dr Alan Pearson, a veterinarian at the M.A.F. Lincoln Animal Health Laboratory. In some cases weakened lambs have contracted infectious diseases as a result. In other cases lambs have died from the effects of the worms alone.

In addition several cases of suspected resistance to drenches have been recorded. In some of these cases Nematodirus, a worm that is not very

susceptible to many of the

commonly used drenches, has been involved.

It is most important, according to Dr Pearson, that intervals between drenches do not creep out beyond the recommended 21 to 28 days. It is also important that farmers check their drench guns to make sure they are delivering the correct dose, estimate body weights accurately and dose at a rate appropriate for the heavier animals in the mob. These simple measures will ensure that drenching is effective and help prevent the development of drench resistance.

GOATS • Parasitism in kids is likely to be a common animal health problem on properties running goats at high stocking rates.

Goats metabolise drenches more rapidly than sheep and most sheep drenches are no .longer licensed for use in goats. Therefore it is important that farmers consult their veterinarian about the best drench to use, an appropriate dose rate and how often to drench their kids.

• Polioencephalomalacia (P.E.) is a disease affecting the brain of calves, sheep and goats. From recent cases received at Lincoln Animal Health Laboratory it appears that it may be most common in goats. Affected animals are usually found down after being seen apparently normal not long before. They may appear to be blind with their neck arched backwards.

Early treatment with intravendus thiamine (Vitamin B) may produce a dramatic recovery. If left untreated these goats will die.

It is most important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice signs of nervous disease in any livestock.