Emilee Johnstone, a district vet with LLS in Cowra, discusses the ongoing challenge of worms in livestock during winter, emphasizing the need for worm testing and proper management strategies. She also highlights the importance of acclimating livestock to new feeds, ensuring clostridial vaccinations are up to date, and providing necessary nutritional supplements to prevent health issues.
Managing Worms and Grazing Crops: Essential Tips for Farmers
Hello, I’m Emilee Johnstone, a district vet with LLS in Cowra. In this post, we’ll discuss critical insights on managing worms in livestock and best practices for grazing crops during winter.
The Ongoing Worm Challenge
Worms remain a significant issue throughout the winter months. Even though many of our livestock are currently grazing on crops, which are considered lower-risk paddocks, we must remain vigilant about the conditions in other paddocks on the farm, particularly those that were heavily contaminated with worms over the summer and autumn.
Misconceptions About Frost and Worms
A common misconception is that frost will kill barber’s pole worms. While the cold temperatures indeed prevent eggs from hatching, any larvae already deposited on the paddocks can survive for several months. In our region, a rule of thumb is that a paddock takes about three months in the hottest months and six months in the coldest months to be considered clean and free of larvae.
Paddocks contaminated through autumn may still harbor larvae well into spring, posing a significant concern for livestock health.
Importance of Worm Testing
Regular worm testing is crucial to understand the worm burden in your sheep. It’s advisable to invest in a larval culture to identify the specific types of worms present. This information is vital because, apart from barber’s pole worms, we must also be mindful of scour worms, which peak during winter in our area.
Targeted Treatment
Knowing the exact type of worms allows for targeted treatment using appropriate drenches and management strategies. This approach ensures a more effective and efficient worm control program.
Best Practices for Grazing Crops
When introducing livestock to crops, it’s essential to follow several best practices to ensure their health and productivity.
Introducing Livestock to Crops
- Avoid Hungry Stock: Never allow hungry livestock to access a crop for the first time. Ensure they have a full stomach before introducing them to the new feed.
- Adaptation Period: Livestock need time to adapt to a new type of feed. It can take a couple of weeks for them to get used to eating it and for their digestive systems to adjust.
Practical Tips for Farmers
In an ideal world, farmers would gradually introduce livestock to crops by allowing them to graze for a few hours each day over a couple of weeks. For most producers, offering access to a neighboring pasture paddock or providing good-quality hay for a couple of weeks until the livestock adapt to the crop is practical advice.
Preventing Pulpy Kidney
Pulpy kidney is a risk when livestock graze on lush feed types. Ensure clostridial vaccinations are up to date, and in high-risk conditions, consider boosting vaccinations every three months.
Supplementing Essential Minerals
Grazing cereal crops like wheat and oats are low in calcium and magnesium. Therefore, it’s crucial to supplement these minerals, especially for pregnant, lactating, and young stock. The easiest way to provide these minerals is through a loose lick containing salt.
Providing Fiber
While grazing crops are high in energy and protein, they are low in fiber. Providing adequate fiber is essential for livestock health. Offer good-quality hay that the stock will actually consume.
Monitoring and Management
Grazing any crop is not a “set and forget” system. Close monitoring of livestock is essential. If you notice any unusual signs or issues, such as unexpected deaths, contact your district vet immediately.
By following these guidelines, farmers can effectively manage worm burdens and ensure their livestock thrives on grazing crops during the winter months.
