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The Live Sheep Export Industry, Richard Norris, Barry Richards, Tony Higgs

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Australia's live sheep trade to Middle Eastern countries is an important export industry. However, about 2 per cent of the sheep die, mainly during the sea voyage. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture has conducted a major research programme to improve the health and welfare of sheep during live export. The programme has'examined many aspects of the export sheep industry, and a substantial part of it has focused on why sheep die during sea transport.

Choosing A Calcium Supplement For Sheep Fed Cereal Grains, R L. Peet, Michael Hare

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sheep fed cereal grains as an energy source over summer usually need added calcium because cereal grains are generally low in calcium (for example, 0.03 per cent calcium compared to 0.26 per cent phosphorus), and there may not be a natural source such as clover, weeds, leafy stubble or edible bush in the paddock.

The safestt and most effective calcium supplement is finely ground limestone added to the feed, but some farmers have used other sources of calcium such as gypsum and superphosphate in this manner.

Weighing Scales For Sheep Do Pay, W D. Roberts

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sheep producers can improve production by using weighing scales and keeping accurate records of weights.

Withiut some objective measurement, such as weighing, producers have no accurate method of identifying the heaviest, lightest and average weight of a group of sheep.

They could try to esstimate weight by eye - but most people are poor judges of body weight.

Evaluation Of The Crack Approach For The Control Of Drench Resistance In Sheep Worms, J R. Edwards, Helen Chapman, Jon Dunsmore

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Department of Agriculture launched the CRACK approach to worm control in September 1985 in response to finding that anthelmintic (drench) resistant worms were present on 68 per cent of a random selection of Western Australian sheep farms.

The high cost of internal parasites in terms of lost production and drench costs, together with the high prevalence of resistant worms of farms, confirmed that changes were needed to existing parasite control measures in sheep.l

A Survey Of Drench Resistance In Sheep Worms, J R. Edwards, R. Wroth, G. C. De Chaneet, R. B. Besier, J. Karlsson, P. W. Morcombe, D. Roberts, G. Dalton-Morgan

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sheep worms which are resistant to chemical drenches have been detected with increasing freuency is Western Australia's south-western farming areas between 977 and 1980. These worms have anthelmintic resistance and such genetis resistance puts essential internal parasite control practices at risk.

This prompted veterinarians in the Esperance, Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and Northam areas to survey farms to determine the prevalence of resistance to drenches and to define those sheep management practices which encourage its development.

This article describes the survey which was conducted to assess the extent of drench resistance, what causes its build-up and how it can be controlled …

Protecting Off-Shears Sheep In Adverse Weather, T M. Ellis

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In January 2982 in the Narrogin-Darkan area of Western Australia, about 14,500 sheep up to 40 days off-shears died after a 48-hour period of heavy soaking rain that followed a thunderstorm three days previously. An estimated 100,000 sheep died throughout the South-West at the time.

P. G. Buckman - at the time Department of Agriculture District Veterinary Officer, Narrogin - surveyed 17 properties in the area. He found that losses in unshedded sheep 0 to 40 days off-shears ranged from 0 to 84 per cent of sheep on the property with an overall average of 27.9 per cent. Rainfall in …

The Philosophy Of Drenching Sheep In Western Australia, G C De Chaneet

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sheep of all classes are drenched more or less regularly throughout the agricultural areas of Western Australia.

Much of the drench is wasted because it is used in the wrong circumstances. This situation is probably a result of poor understanding of drenching.

This article discusses the philosophy of drenching and attempts to relate this to the epidemiology of parasitism as it is currently understood.

Lumpy Wool May Increase By Dipping : Research Roundup, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Lumpy wool, or mycotic dermatitis, is an infectious disease on the skin of the sheep caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus conglensis. The organism invades the wool and hair follicles, causing formation of skin lesions producing scabby material which binds the wool fibres into a hard mass.

Research shows that 'dipping' may increase the incidence of lumpy wool with some chemicals a greater risk than others.

Mulesing : Still The Best Weapon Against Fly-Strike, R A. Mills

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

IN SPITE of modern chemicals and insecticides, blow-fly strike remains one of the major problems facing sheep farmers today.

Inoculation Abscesses Can Downgrade Carcasses, M R. Gardiner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE presence of inoculation abscesses in meat is one of the lesser known causes of downgrading or rejection of carcasses, but these abscesses have caused increasing concern in recent years.

They have obvious importance in export carcasses.

A Control Programme For Cheesy Gland In Sheep, M R. Gardiner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

CASEOUS LYMPHADENITIS, or "cheesy gland" as it is usually known in Australia, is a common disease of sheep which is very important in the economics of the lamb and mutton industry.

Are Bactericides Necessary In Sheep Dips?, M R. Gardiner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE OCCURRANCE of mycotic dermatitis in sheep in Western Australia, although rather unpredictable, is quite frequent throughout the higher rainfall districts.

Efforts have been made for several years to control infection by adding bactericides to dips.

Drenches For Treatment And Control Of Worms In Sheep : 1969 : Efficiency, Cost And Safety, W A. Halhead, G. De Chaneet

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THERE is a wide variation in the efficiency and cost of drugs for worm control in sheep.

Generally, the higher the efficiency, the greater the cost. Prices are subject to change, and may vary with the amount of drench purchased.

Sheep Worm Control And Lambing Time In High Rainfall Areas, F C. Wilkinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Indications from a continuing sheep trial at Margaret River are that farmers in high rainfall areas could increase stocking rates and lamb growth rates by lambing in September- October rather than July-August.

The results also indicate that farmers in the area may be spending more than necessary on worm control.

Sheep Drenching Programms, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Drenching of sheep to prevent build-up of worm infestations is commonly practised on many properties in the agricultural districts of Western Australia. This is called strategic drenching.

Worms In Sheep. 4. Drenches For Treatment And Control Of Worms In Sheep, W A. Halhead

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

PREVIOUS articles in this series have described the species of worms affecting sheep in Western Australia, their life histories and the factors which lead to the seasonal rise and fall in worm burdens.

A programme of strategic (preventative) drenching has been outlined which is based on a knowledge of these seasonal changes in worm burdens.

Worms In Sheep. 2. Seasonal Variations In Worm Burdens, R W. Butler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The first article in this series described the worms which commonly infest sheep in Western Australia and the symptoms caused by heavy infestations.

This article outlines the effects of seasonal changes on worm burdens in sheep.

AS a basis for planning a worm control programme it is essential to have information on the seasonal changes in worm burdens and on the factors which control these.

In this article, the more important of these are considered.

Worms In Sheep. 3. Control Of Worms By Drenching, R W. Butler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

DRENCHING for worm control must be carefully timed in relation to the effect of climatic conditions on the development and survival of worm larvae on the pastures, and the seasonal variation in worm burdens carried by sheep.

These Worms ........ Caused This, F C. Wilkinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE weather had been remarkably pleasant, with an odd shower of rain followed by several warm days.

Just the weather for blowfly troubles, so the owner decided it was time he crutched his breeding flock of 500 ewes.

But as the mob approached the yards trouble was coming

Down And Out [Pulpy Kidney Disease], F C. Wilkinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Two days previously the weaner mob had broken through a gate into a hundred acre paddock in which an excellent green oat crop was growing.

The owner had not been particularly worried because the oats needed grazing. When however, he went to check the water troughs and found 17 weaners dead, he became perturbed.

Hypocalcaemia In Sheep, J Craig

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Hypocalcaemia can cause trouble among in-lamb and lactating ewes, especially if they are grazing lush pasture or young cereal crops.

Dry sheep can also be affected. The disease can be confused with pregnancy toxaemia.

. . . A timely reminder issued by Senior Veterinary Surgeon J. Craig.

Do You Know This Disease [Scabby Mouth], F C. Wilkinson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

This sheep is showing rather severe lesions of "scabby mouth" a disease widely distributed in both the pastoral and agricultural areas.

Enterotoxaemia (Pulpy Kidney Disease), J Craig

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

ENTEROTOXAEMIA, or pulpy kidney disease, is found in all areas of the world where sheep are raised and has occurred in Western Australia for many years, particularly in the great southern districts.

At one time it was known as "Beverley sheep disease."

The infectious nature of enterotoxaemia was first described by Bennets in 1932.

A Simplified Mulesing Crush, G T. Halpin

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

DURING the last two years Mr. Tom Flanigan, a mulesing contractor in a large area centred at Katanning, has performed the mules-tailstrip operation on many thousands of lambs and sheep.

Infectious Abortion Diseases In Sheep, Stanley M. Dennis

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

There are increasing signs that infections causing abortion in sheep are an important source of lambing losses in Western Australia.

The organisms responsible may cause losses at any time from the 60th day of pregnancy to a week after birth.

This article discusses the symptoms, effects and control of infectious abortion and associated losses, and outlines a research project started this year to investigate them.

Mulesing And Tailstripping : For The Prevention Of Fly-Strike, W L. Mcgarry

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

MULESING and tailstripping are basic to fly strike control.

During emergencies and bad fly waves they may need to be supplemented by temporary protective measures such as jetting and crutching.

Mulesing At Lamb Marking Time, M Butler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

REALISING that mulesing and tailstripping of sheep is the most effective system devised to counteract the loss and damage caused by blowfly strike in their sheep, many farmers and pastoralists are now incorporating it as standard practice in their system of sheep husbandry.

Can Worms Be Controlled By Correct Feeding?, Laurence C. Snook

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE extensive losses which result from the ravages of internal parasites are a matter of serious concern.

Livestock owners realise this all too well and welcome advice concerning control measures which can be adopted. Unfortunately, it is not possible to give clear cut advice on the subject.

Much publicity is given to the use of drugs which will expel the worms. Various systems of strategic drenching have been developed.

It is well to remember, however, that drenching is only one of many methods which can be used to control worm infestation.

In this talk attention will be concentrated on experimental …

Mulesing Pays, W L. Mcgarry

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THERE is little doubt that the combined mules and tail strip treatment is still far ahead of all other blowfly control measures.

This treatment can and should be carried out as farm or station routine practice in the same way as are other accepted management practices, such as lambmarking, drenching, etc.

Post Dipping Lameness In Sheep, I J. Miller

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

LAMENESS can be a most distressing feature at any time of the year, bat when It coincides with the early onset of hot weather and fall-off in nutritive level of the feed, results may have a far reaching effect on the flock.