Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons^™

Sheep Updates 2008 - Part 2, Meredith L. Sheil, Di Evans, Brown Besier, Tim Scanlon, Andre Martinho De Almeida, Johan Greeff, Tanya Kilminster, John Milton, Chris Oldham, B. L. Mcintyre, Alison Wheatley, John Lucey, Fiona Jones, Nick Costa, Ed Riggall, J. R. L. Hall, Robin Jacob, Dave Pethick, Dave Hopkins, Graham Gardner

Sheep Updates

This session covers eleven papers from different authors: The Sheep Room 1. Analgesia for Surgical Husbandry Procedures in Sheep and Other Livestock, Dr Meredith L. Sheil, Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, Associate Sydney University Faculty of Veterinary Science The Wool Enterprise 2. Unmulsed sheep - implications for chemical use, Di Evans & Brown Besier, Department of Agriculture and Food WA 3. Are Damara and Dorper sheep better adapted than Merinos to nutritional stress? - Growth rates, Tim Scanlon1, Andre Martinho de Almeida2, Johan Greeff1, Tanya Kilminster1, John Milton3, Chris Oldham1, Department of Agriculture and Food WA1, Instituto de Investigacao Cientifica Tropical, …

Sheep Updates 2008 - Part 1, David Hughes, Tony Higgs, Di Evans, Scott Hansen, Michael Paton, Mary Nenke

Sheep Updates

This session covers five papers from different authors: KEYNOTE 1. Global trends in consumer and community expectations and their affect on the market, Dr David Hughes, Imperial College, London. (Powerpoint) PLENARY 2. Animal welfare - trends and opportunities, Tony Higgs, Di Evans, Department of Agriculture and Food WA 3. Australia's live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia, Scott Hansen, Meat & Livestock Australia 4. Livestock Welfare Challenges in Road Transport, Dr Mike Paton, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia 5. My 2020 Summit Experience, Mary Nenke, Producer Kukerin WA

Sheep Updates 2006 - Part 1, David Sackett, Kevin Foster, Ronald J. Yates, Phil Nichols, Graeme Martin, John Milton, Scott Williams, Garry Mcalister, Mark Suttie, Peter Fennessy, Jack Cocks

Sheep Updates

This session covers seven papers from different authors:

PLENARY

1. Making Dollars from Merinos, David Sackett, Holmes Sackett & Associates Pty Limited, Wagga Wagga, NSW

2. A new variety of sulla (Hedysarun coronarium)for forage production in southern Australia, Kevin Foster, Ron Yates, Phil Nichols, Department of Agriculture and Food, WA and Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, UWA

3. Mating - Short and fast is better, Graeme Martin, John Milton, Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia

4. Breech strike protection in sheep post 2010, Scott Williams, Program Manager Animal Health and Welfare, Australian Wool …

Veterinary Consultancy Boosts Piggery Profits, Ashley Mercy

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

A pilot Pig Herd Health Management Scheme co-ordinated by the Department of Agriculture has stimulated much increased involvement of veterinarians in the Western Australian pig industry. Co-ordinated by Ashley Mercy, principal veterinary officer (epidemiology) horn 1985 to 1989, the scheme demonstrated the value of having regular visits from veterinary consultants and in implementing programs to prevent disease and production problems occurring in herds.

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.

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

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.

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.

Bulletin No 3863 - Plants Which Cause Kimberley Horse Disease, A. L. Payne

Bulletins - 3000 - 3999

Crotalaria crispata and Crotalaria retusa (Rattlepod), two plants responsible for Kimberley horse disease*, are, unfortunately, fairly widespread throughout the Kimberleys. Both species are apparently toxic in all stages of growth.

This bulletin is to assist pastoralists to:-

• Identify the two plants;

• Recognise the type of country and conditions under which they grow; and

• Locate horse paddocks on country where the plants are least likely to occur.

Calcium And Phosphorus Requirements In Lupin Seed Rations For Pigs, N W. Godfrey, A. R. Mercy

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

Seed of lupin varieties now available can be combined with wheat or barley to produce a balanced diet for growing/finishing pigs, and lupin seed has become a popular ingredient of pig rations.

As a protein concentrate, lupin seed is a satisfactory alternative to meatmeal, provided adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus are added as supplements. Without the addition of these elements to rations of lupin seed and grain, a number of problems are likely to arise.

Trials at the Medina Pig Research Station have shown that Christmas Island rock phosphate is the cheapest and most convenient source of supplementary calcium …

The Sheep Measles Control Programme, J B. White

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

In the first seven months of 1968 Australia exported to the United States 17 747 tons of boned mutton; of this 2 198 tons, or 12.4 per cent, was condemned on arrival in that country.

The main cause of rejection was the presence of Cystkercus ovis cysts, the intermediate stage of the tapeworm Taenia ovis, of which the definitive host is the dog.

In 1969 the Western Australian Department of Agriculture decided to study the epidemiology of this disease.

This was the beginning of the work which would evolve into the 'Three Shire Control Programme'

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.

Infectious Sinusitis Of Turkeys, J Edgar

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

Climatic conditions in W.A. are ideal for turkey production if advantage is taken of the wide open spaces. Over-crowded, poorly ventilated quarters are ideal for the spread of infectious sinusitis, and the disease, once established, is hard to eliminate without a complete change of birds.

This article provides advice for the prevention of this important disease at a time when turkey raising is increasing in W.A.

Rearing Orphan Kangaroos, G L. Ward

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

LICENCES are required in Western Australia if certain kangaroos and all species of wallabies are kept in captivity, but orphaned young joeys often need care and hand feeding before they can be released to fend for themselves.

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.

Black-Leg In Cattle, F C. Wilkinson

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

BLACK-LEG is still a serious disease of cattle in the South West coastal region, causing deaths in young cattle.

The disease is characterised by hot swollen muscles, acute lameness and rapid death.

Cattle affected are usually 6 to 12 months old, in fat condition, and grazing on lush pastures.

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.

Practical Disease Prevention In The Pig Herd, R B. Richards

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

DISEASES cause loss in pig production through mortality, poor growth rate and reduced food conversion efficiency.

The cost of drugs and expert advice causes further economic loss, and the dangers to public health and to other livestock in a community are serious and often-neglected considerations.

Pig Husbandry Research In Western Australia, N W. Godfrey

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

IN the past it has not been possible to undertake research work with pigs on any appreciable scale in Western Australia.

A small herd has been maintained at Denmark Research Station for some years as a demonstration side-line unit, run in conjunction with the dairy herd.

A number of very useful trials have been carried out with the Denmark herd, but its size has limited the comprehensiveness of the type of research work that could be undertaken.

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.

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.

Bovine Tuberculosis Control In Western Australia : Past, Present And Future, M R. Gardiner

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

TWENTY YEARS AGO, tuberculosis was a widespread and serious disease in the dairy cattle of Western Australia.

Besides having a marked depressing effect on the economy of the dairying industry, bovine tuberculosis was a constant hazard to humans coming in contact with it.

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.

Mastitis In Western Australian Dairy Cattle, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

IN 1964/65, as a first step towards a State-wide mastitis control programme, the Department of Agriculture undertook a survey of mastitis in West Australian dairy herds.

The survey was designed to obtain a clear picture of the incidence and severity of the disease and is the most comprehensive mastitis survey carried out in Australia.

Round Worms : Important Parasites Of Pigs, F C. Wilkinson

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

ROUND WORMS are usually found in the small intestine of pigs. The adults average six to 10 inches long. They are creamy-white and cylindrical in shape, tapering to a point at both ends.