Containment Feeding in Dry Times: Managing Disease Risks in Sheep Production

Containment feeding is becoming increasingly essential for sheep producers in dry times, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The practice of densely stocking livestock for prolonged periods can lead to a higher risk of infectious, nutritional, and parasitic diseases, as well as sudden death. These diseases include enterotoxaemia, vitamin deficiencies, acidosis, pregnancy toxaemia, milk fever, and coccidiosis, among others. To mitigate these risks, supplementing the diet with vitamin A and E is crucial, especially during prolonged periods of green feed scarcity.

Key Takeaways:

• The risk of disease increases significantly with high-density stocking in containment feeding, with infectious diseases such as enterotoxaemia, C. coli, and B. ovis being a major concern.
• Nutritional diseases, including vitamin deficiencies, acidosis, pregnancy toxaemia, and milk fever, also pose a significant threat, particularly during prolonged feeding periods.
• Parasitic diseases, such as scour worms and coccidiosis, are also common, and can be exacerbated by dust and flies.
• Antibiotics may be effective in treating certain diseases, but can only be used individually to prevent permanent damage to the eye or liver.
• Vaccines are available for certain diseases, including Campylobacter, Listeria, and Toxoplasma infections, but these require specific preventative measures to be effective.
• Lambing ewes should be released back into the paddock well before lambing to minimize disease risks.
• Pneumonia is a significant threat to sheep of all ages and breeds, caused by Mycoplasma, Pasteurella, and Mannheimia infections.
• Enterotoxaemia (pulpy kidney) is an ever-present risk to livestock, requiring vaccination at marking and weaning, and subsequent booster doses annually.
• Mineral supplements may be used to provide vitamin A and E, although a six-weekly injection is a more reliable option.
• Acidosis caused by overfeeding on grain can lead to poor performance or death, and shy feeders require early identification and removal from containment.
• A balanced diet, adequate trough space, and access to clean fresh water are critical in minimizing husbandry diseases.

Statistics:

• High-density grazing increases the risk of Clostridial bacteria causing sudden death in livestock.
• More than three months without access to green feed can lead to vitamin A and E deficiency, predisposing to diseases already mentioned.
• Antibiotics are effective in treating pneumonia, but flock-specific vaccines are also available to prevent it.
• A balanced diet and access to clean fresh water can minimize husbandry diseases such as acidosis, vitamin deficiencies, and parasitic diseases.
• Ewes require a broad-spectrum worm drench to minimize the risk of scours and weight loss during containment feeding.

Sources:

• Trengove, C. (n.d.). Supplementary feeding livestock in containment during dry times is a key strategy in sustainable land management.