Feeding livestock: Don't risk grain poisoning

Several reported cases of grain poisoning in livestock have prompted the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to warn farmers of the risks associated with feeding sheep and cattle high-energy grains without additional roughage.

NSW DPI livestock officer (sheep) at Wagga Wagga, Geoff Casburn, today said that it is common for stock to go off their feed during prolonged rain periods then gorge themselves when conditions become fine again.

“To prevent gorging and subsequent poisoning increase the amount of hay or roughage in the diet during rain periods and reintroduce grain gradually as the weather improves,” Mr Casburn said.

“For producers without access to hay, a very cost effective veterinary product that is designed to stop lactic acid producing bugs that cause grain poisoning is now available.

“When animals suddenly eat a large amount of grain high in starch, lactic acid producing bugs increase rapidly to a point where animals will suffer from grain poisoning, also known as acidosis.

“If grain is reintroduced gradually with roughage, this allows more time for beneficial bugs to build up and limit the harmful bugs that are responsible for acidosis.

“Livestock diets comprising hay also have the added advantage of generating heat for livestock during cold weather. In fact, hay provides heat for longer periods compared to grain due to its longer time in the rumen.”

Mr Casburn said to prevent pregnancy induced health problems such as pregnancy toxaemia it is vital that animals continue to have access to high levels of energy.

“Feed good quality hay, or if this is not available, consider continuing with grain that is treated with an appropriate additive,” he said.

Further information is available from NSW DPI livestock officers or local veterinarians.

Media contact: Geoff Casburn 02 6938 1630, 0428 420 886