Adequate provision of water a key as weather warms up
As the weather heats up throughout the State, producers are reminded to ensure that livestock are being provided with proper and sufficient water to stay hydrated.
It may seem obvious, but the provision of water on property must be of good quality and sufficient quantity to satisfy the needs of all livestock. Pregnant and lactating livestock and livestock in hotter climates need to be able to access water regularly—all stock should be able to access good quality water every 24 hours as a minimum.
Make sure that dams are safe to access and do not risk the animal bogging, check natural water supplies like soaks and streams to ensure that salinity is not a problem, and maintain bores, tanks and troughs to ensure a constant supply.
During transit animals should have access to water up until the point of loading during hot weather, or if pregnant or lactating. Journeys should be planned carefully to make sure that animals are not held off water for long periods. More information is available in the relevant Code of Practice for the species that is being transported.
Failure to provide proper and sufficient water is an offence under the Act.