DISASTERS and extreme weather conditions can result in many sheep producers having to use emergency feed sources, most commonly hay.

During prolonged disaster feeding, maintaining consistent roughage, providing adequate nutrition and avoiding sudden ration changes are some of the most effective ways to prevent tender wool and breaks in wool.

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) says while essential for animal survival, this feed source can vary in quality and quantity, and producers need to be aware of potential negative impacts, especially around tender wool or having a break in the wool fibre.

AWI says producers should collect and record general information around the estimated number of stock, their location, the type, amount and quality of feed being fed. The record keeping will help monitor stock health and welfare and help to better understand (and remember why) the impact on the quality of wool at a later date.  

According to AWI, after the immediate emergency response, if the disaster is ongoing and extended periods of feeding is required, be aware of the following points:  

• Avoid time off feed: rumen health and function decrease significantly if stock are off roughage for more than 24 hours.  
• Avoid sudden changes in feed type and/or quality: it can take 10–14 days for the rumen microbes to adjust to new feeds.  
• Monitor feed quality: test feed to know the energy and protein levels to allow for feeding sufficient levels, especially if feeding different classes of stock.   
• Store feed correctly: feed can spoil quickly after flooding or prolonged wet conditions. Ensure the feed purchased was stored, and continue to store it, correctly on your property to reduce wastage, spoilage and contamination.  
• Feed in a suitable location: avoid feeding stock in very dusty or very muddy locations as both can affect the fleece yield and vegetable matter (VM) content of wool.   
• Weeds: Be aware of the source of the fodder and the potential for weed and seed contamination of both wool and the property. Producers should always request weed (and pest) free certificates.

For more information there is a free online Making More From Sheep (MMFS) package available. MMFS gives producers tools to manage nutritional changes, avoid time-off-feed issues and reduce contamination impacts. The MMFS is designed to help woolgrowers make confident decisions when conditions are at their worst.

The MMFS can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/424xj3u5

Other suitable resources can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mps5fajw

This article was first published in the AWI Woolgrower Newsletter.