The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is reminding all pastoral livestock farmers to ensure animals are well cared for on crops and pasture, and seek advice if they need to.
Wet and muddy conditions are to be expected on farms at this time of year, with slow pasture growth, rain and also when feeding winter crops.
"We recognise that this time of year brings many challenges, and managing stocking densities, pasture, break feeding on crops and minimising soil damage are just some of these. But farmers must be vigilant to not compromise animal health and welfare during these challenging months of the year," says MPI's Director of Animal Health and Welfare, veterinarian Dr Chris Rodwell.
"Welfare issues may not be immediately obvious," adds Rodwell. "Amongst a number of issues, prolonged time on mud can also cause distress and discomfort, bring on significant and painful animal health issues such as lameness and mastitis, and reduce production and resistance to disease."
MPI recognises that the use of winter crops as a source of good nutritional support to pasture and other feeds during winter is an important part of livestock feeding in New Zealand extensive farming systems. However, there is a point where animals are adversely impacted by muddy paddocks and MPI continues to receive complaints.
