Seed contamination in sheep – the need to be thinking ahead
- Sheep Producers Australia
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Dr Jane Kelly
Senior Lecturer Livestock Production Management
School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University
Drier conditions and reduced ground cover this autumn are likely to create ideal conditions for annual grass proliferation when rain arrives. Annual grass weeds are typically used as high quality autumn feed, yet many pose significant seed contamination risks to grazing sheep later in the year.
Seed contamination presents as a major production and welfare issue to flocks, incurs significant costs to processors and is particularly problematic in young sheep. Significant carcass, skin and wool discounts also impact many producers financially.
When pastures are well established, there is less opportunity for invasion by annual grass weeds. Management of annual grasses during autumn is highly valuable for reducing seed contamination incidence in spring, since grazing during the early vegetative growth stage often leads to increased tillering and seed proliferation during spring in some species (e.g. Barley grass).
Research undertaken by the University of NSW and Charles Sturt University is now investigating the design of a suitable detection technology to detect grass seeds early in sheep, facilitating earlier management decisions to reduce contamination levels and impacts to flocks.
A survey is being disseminated to Australian sheep producers to investigate the demand for such technology, how seed contamination is being managed, identify the gaps in knowledge and the barriers to management. If you a sheep producer over 18 years of age the research team would love to receive your responses.
Survey:
The first 50 respondents will receive a $20 supermarket voucher via email.
For more information on grass seed contamination, contact your Local Land Services Livestock officer or District Veterinarian.
