Well-known veterinarian Dr Faffa Malan cautions farmers in drought-stricken areas of South Africa who feed their animals with hay transported from various parts of the country to be aware of the risk of poisoning and diseases which can be caused by using hay to feed animals. Fungus, tulip, wild lucerne and nitrate poisoning have, among other things, occurred in the past when animals were fed with hay.
When feeding animals with feed that they are not accustomed to it is important to introduce the feed in small quantities which can be increased gradually. Significant damage can be caused within a herd if they are fed large quantities of feed they’re not used to, particularly, concentrates.
Ensure that cattle are immunised against lameness since animals such as rodents and snakes which carry the poison may be baled into the hay.
Tick larvae contaminated with Asiatic or African redwater may also be in the hay and outbreaks of these diseases can result in significant losses.
For more information contact Dr Malan at dokfaffa@nahuaisp.co.za
Published on Monday, 15th February 2016 - 09:21
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