Shade, shelter and plenty of cool water are the key principles in keeping livestock healthy during the hot weather explains Primary Industries and Resources SA Animal Health and Welfare principal policy officer Mark Peters.

“Animals need shade and shelter to protect them from the sun and wind,” Mr Peters said.

“They need a supply of cool water close to the shade - animals drink up to double the amount of water in hot weather.

“Keep troughs clean especially when moving stock into a new paddock - evaporation can cause trough water to become very saline and undrinkable.

“If possible don’t let animals access dams. The dam can be boggy and animals accessing the water may get stuck.

“Livestock should be checked daily to ensure they are coping with the heat.

“Heat stress can be fatal for animals. The first signs of heat stress are sweating, panting and drooling. They may be restless and bellowing.

“If you are not living at the property ask a neighbour to check the animals.”

Stock movements should be minimised both on-farm and off-farm.

“If stock need to be moved it should be done during the night or (during) the cooler part of the day for example early in the morning.

“Livestock transporters should have contingency plans in place to handle unexpected breakdowns.

“Poultry are very susceptible to heat and if they are kept in a shed that is not fitted with an effective cooling system, the shed should be cooled by wetting the shed or hanging wet hessian in breezeways.

“Birds too need access to plenty of cool water.”