The Old Ram-Australia
Herd Master
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2011
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- 977
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You may wonder why it’s a management issue, to my mind it’s just a symptom of other issues effecting flock health. Before sheep were domesticated they ranged over vast distances much like the wild herds in Africa. They consumed an array of plants which contributed to their nutritional, medicinal and mineral/trace element needs. This diversity was the cornerstone of the health of the flock .Nature works on a system of “survival of the fittest” and when a farmer takes control of the health of the flock he/she assumes this responsibility. The strength of a species is determined by the ability of the strongest to adapt to changing feed availability, lack of water for periods, to cover vast distances and successfully reproduce .Predators play an important role in the system as they weed out the old and the weak but predators in the main live in territory’s and as the flock travels in its search for food and water it encounters new threats and so the survival of the fittest is maintained.
So what has changed with domestication? Modern agriculture since the 50/60s has determined that stock can “survive” on a mono/duo culture along with chemicals and pharmersuiticals to assist with stock health, but does this type of production actually contribute to the strength of the species? If you accept that not every baby born is destined to contribute to the strength of the species and the farmer interferes with the natural process does he/she not contribute to reduction in the strength of the species overall? One needs to ask the question “just because I can interfere, should I”?Before we head down the path of reliance on chemical drenches which is like entering a tunnel which has no end and the end result will be worm resistance to every drench available. The newest chemical class was showing worm resistance within 12 months in some districts due to overuse/misuse by producers. There are a range of strategy’s the farmer can adopt to overcome this challenge and they can not only “reduce costs” but increase the overall health of the flock. Rotational grazing to reduce re-infection, pasture diversity increases self –medication and careful selection of replacements to boost natural immunity in the next generation.
Worms are in fact just another facet of stock health and in the case of a healthy animal its own immune system keeps the number of worms in balance so as not interfere with the animal’s ability to feed and reproduce successfully. Sheep can infact differentiate between plants which effect growth, mineral balance and medicinal balance. Much of the worlds soils have been “depleted” of the necessary elements to sustain good health and for those who depend on purchasing grains, hay and the like may be unknowingly contributing to an adverse effect on animal health. Plants draw from the soil “natural” minerals, especially Perennial species whose roots go deep into the profile; it’s just not the same feeding chemical s which mimics natural minerals.
So the next time your farm adviser suggests that you “tear up” a paddock which he/she claims is not producing and instead plant the latest seed variety as a mono –culture ,with its artificial fertilizer and chemical spray for what they regard as weeds you may wish to “reflect” on this post before you decide to go ahead......T.O.R.
So what has changed with domestication? Modern agriculture since the 50/60s has determined that stock can “survive” on a mono/duo culture along with chemicals and pharmersuiticals to assist with stock health, but does this type of production actually contribute to the strength of the species? If you accept that not every baby born is destined to contribute to the strength of the species and the farmer interferes with the natural process does he/she not contribute to reduction in the strength of the species overall? One needs to ask the question “just because I can interfere, should I”?Before we head down the path of reliance on chemical drenches which is like entering a tunnel which has no end and the end result will be worm resistance to every drench available. The newest chemical class was showing worm resistance within 12 months in some districts due to overuse/misuse by producers. There are a range of strategy’s the farmer can adopt to overcome this challenge and they can not only “reduce costs” but increase the overall health of the flock. Rotational grazing to reduce re-infection, pasture diversity increases self –medication and careful selection of replacements to boost natural immunity in the next generation.
Worms are in fact just another facet of stock health and in the case of a healthy animal its own immune system keeps the number of worms in balance so as not interfere with the animal’s ability to feed and reproduce successfully. Sheep can infact differentiate between plants which effect growth, mineral balance and medicinal balance. Much of the worlds soils have been “depleted” of the necessary elements to sustain good health and for those who depend on purchasing grains, hay and the like may be unknowingly contributing to an adverse effect on animal health. Plants draw from the soil “natural” minerals, especially Perennial species whose roots go deep into the profile; it’s just not the same feeding chemical s which mimics natural minerals.
So the next time your farm adviser suggests that you “tear up” a paddock which he/she claims is not producing and instead plant the latest seed variety as a mono –culture ,with its artificial fertilizer and chemical spray for what they regard as weeds you may wish to “reflect” on this post before you decide to go ahead......T.O.R.