Producers urged to monitor Livestock following rainfall

02nd Jun 2026

North West Local Land Services is encouraging livestock producers to closely monitor animal health following recent rainfall events that may trigger patchy green pasture growth across parts of the region.
Although much of the North West remains dry, the combination of rainfall and warm soil temperatures can lead to rapid pasture responses that may create health risks for livestock transitioning from dry feed conditions.
North West Local Land Services District Veterinarian Heidi Austin said producers should remain alert to conditions such as pulpy kidney, bloat and other metabolic disorders when stock move suddenly from grain-based rations or dry feed onto fresh green pasture.
“Sudden changes in feed can create significant health risks for livestock, particularly young or fast-growing animals, or stock with limited vaccination history,” Ms Austin said.
Pulpy kidney is caused by the rapid growth of clostridial bacteria in the gut and is commonly associated with the consumption of high-carbohydrate feed. Livestock receiving heavy grain supplementation or grazing newly emerged green feed may be at increased risk.
Producers are also being reminded that fresh green pasture often contains up to 90 per cent water, meaning animals may still require supplementary feeding despite paddocks beginning to show signs of growth.
Ms Austin said pastures can take several weeks to provide meaningful nutritional value, depending on factors such as rainfall received, pasture species and plant density.
“Continuing supplementary feeding while pasture establishes can help reduce livestock health risks and avoid overgrazing recovering paddocks,” she said.
Local Land Services is also encouraging producers to manage grazing pressure carefully after rain by using smaller paddocks where practical and slowing grazing rotations to allow recovering pastures additional time to establish.
The myStockFeed Planner, available through the NSW DroughtHub, can assist producers with feed budgeting and livestock nutrition decisions.
For advice on livestock health, feeding programs or pasture management, producers can contact their Local Land Services District Veterinarian or Livestock Officer on 1300 795 299.

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Producers urged to monitor Livestock following rainfall

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