Heat load in sheep exported to Middle Eastern feedlots

Summary

This project has monitored shipments of sheep through the pre-embarkation feedlot, shipboard journey and subsequent feedlotting in the ME.  It has recorded body temperatures of sheep throughout this process to determine how sheep cope throughout the whole process and if sheep may be becoming compromised, with a view to then better manage animals.  To date the project has:Gathered  data on the internal temperatures of groups of sheep and the environmental conditions that they experience during their normal transition from Australia into Middle Eastern feedlots, from 6 shipmentsGathered data on the pathophysiology of sheep clinically affected by disease during this transition and at the post-shipment feedlot, for the monitored shipments, with blood and pathology samples analysed along with clinical signs and history of individual animalsGathered data on other stressors such as feeding, management, and infectious disease during the process, by tracking of individual sheep through the pre-embarkation feedlot, during road transport to the port, on-board during the voyage to the Middle East, and then during their stay at the feedlot prior to slaughterRelated morbidity and mortality of the sheep to the gathered data, to surmise causes.
Phase two of this work has now commenced where the focus is to firstly supplement electrolytes to sheep experiencing sustained heat loads throughout the live export process into a hot, humid destination in the ME summer.  Secondly, to monitor environmental conditions and animal responses under different shade types and with additional measures proposed to cool the animals.  All data collected from Phase one and two will be utilised to inform risk management and recommendations to limit compromises to health and welfare of the sheep, and minimise losses.