Ag Reporting

Why is this a potential issue?

Sulfate is an essential element for animal nutrition but is a potential issue when detected at levels over the threshold of 1000 mg/L. Sulfate is found in most natural waters but can be elevated in mine discharge water. Concentrations above the threshold may be harmful to livestock, especially in young or lactating animals or in dry, hot weather where water intake is high. These effects may be temporary and may cease once stock become accustomed to the water. Levels of sulfate greater than 2000 mg/L may cause chronic or acute health problems.

High sulfate levels can cause scouring and general loss of condition particularly in young animals. Higher concentrations of sulfate may be tolerated, depending on the species of livestock and age. Very high concentrations of sulfate in drinking water (7200 mg/L) have been associated with an outbreak of polioencephalomalacia in cattle, with symptoms including depression, ataxia, cortical blindness, dysphagia and death.

Under anoxic conditions bacteria in water can reduce sulfate to sulfide, which results in the release of hydrogen sulfide, causing an unpleasant taste and odour.

What can be done?

Water quality varies significantly between wet and dry seasons between catchments and between sites along the same waterway. If you haven’t already done so and are concerned that there may be issues consider organising for your water to be tested. Further information for primary producers along the Dee River can be found at the DAF website.

Why is this a potential issue?

Copper is a potential issue when detected at levels over the threshold. Copper is an essential element in the animal diet however excessive intake of copper can lead to copper toxicoses. Toxic effects of copper depend on the type of livestock, but also on the form of copper. High copper intake from feed is more common than from drinking water. Water with a copper concentration less than 1000 ug/L poses minimal risk to cattle. Pigs and poultry are less susceptible and the threshold is set at 5000ug/L. Chronic liver damage and haemolytic jaundice can occur with extended exposure to high levels of copper. The tendency of copper to accumulate in the liver has potential implications for the health of consumers. If animal diets are high in copper, the levels in drinking water should be revised downwards.

What can be done?

Water quality varies significantly between wet and dry seasons between catchments and between sites along the same waterway. If you haven’t already done so and are concerned that there may be issues consider organising for your water to be tested. A fact sheet covering the impacts of saline stock drinking water can be found at the DPI website. Further information for primary producers along the Dee River can be found at the DAF website.

Why is this a potential issue?

Aluminium is a potential issue when detected at levels over the threshold of 5000 ug/L due to the risk of aluminium toxicity causing decreased feed intake, reduced efficiency in converting feed to body weight gain, disturbances in mineral metabolism including reduced phosphate absorption, hypercalcemia, reduced bone mineralization, and accumulation of aluminium in body tissues. Large intakes of soluble forms of aluminium can be fatal, especially in young animals, or when dietary calcium or phosphorus is low (Bioclyopedia 2012).

Animals, particularly ruminants, may tolerate much higher levels of aluminium as long as there is sufficient phosphorus in the diet to compensate for the effects of aluminium.

What can be done?

Water quality varies significantly between wet and dry seasons between catchments and between sites along the same waterway. If you haven’t already done so and are concerned that there may be issues consider organising for your water or soil to be tested. More information about testing aluminium levels in soils can be found at the DPI website. Further information for primary producers along the Dee River can be found at the DAF website.

Why is this a potential issue?

Cadmium is a potential issue when detected at levels over the threshold of 10 ug/L because of its toxic and possibly teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects on animals. The observed signs in animals experimentally feed high doses of cadmium include anaemia, abortions, stillbirth and reduced growth rates. Usually only a small amount of the total cadmium intake by livestock comes from drinking water, with most coming from food.

What can be done?

Water quality varies significantly between wet and dry seasons between catchments and between sites along the same waterway. If you haven’t already done so and are concerned that there may be issues consider organising for your water to be tested. Information on minimising cadmium intake in Australian livestock can be found here. Further information for primary producers along the Dee River can be found at the DAF website.

Why is this a potential issue?

Electrical conductivity (salinity) is a potential issue when detected at levels over the adopted thresholds as loss of production and decline in animal health can be expected. Highly saline waters can cause physiological upset and sometimes death in terrestrial animals, including humans. Animals under physiological stress, for example due to pregnancy, lactation or rapid growth, are particularly susceptible to mineral imbalances. Livestock generally find water of high salinity unpalatable. Water of marginal quality can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and a reduction in weight gain and milk or egg production. However, livestock can acclimatise physiologically to some extent to water of higher salinity when the level is adjusted over several weeks.

What can be done?

Water quality varies significantly between wet and dry seasons between catchments and between sites along the same waterway. If you haven’t already done so and are concerned that there may be issues consider organising for your water to be tested. A fact sheet covering the impacts of saline stock drinking water can be found at the DPI website

Why is this a potential issue?

Selenium is a potential issue when detected in stock drinking water at levels over the threshold of 20 ug/L. Selenium is an essential element for animal nutrition but at elevated concentrations can be toxic to animals. The chronic symptoms of selenium poisoning include loss of hair, lameness and a decrease in food intake, which may result in death by starvation. The symptoms of acute selenium poisoning include stumbling, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea and bloat, with death resulting from respiratory failure. More information on selenium toxicosis can be found here.

What can be done?

Water quality varies significantly between wet and dry seasons between catchments and between sites along the same waterway. If you haven’t already done so and are concerned that there may be issues consider organising for your water to be tested. Further information for primary producers along the Dee River can be found at the DAF website.