On Thursday 14th July, 12 local producers from the Forbes, Parkes and Peak Hill areas joined AgriWest and Zoetis on a tour of the Fletcher International Abattoir in Dubbo. A practical tour of the kill floor, boning and freezing rooms started the day – demonstrating the steps taken for carcass grading (including condemnation and severe trimming of carcasses due to clostridial diseases). This was followed by a seminar presented by Josh Laurie (Fletcher International) and Dan Guest (Zoetis Australia), outlining the position of the Australian sheepmeat industry, both domestic and internationally; and giving in-depth training on the importance of preventing clostridial and other diseases through a sound and complete vaccination program. The key messages of the day were:
- Ensure a complete and correct vaccination program is implemented in your enterprise to maximise production.
- The effect of clostridial diseases on carcass condemnation and trimming can be severe – hugely impacting your profits at processing.
- The best and cheapest insurance plan against clostridial and other disease, and the associated losses is PREVENTION.
The group took away valuable information and an experience to ensure they are getting top dollar for their end product at processing, and the management tools required to achieve this. Thanks to all who took the time to come along to the day, your support is appreciated.
Speak to your local AgriWest Animal Production specialist about a complete vaccination program today.
