HAVE you ever considered a guardian dog to protect your livestock?
That’s the question being posed at two upcoming sessions next month focused on the protective animals.
The sessions, hosted by New South Wales Local Land Services, are set to explore options when considering available livestock guardian dog (LGD) breeds in Australia including the Maremma sheepdog, the Great Pyrenees, and the Anatolian shepherd.
“When properly bonded, trained and integrated into a livestock enterprise, LGDs can provide around-the-clock protection, helping to reduce predation losses and improve livestock survival rates,” a statement from Local Land Services said.
“Many producers also report reduced stress on livestock, greater confidence during lambing periods, and improved productivity outcomes.”
Farmers who want to find out more about LGDs are being encouraged to attend the events.
“Whether you’ve heard about guardian dogs and want to learn more, or you’re considering them for your own operation, these sessions will provide practical, experience-based insights from producers who use LGDs successfully in a range of farming systems,” the statement said.
“You’ll gain a realistic understanding of the benefits, challenges and management requirements of LGDs, helping you determine whether they could be a suitable addition to your livestock protection strategy.”
The livestock guardian dog sessions are set for Friday 25 September in Bathurst, and Saturday 26 September in Mudgee.
Both events run from 7pm to 9.30pm, and registration can be made via the Local Land Services events website.