Livestock monitoring vital during heatwave

Temperatures are expected to soar in all areas of the state, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting Port Augusta and Whyalla to reach 48 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Primary Industries minister Tim Whetstone said animals should be checked regularly to make sure they are coping with the scorching days.

"Animal owners can take action to reduce the adverse impact extreme heat can have on animal health and wellbeing by providing enough shade to seek shelter from the sun and provide plenty of water," he said.

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"During high temperatures, animals can drink up to double their normal intake.

"Large and clean drinking troughs should be used, as evaporation may make trough water become saline and undrinkable. In hot weather troughs should be inspected daily to make sure they are working properly.

"Burying feeder pipes will help control water temperature and prevent breakages."

He also said livestock owners show check for signs of heat stress such as sweating, panting, drooling and bellowing, and said movement of stock should be kept to a minimum.

"If stock movement is absolutely necessary, then it should only be done during the night or early morning when temperatures are normally lower," he said.