Drought Strain - Options for Managing Cattle During Dry Weather
Sep 02, 2024
By Todd Steen, ProTrition Ruminant Nutritionist
As of the writing of this article, many areas throughout the Southeast had not seen suitable rainfall this summer. While spring was regarded as rather wet, typical summer heat has been predominantly present without desired rain. In late July, some experienced increased precipitation which somewhat helped to restore pasture. However, when grazing pastures have not had adequate rain, meeting the nutritional needs of the animal will be difficult. Many producers react to drought conditions by selling large numbers of cattle. With the currently high market conditions, selling is a viable option. If maintaining the cow herd is the priority, some practices can help.
Late spring hay production seemed to be favorable to producers this year. Many began feeding hay much earlier than desired, risking inventory depletion sooner than planned. Relying on hay crops from two or more years ago is an option, but remember: older hay will not be as nutrient dense as fresher forage because protein/vitamin/energy erodes the longer hay is stored. Older hay is still acceptable, but consideration should be given to lesser nutrient content. Alternative forages such as straw can be successfully offered as a part of a balanced ration.
Consider hay management practices to reduce waste. As an example, limiting access to hay versus offering it free choice should significantly reduce the animal’s propensity to tossing forage. Additionally, consider grouping cattle by specific nutritional needs. Lactating cows have the greatest nutrient demand while dry cows have a lower energy need. Late-gestation cows typically will lose some weight consuming droughty pasture. Monitoring cow condition will be important.
Past episodes of drought have shown advantages to creep-feeding calves, especially with the cattle market we have today. It’s known that supplementing calves with a balanced ration can reduce the cow’s energy requirement for milk and aid in maintaining adequate cow body condition. Additionally, this could allow for an opportunity for earlier weaning. Cattle and calves do not require a given feedstuff but need nutrients such as energy, protein, etc. With this in mind, several options are available for viable creep rations, and those incorporating digestible fiber sources have been shown to substantiate gains without excess condition.
In the absence of sufficient forage, purchased feeds can be economically offered to meet multiple needs. Cubes are excellent because feed troughs are not necessarily needed and this form can be very convenient. Other supplements, such as liquids or tubs can be used as protein/energy sources. Offering other commodities, if utilized in a balanced ration, can be offered to cattle. Avoid single-feed commodities because none will have a satisfactory balance.
Another important point when evaluating drought-stressed forages will include “anti-nutritional” components, such as exacerbated levels of nitrate, prussic acid or potential molds, and yeasts. All these factors can have detrimental effects to cattle and performance. Always take the time to have forages analyzed to understand the options for feeding.
ProTrition livestock specialists are available to help with the decision-making and ration balancing needs during this time. Check with the folks at your local Co-op for more information.
Find the nearest location here. For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.
As of the writing of this article, many areas throughout the Southeast had not seen suitable rainfall this summer. While spring was regarded as rather wet, typical summer heat has been predominantly present without desired rain. In late July, some experienced increased precipitation which somewhat helped to restore pasture. However, when grazing pastures have not had adequate rain, meeting the nutritional needs of the animal will be difficult. Many producers react to drought conditions by selling large numbers of cattle. With the currently high market conditions, selling is a viable option. If maintaining the cow herd is the priority, some practices can help.
Late spring hay production seemed to be favorable to producers this year. Many began feeding hay much earlier than desired, risking inventory depletion sooner than planned. Relying on hay crops from two or more years ago is an option, but remember: older hay will not be as nutrient dense as fresher forage because protein/vitamin/energy erodes the longer hay is stored. Older hay is still acceptable, but consideration should be given to lesser nutrient content. Alternative forages such as straw can be successfully offered as a part of a balanced ration.
Consider hay management practices to reduce waste. As an example, limiting access to hay versus offering it free choice should significantly reduce the animal’s propensity to tossing forage. Additionally, consider grouping cattle by specific nutritional needs. Lactating cows have the greatest nutrient demand while dry cows have a lower energy need. Late-gestation cows typically will lose some weight consuming droughty pasture. Monitoring cow condition will be important.
Past episodes of drought have shown advantages to creep-feeding calves, especially with the cattle market we have today. It’s known that supplementing calves with a balanced ration can reduce the cow’s energy requirement for milk and aid in maintaining adequate cow body condition. Additionally, this could allow for an opportunity for earlier weaning. Cattle and calves do not require a given feedstuff but need nutrients such as energy, protein, etc. With this in mind, several options are available for viable creep rations, and those incorporating digestible fiber sources have been shown to substantiate gains without excess condition.
In the absence of sufficient forage, purchased feeds can be economically offered to meet multiple needs. Cubes are excellent because feed troughs are not necessarily needed and this form can be very convenient. Other supplements, such as liquids or tubs can be used as protein/energy sources. Offering other commodities, if utilized in a balanced ration, can be offered to cattle. Avoid single-feed commodities because none will have a satisfactory balance.
Another important point when evaluating drought-stressed forages will include “anti-nutritional” components, such as exacerbated levels of nitrate, prussic acid or potential molds, and yeasts. All these factors can have detrimental effects to cattle and performance. Always take the time to have forages analyzed to understand the options for feeding.
ProTrition livestock specialists are available to help with the decision-making and ration balancing needs during this time. Check with the folks at your local Co-op for more information.
Find the nearest location here. For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.