Feeding Cattle During Drought? 5 Cattle Nutrition Tips
- Extend pastures.. Your forage base is your most valuable resource; help your cattle make the most of it. Use...
- Early weaning calves.. Especially during short-term droughts, early weaning calves is a useful strategy to reduce cow...
- Extend feedstuffs.. If pasture forage isn’t adequate, there are still...
What are the best practices for raising cattle during a drought?
In this article, we look at some of the best practices for raising cattle during a drought, and what you can do to keep your herds safe and healthy. Early weaning is one of the most commonly cited ways of reducing water and forage requirements during a drought — a lactating cow typically needs between 50-65% more nutrients than a dry one.
How to improve feed quality in dairy cattle?
Feed the lower quality roughages to cows in the middle-third stage of pregnancy (i.e., can you save money by feeding lower quality feed strategically), Treat low-quality roughages with various feed additives. Additives can improve palatability and feeding quality. (Brownson, 1996).
How do you handle cows during a cattle crisis?
One of the keys to handling cows during a crisis is to make the best use possible of your forage. Use hay rings or a cone feeder, rather than feeding on the ground, to prevent waste. Feed your cattle on a stricter schedule, and don’t leave out more than is required.
What is the best alternative to feed a cow?
In many cases, the best alternative for cow/calf producers is to feed a limit-fed, high grain diet in dry lot or semi-confinement. The most expensive nutrient for a cow is energy (TDN).
What do you feed cows if you don't have hay?
Corn is commonly used as a feed in finishing, or feedlot, cattle diets throughout the U.S. Whole corn-based diets can meet the nutrient requirements of pregnant beef cattle without adverse effects on production and, depending on the economics, may be provided at a lower cost than feeding hay (Loerch, 1996).
What is a good energy source for cattle?
The most common energy feeds available to cattle are based on high-starch grains (corn, sorghum, barley, wheat), fibrous byproducts (soybean hulls, wheat middlings and beet pulp), or fat sources (oilseeds, animal and vegetable oils).
What is the best feed to finish cattle?
per day of corn, oats or barley fed to grazing cattle is a good finishing ration. This fed to a 900-1000 pound steer for 3-4 months should will you a nicely finished animal. If you do not have access to pasture or if you are finishing during the winter, you might increase the amount of grain to 15-18 lbs. per day.
How can I make cattle feed for cheap?
“Corn residue is one of the lowest cost forages on a cost per pound of energy. That's why mixing a high energy and protein feed like distillers' grains with a low quality forage like corn stalks is so cost effective.
What is the best protein to feed cattle?
Microbial crude protein (MCP) —The most important protein source for cattle, supplying from 50% to 100% of the daily MP required by the animal.
What is a good protein supplement for cattle?
Other common protein sources are alfalfa hay, soybean meal, range cubes, molasses lick barrels, protein blocks and liquid protein supplements. The protein levels on these feeds can range from slightly less than 20% up to 48% for the soybean meal.
Is cracked corn or whole corn better for cattle?
Processing Corn Even though corn can be fed whole with satisfactory results, cracking or rolling prior to feeding will increase digestibility by 5 to 10 percent. In most instances, grinding or rolling corn will not markedly improve average daily gain, but proper processing will improve feed conversion efficiency.
Is it better to feed cattle once or twice a day?
Cattle restricted to 90% of ad libitum intake levels had the highest gains for cattle fed once daily in the morning. Cattle with ad libitum access to feed had the highest gains of cattle fed once daily in the afternoon. Restricting cattle to 95% of ad libitum provided the best gains in cattle fed twice daily.
What is the best grain for cattle?
Corn, oats, and barley are the primary grains fed to cattle. Oats, which has a lower energy value due to its high fiber content, is considered the "safest" grain in regards to potential digestive disturbances.
How can I feed livestock for free?
How to grow all your livestock foodOut to Pasture. My Pasture. ... Free Bird. via Raising Free Range Chickens. ... Fodder is Your Friend. Fodder is a great way to raise food for your animals and not spend a ton of money. ... A Second Garden. ... A Whole Lot of Herbs. ... Excess Fruits and Veggies. ... Grow Vertically. ... Container Gardening.More items...
Is alfalfa good for cows?
Alfalfa is recognized as one of the most nutritious forages available and is widely used as conserved forage (ex, hay, silage) in the diets of beef and dairy cattle.
Is sweet feed good for cows?
Because it contains molasses, textured cattle feed is often referred to as “sweet feed.” Today's textured cattle feed, which uses less molasses than in the past, still provides an advantage; it makes the feed more palatable, which is good news for your cattle.
What feeds alfalfa?
Alternative feedstuffs used to decrease the dependency on alfalfa or grass hay include harvested corn stalks, millet hay, wheat straw, sorghum-sudan, cottonseed hulls, soybean hulls, wheat middlings, and corn gluten feed. Cottonseed hulls are low in protein (3.5 percent), but equal in energy to late cut grass hay. Cottonseed hulls should be fed with 2 to 3 pounds of 30 percent to 40 percent all-natural protein supplement and mineral. The crude protein in soybean hulls ranges from 10 percent to16 percent. Soybean hulls can be fed without additional forage, however, the digestible energy increases when fed with hay in a 2-to-1 ratio. Wheat middlings are a good source of protein (18 percent) and energy. It is best to mix at least 5 pounds of forage with the wheat middlings. Corn gluten feed is a byproduct of the corn wet milling industry and is available in wet or dry form. It is high in protein (25 percent) and should be fed at a rate of 0.5 percent of body weight, with a forage source. A calcium-phosphorus mineral mixture and salt should always be available to cows, especially when utilizing any alternative feeds. Vitamin A may need to be supplemented, also.
What to plant in spring forage?
Spring forage is always a premium. Small grains, such as cereal rye, triticale, or oats, can be used to fill the void of spring forage. In planning for next year, plant these varieties in August or September to provide forage the following spring. Keep in mind that nitrates may be an issue if the annual forage has been stressed (drought, wind, excessive soil nitrogen, shade, frost, certain herbicides, acid soils, low growing temperatures, and nutrient deficiencies), and be sure to have the forage tested for nitrates. Up to a threshold, high nitrate forages are consumable by diluting them with other feedstuffs and supplementing with energy (fact sheet 1.610, Nitrate Poisoning ).
Why are nitrates in my forage?
Keep in mind that nitrates may be an issue if the annual forage has been stressed (drought, wind, excessive soil nitrogen, shade, frost, certain herbicides, acid soils, low growing temperatures, and nutrient deficiencies), and be sure to have the forage tested for nitrates.
Why is it important to plan for fall forage?
Planning for fall forages can be critical during drought years as lack of water and forage may force some producers to come off of the rangelands and summer pastures early. Planning in advance ensures that there is ample grazable forage available for the livestock.
How long does it take for a cow to adjust to high grain diet?
Cattle should adapt to high-grain diets in seven to ten days and should be observed closely during that time. A minimal amount of roughage is required to maintain rumen function. Generally, cows should receive at least 0.5 percent of their body weight as roughage (90 percent dry matter basis).
What percentage of body weight should cows eat?
It is high in protein (25 percent) and should be fed at a rate of 0.5 percent of body weight, with a forage source. A calcium-phosphorus mineral mixture and salt should always be available to cows, especially when utilizing any alternative feeds. Vitamin A may need to be supplemented, also.
How long does it take for cattle to become hungry?
Since intake on concentrate diets is restricted, cattle may appear gaunt and behave as though hungry, however, after 14 to 21 days, they will adapt to the reduction in feed intake. Consider the full cost of alternative feeds.
Drought is an unfortunate reality, and managing cattle during dry seasons can be challenging. These tips will help you get your herd through a hard season
In my last article, we discussed ways to help cattle survive during the summer heat. Today, however, we’ll be learning about how a drought can affect cattle. We’ll also look at what you can do to prepare for it and the best ways to cope during dry weather.
What to Do for Your Cattle During Drought
There are a few ways you can try to help cattle out during a tough season. How you feed and care for your cattle will depend on where they are (i.e. steers in a drylot, cows out on grass, etc.). For the cattle in a feedlot, some of the best things you can do include:
Considerations for Cattle on Grass
For cattle out on grass, you should of course be cautious and keep an eye on them during drought. But if they have a pond with decent water in it, they should be able to handle the heat. If no pond is available, make sure there are a few trees around.
How to Look for Overheated Cattle
If you find yourself with some extremely overheated cattle, a few things to look for include:
August 4, 2021
Severe drought conditions during the summer can affect many areas of the country, particularly the Western and Midwestern states. Overall, hotter summers, low rainfall, and reduced soil moisture has become more commonplace, making drought a major concern.
Create a Drought Management Plan Before Disaster Strikes
Developing a comprehensive drought management plan requires managing the forage supply during these times of need.
Readily Available Water
Heat stress is a major issue in severe drought conditions. Heat stress can cause a weakened immune system, decreased milk and meat production, and reduced body condition. Hotter temperatures can cause a significant rise in water intake requirements for your livestock.
Feed and Nutrition
During times of drought, feed costs can rise. If your local climate faces low to moderate drought conditions and you get some rain, you could plant supplemental forages for your livestock. These plants can be grown later in the season. If you do not have any supplemental plants, you can use failed crops as feed.
Pasture Management
If you choose to irrigate your pastures, a light irrigation every few weeks can help keep your grazing land alive. Keeping it any greener or fuller will take a lot more water. You are just giving it enough to keep the roots alive (about ½ inch) until the rain returns.
Alternative Grazing
If you are experiencing reduced pasture and forage, consider making arrangements for your animals to graze on nearby lands not affected by drought. Some landowners may still have forage available and are looking to get some extra income through pasture leasing.
Wind
In a drought, heavy winds can blow dust into animals’ eyes. Dust in the eyes can cause irritation and inhalation can cause respiratory issues. Here are a few strategies to protect livestock from heavy winds and dust:
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California’s historic drought has affected people and businesses throughout the state. Like many people in the agricultural sector, cattle ranchers are in the process of adapting to what may be a temporary condition or a new reality. In either case, there are things you can do right now to keep yields up and stay profitable.
Weaning Early
Early weaning is one of the most commonly cited ways of reducing water and forage requirements during a drought — a lactating cow typically needs between 50-65% more nutrients than a dry one. When the decision is made to wean at less than three months of age, intensive management is required to ensure health and growth.
Culling the Herd
The decision to cull your herd of poor producers can be a difficult one, but the sooner you can do it, the better off the remainder of your cattle will be. Be realistic about the earning potential of older, late-calving and open cows, and of worn-out bulls.
Moving Forage More Effectively
One of the keys to handling cows during a crisis is to make the best use possible of your forage. Use hay rings or a cone feeder, rather than feeding on the ground, to prevent waste. Feed your cattle on a stricter schedule, and don’t leave out more than is required.
Reducing Stress
How you handle cows in a crisis plays a large role in your ability to manage drought conditions. Stressed-out cattle won’t be as productive and will be more prone to expensive health problems. Ensure cows have adequate drinking water and shade. Another way to reduce stress is to invest in quality livestock chutes and handling systems.
