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...
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).
What are some unconventional animal feed options in Colorado?
In especially dry times such as the 2018 drought in western CO, or the drought + COVID situation in 2020,you may consider unconventional feeds, depending on local availability. Examples include distiller grains, hemp pellets, or cull potatoes.
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).
How long does it take for cattle to adapt to restricted diets?
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. If you must travel a long distance to get a ‘cheap’ alternative feed, make sure the transportation makes financial sense.
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 thing to feed cattle?
Cows eat grass and hay. On a dry matter basis a cow will eat 4 to 5 tons of forage per year. As long as there is pasture for the cows to eat it is most economical to let them graze.
What do you feed cows without grass?
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.
How long can cattle go without food and water?
In hot conditions, cattle dehydrate quickly. “They need access to water every six hours, particularly in a feedlot. In winter, they may go 24 to 48 hours without water. Physiological status won't be ideal if they go 24 hours without water, but they continue to function.
What is the cheapest cattle feed?
“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's the best grain to feed 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 do cattle manage drought?
Culling. The most common method for reducing feed needs during a drought is to sell a portion of the herd. Consider pregnancy testing and culling open cows, old and low producers, and cows that calve late in the calving period. This will provide more feed for younger, more productive cows.
Is feeding corn healthy for cattle?
Corn is an excellent energy source for cattle, too. From a plant perspective, corn is a grass – it just happens to be a much more nutritious grass than the stuff that's growing in your yard. The starch and protein that the corn kernel provides help cattle grow and thrive.
How do you feed animals in a drought?
Animal feeds conserved as either silage or fodder finds great use during drought. Because it is a time of scarcity feed saving measures must be observed at all times, hay is thus better served on hay feeders to avoid wastage.
What happens if cows don't get enough water?
If your cows have inadequate water intake, you may see signs showing up such as firm, constipated manure; low urine output; infrequent drinking; high packed-cell volume or hematocrit in blood; dehydration from toxins; and/or fever.
Do cows get enough water from grass?
Cows eating lush grass on a cool spring day will drink much less water than cows grazing the same field in the middle of summer. Water requirements for cattle are given in Table 1. A good rule of thumb is cattle need 1.5 gallon for every 100 lbs of body weight.
How much water do cows need daily?
A nonlactating cow or bull needs one gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight. As an example, spring-calving cows will need close to 20 to 24 gallons of water per day for themselves and another 5 to 10 gallons for their calf in these high temperature environmental conditions.
Is Cracked corn good for cattle?
Corn can be fed whole with excellent results, but cracking or rolling it will increase digestibility by 5-10%. Although this improvement in digestibility can be important, it may not be enough to pay for the cost of processing the grain.
How do you fatten up a cow quickly?
0:042:30Cattle Fattening Techniques - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey grow normally well when given the right feed adequate feeding is attained through grass pastureMoreThey grow normally well when given the right feed adequate feeding is attained through grass pasture grain and roughage is supplemented with protein minerals vitamins carbohydrates.
What do you feed a steer before slaughter?
For finishing beef cattle prior to slaughter, most are fed a mixture of ground, shelled corn or millet. These grains are inexpensive, nutritious and add fat to the meat to make it tender.
How can I make my cow gain weight fast?
Add Grain into Their Daily Diet While your cattle likely make their primary diet of hay and grass forage, adding some healthy grains too can increase their weight substantially over time. Grain won't from the basis of your herd's nutrition, but the calorically-dense food can provide a boost to cattle weight.
What is the best solution for cows and calf producers?
In many cases, the best solution for cow/calf producers is to utilize a limit-fed, high grain diet fed in dry lot or semi-confinement.
Why do dry lot cows eat concentrate feed?
Diets for dry lot cows are formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of the cows while minimizing feed costs. As a result, intake is generally limited, and more concentrate feeds are included to cheapen the diets. Since intake on concentrate diets is restricted, cattle may appear gaunt and behave as though hungry.
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).
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:
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:
