{"id":155,"date":"2016-05-02T19:03:32","date_gmt":"2016-05-02T19:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wpnetwork.extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/?post_type=web_publication&p=155"},"modified":"2016-05-02T19:03:32","modified_gmt":"2016-05-02T19:03:32","slug":"management-strategies-for-livestock-producers-during-times-of-drought","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/management-strategies-for-livestock-producers-during-times-of-drought\/","title":{"rendered":"Management Strategies for Livestock Producers During Times of Drought"},"content":{"rendered":"

[row layout=”halves”][column][textblock]Management of harvested and grazed forages for livestock is even more critical during times of drought. \u00a0Your ability to manage livestock to the changing climate will greatly impact the operation\u2019s short and long- term profitability and the future production of these pastures. \u00a0Don\u2019t ignore the signs of drought, or think that it won\u2019t impact your operation. \u00a0Act early, make a plan, monitor how your plan is working, review and revise the plan as needed. \u00a0Make decisions based on logic not emotions. \u00a0The following is a list of alternative management strategies livestock producers and managers can implement during times of limited feed and drought. \u00a0For more information on each of these strategies, go to the link identified within the parentheses.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Decision<\/em><\/strong> time<\/em><\/strong> is now<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Evaluate your current and potential resources and management options. \u00a0Develop an inventory of livestock numbers, type (stage of production or growth) and feed supplies. \u00a0Don\u2019t put off making critical decisions in hopes that the drought conditions might <\/em><\/strong>get better. The precipitation might improve, but it could also get worse. \u00a0Concentrate your efforts and resources on your most productive animals, or those that have the greatest potential to earn money for the operation. (Drought Management Strategies for Beef\u00a0Cattle CL1130-\u00a0http:\/\/www.uidaho.edu\/~\/media\/UIdaho-Responsive\/Files\/Extension\/Drought\/Drought-Management-Strategies-Beef-Cattle.ashx<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/textblock][\/column][column][textblock]<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Implement and organize a planned\u00a0grazing system.\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Account for all the factors that affect and are affected by grazing. \u00a0Take into account the ecosystem and available resources when developing a grazing plan.\u00a0Record this plan on paper. \u00a0Keep records of the: area (map), stocking rate, number of herds, additional crops available, problem areas, production levels, wildlife factors, water, and recovery period.\u00a0Continuously monitor the grazing \u00a0plan. \u00a0Identify problems as early as possible so that appropriate changes can be made. \u00a0Monitor and record plant growth, recovery period, animal condition and behavior. \u00a0This will allow you to determine if the actual ecosystem reflects the grazing plan you outlined. (Designing Your Grazing Systems CL502- \u00a0http:\/\/beefcattle.ans.oregonstate.edu\/documents\/CL502.pdf<\/a>)<\/li>\n
    2. Use rotational or strip grazing <\/em><\/strong>to improve forage utilization and prevent Identify a sacrifice area where the animals will feed and bed down. \u00a0This will help optimize total forage production and ensure future pasture health after the drought is \u00a0over. When there is three inches of stubble height left in the pasture, remove the animals from the pasture. Don\u2019t overgraze. \u00a0Feeding hay or alternative feeds will save you from having to replant an abused pasture. (Intensively Managed Rotational Grazing Systems for Irrigated Cool Season Pastures CL592)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      [\/textblock][\/column][\/row][pagebreak][\/pagebreak][row layout=”halves”][column][textblock]<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Sell<\/em><\/strong> low<\/em><\/strong> or<\/em><\/strong> non-producing<\/em><\/strong> Pregnancy testing will allow you to identify animals looking for a \u201cfree- ride\u201d. If conditions continue to worsen, look at marketing low or marginal producing animals such as those that are unsound, old, have a poor disposition, or don\u2019t conceive during the designated breeding season. \u00a0Keep your breeding season short so you can feed to better meet the nutritional requirements of the animals as a group. \u00a0For the long-term profitability of the operation, sell animals that will give you the least return after the drought. \u00a0Delaying the sale of low producing animals will only limit future forage and feed supplies for your higher producing animals. Maintain livestock in saleable condition. (Shortening the Calving Season CL410- \u00a0http:\/\/beefcattle.ans.oregonstate.edu\/documents\/CL410.pdf<\/a>) (Weather Related Sale of Livestock and the Tax Implications CL1180- http:\/\/beefcattle.ans.oregonstate.edu\/documents\/CL1180.pdf<\/a>)<\/li>\n
      2. Manage<\/em><\/strong> animals<\/em><\/strong> in<\/em><\/strong> groups<\/em><\/strong> so that you can feed to meet the animals\u2019 specific Separate animals by age and production stage and feed according to the nutritional needs for a specific production\/growth stage. Extremely high producing (multiple births) and young growing animals have high nutritional requirements that need to be addressed so that the animals don\u2019t lose excessive body condition and become one of your low producing animals next season. Body condition score your animals and feed according to current condition and desired level of production. (Nutrient Requirement of Beef Cattle CL300- http:\/\/beefcattle.ans.oregonstate.edu\/documents\/CL330.pdf<\/a>) (Composition of Some Common Feed Stuff CL301) \u00a0(Ration Balancing CL310-\u00a0http:\/\/beefcattle.ans.oregonstate.edu\/documents\/CL310.pdf<\/a>) (Condition Scoring of Beef Cattle CL720-\u00a0http:\/\/beefcattle.ans.oregonstate.edu\/documents\/CL720.pdf<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        [\/textblock][\/column][column][textblock]<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Early<\/em><\/strong> weaning<\/em><\/strong> of<\/em><\/strong> animals<\/em><\/strong> will reduce\u00a0the animal\u2019s energy and protein requirements. It will also improve the animal\u2019s body condition resulting in improved conception rates and future productivity. \u00a0Young animals still growing \u00a0(like first and second calf heifers) should be the first considered for early weaning because of their higher nutrient requirements. \u00a0Calves older than 90 days or 200 pounds can be early-weaned successfully. \u00a0These calves typically grow rapidly (with adequate nutrition) and probably will out-perform calves not early weaned during severe drought times. \u00a0Early weaning will not necessarily increase returns, however it will help prevent\/limit the long-term impact of drought conditions on both the animal and the pasture. \u00a0Dry pregnant cows typically consume 30% less forage than lactating pregnant cows. \u00a0This is an ideal management alternative to use during periods of short feed supplies. \u00a0Early weaning will require increased management of the calf herd. (Early Weaning in Drought Conditions – http:\/\/www.iowabeefcenter.org\/Docs_stocker\/Drought-EarlyWeaning.pdf<\/a>) \u00a0(Early Weaning of Calves May be Economical – https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/agribusiness\/files\/uploads\/drought\/Economics%20of%20early%20weaning.pdf<\/a>)<\/li>\n
        2. Contract a custom feeder <\/em><\/strong>to develop replacement During times of limited forage, it may be cheaper and more cost effective to hire out the development of your replacement animals; ensuring that the replacement animals get the extra care they need while saving stockpiled feed for the main herd. (Developing Replacement Heifers: Birth to Breeding)<\/li>\n
        3. Supplement Forages<\/strong>\n
            \n
          1. During times of limited forage or high hay prices it may prove beneficial to feed concentrates to animals when grain prices are moderate to Limit feeding grain concentrates can be cheaper and as effective as feeding hay when hay costs are high in relationship to grain prices. (Substituting Grain for Hay CL1140- \u00a0http:\/\/www.extension.uidaho.edu\/drought\/1100\/1140.pdf)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            [\/textblock][\/column][\/row][row layout=”halves”][column][textblock]<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. \n
                \n
              1. When there is a shortage of traditional feeds, livestock producers should consider alternative feeds such as by- product feeds, crop residues, and unusual These alternative feeds can provide cost advantages during periods of drought. \u00a0However, \u00a0it is important to determine the nutritional quality and ensure freedom from harmful residues and toxins. \u00a0Nitrates, aflatoxins, and alkaloids are toxins \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0that should be considered when using alternative \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0feeds such as by- \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0products, seed screenings, crop residue, and straw. (Value and Quality Assurance of Byproduct Feeds CL370)(Byproducts and Unusual Feeds \u2013 Feedstuffs 1995 Reference Issue –http:\/\/cnrit.tamu.edu\/ganlab\/filecabinet\/15<\/a>)<\/li>\n
              2. Supplement pasture with hay or other supplements to stretch pasture forage availability and reduce the incidences of This will also allow producers to maintain animals\u2019 body condition prior to winter and times of high nutritional needs. (Supplementation During Drought CL1170- http:\/\/www.extension.uidaho.edu\/drought\/1100\/1170.pdf<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \n
                1. Stock-pile forage and feed supplies <\/em><\/strong>for fall and winter Typically, during drought conditions hay can become very expensive during the fall and winter as availability becomes more limited. \u00a0Start sourcing your feeds early, identifying availability and prices. \u00a0Can you afford to buy hay, alternative feeds, and\/or supplements to feed your animals, or do you need to reduce your forage requirements by selling off some of your animals. Don\u2019t wait until the last minute to identify your feed sources and their cost.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                   [\/textblock][\/column][column][textblock]<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Ammonite low quality roughage <\/em><\/strong>to improve intake and digestibility of low quality During times of drought it is often difficult to find moderate-to-high quality hay at reasonable prices. Ammoniation of low quality forage will allow producers to purchase cheaper feeds that are too low in feed value to meet the nutritional requirements of the livestock unless the feed is ammoniated. \u00a0Caution must be used when ammoniating particular feeds. (One Method of Ammoniated Straw for Beef Cattle CL1150- http:\/\/www.extension.uidaho.edu\/drought\/1100\/1150.pdf<\/a>)<\/li>\n
                  2. Creep feeding animals <\/em><\/strong>may help improve weaning weights and offset poor milking Creep feeding has questionable economic benefits. However, if you are planning to wean early, or send the cattle to a feedlot for backgrounding, creep feeding can prove beneficial in training calves to bunk feeding.<\/li>\n
                  3. Maintain<\/em><\/strong> a good animal health <\/em><\/strong>Keep animals\u2019 vaccination schedule and parasite control program up-to-date. \u00a0Health problems are often compounded during times of nutritional stress. (Internal Parasites in Cattle CL690) \u00a0(General Principles of Vaccination and Vaccines CL605)<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    [\/textblock][\/column][\/row][pagebreak][\/pagebreak]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    Management of harvested and grazed forages for livestock is even more critical during times of drought. \u00a0Your ability to manage livestock to the changing climate will greatly impact the operation\u2019s short and long- term profitability and the future production of these pastures. \u00a0Don\u2019t ignore the signs of drought, or think that it won\u2019t impact your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wsuwp_accessibility_report":[],"_external_link":"","_expiration_date":""},"categories":[25,6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/animalag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}