Supplementing Cattle during Periods of Drought

Drought-affected pastures and native range generally do not produce adequate forage to maintain “normal” stocking rates, so producers have a few options to consider.  Depending on the situation, a producer can elect to reduce the stocking rates where possible or choose to supplement the existing forage cover with energy, protein or a combination of both.  The option then is to determine what delivery method is most cost effective. 

Pastures and native range that are dormant due to drought conditions may be low in vitamin A, phosphorus, and protein. Meeting the need for these nutrients is important if cow herd productivity is to be maintained.  This is especially true when cattle are in the first 6-8 weeks of lactation and the cows are now exposed for breeding.  Body condition must be maintained to achieve a high conception rate.

When selecting a supplement, remember to match the supplement type to the condition of the range or forage. Animals will perform to the level at which their supplement compensates for what nutrients are limiting in their diet.  If the grass quantity is the issue, a producer would choose a grain supplement that would add energy to the diet in combination with protein and a vitamin mineral mix. Higher density energy supplements can be a substitute for short feed, but remember that the cereal grains must be fed every day to prevent acidosis problems, and also to reduce the inhibitory effects that grain may have on the animal’s ability to digest forage.  Most grain supplements will be in the form of a pellet and contain 12% to 15% protein with some added fat.  It is important to maintain a protein level above 8% in the rumen to promote the microbial population in the rumen and enhance forage digestion.

If we are dealing with a range condition that has stored forage, then protein is usually the first limiting nutrient in dormant forage. Protein supplementation can actuallystimulate forage intake and enhance forage digestion. This  really is an easy fix as protein supplementation is relatively easy with the use of protein tubs.  The use of tubs enables a producer to move the cattle around in the grazing area while providing a nitrogen source for the microbes in a cost effective manner.

Molasses based supplements can be used to stretch short forage, but like grain supplements, molasses will require that a high quality protein supplement accompany it.  Some molasses supplements will contain non-protein nitrogen (NPN) such as urea, for a “protein” source. NPN is NOT a drought supplement.  It is used most effectively when grass is abundant but dormant, and when dietary protein requirements are lowest in the animal such as the dry period.  Selecting a protein supplement with a natural protein source would be preferred for added performance of your stock.

For more information on a program for your operation, please contact your local UFA Farm and Ranch Supply store. 

Brian Palichuk P.Ag.
Livestock Production Specialist