This extended dry period that we are experiencing has led to slow pasture growth and reportedly low hay yields. Due to this, producers are starting to seek out alternative feed options for their cattle. A group of regional and state specialists at the University of Missouri Extension would like producers to consider these five general options moving forward:
Stretch feed supplies.
You can do this through a mix of both grazing management and reducing hay waste. The design of your hay feeders will play a critical role in reducing hay losses during feeding. Cone-shaped feeders with sheeting around the bottom are shown to provide the largest reduction in hay waste. You should also consider limiting the amount of time that livestock have access to the hay—this reduces hay demand. You could also provide supplements that help make up for necessary nutrient needs based on forage test results.
Find alternative feeds.
The University of Missouri Extension specialists are urging producers to look in the varieties of grain and grain by-product feeds. Using that in combination with limited access to hay can help provide the proper nutrition while also stretching your forage supplies. Crop residues or a failed corn crop provide additional forage options.
Check toxicity of alternative feedstuffs.
Testing your forage is extremely important because drought-stressed summer annual crops can develop a nitrate toxicity issue. Your test results will not only show you the nitrate levels, but will help you determine alternative feeding options. Be cautious when purchasing hay because it may not be high quality and may contain toxic plants such as poison hemlock, hemp dogbane, milkweeds or perilla mint.
Prepare for the fall.
Whether we are prepared for it or not, fall is right around the corner. Now is the time to start preparing to apply nitrogen in August to promote fall tall fescue growth—that is if we ever make it out of our current drought conditions. Give those pastures rest to allow fall growth to accumulate.
If conditions warrant a complete renovation, weed control and winter annual smother crops can be planted.
Cull herd.
This is not an option that many like to consider, but it sometimes is a necessary one. It is recommended that you have a plan in place on how you want to reduce the number of livestock that you have to feed. You want to start with the obvious culls—open, old, ornery, those calving out of sequence, etc. Pay attention to how the body conditions of your cows look, and make sure to wean calves as soon as that body condition starts to decline. Weaning a calf can reduce dry matter intake requirements by 6 to 7 pounds per cow per day. Consider tax and other financial conditions with this option.
These are not the only options that you have a producer. However, whatever option that you do go with will require some management necessities to work through. Survival strategies will be based on an individual operation’s resources, finances, and production system and goals. But we are in abnormal times and maintaining current management techniques may not be warranted.
Reminder: Drought management meetings are scheduled for July 24 in Boonville, and July 27 in Windsor.
If you have questions on any of these options, please feel free to contact Gene Schmitz by email at schmitze@missouri.edu or by calling the Pettis County Extension Center (660) 827-0591