FEED QUALITY DURING DROUGHT
For certain regions of the country, periods without moisture are brief, however, in some areas drought continues for years at a time. When persistent drought reduces forage availability, cattle producers should consider forage and feed quality in addition to quantity to make sure animals are meeting their nutritional requirements.
The first question producers should ask themselves when forage quantity is reduced is what feeds are available and what are the animals’ requirements? Understanding protein and energy needs are critical to maintaining health and well-being at every stage of life.
For example, lactating cows usually have their nutritional needs met by grazing on pasture. When conditions change and forages are limited, supplementing with hay may not be enough. Testing stored forages and working with local extension agents to determine required rations are essential to maintaining healthy animals during drought.
“ While the amount of forage an animal consumes is important, I see cattle lose condition and die because they are eating things they shouldn’ t be,” said Dr. Mary Drewnoski, professor and beef systems extension specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The problem she sees most often is when nutritious forages are in limited supply, cattle begin to eat potentially poisonous plants they normally would not.
Although dry conditions reduce forage growth and the amount available for cattle to consume, the nutritive value of the forage that is present may remain relatively good. Drewnoski explains that while drought typically reduces the amount of forage available in pastures, it does not necessarily reduce forage quality to the same degree. Drought can slow plant growth and maturity, so the forage that remains may still have relatively good nutritive value.
Commonly grazed plants can also cause concern. Sorghum and other annual forages can be particularly problematic as they can accumulate nitrates when stressed by drought. High levels of nitrates prevent hemoglobin from carrying oxygen through the body, resulting in asphyxiation and death. One solution is to make silage instead of hay or grazing as good silage fermentation reduces nitrates by 50 %.
“ During drought, producers are also more likely to use feeds they don’ t normally use,” Drewnoski said.“ It is imperative that fields are scouted and external forages tested so you know exactly what you are feeding and if you are meeting animals’ needs.”
Failed crops can be a valuable forage resource during drought, but they should be evaluated carefully before use. One concern is the presence of fungus and molds, which can produce mycotoxins as a protective measure when drought stresses crops. They increase especially after bouts of rain following a period of drought. If ingested, mycotoxins can cause
Scan the QR Code for drought plan resources. lower conception rates in breeding cattle and slow weight gain. Drewnoski recommends scouting fields and assessing risk before grazing fields or harvesting crops to use as feed.
One of the most valuable tools producers should have on hand is a comprehensive drought plan. A typical plan includes an overview of average annual precipitation, inventories of animals and feed as well as strategies for preparing for drought. These may include grazing strategies and locations, stocking rates, cull lists and insurance. A critical component includes decision-making or trigger dates and target conditions.
“ Stress can be paralyzing and can make it more difficult to determine the right course of action,” said Drewnoski.“ It is always better to develop a plan before drought occurs, so decisions are made with clear heads.”
A drought plan is a guide that can be changed and adapted. An important component includes evaluating how things went after a weather crisis. Identify what went well and what didn’ t and adjust the plan for future droughts. The University of Nebraska- Lincoln’ s Drought Mitigation Center has a variety of resources to help producers create a plan unique to their operation.
“ The end goal of a solid drought plan is not just surviving now, but setting your operation up for the future,” Drewnoski said.“ It’ s not just one thing, but multiple steps to make the best use of resources, maintaining animal health and not harming the land.” While dealing with drought is stressful, developing a plan, understanding nutritional requirements and testing forages can go a long way to making sure the land, the livestock and the producers are productive for years to come.
“ Drought is cyclical, and the best thing to do is learn from it, so next time your response is even better,” concluded Drewnoski.
Feed For Thought
1. Understanding feed value is important; evaluate and test feeds. Forage is highly variable and last year’ s hay says nothing about this year’ s, so testing is highly recommended even for common feeds. It is easy to over- and underestimate feed value, so testing ensures animals are receiving the correct amount of energy and protein for their life stage.
2. Scout pastures for poisonous plants. If found, pull cattle from the pasture before access to desirable forages becomes limited.
3. Have a weed plan. If bringing outside forages and other feedstuffs onto the operation, make a plan for how and where to feed, such as in a confined area so weeds don’ t spread.
4. Be aware of potential toxicity issues when using annual forages. If feeding or grazing annuals, be cautious of nitrates and with sorghum or sorghum-Sudan, prussic acid risk increases as plants become stressed.
5. More than feed. Make sure cattle have access to water and know how water is being transported. Don’ t use fertilizer tanks to haul water as nitrate poisoning can occur.
8 NOVEMBER 2026 www. NCBA. org