| MMM 367 | July 29, 1998 |
When soil moisture levels are adequate, the South Carolina
beef industry can grow a large amount of quality forage. Unfortunately,
this summer's high temperatures, coupled with low rain fall, brought
forage production to a halt. Cattlemen need to manage forage production
during these trying times to remain profitable. Usually, no single
strategy will save a distressed operation. But, a combination
of the strategies listed below may turn the situation around.
Your challenge is to evaluate the situations and alternatives.
Forage type. Remember the Piedmont region
of the Carolinas is prone to drought. Just a few weeks of dry
hot weather will stop the growth of cool-season forages, and these
forages recover slowly even when weather improves. Overgrazing
during the summer could lead to reduced fall growth and potentially
stand loss. Infected fescue should not be grazed from late June
through August.
Warm-season forage grasses grow slow even in dry weather. They
are not, however, as susceptible to drought as cool-season forages.
The warm season grasses are quick to recover once rain falls.
Usually, having about one third of the available acreage in a
warm-season forage helps producers manage summer droughts.
Summer creep feeding. One of the most profitable
times to creep feed calves is during a summer drought. If forage
is abundant but of low quality, feeding one pound of oilseed meal
(cottonseed or soybean) will be beneficial. Once calves are eating
well, use 5-10% salt mixture to limit consumption. If the forage
is very limited, then a full feed ration of 16 percent protein
grain mix is advisable.
Early weaning. Nutritional requirements for
cows are drastically reduced when the calves are weaned. Early
weaning will allow high-quality forage for the calves, while the
cows can be maintained on low-quality hay or deferred pastures.
Supplemental feeding. If the drought continues
to the point that pastures are grazed down and cows are losing
condition, supplemental hay should be provided. A 30-60 day emergency
feed supply, besides the "normal" winter requirements
should be planned for such an emergency. This will give a distinct
advantage over those who do not keep an emergency supply.
Smart herd reduction. When feed shortage is
a problem, one solution is to eliminate the free loaders. Palpate
the cow herd and cull open and older cows. This leaves the feed
for the replacements heifers and younger cows.
Retained ownership. If the calves are large
enough (500+ pounds), retaining ownership through the feedlot
phase adds flexibility.
Reevaluate stocking rate. A good time to evaluate
the farm's stocking rate is during a dry summer. If the forage
is depleted rapidly every time there is a dry spell, it's overstocked.
However, if there is plenty of low quality forage after the drought
then the farm is understocked. The farm should be stocked somewhere
in-between.
Alternative feeds. When normal forage is not
available, producers should consider alternative feeds. Grain,
grain by-products, soy hulls, cottonseed, wheat midds, broiler
litter or bakery by-products are excellent ways of extending the
pasture and hay supply. The smart producer will evaluate the cost
of energy and protein sources that are available. Feeding high
grain rations can work, however, to maintain normal rumen function,
a minimum of 4 pounds of hay should be fed with the grain.
Poisoning by weeds. Poisoning most often occurs
in over grazed pastures when desired forage is limited. Check
your pastures for toxic plants. Ferns, night shade, crotalaria,
oleander, sicklepod, horse nettle, and many other plants that
stay green in drought conditions have toxic components. Cyanide
potentials: Black Cherry, Cherry Laurel, Johnson grass, Sorghum,
Sudan grass. Toxic ornamentals: Azaleas, Mountain Laurel, Castor
bean, Lantana, Japanese Yew, and Rhododendrons.
Nitrate Poisonings. Drought and plant stresses
are associated with increased nitrate levels in plants. Prevention
is best achieved by controlling the type and quality of the forage
offered. When in doubt, have it analyzed before feeding. Nitrate
poisoning is most serious after it rains. Since nitrate levels
are concentrated in the lower stalk, when it rains the nitrate
is transported throughout the plant. Keep animals off these areas
for at least one to two weeks after it rains. Nitrate potentials:
Amaranthus, Grasses, Millet, Oats/wheat, Ryegrass, Sorghum, Sudan
grass, corn and others.
Protect from heat. When the sun is high in
the sky, and the temperature and humidity begins to rise, keep
a close eye on your cattle. Temperatures 80 and warmer, coupled
with high humidity and sun light radiation cause problems. Adequate
shade or access to wooded areas is needed for protection from
the sun. Provide ample, cool, clean drinking water, and, if necessary,
spray water on the animal to cool them.
Aflatoxin causes considerable problems for
beef cattle. High aflatoxin levels reduce growth rates. Calves
are generally more susceptible than cows. In severe cases, aflatoxin
poisoning can cause liver damage and depress the immune function.
When in doubt, have grains analyzed before feeding.
Parasite control. Internal and external parasite
control will reduce the stress and nutritional needs of the animal.
Treated now will also reduce the stress in the fall.
Tax issues and drought. Droughts can wreck havoc. The good news is that come income tax time, you have some options that might make things easier. If you were forced to sell livestock because of the drought, you can possibly postpone reporting gains on the sale for as long as two years. Consult your tax accountant.
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