By Lawton Stewart
As we hunker down for a frigid cold snap in late February, we need to keep an eye out for issues with winter feeding programs. A potential perfect storm of events may occur over then next several days that can cause serious health issues and potential death.
- Cattle nutrient requirements increasing. As many are in full swing of their winter/spring calving season, nutrient requirements for brood cows are increasing as they get closer to peak lactation. In addition, cattle consume more forage in cold weather to help stay warm.
- Forage quality. The 2014-2015 hay crop was a major improvement from the previous year’s. However, due to challenging winter annual production this year (e.g., very cold weather, major problems with barley yellow dwarf virus, too much rain washing N away, etc.), in combination with hay supplies being low in many parts of the state, producers may rely on hay left from last years crop. We all remember the low RFQ issue we had with our 2013-2014 hay crop (on average bermudagrass hay was a little better than wheat straw).
- Water intake. During cold weather water intake often decreases. Additionally, water may be unavailable for periods of time when temperatures stay at or below freezing for prolong periods due to water sources freezing.
These events together can lead to impaction and starvation of cattle consuming low quality forage. Very similar to the problems we saw last year. Dr. Lee Jones, Extension Veterinarian and Case Investigator with the Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, has received several cases and reports of beef cattle suffering from gastrointestinal impaction, similar to the severe problems that we had last year. Additionally, with the severe low nutrient content of some hay being, animals may literally starving to death, despite being full of hay.
Potential Solution: