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Pastures could be weeks away from drought
Arkansas
Rainfall has been plentiful throughout Arkansas during the spring and early summer. In some areas, rainfall has even been too plentiful.
While that helps grass grow, it makes harvesting grass for hay difficult, says Dr. Tom Troxel, animal science section leader for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
"Cattle producers have had difficultly finding three to four days of dry, sunny weather to cut and bale hay. This means hay quality may be reduced, which will likely result in increased supplemental feeding costs this winter," Troxel said.
But all things come to an end, and for much of Arkansas, the rain has been absent lately. Arkansas has experienced hot temperatures and high humidity recently. If dry, hot weather continues for two weeks, conditions in many pastures can change dramatically, according to Troxel.
"Cattle producers may be surprised at how fast pasture conditions can dry out. Many producers are saying they're just two weeks away from a drought," he said.
Producers also have to be worried about the body condition of their cattle deteriorating and declining pasture quality as pastures begin drying out, Troxel noted.
Hot weather and high humidity can reduce breeding efficiency, milk production, feed intake and weight gains. It can also lead to death.
"Hot weather stress is particularly hazardous to closely confined cattle such as show cattle," Troxel said. "High relative humidity when the temperature is at, or about 80 degrees, adds to the likelihood of profit-stealing losses."
Temperatures above 100 degrees are always dangerous, and if the humidity is above 25 percent, the situation is an "EMERGENCY," Troxel said. When conditions are at the emergency level, all handling of cattle should be kept at a minimum. Plenty of fresh water should be provided, plus shade if possible.
"When beef cattle are grazing pastures, there aren't many things a beef cattle producer can do to reduce the effects of heat stress," Troxel said. "Trees, buildings or sunshades can provide shade. Providing an adequate source of cool, clean drinking water is essential to help keep the beef cow's internal body temperature within normal limits."
Water makes up about 98 percent of all molecules in the body. Water requirements are influenced by several factors, including rate of weight gain, pregnancy, lactation, activity, type of diet, feed intake and environmental temperature.
Troxel said above-ground water lines should be shaded to reduce the water temperature. If the water temperature increases from 70 to 95 degrees, the total water requirement of cattle can increase 2.5 times.
"It's important to check the cow herd more routinely during hot, dry periods," Troxel said. "While checking cattle, monitor pasture conditions. Often, pasture conditions can decline much more rapidly than one would expect. Once top soil dries out, forage quality can decline."
Mineral supplementation is as important, if not more important, during the summer as the winter. A good, free-choice, mineral-vitamin supplement should be provided year-round.
Date: 7/22/04
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