This year’s drought conditions across a lot of the US is forcing livestock producers to re-evaluate how they manage their herds and how they feed. Nutrient deficient forages will cause a number of issues within the cowherd if not managed properly.  An adequate supply of both energy and protein is essential for the overall health of any animal. Prolonged deficiency of both proteins and energy can result in a loss of body condition and the ability of an animal to be productive.

 Energy deficiency resulting from poor forage could result in a number of conditions:

1. Shortened lactation in milking animals and decline in milk production
2. Stunted growth in young animals and a delay in onset of puberty
3. Marked loss of body weight, especially during late pregnancy and early lactation.
4. Calves may be born weak and undersized
5. Prolonged periods on anestrus, affecting reproductive performance

Protein deficiencies usually accompany energy deficiencies and could result in:

1. Reduced appetite in younger animals
2. Lowered feed intake
3. Lack of muscle development
4. Prolonged time to reach maturity

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies could also come into play when cattle are grazing in drought-stricken forages and can cause similar issues like those mentioned above. Consult with a local feed company representative or a nutritionist to develop a plan for altering rations and/or supplementation to the available forage.

Durvet offers a wide variety of livestock products to help combat the detrimental effects of having to graze cowherds on drought-stricken pasture, this includes everything from boluses to vitamins.

Some of our Injectable Vitamin formulations include:

• High-Level B Complex
• Maxi-B 1000
• Vitamin AD
• Vitamin E & AD
• Vitamin E-300

Other vitamin supplement products are – Vitamin B Complex Oral Gel, Vitamins and Electrolyte Soluble Powder

Oral sources of vitamins, amino acids, and electrolytes that Durvet distributes are - A-Lyte Solution, A-Lyte Concentrate, CMPK Gel, and CMPK Bolus, Cal-Mag-Co Gel, Cal-Mag-Se Gel, CMPK D3 Drench, Oral Cal M-P-K

Durvet also distributes Organic Iodine and Copasure Bolus that can be extremely effective.

Energy, protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies are not the only worries during a drought.  Drought conditions are often times worsened by the presence of internal parasites. Properly deworming animals when grazing drought-stricken pastures is another tool that can help producers make the most of a less than ideal forage supply. There is a variety of options available in this category.

Check out the rest of our new website for a complete list of livestock products available from Durvet.

And…Don’t forget to pray for rain…