![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122123420im_/http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/images/line.jpg)
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Drought
usually gets its reputation from its impact on crops. But
its impact on livestock can be equally dramatic. Hot, dry
weather increases the water needs of livestock but often decreases
water supplies. Crops may not yield as planned, causing a
feed shortage. Consequently, farmers may face special challenges,
including decisions about whether to buy feed or sell livestock.
Water
requirements may increase to double the normal intake for
animals during hot weather. Clean, fresh water is important.
If animals do not meet their water needs, they may refuse
to eat, experience lowered production, become sick or die.
Water
supplies also may become a problem as the drought wears on.
Wells and piping may be inadequate if water demand increases
dramatically; shallow wells and streams may dry up. You may
need to transport water. Contact your local emergency government
office or your county Extension office for information on
water supply assistance.
Some
general water estimates for various conditions and animals:
- Daily
water intake for beef cattle at 88 degrees F.:
a)
Cows -16.5 gallons for nursing calves; 14 gallons for
bred dry cows and heifers.
b)
Bulls - 18 gallons.
c)
Growing cattle - 9 gallons for 400 lb. animal; 12 for
600 lb.; 14 for 800 lb.
d)
Finishing cattle - 14 for 600 lb. animal; 17 for 800 lb.;
20 for 1,000 lb.; 22.5 for 1,200 lb.
- Daily
water intake for dairy cattle at 80 degrees F.:
a)
Dry cows (for maintenance and pregnancy) - 16.2 gallons
for 1,400 lb. animal; 17.3 for 1,700 lb.
b)
Lactating, 1,400-lb. cows (for maintenance and milk production)
-17.9 gallons for 20 lb. milk production; 24.7 for 60
lb. milk production; 38.7 for 80 lb. milk production;
45.7 for 100 lb. milk production.
c)
Heifers - 3.3 gallons for 200 lb. animal; 6.1 for 400
lb.; 10.6 for 800 lb.; 14.5 for 1,200 lb. (for maintenance
and pregnancy).
- Average
daily water intake for swine:
a)
Breeding herd - 2 to 3 gallons for gestating sows and
boars; 4 to 5 gallons for lactating sows.
b)
Young pigs - One-half to 1 gallon for weaned pigs (15-50
lb.); 1 gallon for growing pigs (50-120 lb.); 1.5-2 gallons
for finishing pigs (120 lb. to market).
Increase
amounts for hot, dry conditions.
Feed
supplies may run low if crops are compromised or lost because
of dry weather. Farmers unable to afford additional feed may
face an emergency situation. Some considerations include:
- Develop
an inventory of livestock numbers and feed supplies. An
inventory will help you plan for current and long-term feed
needs.
- Get
advice and assistance. When a feed shortage is imminent,
contact a nutritionist or your county Extension office for
guidance, your lender for early discussion of potential
problems or needs and the Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service (ASCS) for feed assistance program
information.
- Two
major options when facing a feed shortage are to:
a)
Buy or obtain additional feed. Feed assistance may be
available from relief groups, the ASCS or through loans.
Volunteer organizations typically offer hay lifts during
drought years. Contact your county Extension office for
more information.
b)
Sell non-essential animals. The money received can help
buy additional feed for remaining animals.
- Plant
alternative crops for forage. A number of crops, including
70-day corn, buckwheat and millet, may be planted mid-summer
to offset early losses. (See the fact sheet "Alternative
Crops During a Drought.")
- Talk
about it. Drought can bring feelings of great anger,
frustration and hopelessness to farmers, especially for
those already experiencing tough financial times. It's critical
that producers talk about the stress they are feeling, rather
than isolating themselves from family or neighbors. In some
cases, intervention may be needed to connect farmers with
counselors, clergy members or other professionals. (See
the fact sheet "Identifying Stress in Family and Others.")
Additional resources:
Your county agricultural agent; your county family living agent; the Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service; your local lender; Farmers Assistance Hotline (for Wisconsin farm families), (800) 942-2474); health and human service workers; financial and legal assistance agencies
Related publications:
UW-Extension video "Managing During Tough Times," (VB0052).
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090122123420im_/http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/images/line.jpg)
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
|