Reproductive management of cow herd during drought is vital
Starting to develop or modify management plans in anticipation of the many challenges ahead is critical for producers. 3:39 pm, Apr. 7, 2021 ×
Producers need to think about how to manage during a drought to keep the most productive and valuable cows in the herd. NDSU photo
The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 100% of North Dakota is in drought status, with 85% of the state in at least a severe drought category and 47% in an extreme drought category.
While the state is familiar with drought, the last time that the extreme drought category was initiated this early in the growing season was in 2008. Starting to develop or modify management plans in anticipation of the many challenges ahead is critical for producers.
Producers should help reduce the effects of cold stress on livestock in next few days. 9:27 am, Feb. 4, 2021 ×
Cattle experience the effective temperature, which includes air temperature, humidity and wind chill. Courtesy / NDSU Extension
During the fall and winter, cattle typically adapt to cold temperatures by growing a longer, thicker hair coat, which provides more insulation.
However, many cattle have not had an opportunity to fully acclimate to cold weather this year due to unseasonably warm conditions and an open winter, according to Janna Block, Extension livestock systems specialist based at North Dakota State University’s Hettinger Research Extension Center. This can reduce the animals’ ability to tolerate cold, even on a short-term basis.