HOW TO SURVIVE THE DROUGHT

COPING WITH DROUGHT

As the drought bites deeper, then you need to make sure that your animals are being able to source the necessary minerals to allow them to survive. 

If your animals can source the minerals they need, then they need less bulk to get through their day.  If they are eating less pasture, then you can keep more stock through the hard times.

We have always fed our stock minerals on a free choice system.  Horses and cattle always have free choice to the different minerals that are made up into a loose powder lick.  We do however, stress that you have salt as a separate container for them to access.  If you include salt in any mix, you may make it too salty.  Animals are great chemists and know exactly what they require.  Just remember, minerals first then vitamins.

Often during the drought, animals aren't sourcing enough green feed (well, there isn't any usually).  You need to be very aware that Vitamin A can be deficient in these cases.  Normally stock store Vitamin A in the liver enabling them to cope with dry spells.  However, when the dry spell exceeds 3-5 months deficiencies will develop.

Pink eye may develop, worm infestation may increase.  If the coat of the animal is dry and dry as well as runny eyes often signs of worms or a copper deficiency.  However,  it can also be a sign of Vitamin A deficiency as well. 

What colour is the hay you are feeding?  Has it any green colour to it.  If not then you can be pretty sure that it will not have any Vitamin A either.

How can you overcome this?  Supplementation can be by cod-liver oil.  You could also get A,D and E powder, emulsion, or injections.  The powder, emulsion or oil can be mixed with the feed.

Try keeping the stock in a smaller area, to stop them eating the paddocks