Dr. Christine Navarre, Ashley K. Edwards and Neely Heidorn

Recent weather extremes, which include record heat and cold as well as drought and flooding, have made it especially difficult to maintain the health and production of livestock in Louisiana. Predicting these weather extremes is nearly impossible at times, but advanced planning can help livestock producers minimize the impacts of these events.

Water

Flooding from excess rain, storm surges from hurricanes and drought bring issues with water quality and availability. Water pollution and excess water salinity from the first two problems are familiar to Louisiana livestock producers, but the extreme drought of the summer of 2023 brought a new set of troubles. Water quality suffered from increased salinity, increased total solids, such as metals and minerals, and increased bacteria. The specific water quality issues depended on the location of the water source and whether it came from a municipal water supply or a well, pond, canal or other source. Short-term exposure to mild to moderate decreases in water quality likely has few immediate effects if water intake remains normal, but some animals may drink less than their requirements because of taste. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of research into the long-term effects of drinking water of differing quality on livestock production and health.

Because of the volume of water needed for livestock daily, producers need a plan for either transporting large amounts of fresh water or relocating animals. If increased salinity and/or total solids in water is a problem, remove all other sources of mineral supplements. In individual animals, tracking the volume of water intake is important. Adding flavoring to water for horses may increase water consumption. Finding a local water quality expert who can make specific recommendations based on water testing will be helpful.

Feedstuffs

Maintaining livestock in moderate body condition helps protect them against extreme temperatures. Animals with excess body condition according to the body condition score scale or those with fat cover, particularly horses and non-heat-adapted breeds of cattle and sheep, are more likely to suffer from life-threatening heat stress or stroke. Animals with added condition or fat insulating their bodies may be more susceptible to heat stress or stroke than those with proper fat cover. Animals that are too thin will have to burn extra energy to keep warm in extreme cold temperatures, particularly when accompanied by wind and rain. This stress leads to increased risk of illness and death. During drought, available feedstuffs will vary greatly in quality and safety. The quality of local pasture will decrease. Toxic plants may be more abundant, and animals may then be more likely to consume them. Failed crops may be baled and redirected to livestock forage. These feeds should always be tested for quality and any possible toxins (nitrates, mycotoxins, etc.).

Plans should be in place for short-term feeding during flooding and cold spells. Planning for the long-term issue of feed availability and quality during drought is more difficult. The LSU AgCenter, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and local feed dealers can help locate feed and hay, develop a supplement plan based on availability and quality of feedstuffs, and test for potential feed toxins. Purchasing feedstuffs in bulk from other parts of the country in cooperation with other producers can help lower costs.

Facilities and Equipment

Louisiana summers are always tough on livestock, but the extreme, prolonged heat of the summer and fall of 2023 was especially taxing. Exposure to high temperatures day after day leads to decreased production, reproduction and neonatal health. It can also cause death from acute heat stroke. Adequate shade, either natural or artificial, must be provided for the health and welfare of livestock.

Colder-than-normal temperatures, even for short periods of time, are also detrimental to the health and welfare of livestock. Permanent shelter may not always be cost effective, but plans should be made for temporary shelter. Providing dry bedding and setting up temporary wind breaks with round bales of hay can minimize impacts of the cold.

Changes in water temperature, either too hot or too cold, can decrease water intake. Ruminants are more resilient to short-term changes in water intake, but horses are more likely to colic, especially in cold weather. Shade over water troughs and proper flow rates to troughs can help keep water cool in summer. Water intake in horses should be monitored in winter.

Different feedstuffs acquired during drought may make it necessary to have special loading and hauling equipment and feed storage areas. These may also prove helpful during winter supplementation. Natural water sources can either dry up during drought or become frozen during extreme cold. Having water troughs available to provide water can be advantageous during these times.

Health Program

Extreme weather events are very stressful to livestock. Healthy livestock withstand these stresses better. Veterinarians can develop a preventive health program that will help livestock during normal times and times of more intense stress. They can also help livestock producers develop an emergency health plan should animals get sick or injured during these events.

The LSU AgCenter Master Cattleman, Master Goat and Master Horse programs all incorporate husbandry and animal health information that can prepare livestock producers to be more successful during normal times and during times of extreme weather.

Dr. Christine Navarre is the extension veterinarian for the AgCenter, Ashley K. Edwards is the state livestock specialist for the LSU AgCenter, and Neely Heidorn is the state equine specialist.

This article appeared in the spring 2024 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.

Pastures across Louisiana became bare in 2023 when high temperatures combined with a drought to put livestock at risk of poor nutrition and other issues. Photo provided by Amelia Kent

A livestock pond on a Louisiana ranch dries up during the drought of 2023. Photo provided by Amelia Kent

During the drought of 2023, pastures across the state became nearly bare, and many livestock producers could not grow enough hay for their animals. Many had to find hay from other areas to feed their cattle. Photo provided by Amelia Kent