By Scout Nelson
Many South Dakota cattle operations are dealing with heavy rains and severe storms after years of drought. While we cannot shield livestock from the weather, good management helps reduce damage and loss.
Managing Mud
Mud in pastures and feedlots lowers cattle performance and raises health concerns. Wet conditions weaken hooves, allowing bacteria to cause foot rot or digital dermatitis.
When mud depth passes four inches, cattle eat less and need more energy to stay warm, increasing production costs.
Provide dry bedding in high spots or areas with less mud so cattle can rest comfortably. If spreading is not possible, set whole bales in place so cattle can pull them apart. Keep concrete aprons near feed and water clean and dry to give animals a break from mud.
Hail and Bruising
Recent storms in the Dakotas bring large hail and strong winds. Hail can cause external cuts and internal bruising. Cow calf herds usually heal, but feedlot cattle close to market weight risk costly carcass trim.
A Texas study showed cattle marketed within 15 days after a storm with hail over three inches had more bruising and greater trim loss. By day 49, bruising returned to normal levels.
Protecting Carcass Quality
The 2022 National Beef Quality Audit found 52.3 percent of carcasses showed bruising, a leading cause of trim loss.
Even small bruises can remove up to a pound of valuable beef. Producers can reduce losses by improving pen conditions after heavy rain and carefully timing market sales following hail events.
Good preparation and quick action during storms save both cattle health and farm profits when severe weather strikes.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Weather