Watch for Causes of Poor Performance in Livestock

 BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Water quality has become a crucial issue in drought-stricken parts of South Dakota this year as ranchers worry about how poor quality water is affecting the health of their animals.

But a South Dakota State University researcher said poor water quality is only one factor producers should consider if animals die or begin to show poor performance. Have a veterinarian examine animals with unusual symptoms and ask for a post-mortem exam on those that die, SDSU range science professor and researcher Pat Johnson said -- it could save money in the long run by helping you keep other animals healthy.

 Johnson said water quantity and quality are concerns, especially in western South Dakota. Producers can get an electrical conductivity test done at county Extension offices that will give some indication of whether the water is poor enough to pose risks to livestock. Call your local Extension office for details.

 "Water quality isn't the only thing that can cause problems for livestock," Johnson said. "Look at other possibilities, too."

* Check pastures for poisonous plants. Animals under drought conditions will sometimes eat plants they normally would not when other forages are
abundant.

* Evaluate forage quantity and quality. Dormant forages have much lower quality than green or growing plants and animals will begin to show the effects of the poor diet if they don't have other sources of feed.

* Check pastures for hidden hazards. Livestock may eat things such as batteries, fertilizer, paint, herbicides and pesticides when under stress.

* Make sure adequate quantity of water is available.  Low supplies are an obvious thing to watch for, but also consider whether all livestock have adequate access to watering points. Larger, dominant animals can prevent smaller, more timid animals from obtaining sufficient quantities when tanks are small.

* Look for stressors that pose difficulties for livestock. Heat is a factor that producers can sometimes partially offset by providing shade. Other less obvious stressors can include weaning, changing pastures, or changing grazing systems.

More information about dealing with drought can be found at an SDSU Extension drought Web site, http://sdces.sdstate.edu/drought/.

More information specifically for livestock producers is at an SDSU Department of Animal and Range Science Web site, http://ars.sdstate.edu/extbeef/Drought_Management.htm.
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Contact: Pat Johnson, (605) 394-2236
** For links to other sites showcasing SDSU's work in teaching, research, and Extension, visit http://sdces.sdstate.edu.

Lance Nixon, Editor
AgBio Communications Unit
South Dakota State University
ACC, Box 2231, Rm 200
Brookings, SD 57007
Telephone: (605) 688-4653
Lance_Nixon@sdstate.edu