With drought striking many Indiana counties, pasture forage is becoming scarce. Purdue Extension Specialists Kern Hendrix and Keith Johnson offer several alternatives for your consideration. Provide supplemental forage. Feed supplemental forage such as silage or hay. Limit access to grazed pastures to allow a quick rebound, especially once moisture becomes available.
Creep feed nursing calves.
Creep feeding will prevent losses in calf gains and weaning weight. Oats could be substituted for part of the corn, especially the first few days of creep feeding. It is recommended that the commercial supplement contain either Rumensin or Bovatec. Early Wean Calves. Early weaned calves will require a high quality grain mix and forage to maintain adequate growth.