Usually this means adjusting stock numbers and supplementing protein for improved diet quality. Typically on native range, forage dry matter must come from the pasture, since it is usually uneconomical to feed hay. Higher density energy supplements may help make up for short grass, but remember that those that are high in grains must be fed every day to keep acidosis problems in check, and also to reduce the inhibitory effects that grain may have on the animal's ability to digest pasture forage. Again, when forage is extremely short, supplementation of large quantities of energy in any form for extended periods of time is usually uneconomical. Animals will perform so long as their supplement compensates for what nutrients are limiting in their diet.
Protein is usually the first limiting nutrient in dormant forage.
Protein supplementation can actually stimulate forage intake. The form of supplement, be it block, cube, lick, meal, etc. is unimportant as long as consumption of limiting nutrients is adequate. If animal supplemental requirements are particularly high, some types of self-fed supplements may not allow for this to occur. Molasses is often used to stretch forage supplies, but just like grain supplements, molasses will require that a high quality protein supplement accompany it. High NPN supplements are not drought supplements.