Forage-free or alternate forage rations are an option for combating this situation. Can Increase Nitrate Levels in Corn Silage Montana State Range, Livestock Drought Cattle Water Quality and Quantity in Drought-stricken Farm Ponds Water quality for livestock is often taken for granted. However, when drought causes great reduction in surface water available in farm ponds, the issue of quality becomes nearly as important as quantity of water available.
Water consumption is dependent on climatic conditions, feed types, production level and salt intake.
Decreased intake can adversely affect health, production and growth. As we move into summer, it is important to recognize the danger that high heat and humidity pose to cattle. Cattle are more sensitive to heat than humans, and reach the critical temperature for negative effects when the Temperature-Humidity Index reaches the high 80s. Temperature, humidity, and the amount of direct sunlight are the primary factors that determine an animal's body temperature. However, other factors such as precipitation, wind, amount of night cooling and exposure to fescue endophyte are also very important.