By Landee Kieschnick
TFB Communications Intern
With the recent rains—and hopefully more to come–the forecast for ranchers across parts of the state looks a little muddy. And that can lead to problems.
For spring calving operations, mud can be deadly.
“Ranchers have a love-hate relationship with mud,” Tracy Tomascik, associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “Prolonged periods of standing mud is likely to cause lameness issues with cattle as it allows for increased risk for foot rot and associated infections.”
The long-term exposure to moisture softens hooves and skin and makes it more vulnerable to abrasion and subsequent infections, Tomascik noted.
Cattle can also experience added stress in muddy conditions. Traveling in the pasture or pen requires more effort and an increase in required energy to sustain body condition for livestock.
Parasites can also become a problem.
“The warmer than usual temperatures this winter have already allowed fly populations to get started. I’m certain most folks around the state have already experienced this, and it’s a direct result from having ample moist areas of mud, feces and warm temperatures, providing a breeding ground for pests like flies,” Tomascik said.
Feeding cattle, sheep, goats, horses and hogs can be an issue in mud and a strain on ranchers to sustain livestock through the winter months.
“Ultimately, you end up degrading your pasture that’s just now starting to green up because you’re cutting ruts with tires,” he said.
A solution to a muddy environment, Tomascik said, is to plan ahead and get enough hay in the pasture prior to a rain.
This will also help spread out the remaining nutrients from unconsumed hay across pastures.
“There are pros and cons for feeding in wet conditions, so pick the program that fits your operation. If possible while feeding in a pen, try to arrange cattle troughs near a fence so you have a barrier between you and the cattle. Safety always needs to be a priority,” Tomascik said.
Tomascik encourages ranchers to contact their veterinarian or Extension beef specialist to make sure health and nutrition programs are sufficient to provide livestock the best care to get through the next few months.