Dealing with the Situation before it becomes a Crisis

Ian MacMillan, P.Ag. Coordinator of Investigative Services Saskatchewan SPCA

The Saskatchewan SPCA is receiving a significantly increased number of calls regarding cattle in distress. Not all calls will be founded, however it is an indicator that there are more cattle not receiving adequate care than there have been in previous years.

By far, the majority of the reports are regarding cattle in poor condition as a result of not receiving adequate feed.

The increase, in part, reflects on the economics of the cattle industry in Saskatchewan today. The high Canadian dollar, the high price of feed grain, and the after effects of BSE have all combined to lower cattle prices across the board. Money is tight, and in some cases, there may not be enough to go around. This can threaten the survival of many operations, and often the animals themselves.

Coping strategies vary from producer to producer. Some have adopted more cost effective methods, while others have resorted to off farm employment. Some producers have reduced numbers, however other producers have increased their numbers while waiting for better market prices.

Each of these strategies has benefits but they are not without potential downsides.

Swath, bale and winter pasture grazing are increasingly popular as a means of reducing costs.  Snow is often used as a source of water; this is acceptable provided the snow is loose and plentiful. Cows must be in good condition and there are to be no calves nursing. Young cows that have just weaned their first calf are still trying to grow; these will not do well in winter grazing situations.

Grass, of course, does not grow in the winter, and once it is gone, it’s gone. Carrying capacity for winter grazing is different than summer grazing. Cattle must be checked at least twice a week. Supplemental feed should also be provided in extreme cold weather, and the producer must have an alternate plan should the snow become too deep or too crusted for the cattle to graze.

If the producer is away working he must have a plan in place to monitor the herd. An experienced friend or neighbour can keep an eye on the cattle and also give advice to less experienced help that may be doing the chores.  Explain to your caregiver what to watch for in terms of body condition and health, and instruct them to monitor the herd daily for change.  The caregiver must be authorized to take appropriate action should changes occur.

There are still a lot of last year’s calves to be sold. Low calf prices, particularly for heifers, led many to hold back on fall marketings. Many producers have more cattle to feed than normally would be the case, and this may be putting pressure on feed supplies. Selling some cattle could relieve pressure on feed recourses thus ensuring more feed for the remaining animals.

In all cases, it is important to remember that feeding animals in good condition requires less feed that those in poor condition. Herds should be monitored and if animals start to lose body condition, adjustments to the ration will be needed. Cold weather and exposure to wind-chill requires more feed, and as the cow enters the later stages of pregnancy, her nutritional requirements increase.

What can be done if the cattle are getting thin and the money is short? The first step is to recognize the problem and do something about it. Sitting back and waiting will only reduce the options of what can be done.

Secondly, contact the experts for advice. Ruminant nutritional specialists with feed companies or the Ag Knowledge Center can assist in formulating rations to meet the herd’s needs and at the same time make the best use of the feed resources. If you are uncomfortable with a stranger, talk to your veterinarian.

Feed testing is an important step in the process to determine an adequate cost effective ration.  Nutritionalists can also recommend whatever changes necessary to existing rations to get the herd through.

Additional feed may need to be purchased. But as hay supplies start to dry up, supplementing grain may be an alternative to a straight hay diet. If hay is of poor quality, grain, though costly may be a necessity.  Pellets can be an alternative to barley or oats.

Most feed companies produce a lower cost pellet, and they have the added benefit of not needing to be processed.

The stress of dealing with tight finances can affect a producer and his family in a number of ways. Procrastination, avoidance, difficulty sleeping, and irritability are only a few of the indicators of stress. Unfortunately it is often the family members and animals that bear the consequences of the stress.

If dealing with circumstances is a problem, producers are encouraged to contact the Farm Stress Line. The Stress Line is comprised of people who understand the pressures of agriculture and are able to provide an ear to listen. Farm Stress Line counselors can help identify the problem and help the producer work towards a solution. They have access to information on a wide range of programs to assist with personal and financial issues, and can provide that information to the callers.  Calls are strictly confidential and if the producer doesn’t wish to give his name it is not required.

It is the responsibilities of all producers to provide their animals with adequate care.  It is also the law. When times are tough and things are going down hill, this is no reason to allow the animals to suffer. It is not the animal’s fault. It is the producer’s responsibility to seek assistance. Do something before it is too late.

Ag Knowledge Center 1-866-457-2377
Farm Stress Line 1-800-667-4442