After Wildfire - Beef Cattle Management MSU photo Authors: John Paterson, Montana State University; Greg Lardy, North Dakota State University; Rick Funston, Montana State University; Ron Carlstrom, Montana State University; Editor - James E. Knight, Montana State University

Effects on Range Plants and Management Fire is like overuse all at once Reduce livestock numbers Concentrate animals into larger herd Graze certain plant species Lease land Buy feed

Questions to Ask Yourself Animals losing weight Body condition Supplements Culling options Feed options and alternatives

Several Options to Consider Do nothing Reduce cow herd Wean calves Lease grazing land Purchase feedstuffs Move herd Limit grain feeding Sell livestock

Water Consideration Water requirements may double Consider portable water options

Supplement Cattle on Affected Pastures and Ranges Weed-free hay Vitamin A, phosphorous protein Reduce stocking rates

When Pasture is Spare and Poor Range cubes (min. 20% crude protein) Mixtures of grain and cottonseed or soybean meal (3 to 5 lbs/cow daily)

When Pasture Becomes Extremely Short Consider purchasing hay Remember that most grass hay has only 50% to 65% of the energy content of grain. So, one pound of grain can replace pounds of hay.

Minerals – general recommendations Same as normal conditions Phosphorus = critical 12% calcium 5 % magnesium 0.4 % zinc 0.2 % copper

Vitamin A May be a problem Vitamin A and D booster 30 days prior to calving, if NOT previously supplemented.

Protein Breeding season Dry cows Lactating cows

Energy General rule of thumb: up to 0.2 percent of body weight of supplemental grain Consider costs

Drylot Feeding Allow pastures rest period

Reducing Nutrient Requirements Lactation - greatest demand for cows Wean the calf Cut nutrient requirements (1/3 to 1/2) Wean only portion of herd

Feeding Management Options Available feeds Reduce feed waste Highest quality feeds to animals w/ highest nutrient requirements Calving Substituting grains Ammoniating crop residues

Ammoniated Straw 60 lbs. anhydrous ammonia per ton of straw

Potential Problems Water and salt Urea-containing supplement Nitrate test hay Prussic acid (cyanide poisoning) Poisonous plants Protein supplements Rumen impaction Hardware disease