Feeding and Watering Beef Cattle During Disasters

Abstract

Animal care, feeding, and nutrition in the wake of a natural disaster or emergency situation are difficult and require resourcefulness. Immediately following the event, the most basic needs essential for survival of cattle (ie, water, feed, rest, and recovery) should be addressed. Once these basic needs have been addressed, the primary objective then becomes to maintain the present condition of the animals to reduce the potential for negative production outcomes. The objective of this article is to provide a general overview of feeding and managing cattle immediately following a natural disaster or emergency situation.

Keywords: Cattle; Disaster; Emergency; Management; Nutrition.