Dry season survival tips for livestock farmers

Many farming areas have received better rainfall compared to previous seasons, resulting in improved grazing in some regions. However, while livestock body condition is generally good, grazing quality remains variable.

The availability and quality of grazing directly influence livestock survival and performance until the next rainy season. As the timing and intensity of the next rains remain uncertain, farmers are encouraged to maintain animals in good nutritional and health condition.

The dry season is typically characterised by dry-cold and dry-hot conditions, both of which can negatively affect livestock health, nutrition and reproduction. Proactive management is therefore essential.

Nutritional supplementation

Livestock require adequate nutrition throughout the year, with grazing animals such as cattle and sheep particularly vulnerable to mineral deficiencies. In sandy soils, key minerals often lie beyond the reach of grass roots.

During the rainy season, supplementation has largely focused on phosphorus, which supports metabolic function and is critical when feed intake is high.

As winter approaches, grasses become dormant and gradually lose nutrients. Protein levels decline, and vitamin A is significantly reduced. Farmers are therefore advised to provide vitamin A supplementation and protein-rich feeds.

Urea is commonly used in winter lick formulations to improve the digestion of dry forage by stimulating rumen microorganisms in ruminant animals.

Later in the dry season, particularly from August, energy demands increase as grazing becomes scarce. Energy supplements should therefore be added, and where necessary, roughage such as hay should be provided to maintain rumen function. Crop residues such as maize, beans and mahangu stalks can also serve as cost-effective feed sources.

Other fodder options include camelthorn pods, grass and cultivated pasture crops such as lucerne, lablab and saltbush, which can form part of a structured seasonal feed plan.

Care for young animals

Winter is also a key lambing and kidding period in some farming areas, requiring additional care. Newborn animals are particularly vulnerable to cold stress, which can be addressed through shelters such as enclosed pens, housing structures or windbreaks.

Cold conditions can also increase the risk of respiratory diseases, including pneumonia (pasteurellosis). Vaccination of breeding females helps transfer immunity to offspring through colostrum. Where this has not been done, young animals may be vaccinated from around two weeks of age.

Adequate milk intake and creep feeding are essential to support growth and heat production. This places additional nutritional demands on ewes and does, which must receive sufficient quality feed to maintain milk production.

Parasites and hygiene

External parasites such as mites, fleas and lice can also affect young livestock and reduce growth performance. Control measures include the use of approved dipping solutions and regular treatment programmes.

Clean housing conditions are equally important. Dirty or overcrowded kraals can increase the risk of respiratory and eye infections and support parasite infestations. Maintaining hygienic, well-managed shelters is therefore essential for survival rates.

Farm productivity depends on the interaction between the animal, its environment and management practices. Successful production ensures animals are raised to survive, reproduce or reach market condition.

Farmers are advised to adopt seasonally responsive management plans that address feed and water shortages, disease risks and parasite control. Regular monitoring of livestock is essential to detect early signs of stress or illness and enable timely intervention.

* Erastus Ngaruka is Agribank’s Technical Advisor: Livestock & Rangeland.