Alternative Feeds for Cattle During Drought: What do you need to know?

As the drought progresses, and hay prices increase, are there alternative feeds for cattle in drought that you’re considering? 

In drought, it seems like there are no good choices, only better and worse.

Last week, we heard from a producer who supplemented hay with straw during the 2002 drought. This got him through the drought, but impacted his conception rates the following year. As drought persists in much of Colorado and the southwestern US, and hay prices increase, are there alternative feeds you’re considering for your livestock?

This fact sheet has info on stretching the hay pile, what to know about alternative feeds, and what to be cautious of in alternative feedstuffs.