In this video, K-State Research and Extension cow/calf specialist Jason Warner says the year’s drought across much of Kansas may affect the way producers supplement their cow’s feed this winter.
“An important consideration this year,” he says, “is knowing how much Vitamin A those cows have been able to store and their ability to transfer Vitamin A to their calves through colostrum.”
Warner said drought causes decreased levels of beta-carotene in pastures, so the concern for summer grazers is that a greater number of those cows will be deficient in Vitamin A.
“It’s really important for producers this year to know how much they’re providing those animals (through supplemental feed),” Warner said. “It probably needs to be at a higher level than what has been provided in the past.”
