{"id":7062,"date":"2026-09-10T11:00:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T09:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/blog\/bluetongue-ehd-biting-insects-supporting-herd-performance-starts-in-the-pasture\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T16:06:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T14:06:36","slug":"bluetongue-ehd-biting-insects-supporting-herd-performance-starts-in-the-pasture-2","status":"publish","type":"actualite","link":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/news\/bluetongue-ehd-biting-insects-supporting-herd-performance-starts-in-the-pasture-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Drought: How to Deal with a Lack of Forage?"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/div>\n<div id=\"block-hero-block_cf7a4665fda13fb64d8328333e48fd1e\" class=\"container-fluid page_header_banner_part  block-hero\"  style=\"background: url(https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/fond-blog.png) no-repeat center \/ cover;\" >\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col-12\">\n                <nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"row justify-content-center\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 text-center\">\n                \n                <h1>Drought: How to Deal with a Shortage of Forage?<\/h1>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"container\">\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After several months of drought, many livestock farms are facing a significant <strong>forage shortage<\/strong>. Livestock organizations estimate the forage shortfall at nearly 2 to 2.5 metric tons per livestock unit (LU), with a major<strong> economic impact<\/strong> on farms. In this context, every metric ton of forage saved counts. Assessing forage stocks, adjusting rations, prioritizing which animals to feed, and providing nutritional supplements: discover the steps you can take right now to maintain herd performance and ensure a smooth winter.   <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 heading\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Planning Ahead with a Forage Assessment<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step is to accurately assess available forage supplies and the herd&#8217;s needs. A <strong>forage balance analysis<\/strong> allows you to quickly identify the extent of the shortfall and adjust management decisions before the situation worsens. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 heading\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Optimize Available Resources<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When faced with a shortage of forage,<strong> several strategies can <\/strong>be combined:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Locally available feed or byproducts;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make use of finely chopped straw;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cull the least efficient animals;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Group animals by physiological stage to ensure that the most nutritious forage is reserved for the animals that need it most.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is simple: <strong>to use every kilo of forage in the right place.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 heading\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adjusting feed rations without compromising performance<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing feed stocks should not lead to a <strong>nutritional deficit<\/strong>. Young animals and dry cows can be switched to <strong>drier rations<\/strong>, while milking cows can benefit from <strong>semi-dry rations<\/strong> that allow for a better distribution of available forage over time.<br>To maintain performance, it is essential to preserve feed intake, digestibility, and energy intake. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 heading\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ensuring the Energy Content of the Diet<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When forage is scarce or of poor quality, <strong>supplemental energy feeding<\/strong> becomes a key strategy.<br><strong>Crystalyx energy pellets<\/strong> or solutions such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/product\/deltagreen\/\">Deltagreen\u00ae<\/a><\/strong> help maintain energy intake, improve feed efficiency, and limit the impact of forage shortages on production.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 heading\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t forget vitamins and trace minerals  <\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forage harvested under difficult conditions may also have <strong>more variable nutritional quality<\/strong>.<br>For suckler herds in particular, targeted supplementation with <strong>vitamins and trace minerals ( <\/strong>including selenium) helps replenish reserves and ensures a smooth transition into fall and winter. Solutions such as<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/produit\/bufflo-tonic-axion\/\">Bufflo\u00ae Tonic Axion<\/a><\/strong>\u00ae are effective tools for managing this high-risk period. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/product\/oligopass\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/produit\/oligopass\/\">Oligopass\u00ae<\/a>is <\/strong>also a valuable tool for ensuring adequate vitamin and trace mineral intake. Thanks to its <strong>rumen-protected vitamins<\/strong> (A, E, B) and partially chelated <strong>trace minerals<\/strong> (Cu, Zn, Mn), it promotes better <strong>nutrient absorption<\/strong> and helps support key animal functions: reproduction, the start of lactation, and overall performance. It is particularly beneficial during periods when <strong>deficiencies are a risk ,<\/strong> such as when animals are moved into the barn or during preparation for calving.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 heading\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparing for the Future<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever possible, planting cover crops or catch crops can help replenish stocks and strengthen<strong> the<\/strong> farm&#8217;s<strong> forage self-sufficiency<\/strong> for future growing seasons.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7074\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-767x510.jpg 767w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-1900x1263.jpg 1900w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-800x532.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L-499x332.jpg 499w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_976038_Subscription_L.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"805\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-1024x805.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7075\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-1024x805.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-767x603.jpg 767w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-1536x1207.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-1900x1494.jpg 1900w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-180x142.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L-500x393.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Fotolia_1570238_Subscription_L.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-12 paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After several months of drought, many livestock farms are facing a significant forage shortage. Livestock organizations estimate the forage shortfall at nearly 2 to 2.5 metric tons per livestock unit (LU), with a major economic impact on farms. In this context, every metric ton of forage saved counts. Assessing forage stocks, adjusting rations, prioritizing which [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":7114,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"besoin":[62,89],"enjeux":[],"espece":[110],"news_type":[171],"class_list":["post-7062","actualite","type-actualite","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","besoin-reproduction-and-lactation","besoin-vitamins-and-trace-elements","espece-ruminants-en","news_type-technical-advice"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/actualite\/7062","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/actualite"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/actualite"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/actualite\/7062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7127,"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/actualite\/7062\/revisions\/7127"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7114"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"besoin","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/besoin?post=7062"},{"taxonomy":"enjeux","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/enjeux?post=7062"},{"taxonomy":"espece","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/espece?post=7062"},{"taxonomy":"news_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deltavit.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news_type?post=7062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}