Nutrition Guidelines for Livestock During Flooding

Feb 26, 2019

Dr. Kim Mullenix, an Alabama Extension animal science specialist, offers the following nutrition guidelines for livestock during flooding.

Energy requirements of animals during a flood event is increased due to an increase in their maintenance requirements. Extra energy is expended trying to get out of water, walk in mud, etc.
Supplement cattle with a high energy, easily digestible feed for 3 to 5 days after being moved to higher ground to help rebuild their energy reserves. Also, provide free-choice hay or adequate pasture along with supplementation.
Provide a complete mineral supplement containing calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals such as copper, zinc, and selenium. Calcium and phosphorus are the minerals needed in the largest amounts by beef cattle. Mineral supplementation is especially important given the elevated level of stress for cattle during this time.
Adequate nutrition is needed to support proper immune function, and will help cattle respond better should vaccinations be needed.

Alabama Extension has the publication Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle, ANR-0060 that provides a more complete guide to nutrition requirements.

Source:aces.edu

Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.