EN 
PT_BR 
Considering the possibility of excessive rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon, specialists from INTA Colonia Benitez (Chaco) have developed a series of recommendations for livestock management, emphasizing decisions that can be made before fields become impassable. The proposal takes into account pasture conditions, feed availability, animal body condition, nutritional and health needs of each category, and the organization of any necessary relocations.
José Roselló, a researcher at INTA and one of the authors of the technical report, states that the first step is to accurately determine what is happening in each pasture. "In an emergency, the first step is always to diagnose the real situation of each plot before deciding which animals should be relocated, which should receive supplementation, and which should be kept in reserve," Roselló emphasizes.
This assessment should consider the type, degree, and duration of excess water, as well as the condition of the pasture or field. It is also necessary to inspect the affected area, the level of trampling and soil compaction, damage caused by surface runoff, and the potential for plant recovery. The report warns that recovery does not end with the decrease in water levels: premature grazing in regrowth areas can compromise pasture recovery.
“In fields with saturated soil, one of the proposed alternatives is to limit the animals' time on the land,” explained Marcelo Pamies, a pasture specialist at INTA. “Grazing by the hour” can be used on passable surfaces with accumulated forage, allowing animals to graze for up to four hours a day and controlling the area with electric fencing.
Nutrition is another crucial point. In a breeding herd, the recommended order of priority begins with raising replacement heifers and continues with breeding cows, paying special attention to pregnant cows and those with poor body condition or weak teeth. Next come pregnant cows in good condition, non-pregnant cows, bulls, and steers.
Roselló also highlights the role that weaning can play when food availability is reduced. “The most effective tool, although it requires investment in feed purchases, is separating the calves (weaning): it allows them to be fed adequately in smaller areas and, at the same time, reduces the nutritional needs of the cows and accelerates the resumption of ovarian activity.”
The planning also covers feed supply. The report recommends prioritizing feeds with higher protein and energy concentrations to facilitate transport and distribution. Feeders should provide 30 to 50 centimeters of space per animal, and it is recommended to work with groups of similar categories, not exceeding 200 head. Furthermore, the introduction of a new feed should be gradual, over five days, to avoid digestive upset.
In turn, Victoria Rossner, a researcher at INTA Colonia Benitez, observed: “The sanitary component requires the same level of anticipation.” Excessive humidity and the movement or concentration of animals can favor the emergence of various diseases, therefore the report recommends strengthening monitoring and adapting the sanitary plan to the characteristics of each facility to which the animals are transferred.
At this point, Rossner recommended “reviewing vaccination against clostridial diseases and leptospirosis, controlling tick infestation, monitoring internal parasites, and paying special attention to newborn calves or those with small hooves.
For farms that need to move cattle, the recommendation is to organize the logistics in advance: first, ensure that stock levels and vaccinations are up to date at the local Senasa office and verify the herd's identification. Then, identify high pastures or safe areas—either within the same property or during the move—provide feed and water, estimate available reserves, and determine which animals need to be transferred.
"It is advisable to do so while the roads allow it," the report states, referring to the farm located on islands and riverbanks in low-lying areas.
The technical proposal ultimately aims to expedite decision-making before circumstances force a reduction in options. According to Roselló, understanding the condition of each group, adjusting stocking rates, prioritizing categories, and preparing feed, veterinary care, and infrastructure allows for a more precise determination of which animals remain on the farm, which receive supplementary care, and which need to be relocated.
