Animals Affected by Dry or Drought Conditions

Advice for livestock, poultry, and horse owners 

Your animals are your responsibility. You need to include them in your planning in the event of an emergency. The following information will help you prepare to ensure the welfare of your animals during extended dry or drought conditions.  When there is unusually low rainfall for a prolonged period, drought can occur. Water shortages can cause problems with pasture cover, stock condition and feed supply. 

Water

• Animals must have access to adequate, clean water daily. The table below shows the minimum water needs for different types of livestock in normal conditions.
• In hot and dry conditions your animals might drink three times more water than usual, especially if they are eating dry feed like hay or pellets. They also need more water if they are working, pregnant or lactating.

*Amount varies with age and stage of production

• You need to have a plan for your animals in dry weather, and you are responsible for their welfare under the PEI Animal Welfare Act.  An essential part of your plan is monitoring water quantity and quality.
• When water levels are low, the water temperature goes up, and it creates an ideal environment for bacteria and algae to grow. Coastal areas have the extra risk of saltwater getting into groundwater supply.
• Animals prefer clean water, so it increases the risks of dehydration, as well as toxicities and other illnesses if the supply or container is contaminated or heavily soiled. 
• Have a plan for an alternative animal water supply if you start to run low, or water becomes contaminated.

Keeping animals cool

• Animals need enough shade to stay cool and to reduce their need for extra water. If you don’t have natural shade, construct shading, or look at ways you can use existing buildings.

Minimize stress

• Avoid putting any extra stress on animals by minimizing corralling, herding, and transporting - especially during the hotter parts of the day.
• Parasite management is very important during dry times as animals may have less natural resilience and greater exposure during warm weather and pasturing. 

Feed

• Feed planning should ensure your animals will have enough feed in the coming months. Plan as though there could be potential shortages. 
• The number of animals on pasture must not exceed its capacity to provide good quality forage sufficient to maintain their health and condition.
• If pasture is not sufficient as described above, supplemental feed must be provided, or animals must be removed from the affected property.  It may be possible to keep animals in a smaller area and supplement feed to reduce the impact of over-grazing and help speed up pasture recovery when the drought is over.
• It may be more economical to sell animals than to buy-in feed. 
• Regularly monitor the condition of your animals with body condition scoring and assess your pastures. Some paddocks may need to be re-sown. Using fertilizer and growth promotions at the right time can help with pasture recovery. 

Useful contacts

• Department of Agriculture (Animal Welfare) – Phone 902-368-4880
• Public Safety Canada, Farm Animals
• Emergency Measure Organization  

For more information about preparing and planning for your animals in a natural disaster emergency, visit our website