There is a wide range of unusual feedstuffs that can be safely and effectively fed to livestock during drought. However, livestock producers need to fully evaluate the feed value, risks, practicality and real cost before replacing more conventional feeds. Many of these products are low in nutritional value, bulky to transport, difficult to handle, may contain high levels of chemical residues and supply may be inconsistent.

Most unusual feeds should be used with caution and introduced into rations gradually over a period of around two weeks. This Primefact discusses a variety of unusual feeds and provides information on calculating the nutritive value of those feeds.