I have read a few places that if a deer herd becomes too dependent on protein and less dependent on natural browse that when a drought hits it can cause severe issues with the herd. Is anyone aware of such a thing and what could the impact actually be?
Natural food choices are tiered in value. When feeding heavy protein the top tier sources are utilized more then bottom end. When drought hits although they will still forage(it will be mixed tiers) but their supplement intake will increase and you pray it's been well researched and document in sustainability in drought conditions
Biggest thing with drought is more focus on supplement protein. If supplement protein is well balanced with roughage and fiber you don't see any adverse effects. If it's not bad things happen.
Wildlife feed and domestic feed from major brands has been well researched in these areas. After all they have had decades of experience in it
Atleast what I've read and been told