– Martin Wunderly, Raymond Fitzpatrick, Robyn Stewart, Shanna Reynolds and Pedro Fontes, University of Georgia Extension
Unrestricted access to clean water improves feed intake and average daily weight gains, increases milk production, and decreases illness and disease.
Water is one of the most important parts of cattle diets. It is essential for digestion, thermoregulation, growth, reproduction, and circulatory and nervous system functions. Adult cattle need 8 to 20 gallons of water per day, depending on size, diet, status, and weather. Research shows that unrestricted access to clean water improves feed intake and average daily weight gains, increases milk production, and decreases illness and disease.
On the other hand, restricted access to water and poor water quality negatively impact cattle production and can potentially cause illness and death. Bad odor and taste from water sources contaminated with high amounts of minerals, salt, nitrogen, bacteria, algae, or manure likely will keep cattle from drinking enough water and can cause significant health risks or death. Water sources can become contaminated or polluted by livestock animals, wildlife, local hydrology, or soil and bedrock features. To keep drinking water supplies clean and consistently available for cattle, consider the available water sources, how to exclude wildlife, how cattle will access water and its location, and trough cleaning methods.
Water Sources
Water sources should be evaluated for reliability and water quality. Before initial use, the water source should be tested for nitrates, dissolved solids, salts, pH, and fecal coliform bacteria. It is important to ensure the . . .
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