by Adam Hartfiel

Water is often overlooked as the most important nutrient for beef cattle. It is a necessity for cattle to survive. In fact, over 50% of mature cattle weight comes from water.

Water is necessary for everyday functions including lactation and the regulation of body temperature. It is also used to produce saliva, which is needed to break down and digest forages. Understanding the importance of water quality and quantity, and how these two factors change throughout the year, can help producers ensure their cattle obtain the most important nutrient on earth.

Water quality issues on farm

Water quality for cattle is important for overall performance and health. Problems can arise and even harm cattle in some instances. Some of these problems include high nitrates, high mineral content, algae growth and water temperature. Nitrate problems may occur during drought when both water and feed could contain high nitrate concentration, causing potential sickness and even death in cattle. Symptoms can include lethargic behavior, difficulty breathing, lack of coordination and diarrhea.

Other water quality issues include stagnant water in tanks, ponds and other water bodies. Stagnant water can grow blue-green algae, which is toxic to cattle. This alga can grow rapidly in warm temperatures with high amounts of sunlight, making it important for producers to keep an eye out during summer grazing.

Related:Is creep feeding calves right for you?

Flooding can also create water quality problems; floods can bring sediment and other foreign materials into the cattle’s water source, reducing its quality.

Testing water on your operation is a fairly simple task that can help identify potential water quality problems. Testing should be done regularly and can be submitted to commercial or university labs for analysis.

Cattle need access to clean and potable water at all times of the year. Consider making a creep area for calves to access water while the cows are drinking. This can allow calves to drink before the tank or water source lowers below the level they can reach. Consider how far cattle are walking to obtain potable water and adjust to decrease how long it takes to reach the water source. Cattle tend to travel as a group to drink if the water source is more than 900 feet away. This could cause issues if the water source cannot keep up with demand. Keeping water closer to where cattle are grazing will lead to optimal pasture use.

Cattle water needs change

The amount of water cattle drink in a day varies due to age, size, stage of production and weather. Cattle can get water from different sources other than tanks, ponds, etc., which affects the amount they drink. Dietary moisture content influences water consumption: Silage or fresh forages grazed in pastures contain higher amounts of water compared to dry forages, altering the animals’ water intake.

As outside temperatures rise, cattle will consume more water to regulate their body temperature and other body functions. It is estimated that cows will consume roughly 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of bodyweight while lactating. Because the milk cows produce is roughly 90% water, they will require more water compared to growing stock, bulls or dry cows. Bulls and dry cows drink an estimated 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight. As the temperature and animal weight rise, so will water consumption, as the table depicts.

The importance of fresh clean water cannot be disregarded because it is the main player in all cattle’s growth, development and overall production. It is a necessity for cattle to survive and produce like you, the producer, expect them to. Prioritize the importance of water on your operation today and every day to help your herd.

Hartfiel is a regional University of Wisconsin Extension livestock educator for Adams, Green Lake and Waushara counties.