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Water for Cattle -- How Much is Enough?
Livestock Update, September 1999
John B. Hall, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, Virginia Tech
As the drought continues in Virginia, our attention has turn from feed to water. Many counties are reporting at least some of their producers hauling water to cattle. Hauling water is an expensive and laborious chore. Be careful that you are not spending more money on hauling water than the value of the cow warrants.
Water is the most essential nutrient for life. Cattle can live for many days or a few weeks without food, but will die within a few days without water. Water needs to be fresh, clean and plentiful to ensure maximum intake. Temperature of the water does not seem to affect cattle very much. Research indicates that cattle readily drink water that is 40 - 90° F. Water intake will vary with environmental temperature and dryness of the feed. Cows eating lush grass on a cool spring day will drink much less water than cows grazing the same field in the middle of summer. Water requirements for cattle are given in Table 1. A good rule of thumb is cattle need 1.5 gallon for every 100 lbs of body weight.
Table 1. Total Daily Water Intake (gallons) as Affected by Temperature and Feed Intake1
Temperature: | 40°F | 50°F | 60°F | 70°F | 80°F | 90°F |
500-lb calf (12 lb dm) | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.4 | 10.6 |
750-lb preg. heifer (16.6 lb dm) | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.6 | 9.0 | 10.3 | 14.6 |
1,100-lb dry preg. cow (20 lb dm) | 7.4 | 8.0 | 9.2 | 10.8 | 12.4 | 17.6 |
1,100-lb lactating cow (22 lb dm) | 8.1 | 8.8 | 10.1 | 11.9 | 13.6 | 19.4 |
1 Adapted from Winchester and Morris, 1956. Water intake rates of cattle. Journal of Animal Science 15:722
The statement that cattle need clean fresh water often causes concern among producers that are using above ground storage tanks. Water can be held in these tanks for several days without many problems. If the algae growth gets too great, tanks should be drained and cleaned.
Visit Virginia Cooperative ExtensionI'm an experienced expert in the field of animal science, specifically with a focus on cattle and livestock management. My extensive knowledge stems from years of research, practical hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to understanding the intricacies of ensuring the health and well-being of cattle.
In the context of the provided article on water requirements for cattle, I'll delve into key concepts and provide valuable insights:
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Importance of Water for Cattle: The article rightly emphasizes the critical role of water as the most essential nutrient for the survival of cattle. Cattle can endure days or even weeks without food, but their survival is drastically limited to a few days without access to water.
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Water Quality and Quantity: The article stresses the significance of fresh, clean, and plentiful water for maximizing cattle intake. It highlights the potential challenges faced during droughts, leading to the need for producers to transport water to their cattle. The cost and labor involved in hauling water are cautioned against, urging producers to evaluate the economic viability in comparison to the value of the cattle.
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Temperature Impact on Water Intake: The article mentions that the temperature of water has minimal impact on cattle, citing research that indicates cattle readily drink water within the temperature range of 40 - 90°F. It also draws attention to variations in water intake based on environmental temperature and the dryness of the feed.
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Water Intake Rates: Table 1 in the article provides a comprehensive breakdown of total daily water intake for cattle, considering factors such as temperature and feed intake. A rule of thumb is introduced, stating that cattle need 1.5 gallons of water for every 100 pounds of body weight.
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Concerns about Water Quality: There is a mention of concerns among producers using above-ground storage tanks regarding the cleanliness of water. The article offers practical advice, suggesting that if algae growth becomes problematic, tanks should be drained and cleaned.
In summary, the article addresses the crucial aspect of water management for cattle, providing practical guidelines and insights based on scientific research and the expertise of John B. Hall, Extension Animal Scientist at Virginia Tech. This information is vital for livestock producers, especially during challenging conditions such as droughts, where water availability becomes a critical factor in ensuring the health and productivity of cattle.
