NDSU: Hauling water short-term fix during drought.
During a drought, good quality water is vital for livestock.
In fact, a 10 percent loss of body water is fatal to most domestic livestock species.
Carl Dahlen, NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist, says the amount of water livestock need depends on the conditions and type of animal.
The general estimates of daily water intake for beef cattle when the temperature is 90 F are: Cows – 18 gallons for nursing calves; 15.3 gallons for bred dry cows and heifers Bulls – 20 gallons Growing cattle – 9.5 gallons for a 400-pound animal; 12.7 gallons for a 600-pound animal; 15 gallons for an 800-pound animal Finishing cattle – 14.3 gallons for a 600-pound animal; 17.4 gallons for an 800-pound animal; 20.6 gallons for a 1,000-pound animal; 24 gallons for a 1,200-pound animal Estimates of daily water intake for dairy cattle at 80 F are: Dry cows (for maintenance and pregnancy) – 16.2 gallons for a 1,400-pound animal; 17.3 gallons for a 1,700-pound animal Lactating 1,500-pound cows (for maintenance and milk production) – 28.9 gallons for 60 pounds of milk production; 32.2 gallons for 80 pounds of milk production; 35.6 gallons for 100 pounds of milk production Heifers (for maintenance and pregnancy) – 6.1 gallons for a 400-pound animal; 11 gallons for an 800-pound animal; 14.5 gallons for a 1,200-pound animal “Good-quality water can have a major impact on your cattle’s intake and weight gain,” said North Dakota State University Extension Service livestock environmental stewardship specialist Miranda Meehan.
“Canadian studies have shown the quality of water accessible to livestock is directly tied to the amount of forage they consume.
Studies report improved gains by as much as 0.24 pound per day in yearlings and 0.33 pound per day in calves.” In addition, providing good-quality water can improve herd health.
This will increase the water’s palatability and reduce nutrients in the water.
Meehan recommends producers using dugouts and dams as their primary water source look into hauling water or installing an alternative water source.
Hauling water is a short-term fix, but it can help get producers through this year’s drought.