 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
May 24, 2004 Water, Consider Quantity and Quality Water is a nutrient in the livestock diet that often doesn’t receive adequate attention, according to Greg Lardy, North Dakota State University Extension Service beef cattle specialist. With limited moisture in many areas of North Dakota, producers must consider the amount and composition of water available to cattle herds, he says. Water is necessary for regulation of body temperature, growth, reproduction, lactation and digestion. Different amounts of water are needed to maintain these basic functions, depending on the class of cattle and environmental conditions, primarily heat. On average a lactating cow; dry cow, bred cow, or heifer; and bull in North Dakota will consume 17.5, 10.0 and 13 gallons of water per day, respectively, through the month of June, with an average air temperature of 78 degrees. In July, the average air temperature rises to 90 degrees, and the water requirements of dry and bred cows, heifers and bulls rise significantly. Bulls need at least 19 gallons per head per day. Providing the right quantity of water for cattle is not enough, according to Lardy. Quality is the key. Excessive salt often threatens water quality when drought-like conditions prevail. Salinity refers to salt dissolved in water and is expressed as parts per million (ppm) or as milligrams per liter (mg/L). Total dissolved solids (TDS) is the term used to define levels of water salinity. “Salts, such as sodium chloride, change the electrolyte balance and intracellular pressure in the body, producing a form of dehydration,” Lardy says. “Salts also place a strain on the kidneys.” “High salt concentrations that are less than toxic may actually cause an increase in water consumption,” Lardy continues. “Animals may refuse to drink high saline water for many days, followed by a period when they drink a large amount. They can then become sick or die.” Lardy adds that North Dakota well water high in TDS is often high in sulfates. One gram of sulfate per liter (1000 ppm) may cause scours. High levels may also reduce copper availability in the diet. If copper deficiency is suspected, water sources should be analyzed to determine if high levels of sulfates are contributing to the problem. Sulfates, if concentrated
enough, may actually cause an increased incidence of polioencephelomalacia,
a brain disorder found in cattle. “Animals can become acclimated to some degree of sulfates in water,” Lardy says. “Consider diluting high sulfate water with low sulfate water for newly arrived animals.” For more information, contact Lardy at (701) 231-7660, or visit www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/ansci/livestoc/as954w.htm to view the Livestock and Water Extension Service publication. Salinity tests can be conducted by the State Health Laboratory, Bismarck, and the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Fargo. ### Source: Greg
Lardy, (701) 231-7660, glardy@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Click here for a printable EPS version of this graphic. (116 Kb b&w illustration) |
Market Advisor: |
|
North Dakota State University |
