Water quality for livestock is often taken for granted. However, when
drought causes great reduction in surface water available in farm ponds, the issue of
quality becomes nearly as important as quantity of water available.
Water requirements for the beef non-lactating beef animal will run from
0.75 to 1.5 gallons per 100 pounds body weight or 6 to 12 % of their body weight. Fall
calving cows nursing calves may
consume 18% of their body weight. Water consumption is dependent on
climatic conditions, feed types, production level and salt intake. Water is an important
nutrient! Decreased intake can adversely affect health, production and growth.
Water quality is important, not only in ponds, lakes and ground water but
it is important in stock tanks and automatic waterers.
Drought Strategies
