May 14, 2004
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
SOUTHWEST REGION NEWS SERVICE
Contact: Tony Rickard, dairy specialist
Headquartered in Barry County
Tel: (417) 847-3161
E-mail: rickardt@missouri.edu

Water Remains Most Critical Nutrient for Cattle

What types of feed are the best for feeding my cattle? That is a common question received by extension specialists, but one that misses the most important nutrient, according to Tony Rickard, dairy specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

“It is important that nutrients be furnished in the correct amounts, but the most essential nutrient in animal feeding and health is water. While animals may lose nearly all the fat and about one-half the protein of the body and survive, a loss of about one-tenth of the water from the body means death,” Rickard said.

For example, a calf’s body contains 75 to 80 percent water at birth and about 55 to 65 percent at maturity. Of all farm animals, lactating cows require the greatest amount of water in proportion to their size because water constitutes about 87 percent of the milk they produce.

Water serves many purposes including its use as a transport system, a lubricant, regulator for body temperature and as a buffering agent to regulate pH. 

Water consumption is influenced by many factors including breed, body size, ambient temperature, water temperature, humidity, feed supply, salt and level of milk production. 

Generally, cattle consume two to four pounds of water for each pound of dry matter consumed and an additional three to five pounds for each pound of milk produced. 

“It is pretty clear, pretty basic. If water is not available, production will suffer,” said Richard.

Usually, in hot weather, cattle decrease dry matter intake and milk yield, but water intake usually increases due to the effect of higher temperatures, especially if shade is not available. With shade, the location of water in relation to the shade can have a major effect on water intake. 

“Studies have shown decreased water consumption in hot weather when the water source was located in the sun, requiring cows to leave the shade in order to drink,” said Rickard.

Basically, water sources should be located as close to the cows as possible. In a confined dairy cattle operation it is recommended water be within 50 feet of the feed bunk and in a grazing operation no more than 600 to 800 feet. 

For dairy cattle, observations have shown an increase in milk production if water is located more convenient to the cattle.

“Don’t let the cheapness of water let you overlook the importance of this critical nutrient. Make sure you have adequate sources and locate them in strategic locations if you want your animals to reach their potential,” said Rickard.

University of Missouri Extension improves people’s lives with education and research from the four campuses of the University of Missouri System. All extension programs focus on the identified high-priority needs of people throughout the state. Each county extension center, with oversight by locally elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to these unbiased resources and programs.
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