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From Agri-Nutrition Consulting, Inc. Feeds and Ingredients
Hot weather will increase consumption, and during periods of cold, water acts as an insulator, helping the animal to conserve body heat. Cows will drink up to 25% more water in extremely hot weather, and 18% more if they are not provided with shade. Water quality has a direct relationship to consumption. Some factors that affect water quality are odor, taste, pH, bacteria, total dissolved solids, hardness, total oxygen, presence of toxic compounds, nitrates, and minerals such as iron, sulfates, and sodium. Besides these factors, the presence of even small amounts of voltage in water has a big impact on consumption. Many times voltage tends to spike from zero to several volts, keeping the cows on guard and wary about drinking, even if it is not present all of the time. Water testing, along with checking for voltage, should be done periodically or if a production problem is occurring. On a less scientific note, the quality of the water has a lot to do with your management! Having enough watering locations along with cleanliness is critical to maintaining herd health and higher milk production. Waterers need to be cleaned constantly to encourage animals to drink largerquantities. Disappointingly, water quality seems to be a weak link in the chain on many dairy operations. Cows drinking just three gallons less than normal can easily rob us of 10 to 20 pounds of milk per cow per day! Low water consumption makes a good nutrition program appear average at best. How can ration balancing and good nutritional ingredients work when the component needed in the highest quantity is limited? In my travels to our customers, I see water problems as a critical issue. If you are looking for a way to improve your bottom line without spending more money, make it a management priority to take more time cleaning, or if necessary, adding new waterers. Ask your ANC consultant to help you monitor water quality! © Copyright 2009 by Agri-Nutrition Consulting, Inc. |
