NDSU Photo by Gerald Stokka

Providing adequate water to livestock is critical for animal health and production. A 10% loss of body water is fatal to most species of domestic livestock.

Water accounts for more than 98% of all molecules in the body and between 50% and 81% of an animal’s total body weight at maturity. Water is required for regulation of body temperature, growth, reproduction, lactation, digestion, lubrication of joints and eyesight.

Livestock water requirements vary significantly depending on the species. Water consumption is influenced by a number of factors, including age, rate of gain, pregnancy, lactation, activity, type of diet, feed intake and environmental temperature. Livestock obtain water to meet their requirements from wells, fountains, surface water and moisture found in feedstuffs.

Beef Cattle

Water requirements of beef cattle are a function of the stage of production, lactation and environmental temperature (Table 1). Beef cattle water requirements increase as the weight of the animal increases, during pregnancy and lactation, and with elevated temperatures.

Water requirements also vary depending on the moisture in feedstuffs. Animals fed a diet with higher roughage content have higher water consumption. Limiting water intake reduces feed consumption and animal performance. While diet does influence daily water consumption, the primary factors are temperature and humidity.

Adapted from Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition: Updated 2016, 2016, NRC

Dairy Cattle

Water constitutes 87% of milk, with approximately 30% of water consumed by dairy cattle being lost through milk. Thus, dairy cattle water requirements are strongly influenced by the stage of production and level of milk production (Table 2).

The majority (about 83%) of water consumed by dairy cattle is consumed by drinking, with the remaining water coming from feedstuffs. Water requirements are influenced by the animal’s diet and will increase with increases in dry matter, salt and protein.

Horses

Horse water intake is highly variable. Water intake is a based on body weight, age, diet, exercise intensity and duration, lactation and temperature (Table 3). Horses fed a fiber-rich forage-based diet require more water than those fed a more digestible grain diet. Horses that are hot from exercise should have limited access to water to prevent colic, laminitis and/or exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying up).

Adapted from Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition, 2007, NRC

Sheep

Table 4 lists water requirements for different categories of sheep. Sheep are able to obtain most of their water requirements from forage consumption. In addition to weight and level of production, water intake also increases in response to increases in environmental temperature.

Table 4. Water intake (gallons per head per day) for sheep.

Swine

Table 5 provides water requirements for swine based on level of maturity and weight. Other factors that influence swine water requirements include diet, temperature, housing and feeding methods.

Water intake increases as protein and salt increase in the diet. Swine fed a high-energy diet that are deprived of water (such as can occur during power outages) then are allowed free access to water (power restored) are at risk of salt poisoning (cerebral edema). They should be given access to water sparingly until fully rehydrated.

Table 5. Water requirements (gallons per head per day) for swine.

Dehydration

Limited water access, limited water availability, environmental temperatures, stress and illness can result in dehydration or lack of water. Common signs of dehydration include lethargy, tightening of the skin, weight loss, and drying of mucous membranes and eyes.

Here are some other symptoms:

Cattle and sheep – The eyes will appear sunken and dull. In lactating dairy cows, dehydration results in a near cessation of milk production.

Horses – Dehydration reduces skin elasticity. One way to determine if a horse is dehydrated is by skin folds. Pull the skin over the shoulder and hold a moment. Release and count the seconds until the fold disappears. If the horse is dehydrated, the skin will stand for several seconds.

Swine – Dehydration can result in salt poisoning and often is fatal. Early signs of dehydration in swine include thirst, constipation, skin irritation and lack of appetite. This often is followed by nervousness, apparent deafness and blindness. Pigs affected by salt poisoning will be uncoordinated and have intermittent convulsions.

Stress

Reduced water consumption can be a sign of unfamiliarity, sickness or other stressors. New animals initially may refuse water due to unfamiliarity of water sources and differences in palatability.

Water intake in new livestock should be monitored carefully to make sure they have located the source and are consuming water. With lightweight calves and sheep, be sure the watering source is of adequate height to allow access because animals may not be able to reach the source.

Water Quality

Water consumption can be impacted by water quality. Livestock that are provided low-quality water will have reduced water and feed intake, resulting in reduced production.

Certain salts and gases in solution, such as those consisting of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and sulfate, make water more palatable. However, these same salts and gases can be toxic if present in excess. For more information, refer to NDSU Extension publication AS1764, “Livestock Water Quality.”

Livestock never should be forced to drink dirty or contaminated water. Dirty or stale water can reduce water consumption. Providing grazing livestock with fresh water has been shown to increase weight gains.

Dirty water is a host for disease organisms. Disease can spread rapidly if animals drink from the same water source, so sick animals should be isolated and waterers should be cleaned frequently.

Waterers can be disinfected using a dilute bleach solution following cleaning. A dilute bleach solution of 2 to 3 ounces for each 50 gallons of tank capacity of bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite applied weekly also will suppress algae growth.

Proper installation of the waterer or tank base will prevent fecal contamination of water. The base should be wide enough so animals can place their front legs on it easily while drinking, but not their hind legs. This will keep animals from defecating in the water.

Summary

Water is an important but often overlooked nutrient. Livestock water requirements are affected by many factors, including, size, productivity, diet and environmental conditions. Good water quality and cleanliness can increase water intake and improve livestock production. Limited access or reduced water consumption can result in dehydration, which can be fatal to livestock.