By Angie Gradiz
We often focus on feed, pasture rotations and animal health, but water use rarely gets the spotlight. Yet, it's one of the most critical inputs on any livestock operation. From managing heat stress in the summer to supporting daily activities, understanding how much water your animals need and how it’s delivered can significantly impact productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
There are several practical ways to improve water use efficiency, including conducting annual water system inspections, reusing plate cooler water, checking water supply flow rate, strategically placing water access points for animals, among others. These practices are especially important for farms classified as large volume water withdrawals, with the capacity to pump 100,000 gallons per day or more.
To better serve producers, Michigan State University Extension is conducting a Livestock Water Use Needs Assessment. This short, anonymous survey asks about your water use practices, challenges and how you prefer to receive information or support. All responses are confidential and taking this survey is optional.
Your input will help shape future tools, research and educational efforts focused on livestock water management. Even small changes can lead to big savings in water, time and money.
To complete the survey, click the following link:
Livestock Water Use Needs Assessment Survey
If you have questions about the needs assessment or water use efficiency practices, please contact Angie Gradiz, water use efficiency and irrigation educator, at gradizme@msu.edu.
Source : msu.edu