Hot Days Ahead and the Need for Water

 

Hot summer days are still ahead and we need to account for water. We all know water is the most important nutrient to the animal, but we are always concerned about protein, energy, minerals and vitamins; even though, water is required for regulation of body temperature, digestion, absorption of nutrients, waste removal, fetal growth and lactation. All the grass in world means nothing without water.

 

The amount of water a cow requires varies depending on environmental temperature, lactation status, weight etc. During the heat of the summer (90 Degrees Fahrenheit) data suggests a lactating cow needs 2 gallons of water per 100 pound of body weight. If we use the rule of 2 gallons per 100 pound of body weight, a spring calving cow (1300 pound body weight), would require approximately 26 gallons plus another 5 to 10 gallons for the calf. How many consider the need of the calf? Can the calf reach the tank? How many provide enough access for both cows and calves? Providing a tank for calves only, is a good management practice. A tank set to the side, filled by the overflow from the cow tank, allows for the calves to drink at the same time as the cows. When we consider non-lactating cows and bulls, they require 1 gallon per 100 pound of body weight.

 

What is the space requirement? In larger pastures a rule of thumb is to have enough water and space to provide enough tank space for 10% of the herd. Allow 12 inches of perimeter for circular tanks and 18 inches for straight side tanks per animal. Contact your local USDA NRCS office to help design a watering system.

 

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.