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.