Hardness of Water and Its Impact on Animal Health
Water is required for digestion and metabolism of energy and nutrients; transport in circulation of nutrients and metabolites to and from tissues; excretion of waste products (via urine, feces, and respiration); maintenance of proper ion, fluid, and heat balance; and, as a fluid and cushioning environment for the developing fetus (Murphy, 1983). The quality of water matters much as the quantity for ourlivestock health and well being. The water requirement per unit of body mass of a lactating dairy cow is much important for its whole lactation yield. This is because the yield of milk secretion is composed of 87% water.
Water is a vital component of every living organism’s life, including animals. The quality of water, however, varies widely, and one critical factor is its hardness. Water hardness is determined by the concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, and can have significant implications for animal health. In this article, we will explore the concept of water hardness, its sources, and the profound impact it can have on the health and well-being of animals.
WATER REQUIREMENT AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Total body water content of the bodies of adult dairy cattle ranges between 56 and 81% of body weight depending upon stage in the lactation cycle (Murphy, 1983). Lossof only about 20% of total body water is fatal. Cattle and buffalo generally consumes 35-45 litters a day. Cows generally spend 10-15 minutes in drinking water. The Dairy NRC 2001 suggests using the Murphy et al. (1983) equation to predict water intake of lactating dairy cows as it includes many of the major factors affecting water intake. Drinking water intake (kg/d) = 15.99 + (1.58 x DMI, kg/d) + (0.9 x milk, kg/d) + (0.05 x Na intake, g/d) + (1.20 x min temp C) (Murphy et al., 1983). Research on drinking water intake of dry cows is limited. Holter and Urban (1992) identified dietary variables of DM and crude protein (CP) in the following equation as factors affecting water intake of dry cows: Free water intake (kg/d) = – 10.34 + (0.2296 x dry matter % of diet) + 0.2212 x DMI (kg/d) + (0.03944 x (CP% of diet) (Holter and Urban, 1992).
HARDNESS OF WATER
Water hardness is the traditional measure of the capacity of water to react with soap, hard water requiring considerably more soap to produce a lather. Hard water often produces a noticeable deposit of precipitate (e.g. insoluble metals, soaps or salts) in containers, including “bathtub ring”. Hard water is due mainly to high concentrations of calcium and magnesium; but, iron, manganese, strontium and aluminum also contribute Water containing 290 ppm total hardness had no effect on milk production, weight gain, or water consumption. Temporary hardness is a type of water hardness caused by the presence of dissolved bicarbonate minerals (calcium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate). When dissolved these minerals yield calcium and magnesium cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) and carbonate and bicarbonate anions (CO32-, HCO3-).However, unlike the permanent hardness caused by sulfate and chloride compounds, this “temporary” hardness can be reduced either by boiling the water, or by the addition of lime (calcium hydroxide) through the softening process of lime softening.Boiling promotes the formation of carbonate from the bicarbonate and precipitates calcium carbonate out of solution, leaving water that is softer upon cooling. Permanent hardness is hardness (mineral content) that cannot be removed by boiling. When this is the case, it is usually caused by the presence of calcium sulfate and/or magnesium sulfates as well as the chloride of calcium and magnesium in the water, which do not precipitate out as the temperature increases. Ions causing permanent hardness of water can be removed using a water softener, or ion exchange column.
INFLUENCE ON LIVESTOCK HEALTH
Although hardness has no effect on water safety, it can result in the accumulation of scale (mostly magnesium, manganese, iron, and calcium carbonates) in water delivery equipment. The clogging of pipes and drinkers can lead to reduced water consumption and its associated problems. Patterson et al. (2003) showed a quadratic decline in average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain/feed in confined steers as water sulfate increased from approximately 400 to 4700 mg/L (ppm). High sulfate water can have a deleterious effect on cattle performance. Cattle consuming water with a sulfate concentration >3,500 ppm had decreased feed and water intake. However, no effect on feed and water intake or growth was seen when cattle consumed water up to 2,500 ppm of sulfate for 90 days (Digesti, et al., 1976). Ingestion of high-sulfate water causes increased ruminal H2S generation (Loneragan et al. 1997). Because of the lower ruminal pH, ruminants consuming high-grain diets are at higher risk for sulfur-associated PEM than those consuming forage-based diets. In addition to increasing the potential for sulfur-associated PEM, high concentrations of sulfates can also contribute to copper deficiencies in ruminants (Wright et al. 2000; Wright and Patterson 2005). A reduction in copper status can have a negative impact on the health, growth performance, and reproductive function of livestock. Excessive levels of sodium (Na) have adiuretic effect. Studies indicate that a sodium level of 50 mg/L (ppm)is detrimental to poultry performance if the sulfate level is also 50 mg/L or higher and the chloride level is 14 mg/L or higher (Carter 1996). In ruminant animals and horses (which have a cecum), bacteria reduce nitrate to nitrite, which enters the bloodstream and interferes with the ability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Animals may die due to lack of oxygen. Symptoms of nitrate poisoning include labored breathing, a blue muzzle, trembling, lack of coordination, and an inability to stand. Production and reproduction were unaffected in dairy cattle consuming water containing 86 ppm nitrate-nitrogen for almost two years in a Wisconsin study (Kahler, et al., 1974), but some reproductive performance decline (increased services per conception and longer calving interval) was noted in the third year. There are various means to get rid of the temporary hardness of water by boiling, adding washing soda and filtering it through filter or fine cloths. Permanent hardness can be removed by ion exchange, reverse osmosis and calagon (sodium aluminium silicate) treatment. Water should be under permissible limits of salts and alkalinity.
Understanding Water Hardness
Water hardness is a measure of the concentration of divalent cations, primarily calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), in water. It is usually expressed in milligrams of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) per liter of water. The hardness of water is categorized as:
- Soft Water: Contains low concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, typically less than 60 mg/L as CaCO3.
- Moderately Hard Water: Contains moderate concentrations of these ions, typically between 60 and 120 mg/L as CaCO3.
- Hard Water: Contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, usually exceeding 120 mg/L as CaCO3.
Sources of Water Hardness
- Geological Sources: Water hardness is often influenced by the geological composition of the region. Groundwater can pick up minerals from limestone, gypsum, and other geological formations, resulting in hard water.
- Human Activities: Industrial processes, agricultural runoff, and wastewater discharge can introduce additional minerals into water sources, contributing to hardness.
Impact on Animal Health
- Digestive Health: Animals, particularly livestock, are sensitive to water hardness variations. High levels of calcium and magnesium can lead to digestive issues, as these minerals can interfere with nutrient absorption and cause gastrointestinal distress.
- Reproductive Health: Excessive water hardness can impact the reproductive health of animals. It may lead to reduced fertility, delayed estrus, and difficulties in maintaining pregnancy.
- Urinary Health: Hard water can contribute to urinary tract issues in animals. The formation of urinary calculi, commonly known as bladder stones, is more likely in animals exposed to hard water. These stones can obstruct the urinary tract, leading to pain and potential infection.
- Dental Health: In animals with prolonged exposure to hard water, dental problems may arise due to the mineral deposits on teeth. This can result in tooth decay and other dental issues.
- Skin and Coat Health: Hard water can affect the skin and coat of animals. It may lead to dry and itchy skin, a dull coat, and a higher risk of skin infections.
- Performance and Productivity: Livestock raised with hard water may experience reduced growth rates, lower milk production, and decreased egg production in poultry.
Mitigation and Prevention
- Water Softening: In regions with consistently hard water, water softening treatments can be employed to reduce the mineral content. This process involves the removal of calcium and magnesium ions through ion-exchange or other methods.
- Dietary Adjustments: In some cases, dietary adjustments may help mitigate the effects of hard water. For instance, in livestock farming, modifying the mineral content of animal feeds can compensate for the impact of hard water on nutrient absorption.
- Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary care is essential to monitor and address health issues related to water hardness. Timely intervention can prevent severe health problems.
Conclusion
Water hardness is a crucial factor in animal health, with the potential to impact digestive, reproductive, urinary, dental, and overall well-being. Recognizing the hardness of local water sources and taking appropriate measures to mitigate its effects is essential for responsible animal care. Veterinary guidance, dietary adjustments, and water treatment can all contribute to maintaining the health and productivity of animals while ensuring they have access to the best possible water quality. Ultimately, the well-being of animals depends on a holistic approach that considers the quality of the water they consume.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
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Reference-On Request.
