Management and Requirement of Water in Cattle
Dr. Tathagat P. Khobragade
M.V.Sc Scholar
Department of Animal Nutrition
College Of Veterinary Science And Animal Husbandry, Junagadh – 362001
Kamdhenu University, Gujarat
Tel:- 07798718366
Email:- tathagatkho@gmail.com
Dr. Mikato S. Yeptho
M.V.Sc Scholar
Department of Livestock Production Management
College Of Veterinary Science And Animal Husbandry, Junagadh – 362001
Kamdhenu University, Gujarat
Dr. Abhiruchi Damor
M.V.Sc Scholar
Department of Animal Nutrition
College Of Veterinary Science And Animal Husbandry, Junagadh – 362001
Kamdhenu University, Gujarat
Abstract
Water is fundamental for animals, being essential for their survival. While an animal can survive longer without food than without water, adequate hydration is crucial at every stage of growth. Cattle cannot adapt well to water restrictions, and providing less water than needed results in decreased feed intake and reduced performance. Optimal water management involves regular water quality monitoring, ensuring adequate watering points and storage capacity, and implementing water conservation practices, particularly in regions prone to drought or water scarcity.
Introduction
Water is crucial for the well-being of all living organisms, including dairy cows. Max Rubner observed that the body can lose practically all its fat and over half of its protein and yet live, while a loss of one-tenth of its water results in death so water ranks far above every other substance in the body as regards the rate of turnover. An animal’s physiology has multiple compartments where body water is carefully distributed. It is found in the extracellular fluid outside of cells, the intracellular fluid inside cells, and the interstitial fluid surrounding tissues. Animals obtain water in a variety of ways, including through eating, drinking, and producing metabolic water through biochemical processes. Since animals including cattle constantly lose water from their bodies, maintaining the water balance is essential. Both evaporation from the skin and breathing, which involves the exhalation of water vapor, cause this loss. Together, these mechanisms control the body’s water balance, allowing vital activities like metabolism to run smoothly therefore clean water is indispensable for maintaining cow health, aiding digestion, regulating body temperature, and supporting optimal milk production. Cows require water not only for drinking but also for proper rumen function and nutrient absorption. Additionally, water plays a vital role in eliminating waste materials and excess heat from the cattle’s body.
Functions of Water
Water possesses certain unique properties which enable it to perform wide-ranging functions in the cattle’s body.
The major functions of water may be enumerated as follows:-
- It is an essential constituent of all body fluids systems.
- It is a medium in which all chemical reactions in the body take place.
- It is concerned with digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients, and excretion of waste products.
- Water softens coarse feeds and makes them palatable
- Water balance has a great influence on the electrolyte balance and acid-base equilibrium.
- The latent heat of vaporization of water also plays an important role in regulating body temperature.
- Factors Affecting Water Requirement of Cattle
- a) Physiological state of the animal (lactating, pregnant, etc.) b) Diet of the animal c) Size of the animal d) Water temperature e) Water quality f) Water trough space g) Environmental temperature and humidity
Salient Points Regarding Watering Of Dairy Animals
(Biswajit Roy et al 2018)
- Dairy animal drinks water several times a day. Total water intake in a day depends upon the type of feed available to the animals and the milking status of the animal (milking or dry).
- Cattle generally drink 30 to 40 percent of the daily water requirement within 1 hour of milking.
- Temperature of drinking water: Cattle like to drink water in the range of 17–27°C rather than very cold or hot water.
- Minimum water depth in the water trough: A water depth of a minimum of 3 inches is maintained to allow the animals to submerge their muzzles 1 to 2 inches deep in water.
- Watering point: For each group of animals, at least two watering points (water troughs) are required in a paddock. It facilitates water intake by all the animals as per requirement without disturbance of dominant animals in the group.
- As a rule of thumb, water intake is about 8–10 percent of body weight during favourable environmental conditions. It may reach to 13–14 percent of body weight during hot weather.
- Dairy Cattle
Milk consists of approximately 87% water, underscoring the vital role of quality water in dairy cattle management. Farmers ensure cows have continuous access to fresh water, recognizing its critical importance. Water needs for lactating cows are intricately linked to milk production, feed moisture content and environmental conditions like air temperature and humidity. Typically, peak water intake for cows aligns with periods of highest feed consumption.
Table: Identifies water use by major growth stages of dairy animals and breaks down the estimated water consumption of a milking cow by its level of milk production.
| Dairy Cattle Type | Level of Milk Production (kg milk/day) |
Water Requirement Range (L/day) |
| Dairy calves (1-4 months) | – | 4.9-13.2 |
| Dairy heifers (5-24 months) | – | 14.4-36.3 |
| Milking cows | 13.6 | 68-83 |
| Milking cows | 22.7 | 87-102 |
| Milking cows | 36.3 | 114-136 |
| Milking cows | 45.5 | 132-155 |
| Dry cows | – | 34-49 |
(Gaurav Jain et al. 2023)
Water Management of cattle
- Clean water excess: Dairy cows should have continual access to fresh, clean water. Water troughs or tanks should be routinely cleaned and inspected for debris or algae buildup. Dirty water can discourage cows from drinking enough, potentially causing dehydration and lowering milk production.
- Water Quality: Maintaining water quality is essential for cow health. Regularly test water sources for contaminants such as bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals. Promptly address any concerns by using suitable filtration or treatment systems to ensure purity. Certified laboratory testing should include pH levels, bacterial contamination, nitrates, and minerals. Based on these results, take appropriate actions to resolve any water quality issues, which may involve installing filtration systems such as activated carbon filters or UV sterilizers if needed.
- Reduce water wastage: To avoid overfilling water troughs and tanks, pay attention when filling and use float valves to prevent overflow and water waste. Regularly check pipelines for leaks, as even small cracks can cause substantial water loss, and repair any issues promptly.
- Monitoring water intake: In cattle, it is crucial for identifying potential health issues. Automated systems like water meters or flow sensors can track individual or group consumption. Deviations from normal intake patterns may signal health problems needing further investigation.
CONCLUSION
Water serves as a vital nutrient in animal nutrition, physiology, and farm management, playing a pivotal role in supporting overall health and productivity in livestock. It is essential for maintaining hydration, facilitating digestion, regulating body temperature, and eliminating waste products. By focusing on managing water effectively and ensuring both intake and quality are optimized, farmers can significantly enhance animal welfare and the sustainability of their operations in the long term. This approach not only supports optimal animal performance but also fosters resource efficiency and resilience against environmental challenges, ultimately contributing to the viability and success of livestock farming endeavours.
REFERENCES
Biswajit Roy et al: Dairy Farmer – I, New Delhi, NCERT Publication, 2018.
D.V. Reddy: Applied Nutrition (3rd ed.), New Delhi, CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd., 2016.
Gaurav Jain et al.: Importance and requirement of water in livestock animals, Society of Biological Sciences and Rural Development, Prayagraj. 2023 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376757654
