The Effects of Lack of Water in Cattle

Water regulates a cow's growth, body temperature, digestion, lactation, eyesight and joint lubrication while also eliminating toxins from the body. But the importance of water as a nutrient is often overlooked in livestock care, according to experts at the University of North Dakota. Cattle ranchers should control the quality and the intake of water to the herd, watch for signs of dehydration, monitor water temperature and provide nutrients to animals to increase water consumption for optimum health of the animals.

  1. Water Quality and Quantity

    • The amount of water an animal requires is influenced by many factors, including rate of weight gain, type of diet, environmental temperature, pregnancy, lactation, activity level and feed intake. The amounts needed range from 1 to 2 gallons a day for calves up to 30 gallons a day for lactating cows. Domesticated animals can live about 60 days without food, but only seven days without water and too little water can impair both the hearing and sight of cattle. Limiting water intake can depress animal performance more quickly and drastically than any other nutrient deficiency. Cattle should have free access to plenty of water at all times. Water quality is also important; stale or contaminated water can reduce water consumption. All water troughs should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

    Water Temperature

    • Drinkable water should be between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When steers have access to cool drinking water they gain .3 to .4 pounds more per day than those drinking warm water. Refilling waterers with cool water in warm weather increases consumption by cattle. In the winter, if water is likely to freeze, you need to install heated waterers. Heated water systems should be checked regularly to make sure they are working properly. Use a thermometer to check water temperature over several days of cold weather and set temperatures to maintain at least 40 degrees. Adding insulation to heated waterers can help control temperatures and reduce electric costs in the winter.

    Signs of Dehydration

    • Cattle should be monitored to be sure they are ingesting enough water, especially when introducing new cattle to the herd. Check cattle regularly for signs of dehydration, especially in particularly warm or cold weather. Signs of dehydration are loss of weight, tightening of the skin and in cattle the eyes will be dry and appear sunken and dull. Animals in a new environment may balk at drinking since the water source may taste different than they are used to. Adding a small amount of molasses to water can mask the taste and make it more palatable to stimulate drinking when cattle become dehydrated.

    Nutrients to Increase Water Consumption

    • Increasing the salt and protein level of the cattle's diet will stimulate increased water intake. Feeds high in crude fiber require more water for the animal to ingest them than feeds low in crude fiber. Salt causes animals to urinate more and more frequently, stimulating increased water consumption. Providing higher protein and mineral supplements can help increase water consumption in dehydrated animals.