Don't overlook water quality and quantity!

Kari Lewis
Of all the nutrients livestock require, what is the most important, but often an overlooked nutrient? 

Water is the most important nutrient for livestock production.
Photo by Kari Lewis.

Water!  Water needs are influenced by environmental temperature, class of livestock, and weight.  As temperature increases, so do water needs.  Lactating livestock require more water than nonlactating livestock and larger animals require more water as well.

On a day like today when the temperatures hit 90 degrees, a growing animal or lactating cow needs 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight.  So, that 1,400-pound cow will need 28 gallons of water/day, while her 500-pound calf will need 10 gallons, meaning that cow/calf pair needs close to 40 gallons of water today! 

This time of year, water can become stagnant in ponds and reservoirs, providing an ideal environment for the growth of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, which can be toxic to livestock.  Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning are diarrhea, vomiting, lack of coordination, labored breathing, seizures, convulsions, and possibly death.  Other water quality issues can include high or low pH, excessive levels of sulfates which can cause a reduction in copper availability to livestock, hydrogen sulfide, iron, or magnesium which can cause an ‘off flavor’ and reduce water consumption.  Water with high nitrate concentrations can also be toxic, especially if consumed with foraged with high nitrate concentrations. 

Ideal drinking water temperature for livestock is between 40- and 65-degrees F.  In a research study, steers that had access to cool drinking water gained .3 to .4 pounds more per day than those drinking warm water. 

Research has also found that cattle prefer drinking out of a tank versus a pond or reservoir.  This is likely due to clean water from a tank versus the sediment that is churned up when they wade out into the water for a drink.  Research in Alberta showed a 23% increase in weight gains for yearling steers over 71 days whose drinking water was well water versus the steers who drank out of dugout.  A follow up study also confirmed the impact on cows, and a lesser impact on calves. 

If you suspect an issue with water quality, please stop by your local extension office for a water test kit.  Water can be collected and then sent to a lab for analysis.  If your ponds or reservoirs are low, it may be time to consider alternative water sources.  Remember, water is the most important nutrient for livestock production and is needed for regulation of body temperature, growth, digestion, reproduction, metabolism, joint lubrication, excretion, etc.  It’s critical to maintain a clean, fresh water supply to maintain health and performance of livestock. 

Staying Hydrated

Jesse Fulbright, MSU Liberty County Extension

Many times we only think of hydrating our bodies during the summer heat, but hydration is important at all times.  Drinking water every day helps us stay alert and keeps our body systems working efficiently.  Reasons for drinking enough fluids is to keep joints lubricated, assist in expelling waste materials, keeping our body temperature low and more.  These are essential functions that each depend on us to take in enough fluids every day to help our bodies function properly.  There are also sensitive tissues that need fluids, such as the spinal column.

When it comes to hydration the first thing that usually comes to our mind is “water” or “H2o.”  It is important to hydrate by drinking water, but there are other ways to get small amounts of hydration.  For example, soups are comprised of mostly water.  According to Center for Disease Control (CDC) other hydrating foods include celery, tomatoes, oranges and melons.

The human body often gives signs to indicate its need to increase hydration.  Dark urine, the inability to sweat in extremely hot conditions, or lack of tear formation when crying, are signs that indicate a need to increase fluid intake.

A basic rule to follow is to simply drink when you are thirsty, however extra hydration is needed during the hot summers and when doing physical activity.  Some people drink plenty of water to promote an optimally operating system.  Other individuals may need to develop daily habits, perhaps setting aside certain times of the day such as breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime to add adequate water to their routine.  Water can easily be added to school or work routines because of the accessibility of water fountains, bottled water and travel water containers.  Whatever your situation is, keep a water bottle with you so you have easy access to liquids.  It is best to drink water, but if you choose to drink other flavored surgery or caffeinated drinks, be aware of what comes with those drinks.  Many times there are hidden calories or caffeine.

If it is flavor you’re looking for you could try adding fresh fruit to your water for added flavor. Just wash any of your favorite fruits, then slice and let it soak in your water for about a half hour and you will have a flavored drink.  Drinking plenty of water is an easy way to add to your overall health.

How much should I water? Lawn and tree watering guidelines for summer

Kari Lewis, MSU Extension - Glacier county

We had some hot, windy weather the end of May that added some stress to our crops and trees.  While we’re dependent upon Mother Nature when it comes to watering our dryland crops, there are a few guidelines for watering lawns and trees that I wanted to share to keep them vibrant and healthy.

When watering trees, we need to remember that most of the small feeder roots that are responsible for water uptake are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil.  Trees and shrubs should be watered when the top 6 to 9 inches of soil in the root zone are dry.  A relatively easy way to check this is to take a long screwdriver and push it down into the soil near the tree.  You can also take a shovel or hand trowel and dig a small hole under the plant canopy and feel the soil.  If the soil is cool and moist 6 to 9 inches below the surface, no water is needed.  If the soil is dry, or its very hard to push the screwdriver down into the soil, it’s definitely time to water. 

During the spring and summer, trees should be watered about three to four times a month, approximately two inches per watering.  Trees should be watered not at the base of the trunk of the tree, but instead at the dripline.  The dripline is the area at the edge of the tree’s canopy, which is the most effective way to water the tree’s feeder roots which are responsible for water uptake. 

To determine how much water a tree needs, you can track how long it takes for a watering session to moisten those top 9 to 12 inches of the soil.  Also, the trunk diameter of the tree at chest height is correlated to how much water the tree needs.  For example, if the tree is four inches in diameter, at your chest height, that tree needs approximately four gallons of water each week. 

Regular watering throughout the spring and summer helps the tree grow and flower, transport nutrients, cool the tree, and defend against pests and other stresses.  During August, watering should be decreased to allow the tree to harden off for winter.  Once the leaves fall off the deciduous trees, trees should be watered well again prior to going into winter.  If there’s no snow during the winter, trees should be watered twice/month as well.  When watering trees, do not water the foliage of fruit or deciduous trees, that encourages blight, rust and mildews. 

Lawns should receive at least one inch of water per week, which is best applied in a heavy soaking, versus numerous, shallow waterings.  One inch of water equates to the amount of a tuna fish can, so you can set tuna fish cans on your lawn and then time how long it takes to fill the cans to allow you to determine how often to water to ensure the lawn receives one inch of water/week.  If the weather is hot and dry, the lawn will likely need more than one inch per week. 

For both lawns and trees, early morning is the best time to water, as the temperature is rising.  It provides for the most efficient use of water.  Watering in the evening can lead to disease issues as the leaves are wet going into the cool, dark night.