ID-236 University of Kentucky College of , Food and Environment Providing Water for Beef Cooperative Extension Service in Rotational Systems Steve Higgins and Lee Moser, Biosystems and , and Kevin Laurent, Animal and Food Sciences

ater is the most essential nutrient Table 1. Water consumption requirements for cattle (gal/head/day) for cattle production. Water is 1,100 lb usedW in almost every bodily function, 500 lb calf 750 lb calf 1,100 lb lactating including digestion, milk production, and Temp. (°F) Gal/lb DM* (12 lb DMI*) (16.6 lb DMI) dry cow cow excretion. Given the role and function of 40 0.37 4.4 6.1 7.4 8.1 60 0.46 5.5 7.6 9.2 10.1 water in relation to animal production, 80 0.62 7.4 10.3 12.4 13.6 health, and welfare, it is critical that 90 0.88 10.6 14.6 17.6 19.4 abundant, clean water is available in any production operation. Livestock *DM = dry matter; DMI = dry matter intake. Sources: ID-143, ID-170, Winchester and Morris must have immediate access to water within every paddock of a system to realize maximum ef- contaminant-free water are generally evaluated are impaired, meaning that the ficiency and production. less prone to illness and disease, gain streams are polluted and do not support Despite its importance, water is often more weight, and produce more milk. one or more designated use (e.g.: drinking the most poorly addressed component of The advantages of abundant, clean water water, aquatic habitat, recreation). In Ken- animal nutrition on the . Although include: tucky, agriculture is believed to be the water may be available to cattle, the • Increased dry matter intake main source of impairment in approxi- sources vary significantly within and • Increased average daily gains mately 40 percent of impaired streams. among . Sources for water on farms • Increased milk production Common agricultural pollutants are a range from full access to streams and • Decreased potential for illness and result of runoff containing sediment, ponds to city water–fed troughs located disease pesticides, , and manure. Some throughout the operation. The quantity, • More efficient grazing and forage areas also have urban runoff, including quality, and location of the water supplied management spills, effluent discharges, and sanitary can greatly influence feed intake, forage • Improved manure distribution sewer overflows from residential, com- utilization and persistence, herd behavior, The disadvantages of limited water mercial, and industrial sources as well. and manure distribution. Table 1 shows availability and/or poor water quality are: Depending on the concentration, these the relationship between air temperature, • Reduced dry matter intake pollutants can cause poor water qual- feed intake, and water consumption rates • Inefficient average daily gains ity, which may be detrimental to cattle per head. Factors such as relative humid- • Reduced milk production health and performance. Stream water ity, type of animal, shade availability, and • Increased susceptibility to heat stress quantity can also be unreliable during distance to water also play important roles • Illness or death caused by certain summer or have extreme fluctuations in in determining the water intake rates of algal blooms or other water quality flow throughout the year, depending on cattle. When designing a watering system, pollutants the size of the watershed area and the budget around 30 gallons per head per day • Inefficient grazing and forage man- influence of neighboring properties. to make sure that water is plentiful for your agement Stream riparian areas normally contain herd. Taking a thoughtful approach to • Concentrated manure distribution trees (Figure 1). The combination of shade water quality and quantity may help cattle and water is a natural lure for cattle. Most producers achieve their long-term goals of Producers should exercise as much research studies agree that mismanage- increased production and profitability. control as they can over both the quality ment of riparian areas and streams can and quantity of water provided to their cause degradation of water and stream Water Sources animals. An inventory of water sources banks. Allowing cattle to have free access should be made on a by field basis. Not all water resources on a farm are to streams and ponds can cause hoof Sources of water typically found on a equal. Depending on the source, there problems, leptospirosis, mastitis, and farm are described below. could be any number of contaminants in other diseases. Conversely, providing water that could affect cattle production. Streams an off-stream source of clean water may Research has demonstrated a positive improve cattle production and grazing ef- It is easy to understand why producers relationship between access to clean ficiency, and protect riparian areas. Shade would want to utilize water from streams. drinking water and performance factors structures can also be used to lure cattle They are pre-existing resources and are such as growth, reproduction, and milk away from riparian areas and encourage free for agricultural use. However, more production. Animals that drink clean, more efficient utilization. than half of all streams that have been

Cooperative Extension Service | Agriculture and Natural Resources | Family and Consumer Sciences | 4-H Youth Development | Community and Economic Development Ponds Farm ponds are probably the most common water source for cattle and can be advantageous due to their location within a pasture and the fact that they provide essentially free water. The volume stored can provide water for livestock for long periods of time. They may also be used for fishing and other recreational activities, enticing producers to utilize existing ponds or create new ones. Some producers allow cattle to use existing ponds, and others consider ponds to be a liability and fence them off or fill them in. Reasons for excluding live- stock from ponds range from the potential for disease trans- mission to poor water quality. Figure 1. The combination of shade and water in riparian areas is a natural lure for cattle. Photo by Producers have lost cattle to Amanda Gumbert the physical hazards associ- ated with ponds, such as cattle falling through ice, sinking in mud, or drowning. Algal blooms in ponds can be a source of poor drinking water quality (Figure 2). Harm- ful algal blooms (HABs) can produce a toxic compound known as microcystin, which may lead to livestock mor- talities. Livestock should be excluded from ponds with vis- ible algal blooms to reduce the potential for health impacts. If ponds with algal blooms must be used, it would be wise to have the water tested for mi- crocystin. Clear advantages exist when cattle are excluded from ponds and provided with alternative water.

Limited Access Figure 2. Algal blooms are common occurrences in farm ponds. Not all algal blooms produce toxic compounds; however, it would be advisable to avoid using ponds with visible algal blooms for drink- Limiting the access of cattle ing water for livestock. Photo by Dan Miller to ponds and streams using heavy-use area ramps and fenc- ing has been suggested as the lesser of the duced since livestock do not have full ac- Gravity-Fed Watering Structure two evils when a stream or pond must be cess to the water source. Limiting access Completely excluding livestock from used as a water source. This approach is also means that sediment, nutrient, and a pond and installing a system to deliver simple and inexpensive, especially when bacterial loading are reduced, although the water to a trough using pumps or state or federal cost-share will design and not eliminated. Water quality may still gravity is an ideal method to provide fund the practice. Bank is re- negatively affect animal production. water from a pond to livestock. The

2 approach minimizes erosion, thereby extending the life of the pond. It keeps the cattle out of the pond and reduces sedi- ment and turbidity. Cattle that do not have access cannot fall through ice, get stuck in mud, or drown. Hoof problems and water borne disease transmis- sion are greatly reduced. Over- all water quality is improved. Producers need only establish the system, provide mainte- nance, and make sure that the watershed area leading to the pond is free from pollutants. Again, cost-share opportuni- ties are available to design and fund this type of practice, providing that the topography and site conditions are suitable. Wells Figure 3. Developing springs can provide producers with an inexpensive, clean water source. Depend- ing on their location, developed springs can be used to deliver water away from sensitive areas by Existing wells are common gravity flow. Photo by Amanda Gumbert on many farms throughout Kentucky. Wells range in depth from Alternative energy pumping systems Developed springs should be considered tens to hundreds of feet and often pass should include batteries or additional as an option in remote areas within your through multiple geologic layers. The cost water storage to provide a backup when rotational grazing system. Cost-share of drilling, installing, and developing new solar or wind energy is below minimum dollars are available for designing and wells can vary greatly depending on the electrical generation thresholds. constructing developed springs. depth of the well and the type of geology that is encountered. The groundwater Developed Springs Water Harvesting from wells varies in quality and can also Fifty percent of Kentucky is either me- Water harvesting includes tapping vary in reliability. Common groundwater dium or heavy karst. Therefore, springs into water from springs and seeps, but quality issues include low or high pH, and seeps are features that can be found it also includes catching rainwater from heavy metal contamination, and/or high on many farms. Springs and seeps are roofs (Figure 4). Collecting water from dissolved salt/sulfur content, which can areas on the farm where groundwater roofs can provide significant quantities of be harmful or fatal to livestock. Ground- emerges and becomes surfacewater. If high-quality water for livestock in a short water wells have the potential to produce you have springs on your farm, they can amount of time. For example, during a high quality water; however, it would be valuable livestock watering sources one-inch rainfall event, approximately be advisable to test the water quality of depending on the quality of the water. one gallon of water can be collected for all groundwater wells prior to watering The flow may seem low at times, but the every 1.6 square feet of catchment area livestock from these sources. volume it produces can add up quickly. (roof). The benefit of this type of system is Generally, well water must be brought Developing a spring involves rout- that the producer is collecting free, high- to the surface with a pump. Pump re- ing emerging groundwater to storage quality water. All that has to be done is to quirements vary depending on the depth tanks for collection and use for livestock design and implement the system using to water, change in elevation to the tank, watering (Figure 3). The main benefit of existing structures. This may provide and the distance water will be delivered spring water is that it has a cool, constant cattle with water in remote locations from the well. Traditional AC-powered temperature year round, which makes it where a water source does not currently pumps may be used in areas that have more freeze-resistant than surfacewater exist or it is not economically feasible to access to on-grid power. Alternative resources in winter. The disadvantages provide otherwise. Water harvesting sys- energy pumping solutions should be of these systems are that the flow may tems can be installed using inexpensive evaluated for use in remote locations to stop during drought conditions, and they technology. Improved stormwater diver- potentially provide water in that may not be where you need them the sion through water harvesting practices may have no other drinking water source. most. Once again, the water quality of can reduce the runoff of nutrients and the spring should be tested prior to use. manure from production areas as well.

3 Plumbing Fixtures Producers can gain sig- nificant cattle production and health benefits by providing city water to fountains, tanks, and troughs. Properly located features can provide envi- ronmental benefits. Studies have shown that stream banks and water quality in streams can be improved by provid- ing what is called “alternative water”—alternative in that the cattle are provided an option other than surfacewater. City water, a developed spring, and delivered water are just some of the options for alternative water sources. Figure 5 shows a tire waterer that has been installed to provide plentiful, Figure 4. Harvesting water from a roof can provide producers with an alternative water source that is clean water. both clean and inexpensive. Photo by Lee Moser Contaminants Several waterborne illnesses and diseases can spread from contaminated water sources. Contaminants in water can also cause foul odors that re- duce water consumption. Pro- ducers should provide water sources that force livestock to walk a distance no less than 150 feet from feed bunkers to reduce the amount of feed deposited in and around tanks, troughs, or bowls. Producers should also get in the habit of routinely cleaning the waterer. The ability to drain a waterer needs to be included in the de- sign of watering systems. The drain design should allow for draining the waterer without Figure 5. Large volume tire waterer tank installed in heavy-use area. Photo by Lee Moser creating erosion, mud, satu- rated bedding, and other conditions that may create health problems for livestock. supplements should also be located away tested for water quality based on Drink- The location of a watering source is from water and feeding areas to further ing Water Quality Guidelines for Cattle critical. Watering sources can influence distribute traffic and manure (unless (ID-170). grazing, compaction, and manure/nutri- increased magnesium intake is necessary ent deposition patterns. The watering during grass tetany season). Distance Traveled and source should be placed on a summit po- Various water sources may have low Drinking Space sition because a high site should contain or high pH or contain heavy metals, bio- An optimized rotational grazing well-drained soils. The key is to choose a logical contaminants, or high dissolved system should be designed so that cattle location that isn’t heavily erodible, with- salt/sulfur concentrations, which can be do not have to travel more than 800 feet out the potential to create runoff that can harmful or fatal to livestock. It is advis- for water. The guidelines for providing pollute nearby water sources. Mineral able that water sources for livestock are water extend beyond distance, however.

4 If cattle come to water as a group, 5 to cow in the herd and should be able to be and waterers) increases in 15 percent of the group should be able refilled in a timeframe that ensures all the area. Cattle that seldom leave shade to drink at the same time. At 5 percent, cattle have water available when needed. trees in summer can create a manure one animal in twenty would have access This practice gets them back into the field pack, which can lead to hoof problems, to a waterer. Each drinking animal should and grazing. pink eye, and other health issues. have 20 inches of space at a circular tank Figure 6 shows fertility values for soil and 30 inches at a straight tank. At 15 Economics test phosphorus (STP) in pounds per acre percent, three animals would drink at Abundant, clean water provides pro- for a cattle pasture. The distribution of one time and would require up to 90 duction benefits. Production benefits soil fertility in this pasture shows elevated inches of space. A single-hole, automatic can be translated directly into economic values along the stream, under trees, and watering fountain may be suitable when benefits. Increased animal production near a watering fountain. It is an indica- animals tend to drink one at a time, the (gain) and the potential to increase the tion of how much time cattle spend near herd is small (less than 20), the cattle do carrying capacity of pastures through shade and water sources. not travel more than 800 feet for water, more efficient water and forage utiliza- fields with drainages can lead to denuded the pastures are small (<10 acres) and tion are achievable benefits when alter- forages and erosion, which will limit the close to square in shape, and the cattle native water sources are combined with forage production potential of a field. can see the waterer and the herd at the recommended pasture configurations Once gullies form, the effort needed same time. There may be times of the year (e.g.: square pastures, less than 800 feet to control further erosion is greatly in- when a single-hole waterer would cause to water, water away from shade sources) creased. Gully plugs, grade stabilization herd stress and displays of dominance. and a rotational grazing system. Increas- structures, and other erosion control When travel distances increase to 800 or ing production through better water treatments could be implemented but more feet, cattle may come up as a group, availability and quality means animals seldom are. especially if the thermal heat index (THI) can be finished quicker and producers The image also shows areas of low is in the medium to high range. Again, 5 can get them off the farm faster. The fertility throughout the remaining field to 15 percent of the group should be able result could provide potential reduc- (Figure 6). STP values of less than 45 to drink at one time. tions in feeding costs, management, and pounds per acre would benefit from Along with providing enough space medication costs. The cost of installing additional fertility. Producers could for more than one animal to drink at a and providing alternative water sources improve forage yields by improving low time, the water supply needs to be ad- can often be recovered within one to soil fertility. Conversely, values above 200 equate. The water supply rate, volume five years through economic gains as- could cause environmental and animal of water, and allotted space need to be sociated with increased production and production issues. The goal of rotational greater than or equal to the demand in operational efficiency. grazing is to evenly distribute manure order to allow non-dominant animals To determine if implementing water across the field and to manage soil fertil- an opportunity to drink as much water quality and quantity BMPs or installing a ity by keeping it balanced, while utilizing as they need. Cattle are known to drink new watering source will be cost effective, forage in the most efficient manner. Fenc- water at a rate of two gallons per minute consider both the monetary cost and the ing off streams and providing alternative and as high as six gallons per minute expected environmental and economic sources of shade and water can help when extremely thirsty. If more than one benefit of increasing animal production to more evenly distribute manure and animal can drink at once, the supply rate and evaluate a break-even point and nutrients throughout your pastures. must be equal to the combined drinking potential profit realization. A producer’s Strategically locate alternative shade and capacity of the animals. If the flow rate goal should be to improve production water resources away from each other to cannot keep up with demand, then stor- efficiency by providing appropriate water force cattle to travel back and forth, thus age or additional volume in the form of sources and implementing conservation improving manure distribution. Mineral increased tank size should be provided best management practices (BMPs) to supplements and feeding areas can also to offset the difference. improve water resources, which may be be strategically located to further im- There are two rules for how much eligible for state cost-share programs. prove nutrient distribution within your water to provide based on the water pastures. These combined practices can storage capacity of the tank. For small Application provide both environmental and produc- tanks, the flow rate should be equal to Implementing a rotational grazing tion benefits. the maximum expected consumption system that provides water within 800 rate multiplied by the maximum number feet should create grazing patterns that Summary of animals that can use the structure at take full advantage of the forages within Rotational grazing systems are not one time. When flow rates cannot meet a field. However, pasture features such as effective if water is not readily available the cattle’s consumption rate, large tanks the shape of the field, artificial or natural to every paddock. If the watering source should be used. For large tanks, the stor- shade, drainages, etc., can change grazing is of poor quality, improperly located, or age capacity of the tank should contain patterns. Manure deposits beneath trees a limited resource due to inadequate flow at least two gallons of water for every and near water sources (e.g. drainages rates and space limitations, then produc-

5 tion may be limited. As a result, animal performance will not be optimized. Livestock may be more prone to diseases and illnesses if the supply is contaminated and intake rates are reduced. Ultimately, a pro- ducer’s goal should be to always keep cattle hydrated and to limit stress. Beef cattle pro- ducers have the opportunity to enhance herd health and performance by improving water quantity and quality throughout their operation. On-farm water sources should be evaluated for water qual- ity based on Drinking Water Quality Guidelines for Cattle (ID-170). A critical evaluation of water sources and manage- rial adjustments to create ideal watering sources may result in improved performance and profits. Figure 6. Soil test phosphorus (STP) distribution within a rectangular shaped pasture with a waterer at one end. Higher fertility is associated with increased time cattle spend lingering near the water sources Suggested Publications and shade trees. Figure by Lee Moser and References All-Weather Surfaces for Cattle Watering Managed Grazing Systems and Fenc- Rotational Grazing (ID-143). Coopera- Facilities (ID-229). Cooperative Exten- ing for Distribution of Beef Manure tive Extension Service, University of sion Service, University of Kentucky. (EQ379). Missouri University Exten- Kentucky. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/ http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/ sion. http://extension.missouri.edu/p/ agcomm/pubs/id/id143/id143.pdf. pubs/ID/ID229/ID229.pdf. EQ379. Structures and Environment Hand- Beef Housing and Equipment Hand- Missouri Grazing Manual (M157). Mis- book (MWPS-1). 1987. Midwest Plan book (MWPS-6).1987. Midwest Plan souri University Extension. http:// Service, Iowa State University. ISBN Service, Iowa State University. ISBN extension.missouri.edu/p/M157. 0-89373-057-2. 0-89373-068-8. Private Water Systems Handbook Water Intake Rates of Cattle. Win- Drinking Water Quality Guidelines for (MWPS-14). 2009. Midwest Plan chester, C.F., and M.J. Morris. Journal Cattle (ID-170). Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University. ISBN of Animal Science 15(3):722-740. Service, University of Kentucky. http:// 0-89373-105-6. https://www.animalsciencepublica- www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/id/ Pumps and Watering Systems for Man- tions.org/publications/jas/pdfs/15/3/ id170/id170.pdf. aged Beef Grazing (EQ380). Missouri JAN0150030722. Farmstead Planning Handbook (MWPS- University Extension. http://extension. 2). 2005. Midwest Plan Service, Iowa missouri.edu/p/EQ380. State University. ISBN 0-89373-102-1.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Coop- erative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nancy M. Cox, Director of Cooperative Extension Programs, Uni- versity of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Lexington, and Kentucky State University, Frankfort. Copyright © 2016 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Publications are also available on the World Wide Web at www.ca.uky.edu. Issued 7-2016