LLiivveessttoocckk WWaatteerr QQuuaalliittyy A Field Guide for Cattle, Horses, Poultry and Swine Livestock Water Quality A Field Guide for Cattle, Horses, Poultry, and Swine Andrew A. Olkowski, PhD., DVM., MSc., BSc., (Biochemistry) University of Saskatchewan Disclaimer This publication and the information, opinions, and recommendations contained in it are presented as a free general public service, and not intended to serve any particular reader’s needs. Readers are advised that the Minister and Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) make no assurance or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, as to the publication or its content, including, without limitation, any assurance or warranty concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability or fitness for purpose of the information, opinions and recommendations contained in it. Responsibility for any and all risks associated with the interpretation and any use or application of the contents of this publication rests solely with the reader. Readers using or applying the information, opinions, and recommendations contained in it do so upon the express understanding and agreement that AAFC and its Minister, officers, servants, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, consequential, incidental, special or general, economic or otherwise, that may arise out of the reader’s interpretation, use, or application of the information, opinions, and recommendations contained in it. While AAFC endeavours to provide useful and reasonably accurate information, opinions, and recommendations, readers accept that this disclaimer means that NO LIABILITY shall attach for the use or application of the information, opinions, and recommendations contained in this publication. © HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA 2009 as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Foreword The ultimate objective of the work undertaken here was to arrange an assembly of information on water quality issues and contaminants using various original research papers, textbooks, and other reputable sources, into one concise, and easy-to-interpret manual. This manual is intended to provide fundamental information to livestock and water quality specialists and other professionals on a wide range of water quality parameters and related physiological and/or toxicological effects. Many producers may also find the information useful in identifying problems and symptoms relating to water quality. While preparing this document, a deliberate attempt was made to minimize the “excessive scientific” content, while focusing on factual interpretation of the knowledge in the context of practical applicability of the information. However, it is not uncommon that different scientific sources discussing seemingly the same water quality issues provided divergent results. Therefore, it is important to understand that data comparability may be a major problem in evaluation of water quality. In particular, it may be difficult to determine what is correct and what is incorrect, especially with the "experts" often disagreeing. In this context, the user of this guide should to be aware of a broad range of conflicting results or differing expert opinions. It is likely important to note cases where this occurs so that it is clear that the author felt the controversy worthy of mention. While compiling the information for this guide, the author did not simply report the existing discrepancies, but rather, attempted to resolve conflicting information in the context of the overall knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, and toxicology. Although an effort was made to provide comprehensive interpretation of water quality data, it is important to understand the complex nature of biological responses of animals, in particular those that are genetically selected for high production traits. In this context, it is imperative that the high metabolic demand associated with constantly increasing production goals is taken into consideration in assessment of water quality standards, especially in the face of the increasing complexity of water contaminants. There is a noticeable insufficiency of recent information on many aspects of water quality issues in contemporary livestock selected for superior performance characteristics. Without comparative research using today’s high performance genetics, interpretation of water quality data is problematic at minimum. i No doubt, the success of Canadian livestock production depends on the availability of good quality water. However, in many areas where the livestock industry is prominent, water quality is poor, or at best marginally tolerable. It is important to understand that, at present, the elimination of all undesirable effects associated with water contaminants is not realistic under most circumstances. Therefore, a substantial effort has been made in this guide to emphasize the management of potential risks to livestock associated with water problems encountered under common field conditions. Health effects of water contaminants are an important issue, but in reality, the economic success of the modern Canadian livestock industry is predominantly based on animal performance. The key elements of utmost importance, in terms of economic success in any sector of the contemporary livestock industry in Canada, are based on four fundamental parameters i.e. growth rate, feed conversion ratio, reproductive success, and product quality. Any of these parameters can be affected by water contaminants at a very subtle, sub-clinical, metabolic level. Contributions This work is the result of the collective efforts of several dedicated people. Mr. Larry Braul, PFRA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, played a critical role as coordinator. He also prepared and compiled information on water types or conditions relevant to water contaminants in Saskatchewan, served as a reviewer of various drafts, and editor of the final version. Mr. Bob Klemmer, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, prepared background information relevant to feed and dietary components, and played a key role as reviewer and technical editor. Ms. Erin Zoski, PFRA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, served as a technical editor, and prepared the document for printing. Acknowledgements The author and editors would like to thank Brant Kirychuk and Darrell R. Corkal, PFRA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, whose critical reviews and helpful comments were instrumental in shaping the final version of this publication. Thanks are also extended to Dr. Terry Hanley and Saskatchewan Watershed Authority for allowing the editors to use their water quality data base for Saskatchewan farms and communities. ii 1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................ 1 1.1 The Significance of Water Quality in Livestock .................................................. 1 1.2 Brief Overview of Water Physiology ................................................................... 1 1.2.1 Water Intake Physiology ............................................................................. 1 1.2.2 Water Quality Issues in the Context of Drinking Behaviour......................... 2 1.2.3 Water as a Coolant ..................................................................................... 2 1.2.4 Water Quality .............................................................................................. 2 1.3 Understanding Water Quality Problems .............................................................. 4 1.4 Management of Water Quality Problems............................................................. 5 1.4.1 Importance of Water Intake......................................................................... 6 1.5 Effects of water quality on feed and water intake ................................................ 6 1.6 Water Quality Guidelines.................................................................................... 7 2. MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS .......................................... 11 2.1 Cyanobacteria .................................................................................................... 11 2.2 Pathogens: Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses............................................................ 13 2.2.1 Risk Associated with E. coli O157.............................................................. 15 3. WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR HORSES ....................................... 17 3.1 Water Supply....................................................................................................... 17 3.2 Water Deficiency ................................................................................................. 18 3.3 Water Quality ...................................................................................................... 18 4. WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR POULTRY ..................................... 21 4.1 Water Supply....................................................................................................... 21 4.2 Defining Water Quality Parameters for Poultry.................................................... 22 4.3 Potential Problems Associated With Water Contaminants in Poultry .................. 22 4.4 Water Use to Combat Heat Stress ...................................................................... 24 5. WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR RUMINANTS................................. 25 5.1 Water Supply......................................................................................................