Water is a critical but often overlooked nutrient for dairy cattle. High producing dairy cattle will consume over 34 gallons per day and contaminates will adversely affect animal performance. Even when water contaminates do not limit intake, their impact on nutrition can be considerable. CVAS provides several water evaluation packages to meet the needs of the livestock producer:
- Total Coliform and E.Coli
- Nitrate Nitrogen and pH
- Livestock Suitability Package
- (includes: pH, hardness, total dissolved solids, Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, chlorides, sulfates, and nitrates)
- pH
- Alkalinity
From M.L. Looper, "Water for Dairy Cattle", Guide D-107, Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University
Water intake, lbs/day =
35.25 + 1.58 x dry matter intake(lbs/day)
+ .90 x Milk Production (lbs/day)
+ .11 x Sodium Intake (lbs/day)
+ .2.65 x Weekly mean minimum temperature (deg. F/1.8 - 17.778)
From M.L. Looper, "Water for Dairy Cattle", Guide D-107, Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University