Water Requirements for Dairy cows
When considering the daily requirements of cows considerable attention is paid to the amount of grain, crop and hay provided to the herd. Water is not always considered, yet it is one of the crucial components of a cows diet, and the one that must be provided in adequate amounts every day.
Restrictions on water intakes have a profound effect on feed intakes and milk production, drinking also assists cows compensate in hot weather.
How much water does a cow need?
Water requirements are dependant on the level of production, dry matter intakes, environmental temperature and humidity, moisture content of the diet, and the level of dietary sodium (salt).
The table below provides a guide to the daily water requirements for cows at varying production levels and temperatures. A herd producing 20 litres per day will require 20000 litres of water on a 30ºC day. These requirements will be greater if the cows need additional cooling or if there is insufficient shade.
Consequences for inadequate water supply?
- Reduced milk production
- Reduced feed intake
- Reduced ability to cope with high daytime temperatures
Water quality will have some effect on water intake however, if the cows do not have an alternative source of water cows will drink to their requirements. The presence of various minerals, chemicals and bacteria in the water can impact on the cows health.
| Milk Litres | 15 | 20 | 25 | 35 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ave Temp | 10 | 20 | 30 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 10 | 20 | 30 |
| Water Intake L | 65 | 77 | 89 | 73 | 85 | 109 | 81 | 93 | 105 | 96 | 108 | 120 |
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