Water key nutrient in dairy production

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Published: January 17, 2002

FRIEDENSFELD, Man. – Dairy producers need to look closely at how much

water they provide their lactating cows.

David Reid, a veterinarian and dairy consultant from Wisconsin, said it

is not uncommon for producers to overlook the importance of water in

their milking operations.

Such an oversight can translate into lost milk production, said Reid,

who encourages producers to examine the availability and quality of

water on their farms.

“I think the two go hand in hand. Some people have really clean water,

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but there’s not enough of it.”

Reid regards water as the number one nutrient for dairy production. On

average, milk produced by dairy cows is 87 percent water.

While speaking at the Eastern Manitoba Holstein Club’s annual dairy

seminar on Jan. 9, Reid cited some of the common things that can affect

water availability.

In tie-stall barns, pipes that carry water to dispensing bowls can

become corroded, restricting the flow. Producers should check each

bowl regularly to ensure the dispensing rate is adequate.

Reid also suggested checking the water flow at the opposite end of the

barn from where the main water line enters. Poor flow may mean the line

is corroded. This can be fixed by cleaning the corrosion or replacing

the line with wider diameter pipe.

In free stall barns, Reid recommends at least three waterers per pen.

That helps ensure all cows have adequate access to water.

Boss cows may push others away if there is only one waterer. Then, when

the boss cows lie down, the others may follow out of habit, without

having had enough to drink.

It is crucial to have ample water after the cows have been milked, said

Tom Droppo, a Manitoba Agriculture dairy specialist. The more heavily a

cow milks, the greater its need for water.

Reid offers a simple rule for deciding if water is clean enough.

“If it’s not clean enough for you to drink, it’s not clean enough for

your cows.”

Producers need to watch for algae and bacteria in their watering

systems. Reid encourages regular cleaning of waterers and flushing of

dispensing bowls.

He noted the large stainless steel tanks from dairy barns can make good

waterers. Stainless steel is less prone to accumulations of algae and

grime compared with some other options available.

About the author

Ian Bell

Brandon bureau

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