Water quality, quantity message
Agriculture Victoria is advising producers to assess their farm-water budgets and plans.
Agriculture Victoria Animal Industries Development officer Richard Smith said availability and quality of water were key factors for productivity, health and welfare of livestock.
“Livestock water requirements vary and can be influenced by type or class of stock, activity level, climate and environmental conditions, feed, and water,” he said.
During dry conditions, stock water requirements will increase if farmers are feeding fibrous and less digestible feed or by-products.
Mr Smith also recommended producers monitor the proportion of dissolved salts in any water source because it was the main factor influencing water quality.
“The maximum salt concentration for healthy production for dairy cattle is 2500 ppm, higher levels will cause decline in production and impact animal health,” he said.
“During summer and early autumn, the rate of water evaporation can result in a significant increase in dam-salt concentration.
“If you are also feeding salt-based licks or by-products, you will need to factor in their salt components.
“High salt content will increase water intake, and can cause abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and increased urination.
“Excessive salt concentration can cause death within six to 24 hours.”
Mr Smith said producers also needed to be aware of the risk of high sediment loads and pollution, as manure, dust, and vegetation were blown or deposited into the water body.
He said this could reduce the appeal to stock due to unpleasant smell, therefore reducing uptake.
Manure build-up, vegetation decay and dead animals in water sources could increase the risk of diseases occurring including E. coli and botulism.
An Agriculture Victoria guide to water needs of different classes of livestock –
Dairy cow – dry: Summer, 112 litres a day, winter 48, average 80. Dairy cow – milking: 201, 90, 150. Cattle weaners between 250 and 300 kilograms: 210, 90, 150. Ewes on dry feed: 14, 6, 10. Prime lambs on dry pasture: 6, 2.4, 4 Mature sheep on dry pasture: 10, 4.2, 6.