Providing a continuous and adequate supply of water to livestock is necessary for survival and proper growth and reproductive performance. However, relative to other nutrients, there are few data available that detail effects of water quality and water source on animal performance. Regardless of the source of water being supplied, producers should ensure that it is protected from contamination of chemicals and high nutrient upload (soil erosion and/or manure) as well as contamination from microorganisms (manure). In attempts by producers to provide a “cleaner” water source to grazing livestock compared to water traditionally consumed from stock ponds, dugouts, or streams, modifications to these watering sites have been taking place. More producers are utilizing ponds that have been fenced out to livestock with a drain pipe to a water tank located below the pond. This can help decrease sediment agitation by not allowing animal access, which may ultimately improve the life of the pond as well as prevent direct fecal deposits into the water. However, while this management practice may provide “cleaner” water for animals to drink, a limited amount of research data available in this area is not conclusive on impacts of animal performance. In the limited amount that has been completed, areas that have very high total dissolved solids and/or sulfates can have livestock with decreased performance. In regard to fecal contamination, the research data are not conclusive when comparing water sources containing high levels of fecal bacteria compared to cleaner sources. Full summaries of research evaluating water quality and animal performance can be located at:
www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/mf2672