The water needs of cattle are influenced by a number of factors such as rate and composition of gain, pregnancy, lactation, physical activity, type of ration, diet salt content, dry matter intake, and environmental temperature. An estimate of the daily water intake of various classes of cattle at various times of the year is shown below. However, during summer months most of the water consumption occurs during midday when heat stress is greatest. Water supply capacity during peak demand needs to be considered in addition to total daily requirements.
Estimate of the daily water intake of various classes of cattle at various times of the year
Month Mean Temperature (ºF) 600 lb Growing Cattle (Gallons) 1,000 lb Feedlot Cattle (Gallons)
January 36 5.0 8.5
March 50 6.0 9.5
May 73 8.0 13.0
July 90 13.0 20.5
September 78 8.5 14.0
November 52 6.0 10.0
