Keep an eye on water sources this winter
By Iowa Farmer Today via TN Content Exchange
Water is always a precious commodity, but as much of the Midwest enters winter off the heels of a major drought, cattle producers should keep a close watch on tanks, ponds and streams as temperatures plummet.
“Water is one of those things we often don’t think much about until it gets short,” says Megan Van Emon, Extension beef specialist with Montana State University based in Miles City.
She says intake requirements for beef cows have not been updated in quite a while, but a 1,400 pound cow will need at least 10 gallons of water per day in the winter. That number bumps up to 12 to 15 gallons per day as she begins lactation.
“Those cows are going to drink less water when it becomes colder,” Van Emon says. “A heater can help keep water warmer and increase intake.
“Unfortunately, many of our areas have been very dry, so a lot of water is going to have to be hauled out to the cows. That’s obviously very labor-intensive and hard to do every day.”
Van Emon says cows will eat snow, but it’s not their favorite source of water.
“That’s not something I would rely on,” Van Emon says, adding areas of the country that experience wet, heavy snow may see more water benefits than areas where it’s more arid.
She says water quality issues are usually not a problem during the winter, adding it’s more of a summer issue due to algae. Van Emon does suggest producers check for things like sulfate and dissolved materials.
“Water quality can fluctuate throughout the year,” Van Emon says. “When there’s not a lot of water running in the reservoir, it’s probably a good idea to check its quality.”
She says preparing stock tanks for winter can be an expensive process, but adds a heater is a very good investment, especially if ice needs to be broken up every day.
It is important for cows to get enough water because it’s a crucial element in feed intake, says Michelle Jones, Extension educator with Purdue University.
“They are not going to be able to digest feed as well if water availability is limited,” she says.
Finding a water source that will not freeze is important, Jones says. She recommends that waterers are checked daily to make sure they are in proper working order.
“Make sure those solar panels are clean and working properly,” she says.
Windbreaks for water tanks could reduce evaporation and subsequent freezing of water, she says.
