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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: My daughter's show steers have stopped drinking water. Any idea why? It's hot here, and they have plenty. They are still eating, but not as much.
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A: Not sure what is going on. Following are a couple of ideas for you to consider. Do the calves have "free-choice" salt available? If not, get a salt block and allow them access to the block at all times. Are the calves watering out of a tank that has electricity as part of its set-up? There may be stray voltage in or around the water source. Does the water have an odor and does it look fresh and clean? If not consider a different water source until this can be fixed.
Calves will have reduced intake when water consumption is reduced. Also, in the summertime when the weather is usually hot, water intake is important for livestock as part of their cooling mechanism.
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Dr. Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science
Animal Science, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
July 15th, 2008
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Visitors' comments
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My guess is that Dr. Rick is correct with the voltage issue if the cattle have stopped drinking. Act fast to provide an alternate source as serious problems will happen guick if they are water limited in this heat. I had this once with cows in a cornfield. They would hold their nose right over the water but would not drink. I was fortunate to notice the first day. Good Luck
Sandhills Jim from NE, on Jul 16th, 2008, 09:19
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