Q. How much water do cows drink per day? (July 19, 2016)
A. Water requirements for beef cattle depend on weight, stage of production (such as lactation), and temperature. As you increase weight, the amount of water needed also increases. Same holds true for temperature, as temperatures increase, so does water intake. Also, if the animal is lactating, water requirements also increase.
Following are some thumb rules on water intake that may be helpful.
Q. Pasture pond is covered with algae. Will it be harmful to the cattle if they drink the water? (July 24, 2012)
A. Algae have appeared in some farm ponds to be used for livestock source of water this spring and summer. There is not a lot of information on the impact of toxins produced by algae on cattle performance and morbidity or mortality.
Q. Could my cows eat snow instead of drinking water in the winter? (Aug 1, 2012)
A. Young and Degen, in studies conducted in Canada, indicated that adult cattle, sheep and horses are able to use snow as their primary source of water.
Q. I have some sorghum sudan hay and oat hay that I tested for nitrates. It tested on the high side of what is acceptable for level of nitrates to be fed to pregnant cows. Do you have any suggestions for feeding high nitrate forage? Can I still feed this to my cows? (October 6, 2015)
A. There needs to be caution when feeding high nitrate forage to pregnant beef cows.
Q. What effect does freezing have on sudex, millet hay, etc. still standing in the field as far as nitrates are concerned? Can I cut it right after freezing or should it stand awhile? (Sept 26, 2012)