Ensuring cattle hydration in cold climates

By Scout Nelson

As winter tightens its grip, cattle farmers face a significant challenge: ensuring their herds have enough water. While often overlooked in favor of summer hydration needs, water remains a critical nutrient for cattle even in the coldest months. Mature cattle typically require one gallon of liquid water per 100 pounds of body weight daily. 

Snow and Ice Management: In regions like South Dakota, early winter often lacks sufficient snowfall. While cattle can consume clean snow to fulfill part of their water needs, reliance on snow is risky. Ice can block access to natural water sources. Farmers must regularly break ice to maintain access, keeping in mind safety and water quality. 

Managing Water Sources: Regular checks of water sources are crucial. Adverse weather may lead cattle to drink less, but they still need water for basic bodily functions. For heated tanks, a backup power source is essential to prevent outages. Regular checks for electrical shorts in water supplies are also important to avoid reducing the cattle's water intake. 

When hauling water, it's critical to use tanks and equipment that haven't been exposed to chemicals, as even trace amounts can be harmful to cattle. Maintaining water quality is as important in winter as in other seasons. Details on water quality and cattle production can be found on the SDSU Extension website. 

Economic Considerations: Sometimes, hauling water can be more cost-effective, allowing for extended grazing instead of relying on harvested feedstuffs. It's important to balance this with the health of winter pastures and avoid overgrazing. Factors like distance, time, and labor involved in water transportation also play a role in decision-making. 

Photo Credit - istock-emholk