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Access to water critical for cattle in winter

Ensuring livestock have access to water can be a challenge in the winter.

Purina Animal Nutrition cattle consultant Jon DeClerck says water is the most essential nutrient for cattle production.

“And the problem is that any reduction in water intake is going to lead to a subsequent reduction in animal performance.”

He tells Brownfield that’s why constant access to water is so important during the winter and says producers should carefully consider water placement, be proactive about ice management, and prepare for the unexpected.

“So have your supplies bought way in advance, and maybe once you hear that maybe next week (there’s) going to be one of those extreme inclement weather situations, that’s your opportunity to go out there and test your system to make sure it’s working well. You’ve got your protocol in place (and) know what you’re going to do.”

DeClerck says when digging out of heavy snow to feed and bed cattle, the last thing producers want to do is have to worry about water.