Water is the single most important nutrient for livestock. Animals, as well as humans, can live for long periods of time without food. Without water, however, death can occur in a matter of days. Unfortunately, both the quality and quantity of the water provided for livestock is often overlooked.
Water is involved either directly or indirectly in virtually every physiological process. Water is a medium for transporting nutrients, waste material, hormones and other chemical messengers, as well as food along the gastrointestinal tract. It also plays an important role in regulating body temperature, acts as a lubricant for skeletal joints and is a component of many basic chemical reactions.
Water quality is determined by analyses of water samples. A bacterial analysis indicates if water contains microorganisms, such as bacteria, which may be harmful. A chemical analysis determines the levels of various minerals present in water.
Evaluating the content of water is relatively straightforward. The major difficulty is establishing levels at which animal health, welfare and productivity may be impaired.
This factsheet outlines recommended levels and potential problems found during water analysis. Table 1 summarizes the water quality guidelines established by the 1987 Canadian Task Force on Water Quality.