Producers should be proactive in testing water sources
Livestock producers invest money and time into providing the best forage, feed rations and supplements for their animals. One important area of animal health that can sometimes get overlooked is water quality.
“It’s something subtle that can sneak up on people. We tend to take things for granted until there is a problem, but clean abundant water is very important for livestock,” Marley Beem, Oklahoma State University Extension Specialist for Aquaculture, said. The availability and palatability of water play important roles in the overall health of livestock.
Signs of Trouble
Extension specialists encourage producers to regularly check their water sources for potential problems instead of waiting until there are signs of trouble. “It is better to be proactive and put your water sources on your list of things to keep an eye on as you drive around your property or as you feed your livestock,” Beem stated.
Beem encourages producers to routinely take note of the condition of their water sources, paying close attention to the look and odor of the water. “The prime time for testing would be during a drought when pond levels are declining; or when you see anything suspicious in the color, smell or appearance of the water,” Beem said.
Poor water quality can have a negative impact on the health and growth of animals; there-fore, extension specialists encourage producers to act as soon as they suspect something is wrong. “The earlier the better because it is not simply a matter of the cattle becoming sick but if the water is unpalatable to them, you are not going to have as much weight gain on livestock,” Beem explained.
In addition to observing the water for signs of problems, producers should also check around pond dams for indications of erosion or other factors that could shorten the life of the dam.
Runoff and Floods
Since what is upslope ends up downslope, it’s important for producers to stay in contact with their neighbors to be informed about changes that could impact their property. Water runoff from heavily fertilized or manured fields can carry nitrates into ponds or other water sources.
Additionally, an operation located downslope from a major construction project could have problems with their pond losing storage volume in the basin due to it filling in with silt from erosion from the construction project. “Probably the worst thing is not a toxicant or fertilizer but just sediment erosion, that is the thing that seems to mess up ponds more than anything,” Beem shared.
It is impossible to know what might be in flood waters. Producers with wells should check the wellheads for flooding. “If the wellhead is flooded, especially if it is an older well that has a way for surface waters to work their way down into the well, then that would be a concern. Anytime a wellhead is flooded, it is best to visit with your well contractor or extension specialist to see if a water test is necessary,” Beem said.
There are a variety of water tests available depending on what seems to be the problem with the water. Extension specialists can advise producers on the appropriate tests to run and action to take.
