Do you produce dairy cattle? Then this tip is for you! More than having all the proper structure, this production needs to be attentive to a very important factor. Today's tip is about water in dairy farming.
And it's not just to quench the animals' thirst. First, water is the basis of milk, comprising 87% of its composition. Second, it influences the quantity and quality of what is produced.
According to Embrapa Gado de Leite, water in dairy farming is the most necessary food in terms of quantity. That is, of everything that is offered, water is the most important element. Remember this!
However, there is another important point: do not forget to offer a well-balanced diet. Remember that successful livestock is the result of a series of well-implemented actions. And food is one of them.
How water is important to dairy farming
First of all, cows that give milk
If cattle lose 10 to 12% of their body water, they can die.
It has the function of replacing the water that is lost in urine and feces. Water is also lost in saliva, sweat, and perspiration.
Not to mention trying to maintain the internal temperature of the body and its organs. So, in dairy farming, you should also pay attention to the shade.
Humidity goes up during the hottest months of the year. Cows tend to drink more water because of this. And that causes them to urinate more frequently.
When high temperatures are around cattle, this is called "heat stress." Because of this, it doesn't eat well and can even have trouble having babies.
What is enough to eat or drink depends on a few things. Some of them are their breed, physiological state, and the amount of dry matter they eat. In the same way that milk production and even weight are affected.
Most of the water is used in dairy farming.
There are times when dairy cows drink more water.
The amount of dry matter used;
After milking;
In these two situations, to keep consumption going, leave the water fountains at strategic points.
If you have a place for them to rest after milking, leave them there or on the way.
For example, on average, a cow that is lactating needs 62.5 liters of water per day.
Does temperature affect consumption?
Have you ever drunk hot water? Did you quench your thirst? We do not believe.
So why would dairy cows be any different?
In addition to being clean, it must be fresh.
The ideal water temperature for dairy farming is between 25 and 30 degrees. If the consumption is not enough, check if it is above this number. or even below 15 degrees.
How's your water cooler?
