Water quality and its effect on livestock: pigs and cattle
Sci-Tech
Agriculture
In part 1 of this blog series, I talked about the different factors that lead to the contamination of drinking water, including temperature, salinity, blue-green algae, and contamination with debris, animals, heavy metals, or chemicals. We also discussed water quality and its effect on poultry including chickens, turkeys, and gamebirds. For a refresher, read part 1 here.
As we discussed before, the quality and supply of water to livestock is of primary importance as it has a substantial effect on the health and performance of the animal. However, there seems to be a significant difference between the management of water quality by poultry and pig or cattle farmers in the field, even though clean drinking water is essential for all three species.
In a survey performed on 25 poultry and pig farms in France, for example, 80% of poultry farmers used continuous water disinfection to ensure clean drinking water, compared with only 60% of pig farmers. More worryingly, while 72% of the poultry farmers drained water lines to eliminate the biofilm, no pig farmers did. As poor water quality leads to many livestock diseases that cause significant yield loss, reproductive issues, and mortality in younger animals, it is just as important to test and improve water quality for pigs and cattle on a regular basis.
The importance of compliance and water quality in pigs
The productivity and profitability of your livestock is just one piece of the puzzle. Livestock farmers are subject to regulations, which ensure animal products are safe for consumption, and to safeguard livestock welfare.
There is a requirement within the Red Tractor framework to provide potable water for pigs. AHDB also recommend for the water to be of a suitable quality and to be fit for both human and animal consumption.
The AHDB welfare advice says that water samples for pig farms should be tested for the following analytes:
- TVC between 22°c and 37°c
- coli
- Coliforms
- Manganese (Mn)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Copper (Cu)
- Sodium (Na)
- Iron (Fe)
- Hardness
- pH
- Nitrates and Nitrites
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
These requirements allow the overall quality of water to be ascertained. Triplicate samples should be taken on each site at the point of entry, at accommodation areas (or areas of concern), and at the far end of the waterline. Water storage tanks can also be a source of contamination if they are open to the environment or not cleaned/flushed regularly. For more information on the correct way to sample drinking water for microbiology, minerals, flow rate and water temperature, view the AHDB factsheet here.
Water quality is particularly important in the warmer months as there is an increased level of water consumption. Elevated ambient temperatures will also lead to increased bacterial levels if there is any contamination in the system.
Cattle: clean water specifics
E.coli and coliform bacteria should not be present in any 100ml sample of drinking water for cattle. For the general use of water for livestock, a zero count/100mls for coliforms and E Coli is highly desirable. However, counts should not exceed 200/100ml for E. coli and 5000/100ml for coliforms.
The presence of E.coli can also link to the presence of other enterobacteria such as Salmonella and STEC E. coli. Screening of the water supply for E. coli and Salmonella will rule out contamination from this source. This analysis, along with good hygiene practices including regular cleaning of water storage tanks and pipework, is a valuable tool in reducing the risk of sickness in cattle.
The testing of water in parlours can also identify potential issues with high Bactoscan levels, and the presence of pseudomonas and coliforms have been clearly linked. Regular testing of water supplies and storage tanks and treatment can mitigate this risk, resulting in a better quality of milk produced.
How to improve water quality
The easiest way to ensure high quality drinking water is to always provide animals with safe access to water sources. Odours and taste, which impact water intake, feed intake, weight gain, reproduction, and health, present an easy way to determine if the quality of drinking water has changed.
However, to be certain of the safety of drinking water and to develop effective corrective plans, water sources should also be tested throughout the year. Sci-Tech offers mineral and potable water testing including full potable screen, livestock bacteriology, farm drinker line water for poultry, livestock suitability and full chemistry water suite analysis. The results from these tests, which should be conducted on a regular basis, can then be used to treat drinking water.
For more information on how we can help you determine and improve your livestock drinking water quality, contact me on david.petrie-dolphin@scitech-labs.uk.com or 01588 672600.
References
Evaluating Water Quality for Poultry – Engormix
NADIS – National Animal Disease Information Service
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