Beef cattle water requirements

Summer once again has arrived with a series of hot (above 100 degree) days. In this type of weather pattern, please keep in mind water is an important nutrient for pets and livestock.

Daily water needs of non-lactating animals will run from 0.75 to 1.5 gallons per 100 pounds of body weight or 6-12% of their body weight.

Lactating cows may consume 18% of their body weight in water. A 1200 pound spring calving cow will require about 216 pounds of water on a hot summer day (not counting calf consumption).

A gallon of water will weigh roughly 8 pounds, this equates to 27 gallons of water per cow per day. Water intake is dependent on climate, feed type, production stage and salt intake. Water is important. Decreased intake affects health, production and growth.

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