02/08/2025
💧 Water: The Most Overlooked but Critical Nutrient 📑
When we talk about milk production, the focus often falls on feed formulations and energy-protein balance.
Yet water is the cheapest but arguably the most critical nutrient in a cow’s diet.
📌 It takes approximately 3–4 liters of water to produce 1 kg of milk (NRC, 2021).
📌 A 10% reduction in water intake can lower dry matter intake by 5% and reduce milk yield by 2–3% (UW–Madison Dairy Report, 2018).
📌 A cow producing 30 kg of milk will consume on average 100–120 liters of water per day (Holter & Urban, 1992).
🔍 Why Is Water So Critical?
– About 85% of rumen content is water; if this balance is disrupted, fermentation and pH are quickly affected (Beede, 2005).
– Salt (NaCl) and potassium (K) in the ration directly increase water requirements (NRC, 2021).
– When water temperature exceeds 20°C, intake can drop by up to 10% (PennState Extension, 2019).
– Dirty or murky water can reduce intake by 10–15% (Kertz et al., 1984).
🧪 Lesser-Known Technical Insights
– Low-flow waterers (500 ppm) decrease palatability and water intake (Beede, 2006).
– In the first 30 days of lactation, water intake shows up to 90% correlation with milk yield (NRC, 2021).
✅ Practical Tips
– Provide at least 1 water trough per 20 cows (USDA Guidelines).
– Clean troughs daily to prevent algae and sediment build-up.
– Ensure water points are within 15 m of resting areas.
– In summer, supply cool water (15–20°C) in shaded areas.
Key Takeaway
Water is the invisible driver of performance.
When managed well, it boosts productivity; when neglected, losses accumulate silently.
By Aral Atala
📚 References:
NRC (2021). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle.
Holter, J. B., & Urban, W. E. (1992).
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