Hydration tips for cattle from K-state experts

By Scout Nelson

In the heat of summer, clean and plentiful water is crucial for cattle grazing in pastures, as discussed by experts from Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. Philip Lancaster, a K-State beef cattle nutritionist, highlighted the increased water needs of cattle in summer compared to winter.

"Cattle that are eating dry hay will need to consume more water than cows eating fresh grass, and if they are in a hot environment they’ll drink about twice as much water as cows in the winter," Lancaster explained.

Lancaster estimates that in summer, cattle require about two gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight daily. This necessity extends even to calves. "Even though their diet is mainly milk, calves also need to drink water to help their rumen properly digest any foods they are starting to consume," he added.

The quality of water is just as critical as the quantity, according to K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. He noted, "Anytime cattle are not hydrated as well as they could be, they are susceptible to disease as in the case of pneumonia."

Joe Gerken, a K-State Research and Extension fisheries specialist, discussed practical methods to ensure cattle have access to quality water. One effective strategy is to prevent cattle from entering ponds by fencing them out and piping water to a tank.

"Having a pipe that runs through an earthen dam regulates the temperature so the cattle will want to drink more," Gerken mentioned.

Alternatively, providing limited access to a pond via a gravel path can also be beneficial. "This path is from 20-40 feet wide, and because it is gravel, the cattle won’t linger as long due to the way it feels on their hooves," Gerken explained.

He emphasized that this method helps keep the pond clean and reduces sediment buildup, ensuring both pond health and water accessibility for cattle.

These insights from Kansas State University's experts underline the importance of managing water sources effectively to support cattle health and productivity during the challenging summer months.

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