Water Quality on Pasture: Impact on Cattle Performance and Riparian Management

Water Quality and Cattle Performance
Water availability is essential for grazing cattle, but water quality significantly influences growth and productivity. Research conducted in Kamloops compared yearling heifers provided with either high-sulphate dugout water or clean trucked-in water. Results demonstrated:
  • Growth Impact:
    • In a dry year, heifers drinking dugout water lost weight (-0.20 lbs/day), while those with clean water gained 1.55 lbs/day.
    • In a normal year, gains were higher: 1.98 lbs/day (dugout) vs. 2.62 lbs/day (clean).
  • Water Consumption:
    • Free-choice: 25 L/day (high sulphate) vs. 55 L/day (clean).
    • Twice-daily access reduced intake further.
  • Sulphate Levels:
    • Dugout water ranged from 1,830 to 17,600 ppm SO₄, while clean water remained below 70 ppm.
  • Mineral Influence: Magnesium sulphate is less palatable than sodium sulphate, affecting consumption and performance.
Behavioral observations confirmed that cattle drink rapidly and continuously from low-salt water, while high-sulphate water caused tentative drinking and reduced intake.
 
Cattle Impact on Water Sources and Riparian Zones
Cattle entering streams or dugouts can degrade water quality and riparian habitats. Research on drinking preferences revealed:
  • Preference for Troughs:
    • Across two sites over two years, cattle chose troughs 79% of the time, even when creek water was equally accessible.
    • In winter trials, 91.6% of drinking occurred at troughs.
 
  • Management Implications:
    • Providing troughs without fencing can reduce fouling of natural water sources and improve cattle gains.
    • GPS tracking shows trough placement and pasture layout strongly influence use.
    • Infrastructure such as bridges can further limit creek crossings after adaptation.
 
Key Recommendations
  1. Test Water Quality: Monitor sulphate and mineral content regularly.
  2. Provide Clean Water: Use troughs to improve intake and performance.
  3. Strategic Trough Placement: Consider pasture layout and cattle movement patterns.
  4. Riparian Protection: Troughs can reduce stream use, minimizing environmental impact without costly fencing.