During Missouri's hot and humid summer months, extra water needs of a cowherd often determines several other management decisions of beef and dairy producers. To best assess the adequacy of water quantities in surface water or from wells or rural water supplies, it first is necessary to have an idea of the amount needed for cattle of different sizes and stages of production that you may have during the summer on your farm.

A University of Georgia publication lists the estimated water requirements for cattle in different production stages if the daily high temperature is 90 degrees F. You can estimate the amount of drinking water needed by the production stage and the weight of your cattle.

* Growing animal or a lactating beef cow -- 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight

* Non-lactating cow or bull -- 1 gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight

* Small calves -- 2 gallons a day

* Lactating dairy cow -- 50 gallons a day

Water is also essential for good grazing systems. Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist, advises livestock producers pay attention to water first, before deciding on fences, paddocks and forage plantings. "Too often, water is the last thing," he says. "Water determines how well the grazing system can be managed.

"If livestock must walk over 900 feet to find water, grazing efficiency falls off fast. Any time a cow is walking to water, she is not doing what she needs to be doing: Grazing or ruminating." Design the water system big enough to do what needs to be done, he adds. "Water systems are expensive, often more so than fencing or establishing forages. But, it's not a good place to skimp."  

The estimated water demand will determine the size of the tanks and the needed flow rate of the water pipes. Cows often come to the waterers in groups, especially if they must travel a distance. That increases the demand in a short time span.

Without adequate water, gains will suffer. Without any water, animal will die. "A good water system is essential," Kallenbach says. "It's worth some study time and seeing what works for other producers.

If you are estimating water needs for your cattle, be honest about the weight of the cows in the herd. Many cows today weigh 1,200 to 1,300 pounds or better. Therefore expect that most spring calving cows will need at least 24 gallons per day for themselves and another 5 to 10 gallons of water for their calf.

Also, recognize that some summer days Missouri get even hotter than 90 degrees. On days with extreme heat, expect the water usage to go up even further and provide your stock with adequate water and shade.

Source: University of Missouri Extension & Oklahoma State University Extension