WATER: The Forgotten Nutrient

This article was originally printed in the October / November 2000 issue of Tracking The Industry. . .

One of the first things on the list of necessities for a livestock operation is a secure, clean water supply. Without water, the viability of a livestock operation is in jeopardy. Certain areas in the province do not produce large numbers of livestock solely based on an inadequate water supply. In terms of nutrition, water is the first limiting nutrient. Without water, dry matter intake is restricted, resulting in inhibited growth of fawns, lactation failure by does, low birth and weaning weights and an inconsistent fawning period. Free choice access to good clean water is essential to allow maximal feed intake, particularly during periods of high metabolic demands. This is especially important for young and growing fawns up to 18 months of age and gestating/lactating does.

Water Source
When considering water availability, the water source must be considered. Sources of water include snow, dugouts, wells, springs and creeks. Several factors such as cleanliness, flow rate, surrounding ecosystem and form (snow vs. liquid water) must be recognized. Of primary concern is the availability of water, particularly during the hot summer months as snow can be consumed during the colder winter months. If water is restricted during critical periods of production, overall production and farm profitability will be negatively impacted.
a) Dugouts. Dugouts may be used during the summer, but free access to dugouts can soon pollute the water and reduce water quality. This reduction in water quality will occur if the deer wade in the dugout, stirring up silt and body wastes. Ideally, dugouts should be fenced off and the water pumped into water troughs. Large troughs should be used to allow all animals easy access. Aeration with windmills or other methods may be necessary to prevent any problems associated with stale and stagnant water. Dugouts may also become contaminated with blue-green algae which is toxic to ruminant livestock. Blue-green algae can be treated by applying copper sulfate (bluestone) at a rate of 1 lb. per 250,000 gallons of water. If copper sulfate is applied, wait 10 to 14 days before any animals have access to the water. The deer can still be poisoned at this time because when the copper sulfate kills the algae, toxins are released into the water. One problem with using dugouts as a water supply is that dugouts can dry up during hot dry summers, and are not good supplies of water throughout the winter months.
b) Sloughs, Creeks and Springs. Sloughs, creeks and springs are also good sources of water. However, with free access to creeks and springs, there may soon be water pollution and a reduction in water quality. Also, damage to the surrounding ecosystem of creeks and springs should be considered prior to use. Sloughs should not be relied on as the sole source of water as they may not hold any water during years with low precipitation.
c) Snow. During the winter, deer will consume snow as a water source. Snow can be used so long as it is edible. Snow that has been trampled, defecated on or is icy is not a good water source for deer and alternative water sources should be considered. The growth of fawns may be inhibited if snow is the only water source available. For fawns, it is recommended that alternative water sources be considered.
d) Wells. Using wells as a water source is one of the most common methods of supplying water. Both deep and shallow wells can supply an adequate amount of clean water to deer. When using watering bowls with wells, it is important they allow for head space for mature bucks, and if used for a winter water source, be equipped with a heating system to prevent the system from icing up. If water restriction is used as a management tool (e.g. to bring animals into handling facilities), it is important to ensure all animals have equal access to water consumption.

Water Quality
Not all water is good quality water, be it from a dugout, snow or well. In particular, it is important to note that when using well water, quality can vary. The following table is a summary of water quality guidelines that can be used when interpreting a water analysis.

There are several units of measurement that may be displayed on a water quality analysis reported by a laboratory. Some reports show microgram per milliliter (g/ml) or milligram per liter (mg/L). For interpretation on the table below, both measurements essentially mean the same level of water quality, in that 1 mg/ml is equal to 1 mg/l. another measurement that maybe shown is Conductivity in the place of Total Dissolved Solids. The higher the total dissolved solids, the higher the electrical conductivity of the water. Any water analysis conducted should show the quality of water regardless as to whether it is reported as total dissolved solids or conductivity, mg/ml or mg/L.

Murray Feist

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