Water Managing the Welfare of Cattle in Winter

164 Beef Breeder MANUAL

7.3.2. Water

All cattle need clean and reliable water sources to survive. The type of water source can vary depending on the water resources that are available on the beef property, and where the animals are feeding. For example, cattle in winter yards may be provided with lowing water in troughs that are heated by low voltage currents or ground insulated Fig. 7.6. Cattle being fed in paddock-based wintering sites may utilise animal-primed water systems that rise to the surface and into a water receptacle as a result of the animal moving a specially designed device e.g. a frost- free nose pump, Fig. 7.7, and then the water falling back below the frost line to prevent freezing in the pipes. In these cases, water delivery pipes need to be buried in the ground at a depth below the frost line to ensure that water can continue to low. When cattle are grazing stockpiled forage, pastures, or swaths and bales, they may be able to use snow as the main water source. In these instances, the snow needs to be clean and fresh, and a backup plan is needed when snow melts or becomes dirty. A cow unfamiliar to using snow for water will take one to three days to start to consume snow as this is not a natural behaviour - it is a learned behaviour. Figure 7.5. Bale processors can be used to add straw for bedding in yards or at winter feeding and shelter sites. Source: International Agriculture for Development. 165 Cold Winter Climates Figure 7.6. An insulated water point - water is prevented from freezing by thick, insulated outer core, and exposure to the air is limited by the small surface area of the drinking holes. Source: International Agriculture for Development. Figure 7.7. A frost-free, nose operated water pump with an insulated water delivery riser allows cattle to access drinking water in freezing weather conditions. Source: Frost Free Nose Pumps www.frostfreenosepumps.com. 166 Beef Breeder MANUAL Icy snow can be problematic as it is more diicult to consume, and can cause abrasion injuries to the soft tissues around the nose and mouth. Some classes of cattle should always be provided with fresh drinking water and not rely on snow. This includes calves, as they do not perform well on snow, and cows within one month of calving or that are in early lactation, as they are unable to consume enough snow to satisfy their increased demand for water. In a system where cattle are moved from paddock to paddock, a portable watering system installed on a trailer may be a practical option. Cattle breaking through ice in streams and dams is a signiicant risk and these water sources need to be managed, particularly during early winter and spring when the ice is at its thinnest. Figure 7.8. Traditional cattle sheds in Russia are dark and poorly ventilated. Source: International Agriculture for Development.

7.4. Traditional Indoor Winter