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Tag Archives livestock water

cattle drinking water at a dugout
Features, Livestock

Unpacking a water quality test

Learn how to read the results of a water quality test and what they mean for your herd

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Water quality is often overlooked when developing cattle rations. For every kilogram of dry feed consumed, an animal drinks between three to five kg of water. Temperature and feed type can affect water intake. As well, lactating cows have a higher water intake compared to pregnant animals. A lack of water reduces feed intake and […] Read more
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to livestock, wildlife and people.
Beef Cattle, Livestock, News

Take caution if blue-green algae is present in cattle water

“Blue-green algae can look like blue-green scum, pea soup or grass clippings suspended in the water. You should start watching for it when the temperatures rise above 25 C.”

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Glacier FarmMedia – In over three decades as a veterinarian, Roy Lewis never saw a cow die from ingesting blue-green algae from an infected water source. But he still says it’s an issue ranchers should watch for. Blue-green algae can be instantly deadly to an animal that ingests a sufficient amount. However, it’s tricky to identify as […] Read more
Making the most of your grazing season
Nutrition

Making the most of your grazing season

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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As grazing activity gets underway across the country, beef producers begin to turn their attention to other activities associated with their operation. From a herd nutrition perspective, the thinking of many is “Let the grass take care of the cattle.” Such thinking, while natural, can lead to issues that affect the health and productivity of […] Read more
VIDEO: Testing the quality of livestock water
Livestock

VIDEO: Testing the quality of livestock water

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Do you have confidence in the water supply your livestock is drinking? Drought conditions this season not only put a lot of stress on pastures and hay crops, but also the quality of water in dugouts. At this past summer’s Ag in Motion, Catherine Lang with Saskatchewan Agriculture talked about what hazards producers should be […] Read more
Check floating de-icers and discard any that are cracked or otherwise damaged.
Features, Livestock

Eliminating the shock factor when livestock watering

Water and electricity can be a deadly combination for livestock at any time of year. Here’s how to prevent and safely troubleshoot problems

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This article originally appeared at The Chronicle of the Horse in January 2021. It is reprinted here with the permission of the author.  As a livestock appraiser, I am asked to perform a wide variety of appraisals for insurance purposes. When dealing with death-claim reimbursements, the most common reason I am called is due to […] Read more
University of Saskatchewan scientists investigating effects of sulphates on cattle health
Beef Cattle, News, News Roundup

University of Saskatchewan scientists investigating effects of sulphates on cattle health

Research: News Roundup from the March 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

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University of Saskatchewan researchers are studying the effects of high sulphate levels in the drinking water of cattle. When cattle drink water with high sulphate levels, the sulphates bind trace minerals in the animals’ rumens, preventing them from absorbing necessary minerals. Potential effects include diarrhea, reduced fertility and milk production, slow growth, a depressed immune […] Read more
Appearances are deceiving when it comes to water quality as evidenced by the sulphate levels in these 2016 samples: 1,731 mg/l in jug 1; 2,056 mg/l) in jug 2; 21 mg/l in jug 3 and 15 mg/l in jug 4.
Features, Livestock

Use caution when testing livestock water quality with hand-held meters

Study compared test results of hand-held meters to laboratory results

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Livestock and feed specialists with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have learned that not all methods of testing water quality are equal, especially when it comes to total dissolved solids and sulphates. Leah Clark, livestock and feed extension specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, took part in a study comparing the accuracy of water […] Read more
VIDEO: Keeping an eye on your livestock water supply
Livestock, News

VIDEO: Keeping an eye on your livestock water supply

Ag in Motion 2018: Now, there's an app for that

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For her presentation, “Keeping No. 2 out of your No. 1 water source,” at Ag in Motion last month, Alicia Sopatyk with Saskatchewan Agriculture spoke about options for livestock producers such as permanent or electric fencing to maintain a sustainable and clean water supply. But for a look in real time as to how that […] Read more

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AGCanadaTV: In case you missed it; your national ag news recap for Aug. 22, 2025

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