Feed Lot Magazine Online, Water Quality for Feedlot Cattle

99.96% Pure Spring Water
There is a sign on the water tower in Florence, Kansas that says 99.96% pure spring water. Every feedyard would like that quality of water. Obviously pure, fresh, palatable water is the goal of every feedlot. However, feedlots must guard against a dangerous material or an illegal chemical that could be present even at a small amount. With the risks of legal problems, we should consider some chemical testing of our water supply because we must protect the safety of our animals and the beef products we produce.

Testing for Dangerous Chemical is Economical
Dennis Hogan, SDK Laboratory at Hutchinson, Kansas, says that a screening test of water for aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons will cost $100. These compounds are usually a result of chemicals from the petroleum or insecticide industries. Hogan says the tests are used for feedyards that are bought or sold, and for monitoring of the water in special locations.

Mineral Analysis of Water
Certain "hard waters" are unpalatable for livestock. One is "gippy water" which contains high levels of calcium, magnesium or sodium sulfates. However, livestock can become accustomed to hard water. Hogan says the "livestock water test" at SDK Laboratory is approximately $25 for each sample. Consider testing each well at the feedyard.
Dennis Hogan says, "The maximum levels of minerals will need interpretation depending on the interaction between minerals and the various feeds that are used." Your nutritionist can assist with these evaluations. Here are some suggested maximum levels for minerals in water: nitrate-nitrogen 20ppm, total hardness (calcium and magnesium carbonate) less than 2000 ppm, chlorides 1000 ppm, sulfates 500 ppm, calcium 1000 ppm, sodium 800 ppm, iron 0.4 ppm and total dissolved solids of 7000 ppm. Hogan stresses that a level of 7000ppm of total dissolved solids is probably excessive for a successful feeding program.
Water hardness is measured by a calculation of calcium and magnesium expressed as carbonates. This doesn't mean much unless you are running a laundry with soap. Therefore, he says a total dissolved solid is a better test.

Sulfates in Water
This subject has received a new interest particularly as certain feed ingredients contain considerable sulfate. Corn gluten feed is produced by the wet milling process with sulfuric acid and then neutralized to sulfates. In this case, work with your nutritionist to evaluate the total sulfate content from feed and water.
Water wells near the rivers in the western United States will contain considerable dissolved sulfate. Some nutritionists take a close look at the level and may eliminate the ammonium sulfate from the supplement program. The only sulfates added may come from the trace mineral added to the ration if the water contains sulfates.

Sulfate in Water Associated with "Brainers"?
High sulfate water has been possibly linked to one of the "brainer" malady of feedlot cattle, polio-encephelo-malacia (commonly called "cattle polio" by feedlot people). This is possible, but it is more likely a vitamin B1 (thiamine) problem rather than a sulfate problem. I do not think we have the final word on this interaction of sulfates that may cause "brainers." Comment: Cattle polio should not be confused with the other "brainers" such as "thrombo" or listeriosis. Your vet can make the diagnosis.

Nitrates in Water
My partner, John Thornton and I recommend that feedlot water be tested for nitrates. The nitrate level of water is probably not a problem unless there are high nitrate levels also in the feed ingredients. High levels in forages rather than nitrates in the water usually cause nitrate toxicity in cattle. If nitrates are high, usually the sulfates are high also. If both are high, then the total dissolved solids may be high as well. A level of nitrate nitrogen of 20ppm in feedlot water is considered a maximum, particularly if the forages contain nitrates.

Salt in Feedlot Water
If the feedlot's water contains sodium chloride, then special ration formulation is needed to reduce the total salt content. The main reason for force feeding salt to feedlot cattle is to control feedlot water belly of steers. Feedlot water belly may also occur rarely in heifers if a high phosphorus ration without salt is used. When corn is fed and the phosphorus is controlled, very little salt needs to be fed. The sodium and chloride requirement in certain cases can come from the water that is consumed. In one case, a feedyard blended the water from two wells to make acceptable livestock water.
Water is a critical nutrient. It may require special management.