Livestock water intake

Fact Sheet
FS No. 02/07
Water intake of livestock .pdf (91kb)

Water intake of livestock 

Stock Type   Litre/head/day

Sheep

  Weaners 2 - 4
 Dry Adult 2 - 6 (4 - 12 on saltbush)
Ewes with lamb   4 - 10
 
Cattle  Young stock 25 - 50
 Dry stock 35 - 80
   Cows & calves 40 - 100 (70 - 140 on saltbush
   Dairy milking** 70 - 250 
     
 Horses    40 - 50
     
 Pigs  Growers (25 - 90kg)  3 - 12
   Dry Sow, Boar  12 - 15
   Sow & Litter  25 - 45
     
 Poultry (per 100 birds)  Layer hens  33
   Meat Birds (1-8 wks)  6 - 32

* Intakes will vary depending on type of feed, production level, physiological and environment conditions, and salt content of feed and water.

** Dairy operations may require up to another 100L/head/day for washdown & hygiene.

 

Salinity tolerances of livestock (mg/L of total soluble salts)
Animal

Maximum concentration of healthy growth

Maximum concentration to maintain condition

Maximum concentration tolerated
Sheep

6 000

13 000

***

Beef cattle

4 000

5 000

10 000

Dairy cattle

3 000

4 000

6 000

Horses

4 000

6 000

7 000

Pigs

2 000

3 000

4 000

Poultry

2 000

3 000

3 500

*** Maximum level depends on type of feed available – for example saltbush vs greenfeed.

Approximate Conversions:

1,000mg/L = 1,785 EC
2,000mg/L = 3,570 EC
3,000mg/L = 5,355 EC
4,000mg/L = 7,140 EC
5,000mg/L = 8,925 EC
1mg/L = 1 ppm

References:

Dept. Agriculture SA Fact Sheet 82/77
Qld. DPI Note Agdex 450/58
NSW Primefacts - Primefact 269
PIRSA Fact Sheet – Livestock Water Supplies
Welfare Audit for Chicken Meat Industry / Broiler
RIRDC Industry Quality Assurance Program

Last update: December 2008

Agdex:

Author:
Compiled by PIRSA Livestock Industries

Disclaimer

Use of the information in this Fact Sheet is at your own risk.  The Department of Primary Industries and Resources and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein in terms of its suitability, correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency or otherwise.  The entire risk of the implementation of the information which has been provided to you is assumed by you.  All liability or responsibility to any person using the information is expressly disclaimed by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources and its employees.

Livestock water intake                                                                                ISSN 1323-0409