Irish livestock farmers express concern on water supply

Farmers in Ireland face growing concern over the loss of water supplies in their farms where animals can suffer injury if left without water beyond 48 hours.

Although many farms have their own water supply, most rely on group water systems, some of which have been frozen for weeks or are deprived of fresh water. Teagasc, The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority has circulated an advisory to farmers on the levels of drinking water required. For instance, milking cows consume a minimum of 60-80 litres a day which increases up to 150 litres when they produce higher milk quantity. Whereas, beef or dry cows require 40-55 litres daily.

Dr Siobhán Kavanagh, a Teagasc nutrition expert, cautioned farmers that if animals are left without water for 24 hours, supplies will have to be drawn to them especially milking cows and finishing cattle without drinking water.

The requirements of animals are supplied from the water in the food and from the water consumed voluntarily, about 80-90% of water requirements for milking cows are met by drinking water instead of feed, Dr Kavanagh added. ''The dairy cow will consume 30-50% of their total water requirement within one hour of milking. It is essential to have a good supply of water available immediately after milking,'' the advice continues.

Some reports suggest that animals on high-concentrated finishing diets for beef require 70 litres of water daily. In conclusion, Dr Kavanagh also warns that inconsistent delivery of water, overdrinking or water toxicity will result in a serious problem. Thus, gradual access to the water initially when the animals are thirsty is recommended.