Unpacking a water quality test

Published: August 11, 2023

Features, Livestock

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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.

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Over recent years, many commercial cattle operators have become somewhat disillusioned with the direction of certain segments of the beef…

A lack of water reduces feed intake and nutrients consumption. Understanding and interpreting your water analysis report is necessary to develop a balanced feeding program.

Note that milligrams per ml (ug/ml) are interchangeable with parts per million (ppm).

Calcium concentrations below 1,000 ppm are considered safe. If animals are fed a high calcium ration (i.e. mainly alfalfa), total intake could impair the absorption of phosphorus and other trace minerals, which reduces metabolic efficiency and causes health problems. Increasing phosphorus levels in the ration to keep the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio below 7:1 is required.

Surface runoff water from pastures or fields with high fertilizer or manure application can contain high phosphorus levels.

Adjusting rations to maintain the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is necessary.

READ MORE: Water monitoring made simple with FarmSimple product

Iron content in water is extremely variable. Geography and geological formations influence content. Iron is known to tie up copper when levels exceed 300 ppm. Ten ppm reduces total water intake and milk production.

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Magnesium found in water is commonly in sulphate form. This can cause a laxative effect, especially in young calves when levels exceed 300 to 400 ppm.

Manganese concentrations above 1,000 ppm from water and feed cause a reduction in rumen microbial growth, volatile fatty acid production, reduction in appetite and growth rate (Dearing, Utah State, 2005).

PH measures the alkalinity or acidity of water. Recommended pH for water is between 6.0 and 8.0. Values above 7.0 are basic and below 7.0 is acidic. Slightly alkaline water (basic) is ideal. Alkalinity indicates the buffering ability of water. Buffers are mainly bicarbonates and carbonates which reduce the acidification of the rumen. However, the amount of buffering from water is extremely insignificant compared to what is produced by the rumen and contained in saliva.

Nitrate is reported as nitrate, nitrate-N, or potassium nitrate. To compare results, equivalent amounts are 0.5 per cent nitrate, 0.12 per cent nitrate-N and 0.81 per cent potassium nitrate. If well water contains nitrate, the well is not sealed properly, and surface runoff has contaminated the well. Remediation is required. Spring runoff from pastures or fertilized cultivated land can cause nitrate accumulations in dugouts. Improving the buffer zone around the dugout with a grassed area can capture and use some of the available nitrogen.

Nitrate in water can be a larger concern than what is in feed. Nitrate in water is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, unlike nitrate from feed sources which is gradually digested and released over time. Nitrate from water is considered safe at levels below 440 ppm. As water intake increases, the safe level decreases. A safe nitrate level should be calculated on a case-by-case basis. See bit.ly/3CUTzHs

When evaluating sodium (salt) content in a ration, contributions from feed, water and supplements need to be included. Sodium is reported as parts per million or milligrams per millilitre — again, these values are interchangeable. Sodium makes up 39 per cent of the weight of salt. To convert sodium to a salt equivalent, divide the sodium value by 0.39. Cattle require 0.25 per cent salt or 0.0975 per cent sodium intake daily. Water that contains 300 ppm sodium provides sufficient salt to meet animal requirements. Salt content in supplements or minerals needs to be reduced when combined sodium levels in the water and feed exceed 300 ppm.

Total dissolved solids (TDS) influence the palatability of water. As TDS increases, water intake decreases. TDS measures the inorganic salts (sodium and potassium are most common) and organic matter that is suspended in the water. Depending on which minerals are present, adjustments to the supplementation program may be necessary. Mineral or trace mineral tie-up or reduced absorption occurs with high TDS levels, which can cause deficiencies. In summer, cattle walking into dugouts, creeks or sloughs will disturb the bottom of the water body. Soil and other particles become suspended in the water which will increase the TDS content. Levels of 4,000 ppm have caused animal health and performance problems. Levels above 1,000 ppm can cause mild and temporary diarrhea. Younger animals are more sensitive to high levels of TDS than mature animals.

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Ruminants are highly susceptible to high sulphur intake. High amounts of sulphur reduce copper availability. Sulphur concentrations in water below 1,000 ppm (CCME 2005) are considered safe. A reduction in average daily gain occurs when sulphur levels exceed 2,000 ppm on a dry basis (Zinn et. al., 1997). High sulphur levels in water are a concern, especially in Western Canada. Total sulphur intake from water and feed should not exceed 0.4 per cent for high concentrate rations and 0.55 per cent for high forage rations. Concentrations at or above these levels can result in polio. The resulting brain swelling causes death. With the increased use of brassica species in grazing and forage blends, sulphur levels from feed and water can exceed upper limits.

Dugouts are a common water supply. In a year with low spring runoff and minimal recharge, or hot conditions that increase evaporation, TDS and mineral concentrations increase over time. In 1997, a hot dry year in Saskatchewan, over 100 cows were found dead on a community pasture. High sulphur levels in the dugout water caused polio. Saskatchewan Agriculture then tested 260 dugouts across the province for water quality and found that 50 per cent had sulphate levels above 2,000 ppm which exceeds the recommended upper limit (Feist).

Although molybdenum isn’t included in this report, it may be included, depending on the laboratory used and analysis requested. Molybdenum levels in groundwater from areas that are poorly drained are higher than from well-drained soils. If molybdenum concentrations in the feed and water are equal, water could contribute five times more molybdenum than feed because of the amount of water consumed.

Molybdenum and sulphur interfere with copper absorption. One ppm of molybdenum can tie up seven ppm of copper. If molybdenum is greater than five ppm and sulphur is higher than 0.33 per cent, copper absorption is reduced by 60 per cent (Animals (Basel). 2021 Jul; 11(7): 2083). Some nutritionists increase copper levels in the ration when molybdenum levels exceed a total of three ppm.

Water quality is not constant. It changes from year to year and month to month depending on weather conditions. Work with a ruminant nutritionist to evaluate your water analysis report and balance a ration that will provide optimal nutrition for your herd.

Barry Yaremcio holds a master’s degree in animal science (nutrition) and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture (animal science). He worked in extension for Alberta Agriculture for several years and now is a ruminant nutritionist and production management consultant. Reach him through beefconsultant.com.

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