SPRING SUMMER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

WATER: THE BASIS FOR HEALTHANDGROWTH Clean, fresh, and high-quality drinking water is essential for calves in the rearing period, as water is the foundation for health and growth. There are major differences worldwide in the availability, quality, and knowledge about water for young calves. This bulletin describes the ideal starting points regarding water. Water requirements A calf receives a significant amount of water directly into the abomasum through milk feeding. The water that a calf drinks ends up in the rumen. A calf’s water requirement depends on several factors such as age, milk quantity, life stage (weaning), health, dry matter or solid feed, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. As a result, the total water requirement, in addition to milk feeding, varies from 2 to 15 litres per day for young calves during the milk period. In warm weather conditions, the water requirement can double. In general, however, the water requirement is the same all year round, regardless of the season. Importance of offering ad libitumwater Periods of and recovering from diarrhea Calves that have diarrhea or are recovering from it, have an enormous need for fresh drinking water, in addition to milk and electrolyte feedings. Offering water during a critical period of diarrhea prevents dehydration and stimulates recovery. Dealing with stress Calves of all ages can face stressful situations such as treatments, moving, or heat stress. During times of stress, the calf’s water requirement increases. Rumen development The growth of rumen papillae cannot start early enough and starts when calves consume solid feed. Intake of solid feed is stimulated by the intake of water. Water is needed at rumen level to ferment the feed. The fatty acids (butyric acid, see Technical Bulletin S20.1) that are released during the fermentation process in the rumen stimulate the growth of the rumen papillae. Figure 1: Offer ad libitum water in a shallow bucket, not from a teat. To stimulate solid feed intake we advise offering ad libitum water and ad libitum solid feed after the colostrum period. Spring/Summer 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 116