SPRING SUMMER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Practical water management on farms: Why trough space, water availability, and water quality matter Rosa Kirsten - Technical Advisor: Dairy In the previous article, the importance of water as themost essential nutrient for dairy cattle was discussed, and howwater intake directly influences feed intake, milk production, health, and overall performance. We also highlighted the importance of water quality and explained why it cannot be assessed simply by looking at the water. However, even when water quality is excellent, production can still be affected if cows cannot access sufficient quantities of water. Many water-related problems on dairy farms are not necessarily caused by poor water quality, but rather by inadequate water availability, poor trough design, insufficient trough space, or poorly positioned watering points. In this article, we shift our focus to the practical management of water on the farm. We will explore how water availability, trough size, trough placement, and cow behaviour influence drinking patterns, and discuss practical considerations that can help ensure cows have unrestricted access to water throughout the day. Major factors influencing water intake in dairy cattle Free water intake (the consumption of water that is not bound to food or other substances) by dairy cows makes up 80-90% of their total water need. Cow size, milk yield, dry matter intake, relative humidity, temperature, and water temperature determine the amount of water consumed by a cow. During periods of heat stress, water is a crucial nutrient, as the physical properties of water allow heat to be transferred from the body to the environment. On the contrary, during cold stress, body heat is conserved through the heat capacity of body water, which acts as insulation. Eating patterns and drinking behaviour Water intake is closely linked to feeding behaviour. Periods of peak feed intake are usually followed by increased water consumption, and cows naturally alternate between eating and drinking when given the opportunity. This relationship highlights the importance of locating water troughs close to feeding areas, allowing cows easy access to water after consuming feed. One of the most important drinking periods occurs immediately after milking. Cows often seek water after milking, before returning to feed or resting areas. For this reason, providing easily accessible water points along exit routes from the milking parlour can significantly improve water intake. When water is not readily available during these peak drinking periods, cows may reduce both water and feed intake. Over time, this can negatively affect milk production, animal performance, and overall herd efficiency. Spring/Summer 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 92