More Water = More Milk
Researchers at leading institutions, such as Michigan State University, have proven that water treatment is a critical component for dairy farmers for three main reasons
1. Milk Content
Milk is comprised of 87% water. Because of the high water content, the amount of milk a cow produces is directly related to the amount of water in her body. Therefore the more water a cow consumes, the more milk she will be able to produce is indicated by the white angled line in the graph below.
2. Feed Habits
Milk production is also directly related to a cow’s nutritional intake and absorption, which is directly related to how much water she consumes. If she is drinking maximum amounts of water, she will eat more as indicated by the green line in the graph below, thus producing more milk with increased butterfat content
3. Animal Health
The overall health of a cow subsequently affects her milk production. When water is impure, even small amounts of contaminated water can compromise animal health. And when a cow is struggling with illness, her milk production decreases
Research Center
Welcome to the Water4Dairy research center. We have compiled below links to academic research showing the benefits of clean water for your dairy operation.
The Most Essential Nutrient: Water
David K. Beede, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University
PDF – http://www.wdmc.org/2005/3beede.pdf
Water The Forgotten Nutrient
Vern R. Osborne, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph
PDF – http://www.wcds.ca/proc/2006/Manuscripts/Osborne.pdf
Drinking Water for Dairy Cattle: Part 1
Craig Thomas, Michigan State University Extension
Website – http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/drinking_water_for_dairy_cattle_part_1
Drinking Water for Dairy Cattle: Part 2
Craig Thomas, Michigan State University Extension
Website – http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/drinking_water_for_dairy_cattle_part_2
Water for Dairy Cattle
New Mexico State University – College of Agriculture and Home Economics
PDF – http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_d/D-107.pdf
Water Quality for Dairy Cattle
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs
Website – http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/dairy/facts/03-085.htm
Fresh Water Needs for Dairy Cattle
By Dean E. Falk, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Idaho
Website – http://oneplan.org/Stock%5CDairyWater.asp
Water Intake and Quality for Dairy Cows
Penn State – College of Agricultural Sciences
PDF – http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/dairy/nutrition/pdf/water.pdf
Impact of Minerals in Water on Dairy Cows
Jim Linn, University of Minnesota
Website – http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/dairy/feed-and-nutrition/impact-of-minerals-in-water/
Beware of “things” in dairy cow water
Dairy Corner with nutritionist Peter Vitti
Website – https://www.grainews.ca/2016/01/20/beware-of-things-in-dairy-cow-water/
Water Reuirements / Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle
The National Academics of / SCIENCES ENGINEERING MEDICINE, Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle: Seventh Revised Edition, 2001 (2001)
Website – https://www.nap.edu/read/9825/chapter/10
Water – Milkproduction.com
Water
Website – http://www.milkproduction.com/Library/Scientific-articles/Housing/Water/