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

 

Dairy vs water intake

 


Dairy 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, Dep't of Animal Science, Michigan  State University

Water Quality for Dairy Cattle

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs 

Beware of "Things" in Dairy Cow Water

Dairy Corner in Grainews, with nutritionist, Peter Vitti

Water for Dairy Cattle / Publications

M Looper New Mexico State U /  D. Waldner Oklahoma State U.