Meeting Water Needs of Cattle in the Feedlot

Meeting Water Needs of Cattle in the Feedlot

 Figure 1. Crowding of cattle around waterers on hot days is common in feedlots and adds to the challenge of ensuring water access to all animals (Courtesy: Dr. Rick Stowell, University of Nebraska, Lincoln).

Various factors affect water intake; but temperature, humidity and feed intake are the main drivers. Additionally, the first heat events of the season (late May and early June) are the most stressful on cattle: cattle are generally reaching finishing weight and condition, they are not acclimated to heat, and they have not shed their winter coat. This transition also catches managers and staff off guard as they are focused on late-winter yard management. Read more...