| Question | Answer |
| Why is Water Important | -vital
-cheapest and most abundant nutrient
-animals survive longer without feed than water (up to 60 days w/o feed, 7 days w/o water)
-only 1% of the world's water is "fresh" |
| Total Body Content | -45-85% (avg. 60-70%)
-younger>older animals |
| Water in the Body | -blood: 90-95%
-tissues: 70-90% (intracellular, extracellular, urinary and gastrointestinal) |
| Water Functions | -nutrient/waste transport
-metabolic/chemical reactions
-aids digestion/absorption
-regulates body temp
-regulates ionic concentrations
-body structural component
-lubricates/cushions |
| Non-Essential Water Sources | -drinking water
-water in/on feed (air dry feed has about 10%)
-metabolic water (byproduct of many reactions, 5-10% of total water intake)
-gastrointestinal secretions (mouth/saliva, true stomach/acid, duodenum/pancreatic & bile "juice") |
| Water Loss | -urine
-feces
-respiration
-perspiration
-product (milk and eggs) |
| Effects of Water Restriction | -reduced feed intake (immediate)
-reduced production (especially high producers)
-weight loss (dehydration) |
| Effects on Water Consumption | -environmental temperature and humidity (heat stress)
-dry matter (DM) intake
-dietary factors (water content, fiber, salt, protein)
-physiological state (lactation, etc.) |
| Water Consumption | -unstressed, moderate temperature
:water intake = 2-3 x DM intake
:hot weather-can be 10 x DMI
-average 1200 lb cow
:hot summer day
:eats 70lb of summer pasture
:consumes 27 gallons (225lb) of water (grass and drink) |
| Effects on Water Quality | -organoleptic (odor & taste)
-physiochemical (pH, total dissolved solids, hardness)
-toxic compounds (heavy metals, toxic minerals, hydorcarbons)
-excess minerals (nitrates, sodium, sulfates, iron)
-bacteria |
| Essential Water Sources | -well (tank, waterers)
-dugout
-stream/pond
-snow |
