ANIMAL HUSBANDRY NOTES.

Waipawa Mail, Volume L, Issue 43, 28 December 1928, Page 3 (Supplement)

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY NOTES.

A pure and wholesome water supply is essential for all classes of live-stock. Animals can live much longer without solid food than without water, and an insufficiency of water in the body causes serious disturbances. The processes of mastication, digestion. absorption and assimilation are hindered; the intestines are not properly flushed, and waste matter remains too long therein. In ruminants, particularly cattle, impaction results with a consequent decrease in the yield of milk. Under normal conditions animals consume a fairly uniform quantity of water for each pound of dry matter eaten. Depending on the succulence •ind composition of the food so will the demand for water be. regulated. Cows require from three to five gallons of wati r per day when dry, and about three times that amount when in full milk. As water is necessary for digestion and absorption, it is also essential in that it regulates the body temperature. Water is given off in the vapour from the lungs and also from the suriace of the body. From these remarks it will be seen that, a supply of pure water within easy, resell on a dairy farm is essential to maintain the cattle in good health. The importance of water may be overlooked is the sea on advances and more particularly in those areas subject to d rough t. .Stagnant pools are a breeding-ground for disease and liable to surface contamination from the animals themselves. As a water supply for stock generally, these pools must bo condemned. They are liable to harbour the eggs of internal parasites of stock, and if the pools are foul they may set up digestif disturbance in animals. The erection of concrete watering troughs for dairy cattle is gradually replacing wooden ones. Concrete troughs q.s erected should be provided with an outlet at the bottom of the trough for purposes of periodically draining and cleaning. Lt‘ raised from the ground those troughs are not liable to contamination bv the animals' feet or droppings. The troughs should be conveniently situated in the various paddocks so that the cows may have more time to graze and ruminate. If animats have to walk long distances for their water supply they are not so contented and do not give of thi*ir best in regard to milk yield. This point is very essential and will repay for the extra cost in a very short time. As the area around the trough is liable to become water-logged and boggy in wet weather, it is very desirable to gravel this particular part. If gravelled the tendency to foot troubles in the dairy herd is reduced. The milk yield of a herd is considerably influenced by the water supply. In 'high producing animals the owners sec to it that constant supply of pure water is always within easy reach.