Problems with Direct Watering
Allowing livestock direct access to surface water sources has led to a number of environmental, herd health and pasture utilization problems.
Environmental problems
Environmental problems with direct watering include the following:
Environmental problems
Environmental problems with direct watering include the following:
- damage to banks of streams and dugouts
- siltation problems in spawning areas for fish
- loss of riparian habitat and vegetation
- loss of water storage in dugouts and streams
- nutrient buildup in both the source and downstream water bodies
- rapid growth of weeds and algae
- deterioration in water quality.
Herd Health Problem
A number of herd health problems are related to direct watering:
Poor pasture utilization and nutrient transfer problems
Other problems with direct watering include two aspects:
- increased exposure to water-transmitted diseases, bacteria, viruses and cyst infections
- blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) toxins
- foot rot
- leg injuries
- stress
- death by drowning from falling through the ice or being stuck in mud
- reduced rates of gain.
Poor pasture utilization and nutrient transfer problems
Other problems with direct watering include two aspects:
- overgrazing near the water source
- poor nutrient transfer caused by an accumulation of manure in the area near the water source
Information collected from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
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