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WATER QUALITY FOR GEORGIA LIVESTOCK

Extension Education

Martin Wunderly
Extension Water Agent
University of Georgia
Watkinsville

Abstract

Georgia livestock drinking water sources can vary, providing choices for farm resource management. Livestock production relies on acceptable water quality for health, reproduction, and adequate consumption. A water sample survey was conducted in northeast Georgia to assist farm managers with livestock drinking water considerations and compare different water sources and delivery. Parameters that can cause animal health issues and reduce water consumption were analyzed, including iron, manganese, sulfate, molybdenum, chromium, calcium, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, lead, copper, sodium, fluoride, chloride, phosphate, soluble salts, total dissolved solids, turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, pH, fecal coliform bacteria, and water temperature. Thirty different farms participated, and 53 different livestock watering sources were sampled, including well-water troughs in pasture or corrals, ponds, and streams. Physical elements were within the recommended livestock drinking safety limits for 77% of all well-water trough samples. Only 25% of ponds and 18% of stream samples were free of all physical contaminants. The most common elemental contaminants above the limit were iron (32%), manganese (26%), and pH (13%). Fecal coliform levels were higher than recommended in 87% of all samples. Some of the highest fecal coliform counts were from troughs in high density corrals. Troughs in pasture that were cleaned at least 2 times per year had lower fecal coliform contamination. Water temperatures were above the 80° F recommended limit 0% of the time for streams, 16% for troughs, and 38% for ponds. Our results indicate that fecal coliform contamination is the greatest concern for livestock drinking water quality in northeast Georgia, followed by iron and manganese palatability issues, and water temperature. Providing acceptable water sources for livestock depends on surface and groundwater quality along with delivery, maintenance, and animal access. Temperature, fecal coliform counts, and pond/stream turbidity change frequently, requiring additional monitoring, trough cleaning, alternate water sources, or management strategies. Participating farms were able to use the water test results and our consultation to determine the best management actions for providing the safest water possible to improve livestock health and production.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: M. Wunderly, R. Fitzpatrick, C. Knight, L. Ray, T. Cheely, G. Pittman, T. Glenn, S. Patrick, S. Reynolds, C. M. Stephens, R. Stewart, J. Burnsed
  1. Wunderly, M. Extension Water Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30677
  2. Fitzpatrick, R. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30521
  3. Knight, C. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30633
  4. Ray, L. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30650
  5. Cheely, T. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30828
  6. Pittman, G. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30549
  7. Glenn, T. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30538
  8. Patrick, S. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30523
  9. Reynolds, S. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30630
  10. Stephens, C. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30677
  11. Stewart, R. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30817
  12. Burnsed, J. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30655