North Dakota State University Extension announced on May 8 that ranchers in the state are facing challenges with livestock water quality due to low spring runoff and below-average precipitation. Many producers continue to rely on surface water sources such as dugouts and stock dams for grazing livestock, but several reports indicate that these sources are either depleted or potentially toxic.
The issue is important because water quality directly affects cattle intake and weight gain, which can impact ranch profitability. “Water quality affects cattle intake and weight gain. Studies have reported improved gains by as much as a quarter of a pound per day in yearlings and one-third of a pound per day in calves that drink good-quality water,” said Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian.
Galbreath explained that when surface waters drop, minerals become more concentrated since they do not evaporate with the water. Of particular concern are elevated levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulfates, which can be harmful to livestock. “For most classes of grazing livestock, the TDS in the water should be less than 5,000 parts per million,” Galbreath said. He added that sulfate concentrations should remain below 500 ppm for calves and under 1,000 ppm for adult cattle because high sulfate levels can reduce copper availability in diets. “Elevated levels of sulfates may cause loose stool, and very high levels of sulfate can induce central nervous system problems,” he said.
Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist, encouraged producers to monitor their water supplies closely: “We point to a couple of tools to aid in monitoring water quality: a hand-held TDS meter and sulfate test strips. Both these tools are affordable and easy to use.” Meehan advised that if screening shows TDS above 4,500 ppm or sulfates over 800 ppm, further laboratory analysis is recommended.
Laxmi Prasad, NDSU Extension water engineer, urged those who have experienced past issues with poor-quality surface waters to consider alternative options such as wells or pipelines: “Establishing a reliable water supply system can help ensure that livestock have access to good-quality water throughout the grazing season, and it can increase a ranch’s drought resilience,” Prasad said.
North Dakota State University Extension provides education and support services across North Dakota’s agriculture sector through research initiatives aimed at sustainable practices according to the official website.
Producers seeking more information about maintaining safe drinking supplies for their herds are encouraged by officials to contact local NDSU Extension offices or visit ndsu.ag/ag-hub-water-26.
