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Water consumption per day7/7/2023 Nursing mares drink more water because of fluid loss associated with milk production and increased consumption of feed to support milk production. Work horses require 10-18 gallons of water per day on average but could require much more in hot weather. That amount may increase to 15 gallons per day in a hot environment. We all know that salt consumption increases thirst, but feed protein intake above the horse’s requirement increases both water intake and urinary output, as the horse voids excess nitrogen via urine.Īn idle, 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day. Their total water intake may be identical during both seasons, but just coming from different sources. That is why idle horses might actually consume less water in the summer than in the winter when they are stalled and on a hay-based diet. Horses on good-quality pastures, which can be 65 to 80 percent water, will consume less drinking water compared to horses on hay and grain because a large percentage of their water needs are met by the moisture in the grass. Horses consuming all-hay diets drink more water than horses fed a grain diet coupled with hay or a complete pelleted diet. Because fat is low in water content compared to lean muscle, fat horses typically require less water than horses maintained at optimal body condition.Īs a general rule, water intake is proportional to dry-matter intake, but the composition and digestibility of the feed is also a factor. Add to that the temperature, as well as the freshness, purity and palatability of the available water and it becomes obvious that there are a number of factors that influence water consumption. Foals’ bodies have even higher water content, roughly 80 percent, and on a weight-to-weight basis, small horses consume more water than large horses.Ī horse’s daily water requirements are influenced by age body condition the amount, type and quality of feed consumed fitness level and activity level. An adult horse’s body is composed of roughly 70 percent water, which equates to 770 pounds or 96 gallons of water for the average 1,100-pound horse. This includes water for raising cows, chickens, horses, rabbits, fish, and pets, and also water used in the production of meats, poultry, eggs, and milk.Įvery five years, water withdrawal and use data at the county level are compiled into a national water-use data system, and state-level data are published in a national circular.Īccess the most recent National, state, and county livestock data, maps, and diagrams.The horse’s most vital nutrient is water. Livestock water use is water associated with livestock watering, feedlots, dairy operations, and other on-farm needs. ![]() Water is needed to raise livestock, be it cows, chickens, horses, or rabbits. Often farmers who raise cattle and other livestock construct livestock-watering ponds to accommodate the watering needs of their animals. This picture suggests that maybe livestock congregate near exposed water, too (wouldn't you if you had to stand out in a hot field all day?). It is certainly true that wherever there is water, there are plants. If you've ever flown in an airplane over a very dry location, such as the western United States, you've probably noticed that you can pick out where the rivers and streams are by looking for the green vegetation that tends to grow along the riverbanks. Cows drinking water from the Platte River, Nebraska.
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