Water quality for livestock in northern great plains rangelands

Authors: Rinella, Matthew - Matt; Muscha, Jennifer - Boyle; Reinhart, Kurt; PETERSEN, MARK - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: Rangeland Ecology and Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/27/2020
Publication Date: 11/25/2020
Citation: Rinella, M.J., Muscha, J.M., Reinhart, K.O., Petersen, M.K. 2020. Water quality for livestock in northern great plains rangelands. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 75:29-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2020.11.005.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2020.11.005

Interpretive Summary: High concentrations of dissolved solids can reduce feed efficiency and growth and sicken livestock. Dissolved solid levels vary widely across watering locations in rangelands, which complicates efforts to detect and manage water quality issues. To improve water quality predictions in the northern Great Plains, we measured and modeled concentrations of dissolved solids at 45 locations for 11 years. Ca, F, Mg, Na, and total dissolved solids (TDS) sometimes exceeded levels recommended by published water quality guidelines but rarely or never reached levels shown to negatively impact livestock. Fe often attained concentrations known to reduce water consumption, which can lead to reduced feed intake and weight gain. SO4 occasionally reached concentrations shown to reduce weight gain, and in a few instances achieved concentrations associated with severe health problems. Several generalizations emerged that should help managers anticipate and manage water quality problems. In high precipitation years, dissolved solids tended to increase in creeks and decline in reservoirs. F was most likely to be elevated in wells, whereas Fe was most likely to be elevated in creeks and reservoirs. Excessive SO4 can occur anywhere but appears less likely in reservoirs. One safeguard against water quality problems is ensuring livestock can access multiple water sources of different types (e.g. wells and reservoirs) so they can use taste and other sensory ques to seek out acceptable water. Where this is impossible, water quality monitoring is of greater importance. Inexpensive electrical conductivity meters provide rough estimates of water quality, and these estimates can identify watering locations requiring more detailed monitoring.

Technical Abstract: High concentrations of sulfates and other dissolved solids can reduce feed efficiency and growth and sicken livestock. Dissolved solid levels vary widely across watering locations in rangelands, which complicates efforts to detect and manage water quality issues. To improve water quality predictions in the northern Great Plains, we measured and modeled concentrations of dissolved solids at 45 locations for 11 years. Ca, F, Mg, Na, and total dissolved solids (TDS) sometimes exceeded levels recommended by published water quality guidelines but rarely or never reached levels shown to negatively impact livestock. Fe often attained concentrations known to reduce water consumption, which can lead to reduced feed intake and weight gain. SO4 occasionally reached concentrations shown to reduce weight gain, and in a few instances achieved concentrations associated with severe health problems. Several generalizations emerged that should help managers anticipate and manage water quality problems. In high precipitation years, dissolved solids tended to increase in creeks and decline in reservoirs. F was most likely to be elevated in wells, whereas Fe was most likely to be elevated in creeks and reservoirs. Excessive SO4 can occur anywhere but appears less likely in reservoirs. One safeguard against water quality problems is ensuring livestock can access multiple water sources of different types (e.g. wells and reservoirs) so they can use taste and other sensory ques to seek out acceptable water. Where this is impossible, water quality monitoring is of greater importance. Inexpensive electrical conductivity meters provide rough estimates of water quality, and these estimates can identify watering locations requiring more detailed monitoring.