Surging water demand under extreme heat tests troughs, pipes, and flow—critical fixes for cow welfare.
With a recent heat surge pushing temperatures above 25 °C, dairy cows’ water intake has more than doubled—often exceeding 100 L/day—due to increased dry matter in grass. That surge places immense pressure on water delivery systems, revealing weaknesses in trough capacity, flow rates, and pipe sizing.
Pre-grazing checks are vital: farms must ensure taps are open and troughs are functional, especially as peak demand follows milking. Ideal trough space is around 450 mm per cow, and for a 150‑cow herd, systems should deliver 30 L/min with trough volumes of ~900 L.
Strategic placement enhances access. Locating troughs centrally in paddocks prevents queuing, while positioning troughs along milking routes eases cow flow. Poor positioning results in long walks and reduced intake.
Pipe and valve setups matter. For 150 cows, a main line with 38–42 mm internal diameter and full-flow ballcocks (9–12 mm jets) ensures adequate fill rates. Regular inspection for leaks, algae buildup, and water levels is essential to maintain system integrity.
Cleaning and maintenance complete the picture. Troughs must be level, leak-free, cleaned of algae and debris, and offer drinking space to at least 10% of the herd to support welfare and production through prolonged heat spells.
Source: Agriland – Dairy advice: Heat will test water systems and troughs on farms (https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/dairy-advice-heat-will-test-water-systems-and-troughs-on-farms/)
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