By PR Extension Office
Water quality (and quantity) for livestock has been a concern this summer, according to Mary Rumph, MSU Extension Powder River County Agent. Water is the most important nutrient for livestock. A quality and safe water supply is essential to the production of healthy livestock. If water is not suitable for consumption, it can adversely affect the growth, reproduction and productivity of livestock, and, in some cases, cause death.
“Producers in different areas of the county have experienced sudden livestock losses last week,” said Rumph. “In visiting with local veterinarians, I’ve learned that the most likely cause is an increased level of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water sources,” she added. “Another possibility is the consumption of poisonous plants when desirable vegetation is limited,” said Rumph. Water samples have been sent to a lab to determine TDS levels and to check for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), reported Rumph. When large blooms of these bacteria grow in a water source, they can cause severely toxic effects.
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a good general indicator of water quality. TDS is a measure of the material in water smaller than 2 microns and cannot be removed by a traditional filter. Total dissolved solids are the sum of all minerals, metals, and salts dissolved in the water. In Southeastern Montana, high TDS are typically a result of high sulfate and sodium ions. Sulfur can accumulate to toxic levels quickly in livestock and causes a brain disorder referred to as polioencephalomalacia (PEM) also known as polio, or “star grazing”. When cattle and sheep consume high levels of sulfate, in water, feed, or both, the sulfate is turned into hydrogen sulfide in the rumen. This toxic gas is than eructated or “belched” and can be inhaled, damaging the lungs, and is then absorbed into the bloodstream causing death of brain tissues. Symptoms include blindness, lethargy, staggers and disorientation, head pressing, loss of appetite, decrease performance, legs may be rigidly extended, convulsions, and death. Sulfur in water is more readily available than sulfur in feed. However it is important to note the certain range plants, such as kochia, slender wheatgrass, yellow sweet clover and sunflowers can accumulate higher levels of sulfur.
Producers are encouraged to test their water if they are questioning its quality. Also, producers need to keep an eye on their livestock as sulfates can accumulate within the animal and cause problems very quickly. As the triple digit temperatures continue, livestock will be drinking more water and TDSs are likely to become more concentrated.
Some producers have been forced to fence off reservoirs and ponds or are unable to use pastures with dangerously high levels of sulfates in the water source. With the deficiency of moisture this year, total dissolved solids are likely to be more concentrated in the water that is available.
“During a summer with limited grass, poor quality water is compounding an already critical situation,” concluded Rumph.
Contact the Extension Office (436-2424) if you have any questions or concerns about the quality of your livestock water or would like more information about getting your livestock water tested.
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