Fresh, clean water vs. pond water

[kb5iod]

I just switched my cattle onto the rural water supply because my blackland ponds were almost dry and the mud was getting dangerous for the cattle. I am wondering if anyone has noticed an improvement in their herd health and/or performance after switching from muddy pond water over to fresh water such as a rural water supply.

 

[Herefordcross]

Can't really tell a health difference but, the cattle prefer the well water over the pond water as I do.

 

[dac1]

we have a couple ponds but i always keep fresh water in the water tubs.

 

[glover36]

we have springs everywhere on our land soo thats what they all get unless there in the barn or poll barn they get filtered water

 

[AngusLimoX]

You may not see big performance gains, but I guarantee you that if they start having health problems from water borne disease in those ponds it will hurt your bottom line!

If their teats are dragging in the mud you are looking for trouble as well.

Good move, it is always a good test whether you are prepared to drink the water you force your cattle to drink.

 

[Roadapple]

Do you think you'd see a difference in their health if you fed them dusty, moldy, low quality feed?

 

[Limomike]

I too keep my tubs full of well water. Not that my cattle prefer it, but its whether they are closer to them or not when feeding. My ponds are as low as they have been in many years, but fortunately they are holding up.

 

[Cowdirt]

I just switched my cattle onto the rural water supply because my blackland ponds were almost dry and the mud was getting dangerous for the cattle. I am wondering if anyone has noticed an improvement in their herd health and/or performance after switching from muddy pond water over to fresh water such as a rural water supply.

All my cows get is muddy pond water. Don't have access to any other kind. The majority of cattle in my area have the same situation. I may be missing the boat on gain but don't have personal experiences to substantiate that.

Many medical "experts" in the human field say that our immune systems today suffer because of the sterile environment that many folks live in. If that's the case with cows, mine have a mighty strong immune system.

 

[aplusmnt]

I just switched my cattle onto the rural water supply because my blackland ponds were almost dry and the mud was getting dangerous for the cattle. I am wondering if anyone has noticed an improvement in their herd health and/or performance after switching from muddy pond water over to fresh water such as a rural water supply.

I had to move some to a field last year that had a dry creek and no pond, for a couple months. Did not notice any better health or improvement. But I did notice a lot higher water bill.

Mine get pond water, creek water when we got enough rain. Rural water can add up real quick.

 

[bggoff]

I have done it both ways and I can't tell a difference.

 

[jack.diamond]

Can't really tell a health difference but, the cattle prefer the well water over the pond water as I do.

I agree here with Herefordcross. My cows have access to both, but prefer the well water. One note here, I do have a water softener on the well which puts a small amount of salt into the water. This could make the difference.

Jack