Alleviate heat stress and improve animal health and comfortability.
Overview
It is recommended to consider the installation of additional watering points strategically placed throughout the farm to reduce the distance cows have to walk for water, alleviate congestion at the water trough after milking, reduce heat stress, and promote animal health and comfortability.
References:
– NRCS Practice Standard: Water Facility (614)
– NRCS Practice Standard: Livestock Pipeline (516)
Environmental Impact
- Improved cow health and comfort
- Increased milk production and quality
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Estimated Cost
Waterers:
Scenario Unit: Gallon
Scenario Typical Size: 718 gallons
Total Cost/Unit: $4.77/gallon
Reference: NRCS Practice Standard and Scenario: CPS 614 Watering Facility Scenario # 7 – Stock Trough, > 600 gal: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/fy25-wa-scenarios.pdf, p. 1177.
Pipeline to Transport Water:
Scenario Unit: Foot
Scenario Typical Size: 5,280 ft.
Total Cost/Unit: $3.57/ft.
Reference: NRCS Practice Standard and Scenario: CPS 516 Livestock Pipeline Scenario #1 – PVC (Iron Pipe Size), Pacific Region: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/fy25-wa-scenarios.pdf, p. 867.
Financial Considerations
Revenue Potential: Additional watering points will improve cow health and comfort, increasing milk production and quality.
Timeline
Midterm
Dependency / Prerequisite
Prerequisite:
To add waterers, a design and plan must be developed to assess current facilities for modifications.