Drinking Behaviour of Beef Cattle Subject to Water Medication in Various Environmental Conditions

Author:

Romanzini Eliéder Prates12ORCID,McCollum Vivienne2,Mcilveen Sarah2,da Silva Kawane Dias13,de Souza William Luiz14ORCID,Bernardes Priscila Arrigucci15,Costa Diogo Fleury Azevedo1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia

2. DIT AgTech, Wilsonton, QLD 4350, Australia

3. Animal Science Department, Londrina State University, Londrina, PR 86057970, Brazil

4. Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, SP 14884900, Brazil

5. Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040900, Brazil

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of water medication technology on beef cattle behaviour and performance in tropical conditions. Experiment 1 involved 30 Droughtmaster yearling steers monitored over seven days in a controlled environment. Feed and water consumptions were monitored with Smart Feed Pro® systems, with three water treatments administered via uDOSE® technology. The results indicated an average water intake of 13.6 L/head/d. Experiment 2 had 120 yearling steers from four genetic groups grazing on an extensive pasture system. Throughout four 24-day periods, forage availability and chemical composition were measured once monthly. Experiment 2 revealed a variation in water intake, ranging from 16.2 L/head/d down to 4.75 L/head/d. Notably, the lower intake coincided with a rainfall event documented during the fourth experimental period. Overall, results from both experiments indicated that water medication did not alter cattle water preference. There was no preference for treated water sources in Experiment 1, while differences in Experiment 2 appeared to be influenced by external factors like weather and prior habits. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of water medication for beef cattle without disruption of their natural behaviour.

Funder

DIT AgTech

Publisher

MDPI AG

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4. National Research Council (2007). Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants: Sheep, Goats, Cervids, and New World Camelids, NRC.

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