Back to R&D main

UG Student Program-Water analysis

Project start date: 26 November 2007
Project end date: 30 June 2008
Publication date: 30 June 2008
Project status: Completed
Livestock species: Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle

Summary

This project undertook a detailed review of the water consumption data collected at a feedlot on the Darling Downs in Queensland, to provide a better understanding of the drinking water consumption patterns of feelot cattle. 
The daily water consumption of lot fed cattle varied throughout the study period. In this study, a daily maximum of 75L/head/day was measured in summer with a daily minimum of approximately 15L/head/day measured in winter. The average daily drinking water consumption for the study period was 39L/head/day. The annual water requirement for feedlots is estimated by QDPI at 24ML/1000head/year, to cover drinking water requirements plus usage for other activities including feed preparation, cattle washing and amenity maintenance. The annual drinking water consumption per 1000 head per year was estimated in this study to be 15ML/1000head/year.