Water Space

Water Space Requirements

Dairy cows typically spend around 10 minutes a day drinking and around 30 minutes a day close to the waterers in the alleys and crossovers. These areas are therefore prone to congestion and competition between cattle.

Water intakes are variable and typically average around 20 to 30 gallons (76 to 114 liters) per cow per day. However, heat stress may increase water intake to 50 to 60 gallons (189 to 227 liters) per cow per day.

Access to water in freestall pens is challenging as cows tend to drink at the same time, especially after milking, so it is essential that enough space is provided and the water supply rate is at least 6 to 7 gallons (23 to 26.5 liters) per minute.

Current recommendations suggest providing 3.5 linear inches (9 cm) of accessible waterer perimeter per cow with at least two watering locations per group. For groups less then 10 cows, a single water source may be acceptable.

An ideal location for the waterer is on the outside of each end of each pen as it allows both sides of the waterer to be utilized, and one waterer can be shared by cows from two adjacent pens provided that the waterer is at least 24 inches (61 cm) wide. Cow flow around the waterer is very important, and there should be a minimum of 12 feet (3.7 m) of clear alley around the waterer for good cow flow.

The upper edge of the waterer should be located 24 to 32 inches (61 to 81 cm) above the cow standing surface for mature Holstein cows (21 to 29 inches (53 to 74 cm) for Jerseys) and the water level should be within 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of the upper edge. The cows should not have to step up on a platform with their front legs to access the waterer, so any raised platform should not extend more than 6 inches (15 cm) from the perimeter of the waterer. A guard rail may be placed around the waterer at least 24 inches (61 cm) above the outside upper edge to prevent cows stepping in the water. However, this dominance behavior can be reduced by providing adequate watering space.

Correct positioning of a waterer on a raised concrete platform. Keeping the trough platform step from projecting less than 6 inches (15 cm) from the side of the waterer protects the trough from manure scraping equipment while preventing cows from having to step up to drink.