By Bob Buchanan, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Barrhead
During the summer of 1995, the County of Athabasca teamed-up with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to work on a pasture water project on the Stoney Creek Farm (Wilbur Collin) near Athabasca, Alberta. The purpose of the project was to assess the impact of pasture dugouts and water quality on cattle performance.
The pasture project involved a comparison between cows and calves drinking directly from a dugout versus a similar number drinking from a stock tank pumped from a second fenced dugout. First year results are as follows:
The 20 cows plus heifer calves drinking from the pumped dugout
gained significantly more weight than those watering directly from
a dugout. (See table for details)
In three of the four water tests, the direct watering dugout had higher levels of coliform and faecal coliform bacteria.
Three of four water tests for the direct watering dugouts showed the presence of Giardia (i.e. beaver fever), whereas the pumped dugout had no Giardia.
The general water chemistry of both dugouts was almost identical.
The water quality in the pumped dugout was considerably clearer, with less algae than the direct watering dugout.
Although all the researchers involved in the project agree that pumping the water from a fenced dugout has meant a significant improvement in cow and calf weight gains, the question remains -- what are the major factor(s) which cause the difference? Is it improved access to water, or is it water quality related?
Hopefully, with further research planned for 1996, we will be able to answer these questions. The search will also include a more detailed assessment of grass production in the two pastures and differences in the cattle themselves.
Mr. Collin from Stoney Creek Farms was very pleased with the positive first year results. He feels that the improved cattle weight gains have almost paid for the watering system in the first year alone.
To contact the author, write to Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Box 4560, Barrhead, AB T7N 1A4.
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