Alternative Watering Sources Alternative Watering Sources Even with good herd genetics and excellent forage, water is still the most important factor in a livestock operation. Yet in most operations the water quality of existing sources is taken for granted. Many livestock producers use ponds or streams as a watering source. These watering sources seem to offer an adequate supply of fresh water, when in reality it may be costing you more, through lost production due to poor water quality. Fencing your pond and stream and providing an alternative watering source may reduce the negative impacts of poor water quality on your cattle while improving the stream and pond resource.
Most alternative systems pump water from a nearby pond, stream or well to a storage tank.
These systems provide clean water for your cattle while helping to maintain clean streams and ponds. Clean water can increase beef cow and dairy production while increasing your profits. The Alternative Watering Systems provide a fresh supply of clean water for your cattle. Cattle manure in the water is a source of bacteria and germs which can cause a loss of production and disease. So, providing drinking water in a manner that prevents them from standing in it can reduce the loss of production and lower the risk of disease.