Success in the Show Ring Starts with Hydration
Aug 01, 2024
Kelcie Carpenter, Key Cooperative, Gilbert Feed Sales
Brooke Gifford, Lifestyle Feeds Sales Specialist
Water is one of the most essential nutrients for all species, but is often overlooked.
Water is vital for many metabolic functions like body temperature regulation, reproduction, and absorption of other nutrients. A decrease in water intake results in a decrease in appetite which will reduce the metabolic function and performance of your animal.Water quality is one of the major factors affecting water intake. Providing fresh, clean water is important for maintaining the water intake of your livestock. When water becomes dirty and stale tasting, water usage, and intake will decrease, negatively affecting the growth, production, and reproduction of your animals.
The placement of your water source is another important factor for maintaining water intake. If possible, place your water sources in shaded areas and several feet away from buildings and fences so that animals can access water from all sides. Keeping your water tank 150 feet away from the feeding area will help to avoid deposition of feed inside the tanks. A helpful tip is to try and clean your water tank fairly often to avoid the build-up of heavy algae.
As a rule of thumb, animals will drink 1 gallon of water per 100 pounds body weight when temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures increase, water requirements can double (2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight).
Are your livestock stressed with the transportation from the county and to the state fair? Is the extreme heat starting to affect them? Good News! We have several products that can keep them hydrated and full of nutrients during this challenging time.
Try these Purina products from Key Cooperative!
- Alleviate®
- Supports proper gut pH in stressful situations.
- Highly palatable so it supports intake.
- Purina® High Octane ALLEVIATE® Gastric Support Supplement for show cattle, pigs, lambs and goats.
- RepleniMash®
- Promotes proper hydration.
- Contains added beet pulp to increase the water holding capacity.
- Purina® RepleniMash® Product for horses.
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Contact our feed specialists to learn more about hydration products and how to keep your animals in champion shape for the state fair!
Kelcie Carpenter | Key Cooperative, Gilbert Location | 515-232-6515
Brooke Gifford | Lifestyle Feeds Sales Specialist | 641-888-0818