Water consumption and control in farm animals

Çukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, 01330 Adana, Turkiye

^* Corresponding author: hcinli@cu.edu.tr

Abstract

Water is vital for farm animals, as it is for all creatures. Water consumption in animals varies depending on factors such as species, age, production type, yield, environmental temperature, feed consumption, feed type, ration composition and water quality. Failure to provide sufficient quantity and quality of water causes deterioration in the health of animals, decrease in productivity and product quality, and even death. Approximately 80% of the Earth’s surface consists of water, and 97% of this water found in seas and oceans. The rate of fresh water is below 3% and only 0.5% is usable. However, with the increasing population and agricultural irrigation activities, access to water resources is becoming more difficult day by day. For this reason, studies have been focused on the controlled use of water, which is essential for the continuity of life, in both plant and animal production. This study includes information about the importance of water for farm animals, water quality and control of water consumption.