Estimating Water Flow Rate Needs

Estimating Water Flow Rate Needs

Animals behave differently depending on the number of animals and the distance to feed, water, and resting areas. If the distance to water and feed is less than 1,000 feet, most animals act as individuals and obtain feed and water as individuals or in small groups.

If the feed and water distance (high hills and deep valleys may reduce this value) is greater than 1,000 feet, animals start forming a herd mentality, meaning that they roam as a group and tend to come to water as a single group

When animals desire water, their drinking place and time should be available so that each animal can consume their desired amount. Best results are achieved when animals are within 1,000 feet of the waterer.

To supply water to waterers designed for a small number of animals at one time, design the water flow to deliver 2 gallons per minute per head that drinks at one time. For example, if there is room for two cows to drink from the waterer, the minimum flow rate to the waterer should be 4 gallon per minute. Commercial waters usually specify a required flow rate for a recommended number of animals.

If the pasture distance to waterer is greater than 1,000 feet or all the animals come to water as a herd group, the waterer (usually a drinking tank) should be designed to accommodate 10% to 20% of the herd at a time and be able to supply half of the daily water requirement of the herd. Each animal around the water tank should average about 10 minutes to position and consume water, and then move away. Each drinking animal (500-pound cattle) should have 20 inches of space at a circular tank and 30 inches at a straight tank. In herd situations, calves may get pushed back until the cows have finished drinking.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Practice Standards specify a water system capacity of at least 30 gallons per day (at 90 degrees Fahrenheit) per 1,000 pounds of livestock weight. Pipelines (and pumps) should be sized to supply the peak demand of the herd in 12 hours or less.