Water is the most abundant nutrient in beef cattle accounting for approximately 98% of all molecules in the animal (NRC, 2000). Despite this fact, it is also the most overlooked nutrient to the detriment of the performance and health of animals and economic viability of producers. Cattle need an adequate, accessible, and frequent supply of fresh water to facilitate physical and chemical processes of the body (NRC, 2000). For example, water is needed to produce saliva, which helps breakdown and lubricate feed so it can easily pass through the digestive system. Furthermore, it helps lubricate joints, cushion the nervous system, transport sound, and is necessary for vision.

Water is also necessary for chemical processes, the least of which are for metabolism and energy production. From a chemical standpoint, water is necessary for regulating body temperature, as well as for all aspects of growth and reproduction. Therefore, inadequate water intake can limit growth and production, which can translate to narrower profit margins for producers. That is why it is important to understand factors that influence water nutrition and quality for beef cattle.

In northern climates, it is critical to provide a water source to livestock in the winter months. In this video producers talk about their experiences with water sources and cattle licking snow.

"Canadian beef helps preserve one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems – our grasslands. See what we do to continually improve beef sustainability in Canada."

Vet Miriam Parker of Livestock Wise talks to AHDB about cattle handling systems and the main things to think about in order to ensure safety, efficiency and good practice when moving animals.

In Canada’s Treaty Four Territory, indigenous peoples’ systems of agriculture were destroyed by colonization. Now, indigenous people and settlers work together to decolonize the food system and work towards indigenous food sovereignty through regenerative, organic methods of farming and youth education.
More information about this project can be found at the Rockefeller website here: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/meet-the-top-visionaries-food-system-vision-prize/kwayeskastasowin-wahkohtowin/.

As part of the PASTORAL (Pasture Optimisation for Resilience and Livelihoods) project, farmers have been working with farmer-led research network Innovative Farmers, agricultural data consultants Environment Systems and the University of Edinburgh in a project that tests the use of satellite imagery (optical and radar) and modelling to estimate grass biomass availability (kg DM /ha) at a field level.