Considerações sobre o consumo de água por bovinos

Abstract

Water is the main nutrient in animal feed and is the major substance that constitutes living organisms. Being the easiest ingredient to be supplied to animals, producers usually do not give due attention to the provision of water to animals. Water intake is regulated by extrinsic factors such as ambient temperature, water temperature, relative humidity and sodium intake, and is also regulated by intrinsic factors such as milk production and body weight. However, the lack of water can lead to numerous problems in animal production. The inadequate supply of water can induce to low milk production, less weight gain, hamper thermoregulation and increase the incidence of diseases. To achieve profit in the system it’s required that producers meet the animals needs and take steps to eliminate adversity in the environment. Keywords: ambient temperature, heat stress, production.