Average Daily and Annual Water Requirements
The average daily and annual water requirement numbers can be used for
estimating the amount of water used on a farm. The average daily water
requirements in Imperial gallons per day (gpd) for livestock are based on
typical average outside or in-barn temperatures. The results, however,
cannot be used directly for designing the water supplies and pumping
capacity for a farm water system. For example, consider a beef feedlot on a hot
summer day. Feeder cattle will drink approximately twice the amount
of water under these conditions. For this reason, the water supply and pumping
systems need to be designed to meet these peak demands. As well, significant
water savings can be made with most moist feed systems or water conservation
measures.
* For information on water requirements for field crops, contact an irrigation
specialist. Note: These livestock and poultry water requirement numbers have
been compiled with input from Agriculture and Irrigation
staff. Also visit our website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca and use the calculator for determining the size of a
dugout.