Influence of Watering Frequency on Forage Consumption and Steer Performance in Southeastern Kenya

N. K. R. Musimba, Rex D. Pieper, Joe D. Wallace, Michael L. Galyean
1987 Journal of range management  
Forty-five zebu steers (rvg wt 311 kg) were allotted to 3 watering frequency treatments with 15 steers/treatment. The treatments involved watering once every day (l/l), watering once every 2 days (l/2) and watering once every 3 days (l/3) to investigate the effect of watering frequency on forage consumption and steer performance. Three steers/treatment were used to quantify fecal output and estimated forage consumption. All steers were grazed together in a lOO-ha paddock for 10 hours daily and
more » ... onfiied in a corral overnight. Steers were allowed ad libitum access to water only in the evenings according to the watering schedule. The study was conducted over 6 months, during which time total fecal collections were made in March, April, June, and July. All steers were weighed approximately every 2 weeks. Forage consumption was reduced (X0.01) for steers watering (l/2) and (l/3), compared with the (l/l) watered group. Forage intake was highest (X0.01) in April when herbage was green and growing. Steer performance followed a seasonal pattern reflecting changes in forage quality. Watering frequency did not influence steer performance. Reducing watering frequency from daily to once ever 2 or 3 days may enhance utilization of available range and save on cost of providing water for cattle under certain pastoral conditions.
doi:10.2307/3899599 fatcat:n4l4om7moze5bntkdvocnlql2q