Livestock and water quality
2023
Camillis, C. de | Drechsel, Pay | Raizman, E.
The intersection of livestock production and water quality is critical yet often under-addressed in agricultural planning. As livestock systems intensify worldwide, they contribute significantly to both water demand and contamination risks. This section examines the dual role of water in livestock systems as a vital input for animal health and as a medium vulnerable to pollution from waste, pathogens, and chemical residues. It provides detailed guidance on water quality thresholds for livestock drinking water, addressing parameters such as salinity, trace metals, nitrates, and microbial hazards like E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and blue-green algae. The document also explores good management practices and treatment options ranging from activated carbon filtration to chlorination and sulfate reduction to mitigate waterborne risks and ensure safe consumption. Furthermore, it highlights how livestock waste, when mismanaged, degrades water quality through nutrient runoff, organic loading, and pathogen transmission, especially in intensive systems. The document stresses preventive measures including runoff control, site assessment, constructed wetlands, and extension support to reduce contamination. By offering risk-specific guidance across livestock types and production systems, this technical overview strengthens the case for integrated livestock-water management that balances productivity, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
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