Livestock watering systems provide clean, fresh water to animals in pastures, barns, and pens. Water is the most critical nutrient for livestock, and inadequate water intake reduces feed intake, milk production, and weight gain. A mature cow drinks 40 to 80 liters (10 to 20 gallons) of water per day, a sheep or goat drinks 5 to 10 liters (1 to 2 gallons), and a pig drinks 10 to 20 liters (2 to 5 gallons). Water consumption increases by 50 to 100 percent during hot weather.
Automatic livestock waterers maintain a constant water level in a bowl or trough through a float valve or pressure-activated valve. They are available in heated versions for winter use, with a thermostatically controlled heating element that prevents freezing at temperatures down to minus 35 degrees Celsius (minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit). Unheated waterers are drained for winter or used in mild climates. Automatic waterers reduce labor compared to manual filling and keep water cleaner than open troughs.
A frost-free yard hydrant delivers water to a spigot above ground while the shutoff valve is located below the frost line, typically 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) deep. When the hydrant is closed, the riser pipe drains through a check valve at the base, preventing water from freezing in the above-ground portion. Frost-free hydrants are used for filling troughs, tanks, and buckets at remote locations.
Galvanized steel tanks are the traditional livestock watering container. They are durable and economical but can rust through over time. Polyethylene tanks are lighter, rust-proof, and available in insulated versions for winter use. Concrete tanks are permanent but heavy and difficult to clean. The tank size is based on the number of animals and the required flow rate. A minimum of 1 meter of trough perimeter per 15 to 20 cattle is recommended.
Heated waterers use electric heating elements, [[Propane Systems]] heaters, or geothermal heat from the ground. Tank heaters are submersible and maintain water temperature above freezing. A floating tank cover reduces heat loss and keeps the water surface free of ice. In remote pastures without electricity, heavy black rubber tanks absorb solar heat during the day and slow freezing at night. Insulating the base of the tank with foam board prevents heat loss to the ground.