Skip to Main navigation Skip to Left navigation Skip to Main content Skip to Footer

University of Minnesota Extension
www.extension.umn.edu
612-624-1222

Extension > Agriculture > Dairy Extension > Feed and Nutrition > Feeding the dairy herd > Table A-4

Print Icon Email Icon Share Icon

Feeding the dairy herd

Table A-3 Table of Contents Table A-5

TABLE A-4. WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR DAIRY CATTLE
Analysis Acceptable range* Effects/problems from high levels
pH 6.0-8.0 Reduction in water intake. Very high pH waters (above 8.5) may cause alkalosis.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Soluble Salts (TSS)
Salinity		 0-1000 ppm Above 3000 ppm temporary diarrhea may occur.
High levels cause water refusal and persistent diarrhea.

Hardness 0-120 ppm Generally no problems.
Iron 0-3000 ppm Reduced intake-taste.
Nitrate nitrogen 0-100 ppm See table 18.
Nitrite nitrogen 0-10 ppm Reproductive problems with abortions at very high levels.

Sulfate 0-500 ppm Reduced water intake, diarrhea.

Total bacteria 0-1000/ml General health and disease problems.
Coliform bacteria 0-50/100ml  
*ppm (parts per million) = 1 milligram/liter (mg/l); 1 grain = 17.1 ppm

Table A-3 Table of Contents Table A-5

  • © Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
  • The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Privacy