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The importance of water for dairy calves

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Young black and white dairy calves drinking from gray buckets through metal fence bars. University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension logo in corner.

Introduction

Providing water for dairy calves if often an overlooked aspect in calf management programs. The importance of the water and how by providing warm water for calves, especially in colder weather, can benefit rumen development, increase starter intake, and weight gain, and growth performance.

Water is a vital nutrient for dairy calves, making up 75% of their body weight and essential for various biological functions

Illustration of a calf where a large lower portion of the calf is shown in blue, the smaller top portion is shown in white, with the number 75 percent is off to the side in effort of showing 75 percent of a calf's body weight comes from water.

Despite challenges like diarrhea and freezing temperatures, providing clean, fresh water is crucial for their health and development

Illustration of a brown liquid drops with a slash drawn through it. An additional illustration of a blue thermometer and snowflake with a slash drawn through it.

Calves need about four times more water than dry matter intake, and warm water is especially beneficial in cold weather

Illustration of a wheat stalk, a colon, and four blue water drops in a row

Proper water management, including clean buckets, supports better growth, rumen development, and overall performance

Alt text: "Simple illustration showing a cow icon, a bucket of water with sparkles above it, and an upward arrow with dots, arranged horizontally."

Water: A critical and undervalued nutrient in dairy calves

If you are looking for more detailed information about the importance of water as a nutrient for calves, read ‘Water: A critical and undervalued nutrient in dairy calves’.

The image shows a group of dairy cows confined in a metal pen with a straw-covered floor. The cows are standing close together, with some facing forward and others with their heads turned. The black and white markings on their hides are clearly visible, and one cow in the center has distinct yellow ear tags. The pen has metal railings and arched entrances, resembling a temporary or portable livestock shelter.
Photo credit: Alison Pfau

Author

 

Alison Pfau

Alison Pfau

Bilingual Regional Dairy Educator – Dane, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties. Her educational programming focuses on animal welfare, cow/calf care, training programs for bilingual workforce, and climate change.

Articles by Alison Pfau
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