Current knowledge of water quality and safety for livestock

Water is the most important nutrient for animals. Using the best-quality dr inking water available contributes to the optimal production of livestock. Restricted quantity of drinking water or drinking water containing excessiv e levels of nitrate, total dissolved solids, sulfate or other constituents can affect growth and production of all classes of animals. Drinking-water quality and availability should be evaluated as a cause of poor performance or nonspecific disease conditions in Livestock. A thorough laboratory exam ination of animal specimens and water samples should be evaluated in view o f existing standards for livestock drinking-water quality.