Chapter 8:

Water
Prepared by: Dr. Alyssa Marie G. Garcia
 Overview
● Water is second only to oxygen for life sustainability, and it’s required in
higher amounts than any other nutrient.
● Animals get water from direct drinking, metabolic water (produced internally
during breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), and moisture in
feeds.
➢ Metabolic water is especially important for desert and hibernating animals
➢ Moisture in feed is a key source for marine species.
 Importance of Water for Animal Physiology
Body Composition and
Functions:
● Water makes up over 50% of
adult animal mass and more
than 90% in newborns.
● It’s present in almost every
bodily secretion and plays
roles in digestion,
absorption, and nutrient
transport.
 Importance of Water for Animal Physiology
Biochemical Reactions:
● As a universal solvent, water
helps food components
dissolve, enhancing
digestion and waste
excretion through urine,
feces, and sweat.
 Importance of Water for Animal Physiology
Temperature Regulation:
● With its high specific heat,
water absorbs excess heat
from metabolic reactions,
aiding in body temperature
control.
● Evaporation through sweating
or respiratory water loss also
prevents overheating.
 Importance of Water for Animal Physiology
Structural Roles:
● Water gives shape to
cells, maintains acid-
base balance, cushions
tissues and nerves, and
helps protect organs
from shock or injury.
 Water Sources and Losses
Main Sources:
● Drinking water, metabolic water
(from nutrient breakdown), and
moisture in feeds.
➢ Species Variability: Hibernating
animals and desert species rely
on metabolic water, while marine
animals mainly derive water from
their diet.
 Water Sources and Losses
Types of Water Loss:
• Animals lose water daily via urine (primary route), feces, sweat, saliva, and
respiratory evaporation.
• Birds and other species that conserve water may excrete uric acid instead of
urea.
Diet-Dependent Loss:
➢ High-fiber diets increase fecal water loss, while high temperatures increase
respiratory and urinary losses.
 Factors Affecting Water Requirements
1. Environmental Temperature
• When temperatures rise, animals lose more water through evaporative cooling
mechanisms like sweating and panting to regulate their body temperature.
• In hot weather, animals are more prone to overheating, so they increase water
intake to aid in cooling and prevent dehydration.
• Physical activity also raises body temperature and metabolism, requiring more
water for thermoregulation through sweat, saliva, and increased respiratory
rate.
Example: Cattle and horses in hot climates need more water than those in
temperate zones, especially if they’re working animals that sweat significantly
during physical activity.
 Factors Affecting Water Requirements
2. Diet Composition
• High-Energy Diets: Diets rich in calories, particularly from protein and fat, lead
to increased metabolic reactions. These reactions produce metabolic waste,
which the body needs to flush out with urine, thereby increasing water
requirements.
• High-Protein Diets: When animals consume high levels of protein, the liver
converts the excess protein into urea, which is then excreted in urine. This
process requires water, so high-protein diets lead to higher water intake.
• High-Fiber Diets: Fiber, particularly from roughages like hay, absorbs water in
the gut. To digest and process this fiber effectively, animals need more water.
Fiber-rich diets also lead to greater fecal output, which contains more water.
 Factors Affecting Water Requirements
3. Physiological States
• Young Animals: Young animals grow rapidly and have a higher metabolic rate,
which increases their water requirement per body weight compared to adults.
Their tissues are also more water-dense, so they need a steady water supply to
support growth.
• Lactating or Pregnant Animals: Lactation is a water-intensive process. For
dairy animals, milk production requires large amounts of water because milk
itself is around 87% water. Pregnant animals also need more water to support
fetal development, which involves amniotic fluid and blood volume increases.
• Growth Phases: Animals in rapid growth phases have heightened water needs
to support metabolic activities, protein synthesis, and nutrient transport
required for building muscle and tissues.
 Water Restriction and Dehydration Risks
• Without adequate water, animals decrease their feed intake, as water is
essential for digestion and nutrient absorption. Reduced feed intake leads to
lower productivity, impacting growth, milk production, and overall health.
• Dehydration causes electrolyte imbalance, as water is essential to maintain
electrolyte levels. Losing these electrolytes can result in muscle cramps,
weakness, and other health issues.
• With dehydration, body temperature regulation becomes challenging, as water
is key in dissipating excess heat. This can result in elevated body
temperatures, which may lead to heat stress or, in severe cases, death.
Example: In dairy cattle, dehydration reduces milk yield as water is a critical
component of milk. Heat-stressed cattle without sufficient water intake may
show signs of irritability and, if unaddressed, can even suffer from life-
threatening conditions.
 Water Intoxication
• After water deprivation, animals may drink large amounts in a short time,
which can overwhelm their kidneys. The kidneys, which regulate water
balance, may not adapt quickly enough to handle this sudden intake.
• This results in a condition called "water intoxication" or water poisoning, where
blood sodium levels become diluted, leading to imbalances that affect cellular
function, especially in the brain.
• Water intoxication can cause symptoms like weakness, confusion, and, in
severe cases, neurological damage or death due to the swelling of brain cells.
• Livestock that have gone without water for some time should be given water
gradually to avoid overwhelming their kidneys and risking water intoxication.
 Water Quality and Common Contaminants
• Poor water quality is a serious issue in livestock as contaminants like bacteria,
parasites, and chemicals (e.g., pesticides, nitrates) can cause illness, reduce
palatability, or affect overall productivity.
• High sulfate levels, for example, can lead to polioencephalomalacia in cattle, a
brain disorder linked to mineral imbalance and disruptions in vitamin B
metabolism.
• Contaminants can vary based on the water source; rural or farming areas may
face higher risks from pesticide runoff and nitrates, which are harmful above
certain levels.
• Contaminated water can cause symptoms ranging from digestive upset to
severe toxic reactions.
 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Levels
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measure the concentration of minerals in water,
including salts like calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
• While small amounts are normal, high TDS levels can make water unpalatable
or cause digestive upset.
• Water with TDS below 1,000 mg/L is generally safe for all livestock, but higher
TDS levels (above 5,000 mg/L) may cause mild diarrhea or affect animals with
lower tolerance, like poultry.
• Different species have varied tolerances to TDS, with some animals able to
handle higher mineral concentrations, while others may develop health issues.
 Guidelines for Maintaining Water Quality
• Regular monitoring helps ensure water sources are free from harmful levels of
salts, nitrates, and microbial contaminants.
• Regular testing keeps TDS and microbial content within safe limits,
maintaining water palatability and preventing health risks.
• Species-specific needs mean that some animals may tolerate higher or lower
levels of specific minerals.
• Monitoring is especially critical in extreme temperatures or physiological
states like lactation, where water intake rises significantly.
Example: Checking water quality frequently and adjusting sources accordingly is
crucial for lactating animals, like dairy cows, who need large quantities of clean,
uncontaminated water to support milk production.