Does Green Fodder Really Contain Water? Here's How It Helps Meet the Hydration Needs of Livestock!

Does Green Fodder Really Contain Water? Here's How It Helps Meet the Hydration Needs of Livestock!
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Krishi Dunia
  • 15 Apr, 2025 12:12 PM IST ,
  • Updated Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:43 PM

Raising livestock during the summer is no easy task—especially when water becomes scarce. In this season, issues like heat stress and dehydration can turn deadly for animals. In such situations, green fodder proves to be an excellent solution. It not only provides essential nutrition but also helps compensate for the lack of water in animals' bodies.

How Much Water Does Green Fodder Contain?

According to animal health experts, one kilogram of green fodder typically contains around 3 to 4 liters of water. This means that when animals do not have access to enough drinking water, green fodder can partially fulfill their hydration requirements. That’s why green fodder is often prioritized in livestock diets during the hot summer months.

Precautions While Feeding Green Fodder

While green fodder is highly beneficial, excessive consumption can lead to bloating and digestive issues in animals. It is important to maintain a balanced quantity while feeding, and to ensure that fresh drinking water is also available alongside the fodder to aid proper digestion.

How Much Water Do Cows and Buffaloes Need?

During summer, lactating animals require even more water to maintain milk production:

  • A cow needs approximately 30 to 50 liters of water daily.
  • A buffalo may require up to 40 to 70 liters per day.

If these water needs are not met, it could result in a decline in milk output. It is essential to provide clean, room-temperature water and ideally ensure water is always available so the animals can drink as needed.

Benefits of Providing Water to Livestock:

  1. Aids in digestion of fodder and other feed.
  2. Helps transport nutrients and energy throughout the body.
  3. Assists in flushing out toxins through urine.
  4. Regulates body temperature during extreme heat.
  5. Essential for milk production—since milk contains nearly 85% water, producing one liter of milk requires about 2.5 liters of water.

Conclusion

In summer, when water availability becomes a major concern, green fodder acts as a life-saver for livestock. It not only quenches their thirst but also supports overall health and milk production. Therefore, every livestock owner should ensure the regular availability of green fodder and clean water during the hotter months.

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