Just like for humans, clean drinking water is critical for the health and productivity of livestock, including cattle, horses, and pigs. While you may assume that if the water in the trough looks fine, it’s safe for your animals to drink, that’s not always the case. Standard open water troughs create ideal conditions for bacterial growth, putting the health of your livestock at risk. 

Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of bacterial growth and how modern watering systems like the automatic waterers from Bar Bar A can significantly reduce these risks. 

Why Standard Water Troughs Are a Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Standard troughs are open to the elements, allowing dust, manure, urine, feed, bedding, insects, and wildlife to contaminate the water. Because the water does not circulate, bacteria can multiply rapidly. Plus, sunlight and heat warm the water and allow algae to grow, providing the food harmful bacteria needs to reproduce.  

The common types of harmful bacteria found in water troughs include:

• E. coli spreads through feces. When contaminated sediment or manure gets into the water, this bacteria can spread throughout the herd, causing digestive illnesses and dehydration risks. Plus, it can be transmitted to humans, as well. 
• Salmonella spreads through fecal contamination of water or food supplies, posing risks to both livestock and the humans who care for them. 
• Leptospira spreads through urine and thrives in stagnant water like that found in a standard trough. It can cause serious reproductive issues, kidney damage, and organ failure. 
• Cyanobacteria, sometimes referred to as blue-green algae, is a bacteria found in warm, stagnant water. Because it releases dangerous toxins as it breaks down, it can be potentially fatal if ingested by animals or humans.

The Devastating Impacts of Bacterial Infection

Shared troughs accelerate the spread of disease, leading to long-term consequences on herd health and increasing the risk of a full-blown outbreak. There’s also a higher mortality risk in young, old, or stressed animals whose immune systems struggle to fight off infections. These health effects may mean less breeding success and inhibited growth rates, putting your livelihood at risk. 

The specific effects of bacterial infection vary based on the type of bacteria and the animal’s species. Digestive issues, diarrhea, and weight loss are common, as is lower milk production and poor feed conversion. Plus, whenever an animal gets sick, it means increased veterinary costs and medication use, increasing the burden on you and your staff.

The Shortcomings of Standard Water Troughs

Because of their tendency to become a breeding ground for bacteria, standard water troughs come with a number of labor and maintenance challenges. They need to be cleaned frequently to control bacteria, which means it’s hard to maintain consistent sanitation in large farming or ranching operations. A lot of water is wasted due to constantly dumping and refilling troughs; plus, there’s the risk of human error and inconsistent cleaning schedules letting bacteria slip through the cracks. 

Your current watering system may be a health risk if: 

• You notice slimy buildup or algae growth in the trough
• There’s a foul odor or discoloration
• Animals avoid the trough or hesitate to drink
• There’s increased illness among your livestock or an unexplained performance decline
• Excessive cleaning is required to keep water usable

How Automatic Livestock Waterers Help Reduce Bacterial Growth

Bar Bar A’s automatic livestock waterers are designed to minimize the opportunity for bacteria to multiply. 

With an automatic waterer, there’s no standing water — just a constant supply of clean water that’s refreshed with each use, reducing the likelihood of disease transmission. Their semi-enclosed design limits contamination from debris, wildlife, manure, and mud, providing a cleaner drinking surface for your animals. Plus, with less warming in the summertime, the environment is less conducive to bacterial growth. 

A cleaner water system encourages proper hydration and feed intake, which means better animal welfare. When your animals are hydrated, they will perform better and be more productive. Plus, with an automatic waterer, you can save significant time, labor, and water, making livestock care and management easier than ever.

Improve Livestock Health with Bar Bar A

It’s much more humane and cost-effective to prevent disease than it is to treat it. If you’re looking for ways to protect your livestock from infection, it’s time to upgrade to an automatic waterer from Bar Bar A. Uninhibited access to clean, fresh water is valuable for both livestock and those who care for them. Shop our automatic waterers online, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.