When the temperatures rise, so does your livestock’s demand for water. Summer heat causes animals to lose more fluids through respiration and sweat—yes, even those that don’t sweat like humans—making hydration one of the most important factors in summer livestock health.
So, how much water do your animals actually need when the heat turns up? Let’s break it down.
Just like humans, livestock sweat (to varying degrees), pant, and lose water through respiration to regulate body temperature. In hot weather, their bodies work overtime to stay cool—especially if they’re grazing, lactating, or housed in crowded areas.
Without enough clean, accessible water:
Feed intake drops
Weight gain slows
Milk production plummets
Fertility declines
Illness risk increases
That’s why hydration management is essential to protecting both your animals’ welfare and your bottom line.
Here are the average daily water intake needs for common livestock during hot weather:
| Animal | Daily Water Need (Summer) |
|---|---|
| 🐄 Dairy Cow | 30–50 gallons |
| 🐂 Beef Cow | 15–25 gallons |
| 🐎 Horse | 10–15 gallons |
| 🐖 Pig | 2–3 gallons |
| 🐐 Goat | 1–4 gallons |
| 🐑 Sheep | 1–3 gallons |
| 🐓 Chicken | 0.5–1 pint |
Animals may drink two to three times more than usual during extreme heat, especially if any of these factors are at play:
Lack of shade or shelter
High humidity
Lactation or pregnancy
Transport or handling stress
High-salt feed or supplements
More water = more strain on your system. Here’s what to check:
Tank Size & Quantity: Do you have enough capacity to handle peak demand?
Waterer Flow Rate: Ensure high-flow valves or float systems are functioning properly.
Cleanliness: Warm weather promotes algae and bacterial growth—clean tanks weekly (or more).
Access Points: Avoid crowding by providing multiple drink stations in large pastures or pens.
Water Temperature: Animals prefer cool water—insulated or shaded tanks help keep temps down.
We design rugged, efficient, and easy-to-clean waterers that keep your herd hydrated in every season—especially summer. With features like:
UV-resistant materials
Easy-access cleanout
High-flow designs
Frost-free and insulated options
...you can trust your livestock are getting what they need when it matters most.