Sulfur Water

[MBW61]

Will cows drink water from a spring with a strong smell of sulfur? If they will dose it affect there water consumption? Are there any other negative affects from drinking it?

Any help or experience any one has with this will be appreciated.

 

[jodywy]

Across the fence from me are over 79 sulfur springs, from hot and clear, to cold with calcite, clear and carbonated dark green pool, and light green pool and almost black pools. There 2 really big spring and an old concrete swimming pool. I seen the owner lease it out most the springs are fenced out but the livestock but can get to the small stream of over flow from most the springs and they don't seam to have a problem drinking the water.
Up the road and across fro me the neighbors drilled an artesian well it is warm water they use when feeding on that hay field during the winter , but on really cold days the cows are in the hot sulfur spring down by the highway getting their drink.

 

[PureCountry]

It all depends on the level of sulfur. I was just talking to a nutritionist friend about our water this morning, and he said anything at or above 1400mg/L can result in reduced growth in calves, diarrhea, and at 2000mg, they're dead. It can also cause copper and zinc deficiencies under the right circumstances, because a high level of sulfur attacks the walls of the rumen and makes it very difficult if not impossible for the animal to absorb those other nutrients.

Best way to know is to test the water. We get bottles from the local Health Authority Office, and they test the water for free. Hope that helps.

 

[bverellen]

Down here ther are alot of sulfur water wells, generally these are shallow wells.

Cattle don't turn their noses up one bit.

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[Faster horses]

Depends on the amount of sulpher and if there is any other water source.
Best thing to do is get it tested, as Pure Country recommended.

 

[John SD]

The water I use for both my cattle and household use comes from an artesian well. It has both suphur and sodium but actually doesn't taste bad to me when cold.

The cattle love the artesian water year round and actually prefer it to any surface or shallow well water around here that is full of alkalai. I do haul drinking water for myself and don't make a habit of drinking artesian.

If the artesian water sits in the water heater any length of time there is a rotten egg smell when opening the hot tap.

I agree with the others, only way to know for sure is have it tested.

 

[MBW61]

Thanks for the information. You have been real helpful.




Pure Country Could the inability to absorb Copper and Zinc be off set with higher levels of those minerals in a supplement or salt, or would it require a shot? Also would being on the pasture for 4-6 months be enough time for the animals to become seriously deficient in those minerals?