Water is an essential nutrient for beef cattle, but current guidelines for estimating daily water needs are outdated and oversimplified. Most recommendations are based on limited data from feedlot steers and do not account for differences in breed, class (heifer, steer, bull), production system (grazing vs. drylot), or weather conditions. In this study, we analyzed over 130,000 daily records of individual beef cattle water intake, body weight, and feed intake collected over 5 yr from both drylot and pasture-based systems. We found that water intake varied widely across breeds and classes and was significantly influenced by seasonal changes and the temperature-humidity index (THI). Notably, relationships between water intake and body weight or feed intake were weak, challenging the assumptions of existing models. Our findings highlight the importance of collecting individual-level data under real-world conditions to more accurately estimate cattle water needs. This knowledge can help producers make better management decisions, select for water-efficient animals, and prepare for a future with increasing pressure on water resources.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.