Keep livestock out of your pond

Listen to this radio story about keeping livestock out of your pond (MP3 download)

Did you know that water constitutes approximately 60-70% of an animal's weight? For your livestock, consuming water is actually more important than consuming food. However, this doesn't mean you should allow your livestock to drink from your pond. When animals are drinking out of the same stagnant pond water that they're defecating in, it creates a breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria. Livestock will also erode the banks and wreck the dam. The best solution is to simply put a fence around the area and contact your local extension office to learn more about ways to water livestock without compromising pond health.

Radio interview source: Morgan Powell, farm pond expert, Kansas State University

For additional information, we suggest the following resources:

Water Affects Livestock Performance: A look at how water quality affects the health of your livestock.

Water Quality for Livestock and Poultry: An outline of the recommended limits of substances commonly found in water used for livestock and poultry.

Protecting Your Farm Pond: Methods you can use to keep livestock away from your pond.