Managing Sediment in Ponds and Cattle Water Requirements

Welcome to BCI Cattle Chat! Most nutritionists consider water the most significant nutrient cattle consume, so correctly managing this finite resource becomes critical for successful beef production. Joe Gerken, K-State assistant professor of Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management, begins the episode by discussing various pond fundamentals with the hosts. Gerken and the experts then progress the show by answering a listener’s question about providing a separate water source for calves. Lastly, this week’s Cattle Chat concludes with interesting dialogue around different pond management strategies. Thanks for tuning in, and enjoy the episode!

4:21 Pond Basics: life expectancy, maintenance, refurbishment, sediment and health

10:31 Listener questions: Does water availability affect rate of gain in calves? & Should I provide my calves a separate water source from my cows?

15:14 Pond management: fencing, development programs, adding fish and blue green algae

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