Why sheep must be given enough warm water to drink in winter

In winter and spring, when temperatures are low, if sheep are given cold water or even water with ice bits, they are unwilling to drink it, which leads to insufficient water intake. This not only slows down the digestion of their feed, blocks body metabolism, and lowers their body condition, but also triggers various diseases. Therefore, in practice, drinking conditions must be created for sheep to ensure clean and adequate water.

Water temperature. If the water sheep drink is too cold, the water will absorb the heat that the sheep themselves have converted from feed, thereby reducing feed utilization. Therefore, in winter and spring, the water temperature for sheep is best kept at 20°C~30°C.

Drinking method. To encourage sheep to drink more and drink enough, they can be given a soup made from concentrated feed. First, scald the concentrated feed with boiling water, stir evenly to make it into a paste, then add a certain amount of water, stir evenly, and give it to the sheep to drink.

Water quantity. For every 1 kg of dry matter a sheep eats, it needs 3~5 kg of water. Therefore, in winter and spring, depending on how much forage and feed the sheep eats, give them water at 3~5 times the amount of dry matter.

Drinking time. If sheep drink on an empty stomach and the water temperature is somewhat low, their body temperature will drop sharply, making them prone to colds and fever, and pregnant ewes that drink cold water on an empty stomach are prone to miscarriage. In practice, sheep should be given water 1 hour after being fed grass and feed; this also allows the water and feed to mix fully in the rumen, which helps digestion.

Drinking frequency. It is best to water sheep 2 times, in the morning and in the evening. If conditions do not allow, water at least once, but be careful to give them enough.