The effect of ingestion of coal mine pit water on the productivity of pregnant and lactating beef cows

Abstract

This study examined the tolerance of pregnant and lactating beef cattle to elevated concentrations of sulphate (630, 1270 and 1910ppm sulphate) and other minerals in the drinking water. Feed intake, cow weight change during the first 12 weeks of lactation, calf growth rate and return to oestrus activity were all reduced appreciably when sulphate concentration was increased from 639 to 1270ppm. The study highlighted the greater sensitivity of breeding females, compared with published data for steers, to elevated concentrations of sulphate in the drinking water. It had been shown previously that steers could tolerate concentrations of up to 2000ppm without production loss. Further, the study provides evidence to support the Australian recommendation that 1000ppm sulphate should be the upper limit for sulphate concentration in the drinking water of cattle.