Water is the most important nutrient for livestock. A quality and safe water supply is essential to the production of healthy livestock. If water is not suitable for consumption, it can adversely affect the growth, reproduction and productivity of livestock. Often it is excessive salinity-too high concentration of dissolved solids of various kinds-that affect water quality in the area.

Testing water annually, if not more frequently, will help establish a baseline for the quality of water on an operation, as well as ensure the health of livestock. Now is a great time to test livestock water....