Testing livestock water for sulfates

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. Keep in mind that as July and August approach water may become more concentrated with salts. Livestock will also drink more water as the temperature increases.

The Fallon/Carter County Extension Office has water testing meters. In addition to testing for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) free of charge, they are now able to test for sulfate. For any questions or to get a water sample tested, please contact the Fallon/Carter Extension Office at (406) 778-7110.

For any questions or further sampling instructions, feel free to contact Kittelmann by email at elin.westover@montana.edu or by phone at (406)-778-7110.