New: Stricter rules for dairy farmers - what does that mean for drinking water quality?

The government is tightening the rules for dairy farmers. These rules fall under the General Administrative Order (AMvB) for Animal-Friendly Livestock Farming. The aim of this measure is to improve animal welfare. Farmers will therefore have to demonstrate even more clearly that they take good care of their animals.

The government mainly focuses on three aspects of animal welfare.

1. Nutrition and water
   Dairy cattle must receive sufficient and good feed as well as clean drinking water that meets the proper microbiological standards. Nutrition and water are basic needs, but unlike feed, the quality of water often receives little attention.
2. Health and pain reduction
   Farmers must ensure that dairy cattle remain as healthy as possible and do not suffer unnecessary pain. This means not only monitoring diseases but also paying attention to injuries, for example, those caused by other cattle.
3. Natural behaviour
   This includes allowing cows to rest, eat, drink, groom themselves, display social behaviour, and move freely. Everything a cow needs to behave in an animal-friendly way must be available on the farm.

According to ZuivelNL (2022), many of these basic requirements are already included in existing quality systems, such as IKB Rund. Nevertheless, the standards are now becoming stricter and inspections will increase. This requires conscious choices from farmers, especially when it comes to hygiene, health, and living environment.

What does this mean for drinking water quality?

Practical research shows that water pipes in barns are often contaminated with bacteria, even when tap water is used. One of the most underestimated and forgotten aspects of animal welfare is the quality of drinking water.Cows drink a lot: an adult dairy cow may need up to 100 litres of water per day, depending on temperature, lactation stage, and feed. If the water is not clean or tastes bad, cows may drink less. This directly affects their health, immunity, and milk production. Poor water quality leads to reduced feed intake and therefore lower milk production. In addition, contaminated water increases the risk of infections such as diarrhoea or mastitis, and consequently, the use of antibiotics – something that should be minimised.

Many dairy farmers use well or tap water but are not always aware of its quality. At Watter, we regularly see water test results showing bacteria, excessive iron, or other substances. These substances are often invisible and odourless but can have major consequences for the cows.

What should you pay attention to?

According to the IKB Rund guidelines, drinking water must meet the following target values:

If the drinking water does not meet these standards, cows often drink less. This not only affects their health and milk production but can also result in income loss and extra veterinary costs. It is therefore important to check water quality regularly. When was the last time you had a water sample from the trough analysed?

How can Watter help?

At Watter, we understand how important clean water is for dairy cattle. That is why we have developed a disinfection system that automatically ensures better microbiological quality of drinking water.

Our system:

• is effective against bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococci,
• provides microbiologically suitable drinking water for dairy cattle,
• generates hypochlorous acid (HOCl) on site,
• prevents transport and storage of hazardous chemicals with warning labels,
• is a more sustainable alternative and thus complies with the new requirements for animal-friendly livestock farming.
  
  

With the Watter system, dairy farmers are well prepared for the new rules. You improve the health of your cattle and at the same time meet the new requirements.