Snow meets sheep water needs

Jane Fyksen 715-683-2779
Mar 5, 2018
Mar 5, 2018

1 of 4

Soft snow coupled with pasture can meet the water requirement of most sheep in winter.

Contributed

Ewes producing milk for multiple lambs require the most water. A stock tank of water should be provided.

File photo

Guard dog by stock tank in sheep paddock

Providing a stock tank of water is the safest way to know a flock's water requirements are being met. At certain times of the year sheep won't utilize it. During others, they'll let the producer know he was right in putting it out there.

Contributed

Fighting a frozen stock tank is an unpleasant winter chore. That's why if shepherds can trust that sheep can have their water requirements met by eating snow, life becomes easier.

Contributed

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Jane Fyksen 715-683-2779

Sheep with access to clean snow in winter do not, in general, need supplemental water, according to several livestock specialists.

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Jane Fyksen writes about crops, dairy, livestock and many other agricultural topics; she is the crops editor for Agri-View based in Wisconsin. Email Jfyksen@madison.com for more information.