Drinking water management : avoid colic and diarrhoea

But every year, some breeders call us with emergencies: foals with severe diarrhoea, hospitalisation or even death.

The analyses are clear: E. coli, Salmonella, etc…. And what do most cases have in common? Contaminated water at pasture.

Here’s what you really need to know – and do – to avoid the tragedy of standing water on the prairie.

1. Why water on grassland can become a hazard ?

Bathtubs, IBCs, large tubs… These simple and practical systems have a perverse effect in summer.
Heat accelerates the decomposition of organic matter (dust, blades of grass, food scraps).
These residues become a perfect breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
While adults are generally resistant to them, this is not the case for foals or senior horses with fragile intestinal flora.

The result: infectious diarrhoea, severe colic… often preventable.

2. What are your horses’ water requirements? 

A horse in pasture (500 kg) drinks on average :

• 30 L/day at 68°F.
• 50 L/day at 86°F.

A suckling mare can reach 65 L/day!

From their very first days, foals must have continuous access to water, day and night.

And beware: stress or dirt can be enough to reduce this vital consumption…

3. What are the points to watch out for?

For herd management, you need to :

• A minimum of 35 cm linear per horse.
• Several access points to avoid dominance conflicts.
• Don’t forget the older horses who arrive last… and leave without drinking.

Finally, constant-level drinkers are preferable, as they respect the horse’s drinking habits (sucking).

4. Standing water: an underestimated health risk

Dirty water is not just an aesthetic problem.

• It attracts mosquitoes (which transmit diseases).
• It becomes repulsive (sulphurous smell) → the horse drinks less!
• This can lead to a drop in the mare’s milk supply, dehydration, intestinal fragility, etc.

5. What can be done to ensure water security in the meadow ?

2x per month (minimum) :

• Empty the bins completely.
• Clean with brush and high-pressure jet.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

1x per month :

• Add chemical cleaning + disinfection agents.
• Always use products that are suitable for equine use.
• And above all: rinse well after disinfection.

Protect your foals, mares and fragile horses! Water is their first ration. Don’t underestimate its quality.

Need advice or suitable products? ✉️ Contact our HNP team for personalised support!

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