{"id":10773,"date":"2026-07-15T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jodoco.com\/?p=10773"},"modified":"2026-07-30T15:30:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T15:30:04","slug":"what-is-the-role-of-drinking-water-in-preventing-heat-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jodoco.com\/en\/what-is-the-role-of-drinking-water-in-preventing-heat-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the role of drinking water in preventing heat stress?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drinking water plays a crucial role in preventing heat stress in animals. As temperatures rise, animals lose more moisture through breathing and sweating, significantly increasing their need for clean, fresh drinking water. Uninterrupted access to high-quality water is therefore one of the most direct and effective measures for reducing heat stress. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about drinking water and heat stress, from water intake to additives and system optimization.<\/p>\n

How does heat affect water intake in animals?<\/h2>\n

Heat significantly increases water intake in animals, as the body requires extra moisture to regulate body temperature. Animals drink more to compensate for losses through breathing, perspiration, and reduced feed intake. At high temperatures, water intake can be two to three times higher than under normal conditions.<\/p>\n

This effect is particularly pronounced in poultry. Chickens regulate their body temperature almost exclusively through panting, losing large amounts of moisture in the process. In pigs, heat regulation occurs through the skin and breathing, while ruminants also lose moisture through saliva and sweat. In all cases, the rule holds: the higher the temperature, the greater the strain on the animal’s fluid balance system.<\/p>\n

In addition to the volume of water consumed, drinking behavior also changes. Animals drink more frequently but in smaller amounts, shift their drinking activity to the cooler parts of the day, and avoid drinking points that are in direct sunlight. This behavioral pattern has direct consequences for technical performance: reduced water intake quickly leads to lower feed intake, slower growth, and a deteriorating feed conversion ratio.<\/p>\n

How much extra water do animals need during heat stress?<\/h2>\n

During heat stress, animals need roughly two to three times as much water as under normal temperatures. For broilers, this means that water requirements at temperatures above 30\u00b0C can rise to more than 300 mL per animal per day, compared to around 100 to 150 mL under cool conditions. For pigs and cattle, the absolute volumes are greater, but the ratio is comparable.<\/p>\n

A practical rule of thumb: the water-to-feed ratio rises from the usual 1.8:1 to 3:1 or more during hot weather. This has direct implications for the sizing of drinking water systems. Pipes, nipples, and drinking troughs designed for normal conditions can become a bottleneck during warm periods if they cannot handle the increased demand.<\/p>\n

It is also important to account for the specific age and productivity of the animal. High-producing laying hens, lactating sows, and fast-growing finishing pigs are most vulnerable to moisture deficiency. In these categories, even a brief restriction in water intake can cause measurable harm to production and welfare.<\/p>\n

Which water quality parameters are critical during heat waves?<\/h2>\n

During heat waves, the most critical water quality parameters are pH, bacterial load, hardness, and the presence of algae or biofilm. Poor-quality water is rejected more quickly by animals at high temperatures, placing additional pressure on an already elevated need.<\/p>\n

The following parameters deserve extra attention during warm periods:<\/p>\n