A Comparison of “Hard” and Commercially Softened Water in the Ration of Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract

Summary There were no significant differences observed between the two treatments in the production of 4 per cent F.C.M. or in changes in body weight. The cows while on the hard water produced 33.0 lb. of milk daily and gained an average of 8 lb. in body weight each. The cows while on softened water produced 33.2 lb. of milk daily and gained an average of 1 lb. in body weight each during the experimental period. No difference was observed in the average daily water consumption. All the cows consumed an average of 97.1 lb. of water daily regardless of the total hardness of the water. The ratio of water consumed to milk produced was 2.9 and the ratio of water consumed to dry matter intake also was 2.9.