Help keep your livestock out of local waterbodies with this Off-Stream Watering Device, or Nose Pump, which is now available for loan in our farm resources. The loan is free with a $50 deposit.

Stream, pond, and lake banks are all susceptible to the same types of damage from livestock. And since water from most lakes and ponds outlets into a creek, what happens to the lake or pond impacts streams as well. Sediment from eroded soil due to hoof traffic entering waterways covers fish spawning gravels, smothers eggs, clogs fish gills, and changes water temperatures and degrades overall water quality. It also reduces water clarity making the water appear cloudy or muddy. Nutrients found in manure such as nitrogen and phosphorus are substances needed for plant growth; however, elevated nutrient levels in surface water can cause excessive aquatic plant growth. This can cause bumper crops of algae or aquatic weeds. As these plants decay, they consume oxygen, resulting in decreased dissolved oxygen levels in the water. This can lead to fish or other aquatic organism deaths. Pathogens are disease causing bacteria and viruses associated with the presence of fecal matter from humans or animals. Pathogens such as giardia, E. coli and cryptosporidium can contaminate drinking water and negatively affect livestock health through decreased weight gain, lower milk production and overall reduced animal health.

One option to employ to restrict livestock from water bodies but still allow access to this wateras a drinking source, are nose pumps. Animals quickly learn to use these devices, and PCD now has two available for loan along with our temporary electric fencing kits if you would like to try out this option to see if it will work for your operation prior to building anything permeant. If you decide that you like this system, we may even be able to help you secure funding to implement it on your property.