Water quality of small ruminant production systems in the Brazilian semiarid region

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to analyze the microbiological and physical-chemical factors that affect the water quality for small ruminants of production in the Brazilian semiarid region. Water samples were collected from 23 farms during the months of February to April 2018, directly from the point of animal consumption (drinking fountains). Total coliform (TC) ranged from 2.0 to >1.6 × 10³ MLN 100mL⁻¹ and Thermotolerant coliform (TTC) ranged from <1.8 to >1.6 × 10³ MLN 100mL⁻¹, with the presence of Escherichia coli (EC) in 73.91% of the samples analyzed. Only 43.47% of the samples presented a pH within the ideal range (6–9). Total dissolved solids (TDS) values ranged from 30.08 to 1881.60 ppm. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was 0.15 to 1.55 ppm and nitrate (NTT) was 0.13 to 44.99 ppm. Water samples from tubular and artesian wells were considered mostly unsuitable for animal watering. Physical-chemical parameters were interfered due to local geology and the microbiological quality of the water. The implementation of preventive measures, such as the periodic cleaning of drinkers and the adoption of treatments like chlorination, can guarantee adequate water consumption, without causing sanitary problems or intoxications to the animals.

Abbreviations CDF: Cleaning of drinking fountains; DFM: Drinking Fountain Material; EC: Escherichia coli; DS: Degree of Salinity; WS: Water source; WC: water classification; TC: Total coliform; TTC: Thermotolerant coliform; DO: Dissolved oxygen; TDS: Total dissolved solids; NTT: Nitrate.

KEYWORDS:

• Coliforms
• drinkers
• Escherichia coli
• goats and sheep
• semiarid

Acknowledgment

The City Hall of Bela Cruz, through the Agribusiness Secretariat,  especially the secretary Carlos César de Carvalho for supporting the activities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.