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Alternative Watering Systems for Field Grazed Livestock

Whilst mains or private water supply should be considered as the first choice to supply drinking water to livestock, alternative watering systems provide an option for consideration for grazing livestock at remote sites, subject to water quality.

Alternative watering options can be based on abstraction or pumping systems.  The alternative watering system chosen must be suitable for your site and meet stock drinking requirements.

Farming & Water Scotland's webpage has more information on different types of alternative watering systems and their importance in complying with the GBR's (General Binding Rules).

black cattle drinking from a water trough powered by solar
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Water Scarcity Case Study: Alternative Watering of Livestock

Following an AECS application in 2016 to fence off watercourses from grazing livestock, combined with a move to outwintering of cattle, Whitriggs Farm had an increased demand on their water requirements. As extreme drought events are projected to increase, the business needed to take a new approach to how livestock were supplied with water in the fields. Read more >>

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