Reinforcing the importance of clean water, Russ Cavanaugh addresses the potential of water as a fomite. He contrasts how most poultry and hog producers approach water treatment with a relative lack of water treatment systems on dairies. His article is a call to action for dairy operators to know what is in their water and to devise a treatment and monitoring system to ensure its safety.
Source: Progressive Dairy, June 26, 2026. Link.
There are two reasons to treat water: to reduce levels of minerals and other elements and to improve hygiene.”
NOTE: Cavanagh’s discussion of biofilms goes beyond the water trough to include water lines, water troughs and traps, milking equipment, bulk tanks and cooling systems.
Related: Is your water source canceling out your trace mineral program? Progressive Cattle, July 2, 2026. Link. High iron levels and other antagonists in water sources can interfere with mineral absorption.
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