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

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 x 10(3) MLN 100mL(-1) and Thermotolerant coliform (TTC) ranged from 1.6 x 10(3) 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.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the factors that affect water quality for small ruminants in the Brazilian semiarid region, finding high levels of total coliform, Escherichia coli, and nitrate in the water samples. The implementation of preventive measures, such as regular cleaning of drinkers and chlorination, is necessary to guarantee adequate water consumption for the animals.