Assessment of Drinking Water Quality from Different Sources in Smallholder Ruminant Production in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of good quality water for ruminant survival and productivity in smallholder farming system is an indispensable feature for disease prevention and improving performance. This study examined the physiochemical and organoleptic properties of different water sources consumed by ruminants in smallholder farming systems. Samples of tap, well, rain, stream and borehole water were collected and analyzed. Results showed that the physiochemical properties monitored varied (P<0.05) across water treatments with exception of temperature that ranged (P>0.05) from 27.83 to 29.90^oC. Mineral content also varied (P<0.05) across water treatments with iron and magnesium having higher (P<0.05) content (0.39 – 1.04 mg/L and 30.24 and 32.59 mg/L), respectively, than the maximum acceptable level for most locations. The organoleptic properties across treatments comply with the standard of drinking water with exception of stream water where odour and suspended particles was observed. It was therefore recommended that routine observation and testing should be conducted to detect levels and changes in some aspects of water quality, which will allow for remedial action before too much damage or loss of production occurs.

Keywords: Drinking water, Ruminant, Physicochemical, Mineral composition, Organoleptic