Harmful Algal Blooms - Are My Cattle in Danger?

Water is the most critical factor in the diet of cattle and during hot and dry weather, it is especially important to monitor water quality. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can reduce water quality and intake, and are potentially toxic to livestock. Although blooms can occur at any time of year, they happen most often in the warmer months between June and September. In freshwater, the majority of HABs are caused by cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are simple plants that exist naturally in water and wet environments. They prefer warm, stagnant, nutrient-rich water and are found most often in ponds, lakes, and slow moving rivers. Farm ponds contaminated with fertilizer run-off or direct manure and urine contamination are prime places for algae to thrive. During periods of hot