How much water does a cow drink in winter?
Roughly 38 L a day for a dry 1,300 lb beef cow and 45 L for a cow with a calf, by the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture rule of thumb. A K&H de-icer from Pipestone Farm Supply keeps it available.
How much water does a horse drink in winter?
The short answer
Plan on about 45 L a day per horse. Alberta Agriculture uses that figure year round, and it lines up with the 10 to 12 US gallons Horses Extension gives for an average horse. Snow or a frozen pond will not supply that, so keep a bucket or tank open with a K&H de-icer from Pipestone Farm Supply.
- Ultimate Bucket HeaterK&H Pet Products Ultimate Bucket Heater$62.99
- Stock tank de-icerK&H Pet Products Ultimate Stock Tank De-Icer 1500W$81.99
- Tuff Stuff 50 gal tankTuff Stuff oval tank 50galPickup at our Millet, Alberta location$108.99
We keep this on hand, so it's ready to go. In-stock orders can ship as soon as the same day, and depending on where you are, your parcel can arrive in as little as 1 to 2 business days once it's on the road. Pickup in Millet, Alberta is free, and shipping is free on orders over $199.99 to most addresses.
Can horses or cattle get enough water from eating snow?
Do not count on it. Horses Extension says snow or a frozen pond will not supply enough for a horse, and West Virginia University Extension says snow may fall short of what livestock need. Keep open water available.
- Ultimate Bucket HeaterK&H Pet Products Ultimate Bucket Heater$62.99
- Stock tank de-icerK&H Pet Products Ultimate Stock Tank De-Icer 1500W$81.99
Sources: Horses Extension, How much water does a horse need?
What water temperature do cattle and horses prefer in winter?
West Virginia University Extension says animals prefer roughly 4 C to 18 C. The British Columbia factsheet gives the same acceptable range. A de-icer keeps water from freezing rather than warming it.
Sources: West Virginia University Extension, Winter watering
How much water do sheep and goats need in winter?
West Virginia University Extension lists 1 to 3 US gallons a day for goats and 2 to 3 for sheep and lactating ewes, about 4 to 11 L. A heated base or bucket heater keeps a pail open.
- Universal baseK&H Pet Products Universal Waterer De-icer$101.99
- Perfect Bucket HeaterK&H Pet Products Perfect Bucket Heater Gray$57.99
Sources: West Virginia University Extension, Winter watering
Close by? Pipestone Farm Supply is in Millet, Alberta, less than 15 minutes from Leduc and Wetaskiwin and less than 30 minutes from south Edmonton. See drive times from your area.
Updated November 5, 2026 by Pipestone Farm Supply, Millet, Alberta.
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