[Do we need regulation of drinking water for animals? Recommendations for the water supply of farm animals and pets].
The role of water as an essential nutrient for the animals, their health, performance and welfare is often underestimated. Presently there exists no specific legal regulation which defines the water quality for animal consumption. Some local recommendations make reference to the German regulation for the drinking water of humans. This seems to be useful in respect to food producing animals at a first glance. However, significant practical difficulties can occur. Therefore it is necessary to include in a possible regulation for the drinking water of animals additional animal and management specific aspects such as the type of animal, the keeping system, the water supply system, the distribution systems and the drinkers which are used. It may also be useful to define animal specific thresholds for certain groups of compounds and contaminants. As a first step towards a possible regulation 12 recommendations are given to improve and standardise the water supply of farm and pet animals.
Hartung
J
J
Institut für Tierhygiene und Tierschutz, Hochschule Hannover.
Kamphues
J
J
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D005858:Germany; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D014881:Water Supply / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*