Desert Knowledge CRC
The WaterSmart Pastoralism™ Handbook
1.4. Water point location
In extensive pastoral systems, animals concentrate grazing around watering
points. Sheep concentrate their grazing within 2.5 km of the watering point and
cattle within 5 km. When animals are required to walk further than this, they
often expend more energy than is gained from the forage consumed.
In large paddocks the distance of pasture from water can limit carrying
capacity. Strategic location of water points will use available feed while
reducing concentrated grazing pressure. If stock require more water due to
lactation, salinity or dry feed, they may need to drink more than once a day.
This will also reduce their forage radius.
Optimal distance between water points is 5–8 km for sheep, and up to 10 km
for cattle. The expense of water development in poorly watered areas could be
justified by improved animal performance and increased carrying capacity.
waterpoint
located inopen
pasture
3 km
5 km
waterpoint
located incorner
paddock
grazing area within
3km of water point
is 7 km
grazing area within 5km of
water point is 19 km
3 km
5 km
Water point located in open pasture
maximises grazing area
Water point located in corner of
paddock restricts grazing area
CJ01.EPS
grazing area within 3km of
water point is 23 km
grazing area within 5km of
water point is 78 km
Figure 1: Benefits of strategic water point location
Source: Colleen James
