NM 07. Water in equine production in Buenos Aires province - Argentina

Abstract

The purpose of this experience was to perform a chemical diagnosis of animal drinking water quality in establishments dedicated to producing horses for jumping and cattle work in the area of greatest concentration of equines in Argentina. The area was divided in five zones: Capital (C), Gran Bs. As. (B) North (A) Northeast (D) and Southeast (E). Total salt and pH were analized using conductometry; hardness, chlorides, sulphates, arsenic, using colorimetric indicators, and nitrates with reflectometry. They were evaluated considering maximum allowed limits for horses. Nitrates in A and D, 40 to 50 % of samples are over the tolerable limits for foals and young animals. The average Arsenic is acceptable but extreme in E in over 32 % of the samples and in an isolated case in A. Equines in these zones may suffer gastrointestinal disorders, impaired growth and reproduction problems.