Physicochemical Analysis of Ruminant Drinking Water Quality in Some Farms in the Karaman, Kayseri, Konya, and Niğde Region

Authors : Hatice Nur Kılıç, Emrecan Gülek, Ayşenur Göbelek

Pages : 110-126

Doi:10.51970/jasp.1823901

View : 59 | Download : 95

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study, physicochemical parameters of 40 ruminant animal (large and small ruminants) drinking water samples collected from semi-open barns and pens in Karaman, Kayseri, Konya, and Niğde provinces in Turkey were evaluated. Temperature values varied between 16.85°C and 23.03°C, and while the lowest averages in Konya (18.94°C) probably originated from seasonal or groundwater-sourced coolness, the highest value in Niğde small ruminants (23.03°C) reflected the thermal exposure of surface waters. pH levels ranged between 6.92-7.80, and the highest value in Niğde small ruminants (7.80 ± 0.20) indicated slightly alkaline conditions. The electrical conductivity parameter exhibited the most pronounced regional variation; while peak values were observed in Konya large ruminant (1222.31) and small ruminant (1298.87) samples, the lowest level in Niğde small ruminants (546.27) emphasized low mineral content. Dissolved oxygen (DO, mg/ppm) concentrations were distributed across a wide spectrum from 3.87 mg/ppm in Karaman small ruminants to 19.34 mg/ppm in Niğde small ruminants; while high values in Niğde (15.86–19.34 mg/ppm) indicated good oxygenation, low levels in Karaman (3.87–4.51 mg/ppm) and values in Kayseri small ruminants (4.50 mg/ppm) fell below the recommended minimum of 5.0 mg/ppm, indicating contamination or stagnant water risks. Salinity rates varied from 0.15 ppt in Konya small ruminants to 1.13 ppt in Konya large ruminants, with the latter reflecting salt accumulation associated with intensive evaporation and evaporite dissolution under arid conditions. Total dissolved solids values followed similar trends, reaching maximum in Konya (582.54 ppm) and revealing geological-hydrological mineral richness, while the minimum in Niğde small ruminants (399.04 ppm) emphasized the relative purity of water. Most parameters were within acceptable ranges for ruminant health, and rumen acidosis, alkalosis, hypovolemia, or decrease in feed/water consumption are not expected. Physical oxygenation methods should be preferentially employed for low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in Karaman and Kayseri provinces.
Keywords : Ruminant hayvan içme suyu, pH, Elektriksel iletkenlik, Toplam çözünmüş katı maddeler, Çözünmüş oksijen

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