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Animals during the period of intensive growth and development need large amounts of nutrients. Young animals, especially newborns, are exceptionally vulnerable to potentially deleterious effects of nutritional deficiencies. Water is the main component of animal rations. Many dairy calves do not have sufficient access to drinking water. All calves, even those consuming large volumes of milk, should have access to drinking water. Milk does not meet their water requirements. Sick calves and calves reared in high ambient temperatures require free access to drinking water at all times. It is reasonable to offer free drinking water immediately after birth. The aim of this paper was to present the aspects connected with drinking water in calf nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-yielding dairy cows have exceptionally high water requirement. These animals may drink up 100 L of water per day. Water is the main component of animal rations. Dairy cow free water intake significantly exceeds dry matter intake. Access to drinking water determines animal health, welfare and performance. Even short-term water deprivation may negatively affect dairy cows. Factors influencing dairy cow water intake include body weight, milk yield, dry matter intake, diet composition, ambient temperature and physiological state. The aim of this paper was to present the aspects connected with drinking water in dairy cow nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]