Water Medication Systems - Northern Territory Government
Contents
1. EXAMPLE 200 head of breeder cows are supplemented with a maximum of 500 mL of nutrient concentrate per head per day and the concentrate tank will be re filled on every third bore run if a bore run occurs every four days then every third bore run occurs every 12 days The volume of a concentrate tank needs to be at least 200 X 500 X 12 1 200 000 mL Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 10 of 17 EQUATION 2 VOLUME OF WATER IN TROUGH Critical factors Based on Diameter or width of trough metres Length of trough metres Easy calculation factor 0 7854 Approximate volume of water in trough easy calculation Approximate volume of water in trough standard calculation diameter of trough X length of trough X 0 7854 2 1X diameter of trough 2 X length of trough 2 EXAMPLE EXAMPLE A trough is 0 4 metres wide at the water surface and 5 The standard calculation of the same example gives metres long the volume of water held by the trough to be The volume of water held by the trough is approximately approximately 0 4 X 5 X 0 7854 2 0 31416 m 22 7 X 0 4 2 X5 2 0 31428 m This is a useful measurement to help check the water meter however it may over estimate the actual volume of water in the trough if the depth of the water is less than the radius half the trough width Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 11 of 17 EQUATION 3 AVERAG2. Technote No 121 October 2006 CATTLE SUPPLEMENTATION Water Medication Systems Checks for installation and maintenance J Coventry Pastoral Production Officer Alice Springs and K Hill former AZRI Station Manager Alice Springs CONTENTS BACKGROUND 2 COMPONENTS OF A WATER MEDICATION SYSTEM 3 Figure 1 Diagram system with a NORPRIM unit 5 Figure 2 Diagram system with a NUTRIDOSE unit 5 Figure 3 Photograph system with a NORPRIM unit 6 Figure 4 Photograph system with a NUTRIDOSE unit 6 TOOLS 7 INSTALLATION OF A WATER MEDICATION SYSTEM 7 Equation 1 Minimum workable volume for a concentrate tank 10 Equation 2 Volume of water in trough 11 Equation 3 Average weight of nutrient consumed per head per day 12 MAINTENANCE OF A WATER MEDICATION SYSTEM 13 REFERENCES 15 SUBJECT INDEX 16 as Northern Territory Government is BACKGROUND Nutrient supplementation of cattle has been widely undertaken on native rangeland pastures throughout the Northern Territory to compensate for deficiencies in dietary nitrogen phosphorus and sulphur Cattle supplemented with non protein nitrogen have a higher requirement for supplementation with sulphur particularly when consuming high levels of browse on arid rangelands Methods of supplementing cattle have included lick blocks loose dry mixes and water medication Water medication systems work best where cattle drink exclusively from troughs and have no access to uncontrolled s
3. 17 When checks are complete ensure that the in line nutrient tap and water line tap are closed clean off spillage of nutrient concentrate on the electronic water medication unit reset the control box and update the records REFERENCES 1 Entwistle K and Jephcott S 2005 Water medication A guide for beef producers Meat and Livestock Australia Limited 2 Wood T 2004 PFSA Nutridose Manual Supplementing livestock with Nutridose A practical guide to Nutridose solar injectors Available online http www nutridose com au Manual pdf Accessed February 2005 3 Hill K 2003 Project PDS 97 10 Effectiveness of Water Medication to Supplement Breeder Cattle in Spinifex Country Producer Demonstration Site Alice Springs District December 1998 November 2001 Meat and Livestock Australia NT Department of Business Industry and Resource Development Primary Industries Group Alice Springs N T 4 NORPRIM 2004 NORPRIM Nutrient Dispensing Systems Installation and Operation Manual NORPRIM a division of McEvoy Rural Holdings Pty Ltd Mitchell Qld 5 Wood T 2005 Nutridose Concentration Monitor A major breakthrough in water medication Available online http www nutridose com au press Conc 20monitor htm Accessed February 2005 6 Thomson F rev 2003 Operating Manual User manual Nutridose Controller and Monitor Document Number M0021 Available online htto www nutridose com au MonitorManual pdf A
4. 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 2 3 7 8 12 14 4 see pump 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 13 4 5 6 15 6 3 7 7 8 14 6 7 2 3 4 7 8 9 13 14 15 See pump function 15 3 9 14 15 8 13 9 13 15 3 4 10 14 SUBJECT R cont d roof S safety feature s sediment siphoning solar panel solar stirrer solenoid spillage surface water T tank tap telemetry tool box trough U uncontrolled water UV radiation urea layering urea poisoning urea breakdown PAGE 3 6 8 2 3 4 9 3 4 8 15 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 2 3 4 9 15 9 15 see uncontrolled water 4 6 7 8 13 7 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 13 2 13 8 2 14 2 7 13 Northern Territory Government 2006 SUBJECT V volumetric cylinder W water consumption water flow water meter water quality water supply water line water line filter water line tap wildlife wire brush Page 17 of 17 PAGE See Measuring cup see trough 3 4 7 8 9 13 14 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 13 14 see algae alkalinity ammonia precipitate 3 4 5 6 7 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 4 14 4 5 6 9 14 15 2 8 7
5. including the weight of nutrient dry mix used A calibrated dipstick in the concentrate tank can simplify measurement of the remaining and added volume of nutrient concentrate 1 12 Identify and resolve problems related to ammonia odour in the concentrate tank if required If the nutrient concentrate smells of ammonia the water supply may have high total alkalinity or the concentrate tank may be overheating System function 13 Check the function of the pump and water meter Check that the water meter activates the pump at the set level to correctly inject nutrient concentrate at the set volume and period This is most simply done by opening both the in line nutrient tap at the injection point plus the extra water line tap below the water meter 14 If the measured water flow is faulty then check the water line filter and water meter paddlewheel turbine for function and freedom from mineral or organic matter build up Clean if required Where hard water causes a precipitate to build up the paddlewheel turbine may need to be cleaned in weak acid every 6 months or even replaced every 12 months 2 15 If injection of the nutrient concentrate is faulty then check the pump filter and in line nutrient filter for sediment If required also check the solenoid valve and one way valve if present for function Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 14 of 17 16 Check the automatic cut off function on the pump
6. line If an in line nutrient tap is not available then the hose clamp on the outlet nutrient line will need to be disconnected when conducting checks or measuring the injection of nutrient concentrate Is the liquid nutrient that is prepared using nutrient dry mix dissolved in water at a specific concentration also see Equation 3 Is the customised or proprietary premix dry nutrient ingredients that are formulated for water medication Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 3 of 17 Nutrient flow meter Nutrient line One way valve Pump Regulator Solar panel Solenoid valve Tank tap Water meter Water line Water line filter Water line tap Monitors and controls the flow of nutrient concentrate that is injected through the outlet nutrient line from the end of one pump cycle to the end of the next This is a safety feature e g NUTRIDOSE 5 Is the set of hose lines which carries nutrient concentrate from the concentrate tank to the pump inlet and from the pump outlet to the water line or trough The hose should be flexible re enforced and able to withstand the corrosive nature of the nutrient concentrate 4 7 Stops a backward stream of water from the water line up into the outlet nutrient line e g during water hammer 2 pressure from the pump ensures that the nutrient concentrate can still be injected into the water line Injects nutrient concentrate from the concentrate tank i
7. poisoning and death of cattle This Technote lists practical points to consider when installing checking and maintaining a water medication system The Technote focuses on systems that use electronic water medication units and nutrient dry mixes Two units that have been used successfully in the Northern Territory are the NORPRIM unit and the NUTRIDOSE unit Extrapolation of listed practical points to other systems and other nutrient supplement ingredients for water medication should be done with care Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 2 of 17 COMPONENTS OF A WATER MEDICATION SYSTEM ESSENTIAL AND OPTIONAL FEATURES also see Figures 1 and 2 Anti siphon tube Battery Concentrate tank Concentration monitor Control box Gate valve In line nutrient filter In line nutrient tap Nutrient concentrate Nutrient dry mix Prevents siphoning of nutrient concentrate where the level of the concentrate tank is above the medicated trough This is an air vent e g a fitted copper tube or proprietary plastic air breather that is inserted into the outlet nutrient line as an optional safety feature A DC 12 volt battery is used to power the control box pump and solenoid valve The required battery size depends upon the number of cattle watering on the medicated trough For example a new car battery can be used An 18 amp hour battery is sufficient to power a water medication unit for 1 000 head of cattle Some electronic
8. water medication units are powered by a 240 volt supply with a converter that replaces the battery and regulator 4 Holds the nutrient concentrate solution during preparation and covered storage To assist smooth in flow of fresh nutrient dry mix a removable lid or a wide access hole in the roof of the concentrate tank is advised 4 As with the pipe fittings polythene should be used in preference to metal products The size of a concentrate tank should be sufficient to hold at least enough nutrient concentrate for supplementation of all the cattle on the medicated trough s during the period between refills see example in Equation 1 Monitors and regulates concentration of nutrient concentrate in the water line This is an optional safety feature that may be operated with a mixing chamber and an alternative fresh water supply This safety feature may be considered if the risk justifies the cost e g NUTRIDOSE 5 An electronic control box monitors and records water flow plus controls the injection of nutrient concentrate Prevents the flow of nutrient concentrate through the inlet nutrient line into the pump when a malfunction is detected in some electronic water medication units e g NUTRIDOSE 6 Removes sediment from the in line nutrient concentrate This is inserted into the inlet nutrient line between the concentrate tank and the pump Allows the pump function to be checked The tap is fitted into the outlet nutrient
9. E WEIGHT OF NUTRIENT CONSUMED PER HEAD PER DAY Critical factors Based on Concentration of nutrient concentrate in concentrate tank grams per millilitre Volume of nutrient concentrate drunk by cattle millilitres per head per day Average weight of nutrient consumed per head per day concentration of nutrient concentrate in concentrate tank X volume of nutrient concentrate drunk by cattle EXAMPLE Five bags of nutrient dry mix each weighing 25 kg are mixed in the concentrate tank to make up 1 250 L of nutrient concentrate From this cattle receive on average 500 mL 1 2 litre per head of nutrient concentrate per day in the drinking water The average weight of nutrient consumed per head per day is 5 X 25 1 250 X 0 5 0 05kg Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 12 of 17 MAINTENANCE OF A WATER MEDICATION SYSTEM CRITICAL ITEMS TO CHECK Overall system 1 Carry out maintenance checks on the water medication system on each bore run Problems with the electronic water medication unit may need to be referred back to the manufacturer A telemetry system 6 or concentration monitor 5 may be warranted in certain situations to assist with monitoring and maintenance of safe function 2 Record date settings repairs and readings Records should be kept on a permanent database 1 3 Vary the dose rate of nutrient concentrate if required to suit the seasonal water consumption and nutrient deman
10. ap back on and then off to check the in line nutrient filter for sediment Solar panel control box and water meter 8 10 11 12 13 Mount the solar panel to maximise exposure to sunlight The optimal position is facing north tilted horizontally at 5 to 10 more than the latitude of the location For properties north of the Tropic of Capricorn this would be tilted no more than 32 to the horizontal reducing to 5 to the horizontal at the equator pers comm BP SOLAR RF Industries 2005 Protect the control box so that it is not exposed to flooding rainfall UV radiation or interference by wildlife and livestock 4 Mounting off the ground with protective roofing and a fenced enclosure may be required 3 8 Protect exposed electrical leads from being chewed by wildlife and livestock 3 Enclose completely in garden hose Insert the water meter into a non turbulent length of water line that is at least 10 pipe diameters in length before the water meter and 5 pipe diameters in length after the water meter 2 plus clear of flooding 8 Check the accuracy of the water meter and control box 3 by comparing the meter reading with outflow from the water line Use a bucket of Known volume to measure the outflow If the filling capacity of the medicated trough is known see Equation 2 the trough can also be used to double check the outflow Calibrate the water meter if required Use control box dials accor
11. ccessed February 2005 7 Dobson J 2005 Water Medication Systems pers comm Primary Industries Alice Springs N T February 2005 8 Somers S 2004 Nutridose Installation Guide Procedure to setup a water medicator on a turkeys nest or water tank Compact disc Accessed February 2005 Northern Territory Government 2006 ISSN 0158 2755 Agdex No 420 64 Disclaimer This Technote is based on practical experiences from development installation and maintenance of water medication systems for cattle supplementation in the Alice Springs District plus suggestions by a private contractor and advice of major commercial manufacturers The examples used are intended to emphasise the care required for safe installation and regular maintenance of water medication systems Up to date advice should also be sought from the manufacturers of the equipment and nutrient supplement experienced technical field personnel and other relevant publications see References While all care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this Technote is true and correct at the time of publication the Northern Territory of Australia gives no warranty or assurance and makes no representation as to the accuracy of any information or advice contained in this publication or that it is suitable for your intended use No serious business or investment decisions should be made in reliance on this information without obtaining independent or professio
12. d When water consumption at the trough falls e g when cattle stay out on surface waters after rain consider either using a low dose rate or turning off the water medication system 4 Clean out the water medication system before turning it off for a long period The electronic water medication unit should be flushed and cleaned with fresh water to prevent precipitation of residual nutrient concentrate in the nutrient line or corrosion of internal parts Nutrient concentrate remaining in the concentrate tank should be pumped to another tank to use Water supply and trough 5 Check the level of stored water supply 6 Check the medicated trough Clean the trough if required Algae are associated with increased breakdown of urea Adjust the float valve if required 2 If the float valve fails to fully close when the trough is full it may result in an inadequate water flow for water meter function plus over flowing of the trough Identify and resolve problems related to ammonia odour in the trough water if required If the water smells of ammonia either the water supply has high total alkalinity or the concentrate tank is overheating or the water line between the nutrient concentrate injection point and the trough is excessively long 1 Solar panel control box and battery 7 Check that the control box is operational Check that the wiring is intact not loose or broken The battery should be charged the battery termi
13. ding to the manufacturer s instructions Safe dose rate See manufacturer s instructions for all control box settings 14 Adjust the control box settings to set the dose rate of nutrient concentrate If using a NORPRIM electronic water medication unit set the water flow volume that will activate the pump and set the period of pump activity 4 Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 8 of 17 15 16 17 18 If using a NUTRIDOSE electronic water medication unit set the percentage of nutrient concentrate including variation that the pump will inject into the set water flow 10 litres 6 When starting water medication of a cattle mob plan to build up the daily dose of nutrient concentrate from half to full strength over two weeks 3 8 Check the function of the pump Open the in line nutrient tap at the injection point and then activate a pump cycle so that the solenoid valve opens the pump outlet while the pump injects a volume of nutrient concentrate A pump cycle is activated either by pressing the TEST PRIME button or by letting water flow through the water line and water meter Water flow can be initiated by depressing the float valve on the trough or by opening the extra water line tap after the water meter Measure the volume and period of nutrient concentrate injected by the pump Re adjust the control box settings if required and recheck the pump function Check the function
14. e sheets If total alkalinity is high then hydrolysed urea in the nutrient concentrate will evaporate as ammonia gas If this occurs the manufacturer of the water medication system will need to be contacted for advice on addition of acid to the water supply or use of an acidic nutrient dry mix in the system Nutrient concentrate See Equation 1 to work out the minimum workable volume for a concentrate tank 2 Check instructions on the bag of the nutrient dry mix Instructions may be as easy as One 25 kg bag to make up 250 litres of nutrient concentrate 3 Use the known or calculated volume of the concentrate tank to work out how many bags of nutrient dry mix need to be put into the concentrate tank to make up the required concentration and volume of nutrient concentrate 4 Turn off the tank tap before preparing a batch of nutrient concentrate in the concentrate tank Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 7 of 17 s T Mix in the nutrient dry mix until it has dissolved and no sediment remains on the bottom of the concentrate tank A fire fighting pump is recommended for thorough mixing 3 Check clarity of the nutrient concentrate If the nutrient concentrate is cloudy because of undissolved nutrient dry mix it will need to be better mixed If the nutrient concentrate is cloudy because of precipitate such as biuret condensation product of urea a different nutrient dry mix may be needed Turn the tank t
15. nal advice in relation to your particular situation Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 15 of 17 SUBJECT INDEX SUBJECT A acid algae alkalinity ammonia anti siphon tube automatic cut off B battery battery regulator bird droppings biuret bore run bucket C cabinet check s concentrate tank concentrate tank tap concentration monitor control box corrosion D diagram s differential draw off device dipstick dose rate E electric drill electrical box electrical lead F fence fire fighting pump float valve flooding PAGE 7 14 4 13 7 13 14 7 13 14 3 5 9 10 3 4 6 13 see regulator 13 See precipitate 10 13 7 8 6 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 see tank tap 3 13 3 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 2 4 13 14 2 8 13 Northern Territory Government 2006 SUBJECT G garden hose gate valve H hose bracket s hose clamp s l in line nutrient filter in line nutrient tap L livestock M maintenance measuring cup N nutrient concentrate nutrient dry mix nutrient flow meter nutrient pump nutrient line O one way valve P photograph s pipe fitting s pipe wrench plastic quick tie precipitate protection pump pump cycle pump filter pump function R rain fall records refill s Page 16 of 17 PAGE 3 3 8 15 3 5 6 9 14 15 2 4 7 8 2 7 13 7
16. nals and clamps should be free of corrosion and the battery water levels should be topped up as required 1 Clean the glass on solar panel to remove dust and bird droppings if required 8 Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 13 of 17 Water flow and nutrient concentrate 8 Record the water meter reading 9 Record the total volume of nutrient concentrate dispensed since the last recording The volume can be calculated based on the control box settings and recordings on the water meter it may also be electronically logged 2 A calibrated notched dipstick in the concentrate tank can also give a rough indication of the volume used between recordings The recorded volume of dispensed nutrient concentrate is used to calculate the average weight of nutrient dry mix consumed in the drinking water per head per day see Equation 3 10 Stir the concentrate tank Long periods of non use or minimal use may result in layering of the nutrient concentrate If layering is a major problem additional management options include a solar stirrer or a differential draw off device 2 11 Re fill the concentrate tank with freshly prepared nutrient concentrate if required Follow the instructions of the manufacturer and or installer of the water medication system A reasonable period between refills is every 10 to 15 days 8 see Installation of a Water Medication System Record the volume of fresh nutrient concentrate prepared
17. nto the water line or trough Prevents over charging of the battery by the solar panel Charges the battery The more cattle that water on the medicated trough the more nutrient concentrate will need to be injected into the trough and the bigger the solar panel will need to be in order to recharge the battery Prevents siphoning of nutrient concentrate from the pump outlet into the water line This is a safety feature Controls the flow of nutrient concentrate out of the concentrate tank into the inlet nutrient line The tap is located at the base of the concentrate tank Measures water flow through the water line to the medicated trough This has a paddle wheel or turbine sensor that is inserted into the water line Is the water pipe line carrying drinking water from the stored water supply e g water tank turkey nest to the livestock trough via a float valve Removes algae and sediment from the water line 8 This is an optional feature that is inserted before the water meter particularly where the water supply is a turkey nest or open air tank A metal mesh 7 or shade cloth filter on the water line opening will limit entry of large algal masses Is an extra tap outlet which may be installed after the water meter to refill the concentrate tank to activate the water meter during checks on the function of the electronic water medication unit or to access clean water for rinsing equipment after checks 7 Northern Territ
18. of the solenoid valve This is a safety feature If nutrient concentrate flows from the outlet nutrient line only while the pump is injecting then this indicates that the solenoid valve is functioning correctly opening and closing Check the automatic cut off function on the pump This is a safety feature If using a NORPRIM electronic water medication unit press the TEST button If the unit is functioning correctly the pump will cut out after 10 to 12 seconds If using a NUTRIDOSE electronic water medication unit press the PRIME button and the pump will cut out after approximately 15 seconds Close clean and copy details when checks are complete Ensure that the in line nutrient tap and water line tap are closed clean off spillage of nutrient concentrate from the electronic water medication unit and copy the date settings and readings into the records for the installed water medication system Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 9 of 17 EQUATION 1 MINIMUM WORKABLE VOLUME FOR A CONCENTRATE TANK Critical factors Based on Number of cattle to supplement head of adult cattle Maximum seasonal volume of nutrient concentrate drunk millilitres per head per day Period between refills of concentrate tank days Minimum workable volume of concentrate tank number of cattle to supplement X maximum seasonal volume of nutrient concentrate drunk X period between refills of concentrate tank
19. ory Government 2006 Page 4 of 17 it r p E with electrical concentrate tank electronic water nutrient medication unit line flu A WATER FLOW Figure 1 Diagram of a system with a NORPRIM unit This diagram is based on working installations and the literature supplied by the manufacturer 4 concentrate tank electronic water a medication unit line 4Y pa i Tv WATER FLOW Figure 2 Diagram of a system with a NUTRIDOSE unit This diagram is based on working installations and the literature supplied by the manufacturer 2 Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 5 of 17 nutrient concentrate tank Figure 3 Photograph of a system with a NORPRIM unit Source NORPRIM Pty Ltd This system demonstrates protection of the electronic water medication unit with a fence and roof Other features of this system are explained in the literature supplied by the manufacturer 4 and one way valve meter Figure 4 Photograph of a system with a NUTRIDOSE unit Source Napperby Station N T This system demonstrates the protection of the electronic water medication unit with an innovative idea a recycled refrigerator cabinet Other features of this system are explained in the literature supplied by the manufacturer 2 Northern Territory Government 2006 Page 6 of 17 TOOLS ESSENTIALS FOR INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A WATER MEDICATION SYSTEM Buckets Electric drill Elec
20. ources of water e g surface water The proven positive aspects of water medication systems generally outweigh the negative aspects Positive Aspects of Water Medication Negative Aspects of Water Medication Systems Systems Cheaper than proprietary lick blocks Up front capital cost to install Supply of adequate amounts of appropriate Under use when surface water is available nutrients Knowledge and skill are needed to operate Limited congregation of cattle around safely watering points there are no lick blocks or loose mixes to attract cattle Reported failures The reasons for reported failures have included e Operator error e g failure to set a safe dose rate modifications that cause failure of the manufacturer s Original system design 1 2 3 e Equipment malfunction e g water meter inaccuracy solenoid valve failure pump over delivery e System failure e g nutrient line pressure variation nutrient line siphoning urea layering in concentrate tank e Damage corrosion and wear on equipment and fittings e g chewing on electrical wires by wildlife or livestock and wear of moving mechanical parts Technological improvements in the design and safety features of water medication systems have greatly reduced cost and improved safety however safe use of water medication still requires regular checking and maintenance of the system At worst critical failure of a water medication system can result in urea
21. trical box Garden hose Hose brackets Hose clamps Measuring cup Pipe fittings Pipe wrenches Plastic quick ties Tool box Used to measure the rate of water flow from the water line into the medicated trough e g 20 litre and 10 litre buckets Used to attach the solar panel and fasten screws on the concentrate tank lid Contains electrical joiners electrical tape electrical wires electrical pliers multimeter screw drivers Used to put around electrical leads for protection against chewing by wildlife and livestock Dripper line may be used as an alternative Used with screws to fasten the nutrient line to solid surfaces Used with screws to connect the nutrient line onto pipe fittings These are preferable to elbow fittings Used to measure the amount of nutrient concentrate injected in each pump cycle e g a 500mlis volumetric cylinder Used to connect the nutrient line or the water meter to other components concentrate tank pump water line Used to adjust pipe fittings i e large and small stilsons Used to fasten the nutrient line to pipes Contains CRC spray gaffer tape hammer screws small file soanners stanley knife wire brush INSTALLATION OF A WATER MEDICATION SYSTEM CRITICAL ITEMS TO CHECK Water supply 1 Check water quality including total alkalinity of the water Total alkalinity describes the buffering capacity of the water 1 it can be found recorded on bore advic
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