The Blue Water Footprint of Extensive Beef Production on Semi-Arid Rangeland over a Full Production Cycle in South Africa

Water plays a critical role in beef cattle production. Current methods used to estimate the blue water footprint of are largely based on generic values that do not make provision for different production systems within regions. Total cycle measurements should therefore be considered accurately assess grazing natural rangeland. The aim study was measure intake extensive Bonsmara Marikana Thornveld over full at ARC-Roodeplaat Research Station. Measurements commenced weaning (June 2017) and continued until heifers weaned their first calves approximately 210 days age (July 2019). consumption differed between 21.4 litre per animal day when were still growing 54.3 litres during lactation, relating 6.7% 12.0% live weight. total calculated 27,147 litres.