Efficiency Assessment of Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Water Supply in Livestock and Poultry Units: A Case Study of Golestan Province, Iran

Aims: Excessive water extraction, inefficient management, climate change, and population growth have created significant global water supply challenges, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran. Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS) have emerged as an effective water management strategy. This study investigates the role of rainwater harvesting in fulfilling the water needs of dairy cattle and broiler chicken units in Gorgan County, Golestan Province. Methods: This research analyzes annual precipitation levels, roof surface areas, and water requirements of livestock and poultry. It also evaluates the compatibility of collected rainwater with physical, chemical, and microbiological standards recommended by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Findings: Rainwater harvesting can meet ۸۷.۰۷% of annual water requirements in broiler chicken facilities, equivalent to ۲۱۴,۷۱۱ m۳. y-۱, demonstrating significant potential to reduce dependency on alternative sources. In contrast, this percentage is only ۱.۰۵% for dairy cattle units, equivalent to ۱۳,۴۳۲ m۳. y-۱, due to their higher water consumption. The analysis of rainwater quality shows compliance with BMEL standards, indicating favorable water quality. Conclusion: Rainwater harvesting effectively manages water resources in livestock and poultry farming, particularly in the poultry sector. These findings inform sustainable solutions for water scarcity challenges and highlight the potential of alternative water collection methods to alleviate resource pressures, especially in environmentally and agriculturally constrained regions. The study provides valuable insights for strategic water planning and sustainable agricultural development, emphasizing the varying efficiencies across farming sectors.

کلیدواژه ها:

Broiler production units ، Dairy cattle ، Sustainable water management ، Water consumption per capita.