Researchers say investing in higher quality water could fatten up livestock. 

Water quality plays a role in fattening up livestock and dam renovations could reap financial rewards long term, according to Australian researchers. 

A new study has been produced based on data from three North American research projects, which show the weight gain of cattle when given access to better quality of water.

The experts wanted to know if the same might be financially viable in rural NSW and Victoria. 

They found that if a farmer invests in dam renovations like fencing, revegetation and strategies to limit stock access, there is more than a 70 per cent chance they would see a cost benefit from stock weight gain. 

The researchers say incentive schemes for these kinds of projects could benefit both farmers and biodiversity.

More details are accessible here.