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Effect of giving water intermittently on excretion patterns of water and certain electrolytes in Ghokla sheep during summer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

T. More
Affiliation:
Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan 304501, India
K. L. Sahni
Affiliation:
Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan 304501, India

Summary

External balances of water, sodium and potassium were examined in carpet wool Chokla sheep given water once in 24, 48 and 72 h during the hot months. There was a significant decline (P < 0·01) in feed intake on the third day of dehydration. The water intake of this group approached 30% of body weight and there was also a significant (P < 0·05) decrease in urine volume after 2 days of water deprivation. There was a large balance for potassium in all treatments and most especially when the sheep were given water every 72 h. It is argued that this unusually high balance of potassium was probably a characteristic of sheep adapted to a hot climate.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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