Studies on the water requirements of farm animals in South Africa. I. The effect of intermittent watering on Merino sheep

Abstract

(1) On a ration of poor quality grass hay sheep were found to maintain their normal intake of water when allowed to drink for one hour only every second clay. (2) When given water at 72 and 96 hour intervals the total intake was decreased to 63 per cent. and 54 per cent. of the normal, respectively. (3) This decreased intake of water, however, did not affect the consumption of grass hay although one animal actually died of dehydration. (4) On the other hand the consumption of lucerne hay was markedly suppressed by lack of water even during the first 24 hours of thirsting. (5) Sheep on lucerne hay receiving water only twice weekly still gained in body weight. This gain was, however, accelerated when water was constantly available. (6) As exercise was greatly restricted these results cannot be applied quantitatively to sheep on open grazing.