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Comparative water consumption and efficiency in three divergent sheep types

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

S. J. Schoeman  and
J. A. Visser
S. J. Schoeman
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa
J. A. Visser
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa
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Summary

Cumulative feed and water intakes and body weights of 30 growing ewe lambs of three different breeds were recorded weekly for 34 weeks between October 1990 and June 1991 at the Experimental Farm of the University of Pretoria. The results were analysed to obtain water efficiencies on both an absolute and metabolic weight gain basis. On an absolute basis, Mutton Merino sheep consumed 145% and Dorper 109% more water than Blackhead Persian sheep. On a metabolic weight gain basis, the corresponding differences were 92 and 66%, respectively. Mutton Merino and Dorper lambs also consumed 69 and 41% more water per kg feed intake than the Blackhead Persians, respectively. Weekly water consumption increased twice as much per 1 °C increase in ambient temperature in the Dorper and Mutton Merino lambs as in the Blackhead Persians. These results suggest that sheep of the Blackhead Persian, and probably also other indigenous breeds, balance their water requirements at a more economical level and would be a more appropriate choice than those breeds currently being managed in sustainable sheep production systems in areas where water availability is limited.

Type
Animals
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 124 , Issue 1 , February 1995 , pp. 139 - 143
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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