Physiological responses of desert barki sheep and goats to dehydration and rehydration under the arid conditions of North Costal Zone of Egypt

Abstract EN

Ten Barki ewes with average body weight 45.3±3.2 kg, plus ten Barki does averaged 30.9±3.6 kg at non-reproductive status aging 3-5 years were used in the study.

They were exposed to water deprivation for 72 hours in Borg-Arab Research Farm located in North Western Coastal Zone (NWCZ) of Egypt, to investigate the physiological response of desert Barki sheep and goats to water deprivation in the arid areas.

The most recognizable effects of water deprivation on Barki desert sheep and goats was the sharp decrease in their feed intake and consequently their body weight loss, it was reduced by 14.5 % and 17.5 % for sheep and goats, respectively, after 3 days of water deprivation.

Respiration rate, heat production and Total body water decreased significantly (p < 0.01) with water deprivation in both species.

The highest declines were in intracellular and gut fluids, subsequently all serum components increased with advancing in water deprivation in both species.

Within three minutes of rehydration, sheep and goats drank 14.4 % and 16.9 % of their body weights respectively which is directly related to the body weight loss due to dehydration.

They recovered 97.9 % and 96.4 % of their body weight after rehydration respectively.