Author(s): LIMA, P. R. de; ARAÚJO, C. de A.; CAMPOS, F. S.; MENEZES, V. G.; RIBEIRO, N. L.; ARAUJO, G. G. L. de; MENEZES, D. R.; MATOS, M. H. T. de; QUEIROZ, M. A. A.; SANTOS, E. M.

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the intake and nutrient digestibility, water, and nitrogen balance of Santa In?es crossbred ewes under confinement receiving reductions in the water supply. Thirty-two Santa In?es crossbred ewes, at an average body weight of 32.2 ± 7.4 kg and age of 2.3 ± 0.99 years, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, and eight animals per treatment, the treatments were 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% of ad libitum water. Nutrient intake and digestibility, water and nitrogen balance, and perfor- mance were evaluated. The reductions in the water supply did not promote significant alterations, in the nutrient intake, or apparent digestibility of the animals (P > 0.05). A linear decreasing effect was observed for free water intake (P < 0.001), total water intake (P < 0.001), total urine output (P = 0.008), water excreted via urine (P = 0.006), water excreted via feces (P = 0.006), total water losses (P < 0.001), water absorbed (P < 0.001), and nitrogen excreted via feces (P = 0.002). The water and nitrogen balance and performance were not influenced by water offers (P > 0.05). It was concluded that water offers of up to 40% of ad libitum intake, do not promote negative effects on intake and apparent nutrient digestibility, mineral intake, nitrogen balance, and water balance in Santa In?es ewes.

Publication year: 2023

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Semi-arid Region

Keywords: Digestibilidade, Eficiência da água, Fração de nitrogênio, Ingestão de água, Ovelha, Produção Animal, Raça Santa Inês, Restrição de água, Semiárido, Água para ovelhas