Effect of restricted access to water on the intake of salty foods by Merino and Border Leicester sheep

Abstract

Sheep were fed on diets containing 7.5, 11.25, and 15% added sodium chloride to simulate diets containing up to 100% saltbush (Atriplex spp.). When access to water was restricted to once daily, there was a reduction in food intake, the reduction being more severe with the more salty diets.

When fed on the diet containing 15% added sodium chloride and when their access to water was restricted to once daily, Merino sheep drank 5.01 l/day and Border Leicester sheep 7.6 l/day. Food intakes differed in approximately the same proportion, and on a body weight basis (kg^0.73) the Border Leicesters ate 22% more food than the Merinos.

It is concluded that Merino sheep will need to drink more often than once daily when their water intake exceeds 5 l/sheep/day, and that this would occur when the saltbush intake reached 500–600 g/day.