Distance between food and water supply and its effect on drinking frequency, and food and water intake of Merino and Border Leicester sheep

Abstract

The walking and drinking behaviour of Merino and Border Leicester wethers was compared in summer 1968 when a diet containing 15 % sodium chloride was fed at points that were separated from the water supply by distances of up to 5.6 km. All sheep maintained two journeys daily to water until the distance between food and water reached 4.0 km. At this point Merino sheep drank three times every two days and at 4.8 km once a day. Border Leicesters drank twice daily until the distance reached 5.6 km, when they drank once daily. Food intake declined in both breeds as distance from water increased, but water intake was reduced only at the longer distances. When drinking once daily, water intakes were as much as 7 and 10 litres respectively for Merino and Border Leicester sheep. Walking distances reached a maximum of 13.6 and 17.6 km/day respectively for the Merinos and Border Leicesters. The average walking speed of the Merinos (2.51 km/hr) was greater than that of the Border Leicesters (2.06 km/hr). The implications for management of saltbush pastoral areas are discussed.