Modification of carcase characteristics in sheep maintained on a saline water regime

Abstract

Two groups each of four Merino wethers, two years old and in very lean condition after many weeks on a straw ration, were fattened on a ration of lucerne hay. One group of animals drank 1.3 per cent sodium chloride solution for 16 weeks before and during fattening while the control group drank tap water throughout. Analyses done after body weight increases of about 12 kg showed that, compared to the controls, the saline drinking group had significantly less fat, more water, and more protein in the edible carcase. All differences were significant. Samples of fat from the omentum and perirenal area showed a tendency towards a higher degree of unsaturation in the saline-drinking animals although these results were not statistically significant.