Total body water in Merino and Romney Marsh Sheep estimated by alcohol (ethanol) dilution.

Abstract

A simple method for the estimation of total body water in sheep by alcohol dilution is described. It was found that Romney Marsh ewes have a significantly higher water content than Merinos. Increased total body water is therefore not the factor which allows the Merino to survive in a hot dry environment in which the Romney Marsh does not thrive. It is pointed out that total body water cannot be used in the usual way for the determination of the fat content in live sheep.