The tolerance of sheep to sodium chloride in food or drinking water

Abstract

Sodium chloride was added in different amounts to the diet or drinking water of Merino sheep. The food intake declined at the higher concentrations (10–20% in food, 1.5–2.0% in water) but the decline was not related solely to the amount of sodium chloride ingested. The water intake increased in relation to the amount of sodium chloride ingested, irrespective of diet or means of ingestion (food or water).

It is suggested that the acceptability or taste of food or water containing high levels of salt is a factor in determining the salt tolerance of sheep. The salt intake–water intake relationship is used to estimate the possible saving of fresh water to be derived from diluting it with saline bore water.