Effect of reduced of water supply on carcass characteristics, non-carcass components and the volume of digestive compartments of Santa Inês ewes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing water supply for watering of Santa Inês ewes on carcass characteristics, non-carcass components and the volume of digestive compartments. Thirty-two crossbred Santa Inês ewes, with an average body weight of 32.2 ± 7.4 kg, were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments (different supply levels - 100% (ad libitum), 80%, 60% and 40% ad libitum water intake treatment) and eight repetitions. The animals were confined for 63 days until slaughter. The decrease in water availability promoted a linear decreasing effect for the internal carcass length (P = 0.032). A quadratic effect was found for the volume of the omasum (P = 0.018) and abomasum (P = 0.039), with maximum volumes of 0.305 and 1.636 liters, respectively, for 40% supply. The reticulum yield showed a quadratic effect (P = 0.044) with a maximum point in the supply of 100%, with 0.527%. The reduction in water supply promoted a quadratic effect for the weight (P = 0.016) and yield (P = 0.030) of the bladder, with maximum yields found in the supply of 60%, with 0.067 kg and 0.233%, respectively. There was a quadratic effect for weight (P = 0.042) and yield (P = 0.029) of the diaphragm with higher values found in the supply of 60%m with 0.272 kg and 0.927%, respectively. There was a quadratic effect for kidney yield (P = 0.022) with higher yield for 100% supply. Therefore, the reduction in water supply levels by up to 40% in relation to voluntary intake can be a strategy to be used in cases of water scarcity, as it does not cause negative effects on the Santa Inês ewe carcass.