Abstract
The objective was to assess the effect of saline water consumption on physiological responses of indigenous Nguni goats. Thirty six clinically healthy non-lactating female Nguni goats ranging between 16 and 31kg body weight were assigned to each of three treatments (0, 5.5 and 11g total dissolved salts per litre (g TDS/L)). Each treatment had 12 goats that were individually penned. Rectal temperatures (RT), pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were measured once a week for a total of 56days. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily water intake (ADWI), average daily gain (ADG) and physiological parameters were monitored. Average daily water intake was lowest (P<0.05) for goats which received 11g TDS/L compared 5.5g TDS/L salt in drinking water. Goats on 5.5g TDS/L salt in drinking water had lower (P<0.05) ADFI (780.24 vs 678g/d) compared to 11g TDS/L salt content. Average daily gain was lower (P <0.05) in goats which received 5.5 and 11g TDS/L compared to the control (57.6, 48.3 vs 17g/d). Pulse rate was fastest (P<0.05) for goats on 11g TDS/L compared to the other treatments. These results indicate that depressed ADWI, ADFI, ADG and increased PR are physiological responses of indigenous Nguni goats to drinking saline water.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
