Abstract
SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the intake and nutrient digestibility, water, and nitrogen balance of Santa Inês crossbred ewes under confinement receiving reductions in the water supply. Thirty-two Santa Inês crossbred ewes, at an average body weight of 32.2 ± 7.4 kg and age of 2.3 ± 0.99 years, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, and eight animals per treatment, the treatments were 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% of ad libitum water. Nutrient intake and digestibility, water and nitrogen balance, and performance were evaluated. The reductions in the water supply did not promote significant alterations, in the nutrient intake, or apparent digestibility of the animals (P > 0.05). A linear decreasing effect was observed for free water intake (P < 0.001), total water intake (P < 0.001), total urine output (P = 0.008), water excreted via urine (P = 0.006), water excreted via feces (P = 0.006), total water losses (P < 0.001), water absorbed (P < 0.001), and nitrogen excreted via feces (P = 0.002). The water and nitrogen balance and performance were not influenced by water offers (P > 0.05). It was concluded that water offers of up to 40% of ad libitum intake, do not promote negative effects on intake and apparent nutrient digestibility, mineral intake, nitrogen balance, and water balance in Santa Inês ewes.
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