Voluntary Water Intake Research Articles

Pilosocereus gounellei in the water supply for finishing sheep in regions of climatic vulnerability

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing different levels of Pilosocereus gounellei, (xiquexique), (0, 120, 240 and 360 g/kg DM) on intake, performance, ingestive behaviour and water use efficiency in sheep finished in confinement. Twenty non-castrated Santa Inês male lambs with an initial mean body weight of 18.86 ± 1.41 kg and approximately 100 days of age were distributed in a completely randomised design of four diets containing different levels of xiquexique (0, 120, 240 and 360 g/kg DM) with five replications. The inclusion of xiquexique in the diet resulted in a quadratic response (P < 0.05) in the consumption of fresh matter and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The consumption of dry matter and of other nutrients decreased (P < 0.05) with the levels of xiquexique in the diet. Feed conversion, rumination time, idle time, rumination efficiency (g/h DM), total water intake and total water conversion were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the levels of xiquexique. Total weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), feeding time, feeding efficiency (g NDF/h), rumination efficiency, frequency of water intake and voluntary water intake decreased (P < 0.05) linearly. Water intake from the feed increased (P < 0.05) with the levels of xiquexique, and there was a quadratic response for water conversion (WC), with a minimum value of 16.27 g water/g ADG, when the proportion of xiquexique in the diet reached 316 g/kg DM. Xiquexique can be used for intermediate levels of performance, and contributes to the water supply of sheep in regions that are more susceptible to climatic vulnerability.

Levels of inclusion of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) in the diet of lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake of nutrients and water, digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, performance and blood parameters of lambs fed increasing levels (0, 150, 300 and 450 g/kg of DM basis) of fresh spineless cactus cv. Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) included in the diet. Forty male (noncastrated) crossbred Santa Inês lambs, averaging 18.6 ± 2.8 kg body weight (BW) at the beginning of the study, were used in this trial. A completely randomized design was used, with ten replicates per treatment and initial BW as a covariate. Quadratic behaviour was observed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (TC) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake, with maximum values estimated with 242.9, 236.4, 229.2, 218.2, 238.2 and 284.5 g/kg of spineless cactus inclusion, respectively. Non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intakes presented higher and lower values respectively in lambs fed 450 g/kg of spineless cactus. Voluntary water intake decreased with increasing quantities of spineless cactus, however, water intake from feed and total water intake increased. The digestibility of DM, OM, NFC and TC presented higher values with 450 g/kg of spineless cactus. Total weight gain and daily weight gain showed an increasing linear effect, while feed conversion decreased. Urine volume and microbial protein were higher for lambs fed 450 g/kg of spineless cactus, while urea excretion was lower. There was a quadratic effect on serum glucose and calcium levels with maximum values for inclusion of spineless cactus of 368.9 and 150 g/kg respectively, whereas ß-hydroxybutyrate and blood urea decreased linearly; phosphorus and magnesium concentrations increased, with lower and higher values in animals fed the highest levels of spineless cactus, respectively. The inclusion of spineless cactus by up to 450 g/kg of DM improves the microbial efficiency, nutrient utilization and the performance of the animals, without causing adverse effects on blood parameters.

Does the level of forage neutral detergent fiber affect the ruminal fermentation, digestibility and feeding behavior of goats fed cactus pear?

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forage neutral detergent fiber (fNDF) levels on the voluntary feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and feeding behavior of goats fed diets with cactus pear. Five non-lactating ruminally cannulated goats fed adlibitum were randomly assigned to a 5×5 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of levels of fNDF at 0, 109, 222, 339 and 463g/kg of dry matter (DM) in cactus pear-based diets. The intakes of DM and NDF were quadratically affected (p≦.045) by fNDF levels. Voluntary water intake (VWI) increased linearly as the fNDF levels increased in the diet.The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, NDF and ether extract and total digestible nutrients concentration were quadratically affected (p≦.048) by fNDF levels. The ruminal pH linearly increased (p=.001) with fNDF levels, ranging from 5.44 to 5.81 for diets containing 0 and 463g fNDF/kg DM, respectively. The fNDF levels promoted a linear increase (p=.006) in chewing time, linearly decreased (p=.007) resting time and quadratically affected (p=.033) rumination time. The inclusion of fNDF in the diets provided favorable conditions for ruminal function, digestibility and feeding behavior in goats fed diets containing cactus pear.

Evaluation of Different Oral Rehydration Solutions for Diarrheic Dairy Calves

Regardless of the causative agent, diarrhea results in large loss of water and electrolytes, which leads to reduced performance and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral rehydration solutions in order to determine the most effective in restoring electrolytes and water while maintaining animal performance. Forty two calves (14 per treatment) were distributed in one of three treatments (1) Common electrolytes solution (dextrose, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride; 507±2 mOsm), (2) Glutellac® (sodium acetate, glucose and sodium and potassium chloride; 665±1 mOsm); and (3) Common electrolytes solution + Aminogut® (glutamate and glutamine; 575±2 mOsm). Treatments were administered when fecal score ≥3, in a scale of 1 to 5. During diarrhea daily water intake was registered and blood sample was taken for metabolites, electrolytes and gases determination. Animals did not differ in days in diarrhea, fecal score or hematocrit. Calves receiving Glutellac® presented higher voluntary water intake. There was no effect of treatment for animal performance and starter feed intake. Concentrations of Na+ and HCO3 tended to be higher for animals rehydrated with Glutellac®. While there was an increase in HCO3 from the first to the second day, K+ and glucose decreased. The increased voluntary water intake in animals rehydrated with Glutellac®, which shows greater simplicity of use, are the main advantages of this solution.

Sisal silage addition to feedlot sheep diets as a water and forage source

The objective of this study was to evaluate the water and nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, productive performance and carcass traits of sheep fed diets containing levels of sisal pulp silage (SPS) in substitution of tifton hay. Forty Santa Ines lambs (average initial body weight of 22±3.4kg) were randomly distributed among four diets containing 0, 167, 333, and 500g/kg of SPS in the total dietary dry matter (DM), containing 500g/kg of concentrate. The experimental period lasted 72days, after 21days of adaptation to the diets. Linear and quadratic effects of SPS levels were analyzed using orthogonal contrast. Intake of DM and OM were not affected by the substitution of tifton hay with SPS (P>0.05). Intake of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral digestible fiber (NDF) and acid digestible fiber (ADF) decreased linearly as SPS increased (P<0.05). The inclusion of SPS in the diets decreased linearly the voluntary water intake (P<0.05). Apparent digestibility of nutrients increased linearly with increasing dietary SPS levels, except for non-fibrous carbohydrates. Productive performance and carcass characteristics did not show significant effects (P>0.05). Sisal pulp silage is a suitable source to feed sheep, since animals showed similar intake and performances and it can be a consistent water source in arid and semiarid regions. Because of moderate concentration of physically effective fiber in the 333g/kg SPS diet group, we recommend the inclusion of 333g/kg of SPS in dietary dry matter in combination with tifton hay.

Performance of sheep fed forage cactus with total water restriction

SUMMARY A lack of water in livestock production can limit the performance of the animals; therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water restriction on the growth performance of sheep that were fed forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera). Forty-two male sheep were used, with an average age and weight of ±100 days and 18.75 ± (2,05) kg , respectively, and they were fed diets containing concentrate, mineral mixture and three levels of substitution (30, 50 and 70%) of Tifton hay with forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera). The animals were slaughtered when they reached 32 kg (± 1 kg) of body weight or 90 days. The experimental design was a 3x2 factorial arrangement, forage cactus (30, 50, 70%) x water (with or without water) plus a control group (n=6). Variables were analyzed using Tukey and Dunnett's test at 5% with PROC GLM in SAS software. Voluntary water intake and dry matter intake (DMI) decreased with the inclusion of forage cactus; however, preformed water intake and total water intake increased with the inclusion of forage cactus. Water restriction and its interaction with the treatments had no effect on animal performance. Daily weight gain was higher for the diets with 30 and 50%forage cactus inclusion, at 174 and 155 g, respectively, compared with 90 g for the control diet. Cactus, therefore, can be used as a food supplement and water resource.

Effect of Feeding Supplemental Concentrate on Nutrient Utilization in Dromedary Camels under Sustained Working Conditions

An experiment was conducted using three dromedary camels (545–640 kg BW; 8–10 years old) to study the effect of feeding supplemental concentrates on nutrient utilization under sustained working conditions in rotary mode of operation. The camels were offered gram (Cicer arietinum) straw as basal diet (T1) in all the treatments; but in treatments T2 and T3 the camels were additionally supplemented with concentrate mixture having 65 and 75% TDN, respectively. The supplementation of concentrate to gram straw improved (P<0.05) nutrient digestibility. Likewise, DCP and TDN contents were higher in T3 followed by T2 and T1. The DM intake was also improved in response to supplementation of concentrates and was higher in T3 as compared to T2 and T1; this trend was also reflected in higher daily consumption of DCP and TDN. The voluntary water intake was significantly higher in treatment groups fed supplemental concentrates when compared to the control group fed gram straw alone. It is concluded that supplementation of sole gram straw diet with a concentrate having 75% TDN improved DM intake and nutrient utilization by working camels.

Voluntary intake of paracetamol-enriched drinking water and its influence on the success of embryo transfer in mice

Embryo transfer (ET) in mice is a key technique in biomedical research, and is carried out mostly via surgery by transferring founder embryos into pseudo-pregnant recipient females. To cover post-operative analgesic requirements in surrogate mothers, oral self-administration of painkillers has several advantages, but its effectiveness has also been criticized as voluntary ingestion of the drug can be uncertain. Additionally, concerns about potential negative side effects of analgesics on embryo viability and development have been raised. In this regard, we investigated the impact of orally administered analgesia by comparing the outcome of ET with and without paracetamol in the drinking water (3.5mg/ml) of surrogate mothers. Water intake increased significantly when paracetamol, as a sweet-tasting formulation (children's syrup), was added to the drinking water. Measurements of paracetamol concentrations in blood serum confirmed reasonable drug uptake. Success rate of ETs and the body weight of newborn offspring were not different whether paracetamol was administered for two days after surgery or not. In conclusion, paracetamol in drinking water was consumed voluntarily in substantial doses, without detectable side-effects, by freshly operated surrogate mothers, and can therefore be recommended as a feasible method for providing analgesic treatment for surgical ET in mice.

Water use on nonirrigated pasture-based dairy farms: Combining detailed monitoring and modeling to set benchmarks

Water use in intensively managed, confinement dairy systems has been widely studied, but few reports exist regarding water use on pasture-based dairy farms. The objective of this study was to quantify the seasonal pattern of water use to develop a prediction model of water use for pasture-based dairy farms. Stock drinking, milking parlor, and total water use was measured on 35 pasture-based, seasonal calving dairy farms in New Zealand over 2 yr. Average stock drinking water was 60 L/cow per day, with peak use in summer. We estimated that, on average, 26% of stock drinking water was lost through leakage from water-distribution systems. Average corrected stock drinking water (equivalent to voluntary water intake) was 36 L/cow per day, and peak water consumption was 72 L/cow per day in summer. Milking parlor water use increased sharply at the start of lactation (July) and plateaued (August) until summer (February), after which it decreased with decreasing milk production. Average milking parlor water use was 58 L/cow per day (between September and February). Water requirements were affected by parlor type, with rotary milking parlor water use greater than herringbone parlor water use. Regression models were developed to predict stock drinking and milking parlor water use. The models included a range of climate, farm, and milk production variables. The main drivers of stock drinking water use were maximum daily temperature, potential evapotranspiration, radiation, and yield of milk and milk components. The main drivers for milking parlor water use were average per cow milk production and milking frequency. These models of water use are similar to those used in confinement dairy systems, where milk yield is commonly used as a variable. The models presented fit the measured data more accurately than other published models and are easier to use on pasture-based dairy farms, as they do not include feed and variables that are difficult to measure on pasture-based farms.

Nax signaling evoked by an increase in [Na+] in CSF induces water intake via EET-mediated TRPV4 activation.

Water-intake behavior is under the control of brain systems that sense body fluid conditions at sensory circumventricular organs (sCVOs); however, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated in detail. Nax is a sodium (Na(+)) level sensor in the brain, and the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels TRPV1 and TRPV4 have been proposed to function as osmosensors. We herein investigated voluntary water intake immediately induced after an intracerebroventricular administration of a hypertonic NaCl solution in TRPV1-, TRPV4-, Nax-, and their double-gene knockout (KO) mice. The induction of water intake by TRPV1-KO mice was normal, whereas intake by TRPV4-KO and Nax-KO mice was significantly less than that by WT mice. Water intake by Nax/TRPV4-double KO mice was similar to that by the respective single KO mice. When TRPV4 activity was blocked with a specific antagonist HC-067047, water intake by WT mice was significantly reduced, whereas intake by TRPV4-KO and Nax-KO mice was not. Similar results were obtained with the administration of miconazole, which inhibits the biosynthesis of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), endogenous agonists for TRPV4, from arachidonic acid (AA). Intracerebroventricular injection of hypertonic NaCl with AA or 5,6-EET restored water intake by Nax-KO mice to the wild-type level but not that by TRPV4-KO mice. These results suggest that the Na(+) signal generated in Nax-positive glial cells leads to the activation of TRPV4-positive neurons in sCVOs to stimulate water intake by using EETs as gliotransmitters. Intracerebroventricular injection of equiosmolar hypertonic sorbitol solution induced small but significant water intake equally in all the genotypes, suggesting the presence of an unknown osmosensor in the brain.

&lt;b&gt;Fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus in diets for lambs

The objective was to evaluate the effect of partial or total replacement of Tifton 85 hay with fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus on performance and body weight components of sheep. Thirty hair lambs, with 19 kg ± 0.35 kg initial weight, were randomly divided into five treatments, namely: Tifton 85 Hay (HA); Tifton 85 Hay + fresh spineless cactus (HAFC); Tifton 85 Hay + dehydrated spineless cactus (HADC); fresh spineless cactus (FC); dehydrated spineless cactus (DC). In addition to the spineless cactus and hay, the complete mixture contained soybean meal, mineral salt and limestone in all treatments. Animals were confined for 75 days and then slaughtered. The weight of body components was recorded. Dry matter intake, total digestible nutrients intake and voluntary water intake were higher (p &lt; 0.05) for the DC and HADC treatments. The average daily gain was 118 g day-1 and body weight at slaughter of 25.8 kg were not influenced (p &gt; 0.05) by treatments. The cold carcass weight, rib eye area, weight and yield of the skin, liver, kidney and large intestine were higher (p &lt; 0.05) for the DC and HADC treatments. Partial or total replacement of Tifton 85 hay with fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus, in complete diets for sheep, increases the weight of the cold carcass and non-carcass components.

Productive performance of finishing lambs fed with faveleira fodder salt (Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl)

This study evaluated food intake and productive performance of crossbred (½ Santa Inês x ½ dorper) lambs supplemented with different levels of faveleira (Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl) fodder salt. Thirty male sheep fed tifton grass hay, water, and faveleira fodder salt were randomly allocated into five treatments with six replicates each. The treatments consisted of diets with different inclusion levels of faveleira hay in the fodder salt composition: Treatment 1 (1% mineral salt + 99% faveleira hay), Treatment 2 (3% mineral salt + 97% faveleira hay), Treatment 3 (5% mineral salt + 95% faveleira hay), Treatment 4 (7% mineral salt + 93% faveleira hay), and Treatment 5 (Control - 100% mineral salt). Intake of dry matter, tifton hay and water, average daily gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency were not affected by fodder salt supplementation (P &gt; 0.05). There was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) in fodder salt intake between Treatments 4 and 5, and daily intake was higher in animals submitted to Treatment 4 (61.0 g day-1). Mineral salt intake increased significantly with increasing mineral salt levels in the diet. However, no significant difference was observed in average daily gain across treatments, indicating that faveleira hay, even in small quantities, and tifton hay were able to meet the nutritional requirements of animals to support a good average daily gain. The inclusion of up to 99% faveleira hay in fodder salt formulations did not affect voluntary intake of forage, water and dry matter, average daily gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency. Lambs supplemented with faveleira fodder salt had average daily gains within the optimal range for slaughter and high feed conversion and feed efficiency values. Faveleira was shown to be an effective supplementary feed alternative in sheep.

Balanço hídrico e excreção renal de metabólitos em ovinos alimentados com palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck)

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar balanço hídrico e excreção renal de metabólitos em borregos sem raça definida, alimentados com diferentes quantidades de palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck), na forma in natura e em farelo. Foram utilizados 20 borregos, com peso vivo médio inicial de 20 Kg e foram distribuídos no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. As dietas experimentais consistiram em uma dieta controle à base de feno de tífton, farelo de soja, suplemento mineral e calcário, os demais tratamentos visaram testar níveis diferentes de palma forrageira corrigida com ureia em duas formas: in natura e farelada e em dois níveis de substituição (50 e 100%) da matéria seca do feno de tífton. Amostras de sangue e urina foram coletadas para determinação de diferentes metabólitos e minerais e utilização de equações para obtenção dos índices de excreção urinária destes metabólitos, taxa de depuração endógena de creatinina e reabsorção de água livre de eletrólitos, além do registro de ingestão de água e volume de urina. A ingestão voluntária de água sofreu influência das dietas, sendo que os animais submetidos às dietas contendo farelo de palma e feno e farelo de palma foram superiores aos demais tratamentos. A ingestão de água via alimentos também sofreu influência da dieta, sendo maior nos animais que receberam palma in natura e farelo mais palma in natura. Com relação à ingestão total de água foi maior para os animais alimentados com dietas contendo palma in natura em relação aos demais tratamentos. As dietas experimentais influenciaram na excreção renal de metabólitos derivados purínicos e minerais, sem alterar a função renal. A presença da palma forrageira tanto na condição de farelo como in natura proporciona aumento do volume urinário sem alterar a função renal, além de que deve ser considerado como uma excelente estratégia alimentar no semiárido.

Consumo, produção de leite e parâmetros fisiológicos de vacas em lactação alimentadas com dietas contendo diferentes quantidades de xiquexique (Pilosocereus gounellei)

&lt;p&gt;O presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de xiquexique (0, 12, 24 e 36%) em substituição ao feno de capim Tifton 85 sobre o consumo de nutrientes e respostas fisiológicas de vacas leiteiras em lactação. Foram utilizadas oito vacas mestiças pluríparas, com aproximadamente 100 dias em lactação, produção média de 15 kg de leite dia-1 e com peso corporal (PC) médio de 465,20 ± 39,37 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento em quadrado latino 4x4, duplo. Cada período teve duração de 16 dias, sendo 10 dias de adaptação e 6 dias de coleta de dados, totalizando 64 dias experimentais. A relação volumoso:concentrado foi de 60:40, com base na matéria seca (MS). O consumo de MS, expresso em kg dia-1, foi influenciado de forma quadrática pelos níveis de xiquexique nas rações. O consumo de MS expresso em % PC e g kg-0,75 e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) nas três unidades analisadas (kg dia-1, % PC e g kg-0,75), assim como, os consumos de matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) e carboidratos totais (CT) expressos em kg dia-1, apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente com os níveis de xiquexique na ração. A produção de leite (kg dia-1) decresceu, mas a eficiência alimentar não foi influenciada pela introdução do xiquexique na ração. O consumo de água via alimento (CAAlimento) expresso em kg dia-1 e % PC aumentou linearmente com a elevação da participação do xiquexique na ração total, entretanto, o consumo voluntário de água (CAVoluntário) expresso em kg dia-1 e % PC diminui linearmente. O consumo de água total (CATotal) não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos experimentais. A participação do CAVoluntário no CATotal reduziu linearmente com os níveis de xiquexique na ração. A frequência respiratória e temperatura superficial nos dois turnos (manhã e tarde) e temperatura retal no turno da manhã não foram influenciadas pelos níveis de xiquexique nas rações experimentais. A temperatura retal à tarde foi reduzida com os níveis de xiquexique na ração. O xiquexique pode ser utilizado na alimentação de vacas leiteiras de média e baixa produção, pois, promove redução do consumo de nutrientes, produção de leite e consumo voluntário de água, sem alterar a eficiência alimentar e as respostas fisiológicas.&lt;/p&gt;

Thirst responses following high intensity intermittent exercise when access to ad libitum water intake was permitted, not permitted or delayed

An increase in subjective feelings of thirst and ad libitum drinking caused by an increase in serum osmolality have been observed following high intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) compared to continuous exercise. The increase in serum osmolality is closely linked to the rise in blood lactate and serum sodium concentrations. However, during an ensuing recovery period after HIIE when serum osmolality will decrease, the resultant effect on sensations of thirst and subsequent water intake is unclear. Therefore the aim of the study was to assess the sensations of thirst and subsequent effect on ad libitum water consumption when water intake was immediately allowed, delayed or prevented following a period of HIIE. MethodsTwelve males (26±4years, 80.1±9.3kg, 1.81±0.05m, V̇O2peak 60.1±8.9ml·kg−1·min−1) participated in three randomised trials undertaken 7–14days apart. Participants rested for 30min then completed a 60min HIIE exercise period (20×1min at 100% V̇O2peak with 2min rest) followed by 60min of recovery, during which ad libitum water intake was provided immediately (W), delayed until the final 30min (W30) or not permitted (NW). Body mass was measured at the start and end of the trial. Blood lactate and serum sodium concentrations serum osmolality and sensation of thirst were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise and during the recovery. ResultsBody mass loss was different between all trials (W: 0.25±0.45, W30: 0.49±0.37, NW: 1.29±0.37%; p<0.05). Sensations of thirst peaked post-exercise and decreased in W and W30 following water ingestion (p<0.05). Total voluntary water intake was greater in W trial (0.846±0.417 vs. 0.630±0.277l; p<0.05) but was similar during the first 30min period of allowed drinking (0.618±0.297 vs. 0.630±0.277l; p>0.05). Serum osmolality (299±6 vs. 298±5 vs. 298±3mOsmol·kg−1), blood lactate (7.1±1.1 vs. 7.2±1.1 vs. 7.1±1.2mmol·l−1) and serum sodium concentrations (142±2 vs. 145±2 vs. 145±2 mmol·l−1) peaked post-exercise (W vs. W30 vs. NW; p<0.05) but were not different between trials (p>0.05). ConclusionsSensations of thirst were increased following HIIE and remained until satiated by water intake. This was despite the likely primary stimulus, serum osmolality, decreasing during the recovery period following a post-exercise peak. A combined effect of reduction in blood lactate and serum sodium concentrations, restoration of plasma volume and water intake contributed to the similar decrease in serum osmolality observed throughout the trials.

Innate Variability in Voluntary Drinking in Arabian Horses during Endurance Exercise

IntroductionHuman athletes have been characterized as either ‘good drinkers’ or ‘poor drinkers’ on the basis of voluntary water intake during and after endurance exercise. Similarly, riders of endurance horses have described some horses to be better drinkers than others; however, there are no data in horses to substantiate these claims.MethodsVoluntary fluid intake (FI) by twenty four 2‐year‐old Arabian horses that performed 45–60 km of treadmill exercise in four experiments was recorded. All horses were raised similarly and had no training except a 12 week conditioning period before each experiment. Mean FI intake (each horse performed three or four exercise tests in each experiment) was subjected to cluster analysis to separate horses into poor, average, and excellent drinking groups. FI was also correlated to body weight (BW) loss at the end of the exercise test.ResultsCluster analysis separated horses into poor drinkers (n = 10, FI 8.7 ± 0.7 liters and BW loss of 2.2 ± 0.4%); average drinkers (n = 11, FI 14.1 ± 0.6 liters and BW loss of 1.8 ± 0.2%); and excellent drinkers (n = 3, FI 24.9 ± 0.2 liters and BW loss of 0.7 ± 0.3%). FI was inversely correlated with BW loss (R values between −0.53 and −0.87 for all four experiments, P&lt;0.01).ConclusionsThese data, in groups of young, similarly trained horses, are the first to support that there are innate differences in voluntary drinking during and after endurance exercise in this species.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the Animal Use Committee of Michigan State University Sources of funding: Equine Health Research Fund of the American Horse Shows Association, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, and the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University. Competing interests: none.

Feeding behaviour of Murrah buffalo calves under different housing systems

The study was conducted on nutrient and water intake in Murrah buffalo calves for period of 190 days to find out the different feeding regimes on sixteen Murrah buffalo calves of pre-ruminant age i.e. 20 days age group, were divided into four groups i.e. T1 and T2 animals fed (individually), where as T3 and T4 animals fed to 100% and 120% ICAR recommended level of nutrients, respectively. Along with reared in individual and group feeding system. There were four animals in each treatment group. The feeds and fodders available were concentrate mixture, berseem, sorghum, mustard and sugarcane top. The average daily DM, CP and TDN intake per 100 kg body weight and per kg W0.75 were significant (P<0.05) between levels of feeding. The differences for these parameters between rearing systems were found nonsignificant. Average daily voluntary water intake and total water intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by levels of feeding.

Voluntary water intake in horses when fed a dry versus mash grain in two different seasons

Voluntary water intake in horses when fed a dry versus mash grain in two different seasons

The Effects of High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise Compared With Continuous Exercise on Voluntary Water Ingestion

Water intake occurs following a period of high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) due to sensations of thirst yet this does not always appear to be caused by body water losses. Thu.s, the aim was to assess voluntary water intake following HIIE. Ten healthy males (22 ± 2 y, 75.6 ± 6.9 kg, VO2(peak) 57.3 ± 11.4 m · kg(-1) · min(-1); mean ± SD) completed two trials (7-14 d apart). Subjects sat for 30 min then completed an exercise period involving 2 min of rest followed by 1 min at 100% VO2(peak repeated for 60 min (HIIE) or 60 min continuously at 33% VO2(peak) (LO). Subjects then sat for 60 min and were allowed ad libitum water intake. Body )mass was measured at start and end of trials. Serum osmolality, blood lactate, and sodium concentrations, sensations of thirst and mouth dryness were measured at baseline, postexercise and after 5, 15, 30, and 60 min of recovery. Vasopressin concentration was measured at baseline, postexercise, 5 min, and 30 min. Body mass loss over the whole trial was similar (HIIE: 0.77 ± 0.50; LO: 0.85 ± 0.55%; p = .124). Sweat lost during exercise (0.78 ± 0.22 vs. 0.66 ± 0.26 L) and voluntary water intake during recovery (0.416 ± 0.299 vs. 0.294 ± 0.295 L; p < .05) were greater in HIIE. Serum osmolality (297 ± 3 vs. 288 ± 4 mOsmol · kg(-1)), blood lactate (8.5 ± 2.7 vs. 0.7 ± 0.4 mmol · L(-1)), serum sodium (146 ± 1 vs. 143 ± 1 mmol · L(-1)) and vasopressin (9.91 ± 3.36 vs. 4.43 ± 0.86 pg · ml(-1)) concentrations were higher after HIIE (p < .05) and thirst (84 ± 7 vs. 60 ± 21) and mouth dryness (87 ± 7 vs. 64 ± 23) also tended to be higher (p = .060). Greater voluntary water intake after HIIE was mainly caused by increased sweat loss and the consequences of increased serum osmolality mainly resulting from higher blood lactate concentrations.

Effects of replacing corn with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica Mill) on the performance of Santa Inês lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and nutrient digestibility of feedlot Santa Inês sheep fed with increasing levels (0, 25, 50, 75, 100% dry matter basis) of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica, Mill) as a replacement for corn. Forty-five male (non-castrated) Santa Inês sheep, averaging 27.50±0.48kg body weight (BW) at the beginning of the study, were used in this trial. A completely randomized block design with nine replicates per treatment was used. The intakes of DM, OM, CP, EE, TC, NFC, TDN and ME were quadratic, while the intakes of mineral matter (MM) and NDF increased linearly with increased levels of cactus pear in the diet. The voluntary intake of water decreased with increased levels of cactus pear in the diet. Increased levels of cactus pear in the diet increased the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, and TC linearly, but did not influence the digestibility of EE or NFC. Daily weight gain (DWG) and feed efficiency decreased linearly with increased levels of cactus pear in the diet. The replacement of corn by cactus pear does not affect the conversion of the feed. Overall, increased levels of cactus pear in the diet of these sheep favours a high digestibility of nutrients, improves the quality of forage, reduces the voluntary intake of water, and thus represents an important source of fodder and water reserves for use in semiarid regions.