Short water restriction episode in lactating Alpine and Saanen goats
Résumé
This project aims to assess the effect of a short episode of water restriction on high producing lactating goats. Water was withheld from eight Saanen and eight Alpine goats after the afternoon milking and until the following morning, on two consecutive days. Water and feed intake, body weight and major blood parameters were assessed daily for one day before, during water restriction, and two days after. Milk production and composition was also measured on a daily basis. The results showed that the animals experienced some dehydration due to the treatment, although they were able to maintain a total water intake similar to the control values recorded on day 1. A drop in feed intake was observed on the days of water restriction although body weight was not affected. Several blood indicators also pointed to the state of dehydration the animals were experiencing namely the increase in albumin, urea, osmolality and Na+. The goats were able to maintain milk production although milk composition was altered; milk urea and lactose increased under water restriction thus keeping milk isotonic with the blood. The observed changes reflect the activated mechanisms that limit body water loss and prevent further dehydration. It was concluded that high producing goats were able to sustain two short consecutive cycles of dehydration and rehydration, as indicated by their maintained body weight and milk production, with only transient physiological and milk changes.
Fichier principal
2016_Jaber FAO Water restriction goats_{0F94D959-C2F9-4396-AE98-B4D3197F42E6}.pdf (170.6 Ko)
Télécharger le fichier
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
Loading...