Effect of water restriction on physiological responses and certain reproductive traits of Malpura ewes in a semiarid tropical environment

摘要: Other than high temperature and feed shortage, water scarcity is a major problem in semiarid tropical region during summer. Water considered as an essential nutrient involved every metabolic function of the body. Considering its importance sheep productivity, twenty-eight nonpregnant Malpura ewes were randomly equally divided into 4 groups, viz., GI (control; ad libitum water), GII (20% less intake), GIII (40% GIV (ad on alternated day) to see effect restriction physiological responses certain reproductive traits environment. This study was conducted for period 35 days covering 2 estrous cycles. All animals provided with consisted 70% roughage 30% concentrate. synchronized estrus at starting experiment parameters recorded. The intake all recorded individually daily period. weighed week before morning feeding. Physiological twice 0700 h 1400 weekly basis. Blood samples collected interval. lower (P 0.05) afternoon. water-restricted groups showed trend respiration rate pulse both afternoon compared GI, although difference not significant. Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, glucose, cholesterol, chloride level significantly < GI. glucose cholesterol levels Estrus percentage (85.7%) control (100%). Estrogen whereas progesterone reverse trend. present reveals stress biological functions results suggest that can adjust their physiochemical response reproduction up 20% hot