NUTRITIONAL PERFORMANCE OF GAOTS FED DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIET UNDER SALINITY AND WATER DEPRIVATION

Abstract

This study was carried out at Maryout Research Station, Desert Research Center on twelve bucks. The objectives wera to study the effects of type of diet, water salinity and deprivation and seasonality on water intake and excretion, feed intake and digestion, nitrogen utilization, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) retention and live weight changes. Animals were randomly divided into two groups on the basis of body weight and age. Animal groups were assigned to either fresh tap water or saline water (1.0% NaCI). The fresh water group was further randomly divided into two subgroups three animals each and assigned to water deprivation treatment (daily watering VS 4th day watering periods) and so was the second group. Each subgroup was, then, assigned to three energy levels (low, medium and high) in a latin square design.

Increasing energy concentration ·in the ration decreased free water intake In winter than in summer, total water excretion, urinary and total nitrogen excretion, apparent (Na) retention, but increased DM, TON and DCP intakes in summer than In winter, nitrogen digestion in winter. Goats retained (Na) in summer twice that in winter.

Palatability of salty water is more acceptable by goats in winter than in summer. Drinking saline water Increased free and total water Intakes, urinary and total water excretion, urinary nitrogen, (Na) intake and (Na) retention, but decreased feed intake and digestion, nitrogen retained, (K) intake and (K) retention.